Honda Accord 2013-2017 Common Problems (9th Gen)

# Honda Accord 2013–2017 Common Problems (9th Generation)

The ninth-generation Honda Accord is widely considered one of the best iterations of the venerable midsize sedan ever produced. Launched for the 2013 model year, it managed to shed the slightly bloated dimensions of its 8th-generation predecessor, resulting in a lighter, sharper, and significantly more efficient vehicle that still felt cavernous inside. Honda also pulled out all the stops under the hood, introducing their new direct-injected "EarthDreams" 4-cylinder engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), while simultaneously offering a powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 linked to a traditional 6-speed automatic.

If you are shopping the used market for a daily driver that borders on luxury-car refinement without luxury-car repair bills, the 2013-2017 Accord is typically the default recommendation. However, it isn't entirely flawless. While catastrophic engine or transmission failures are exceedingly rare, there are niekoľko highly specific, slightly expensive maintenance items and known weak points that you must look for before signing the title over.

Overall Reliability Snapshot

Compared to its direct rival, the Toyota Camry, the 9th-gen Accord is slightly more engaging to drive but requires just a hair more attentive maintenance. It completely avoids the massive oil consumption issues that plagued earlier 2008-2010 Accords. The suspension components are incredibly robust, and the interior electronics, particularly the unique dual-screen infotainment setup, hold up impressively well against the test of time.

Your shopping strategy should largely be dictated by which engine and transmission combination you pursue. The 4-cylinder CVT models are fantastic commuter appliances but demand a seller who actually performed their transmission fluid flushes on time. The V6 models offer shocking acceleration but hide a massive mandatory maintenance bill at the 100,000-mile mark. Knowing what to expect from each powertrain is the absolute key to not getting burned on an otherwise fantastic vehicle.

Most Common Problems

1. Premature Starter Motor Failure (4-Cylinder Models)

What happens: When you push the push-to-start button or twist the key, the car makes a single, loud "click" or a brief, agonizing grinding noise, but the engine simply refuses to crank over. You might have to hit the start button three or four times before the engine finally catches and roars to life.

Why it happens: Due to a surprisingly weak internal design, the starter motors on the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines are notorious for failing well before the 100,000-mile mark. Commuters who do a lot of city driving with frequent stops and starts wear out the internal contacts of the starter incredibly fast.

How to check in 20 minutes: This is difficult to catch if the car is already warm. You must insist on starting the car yourself when the engine is completely cold. Pay close attention: the engine should crank rapidly and start within one second. If it hesitates, grinds, or requires multiple button presses, the starter is dying.

Typical repair cost: You shouldn't try a cheap aftermarket rebuild. A brand new, high-quality OEM starter motor installed at an independent mechanic will typically cost between $500 and $700.

Negotiation leverage: If the car hesitates to start even once during your test drive, point it out immediately. Tell the seller you know it's the notorious starter issue and firmly request a $600 deduction, because leaving you stranded in a parking lot is a total dealbreaker.

2. Mandatory Timing Belt Replacement (V6 Models Only)

What happens: Nothing happens—until the belt snaps. If the timing belt snaps while you are driving, the pistons will immediately smash into the open valves, utterly destroying the engine and requiring a complete motor replacement that costs thousands of dollars.

Why it happens: Unlike the 4-cylinder engine which uses a durable timing chain, the 3.5-liter V6 employs a rubber timing belt. Honda strictly mandates replacing this belt, along with the water pump and belt tensioner, every 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Rubber degrades over time, and ignoring this service interval is playing Russian roulette with the engine.

How to check in 20 minutes: You cannot visually inspect the timing belt because it is hidden beneath a sealed metal cover. You must demand the physical service records from the seller. If you are looking at a 2013-2015 V6 Accord (meaning it is older than 7 years), or any V6 with over 100k miles, ask for the timing belt receipt.

Typical repair cost: Paying a reputable shop to replace the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner costs between $900 and $1,200.

Negotiation leverage: This is a fantastic bargaining chip. If the V6 Accord has 110k miles and the seller nervously admits they never changed the timing belt, you hold all the power. Demand a massive $1,000 discount off the asking price to cover the immediate, mandatory service you have to pay for the minute you buy the car.

3. CVT Transmission Shudder (4-Cylinder Models)

What happens: When accelerating slowly from a dead stop, or when cruising at low city speeds, the car violently shudders, feeling like you are driving over a brief patch of rumble strips.

Why it happens: The 2013 Accord was Honda's first major implementation of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in a volume vehicle. The transmission fluid breaks down rapidly under heat. When the fluid degrades, the internal steel belt begins to slip on the pulleys, causing the shudder. Honda released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) recommending a software update and a specific fluid flush procedure to cure it.

How to check in 20 minutes: Ensure the radio is off. Accelerate very smoothly and gently from a red light up to 25 mph. If the floorboards vibrate and the car subtly jerks, the transmission fluid is severely degraded.

Typical repair cost: Flushing the continuously variable transmission fluid (using only genuine Honda HCF-2 fluid, never generic brands) costs about $150 to $200 at a dealership.

Negotiation leverage: A transmission shudder is always terrifying. Use it to your advantage. Show the seller the vibration and ask for a $200 discount to cover fluid flushes. If the shudder is incredibly violent, walk away, as the transmission belt might be permanently scored and destroyed.

4. VTC Actuator Cold Start Grinding (4-Cylinder Models)

What happens: When starting the 4-cylinder engine after it has been sitting in the cold overnight, a harsh, metallic grinding noise erupts for exactly one second, disappearing the moment the engine fires up fully.

Why it happens: Much like the CR-V of the same era, the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator on the intake camshaft bleeds out its oil pressure while sitting. The internal paddles slap against the housing upon startup until the engine's oil pump builds pressure back up.

How to check in 20 minutes: Exactly like testing the starter, you must start the car when the engine is bone-cold, preferably with the hood popped open. The awful metal-on-metal grind is unmistakable.

Typical repair cost: Replacing the VTC actuator involves removing the valve cover and dealing with the timing chain, costing approximately $600 to $800 at a shop.

Negotiation leverage: Point out that this noise means the internal timing components are rattling dangerously. Ask for an $800 deduction, or kindly pass on the car if the seller refuses to budge.

What This Generation Gets Right

• The J35 V6 Engine: The 3.5-liter V6 produces a thumping 278 horsepower. Mated to the traditional 6-speed automatic, it transforms the Accord from a sleepy commuter into a genuine highway missile. It is unbelievably smooth, quiet at idle, and incredibly reliable (as long as you change the timing belt).
• Cavernous Interior Space: The 9th-generation Accord masterfully packages its interior. Legroom in the rear seats is phenomenal, easily accommodating full-size adults on long road trips. The trunk is massive and highly usable.
• LaneWatch Camera (EX Trims and Above): Before Blind Spot Monitoring radar became totally standardized, Honda featured "LaneWatch." Engaging your right turn signal activates a camera on the passenger-side mirror, displaying a live, wide-angle video feed of your blind spot on the main infotainment screen. It is an incredibly useful, much-loved feature unique to this era.

Fast Pre-Purchase Checklist

• Ensure you start the car completely cold to listen for the 1-second VTC actuator grind or a hesitant, dying starter motor (both common on 4-cylinder models).
• Test drive 4-cylinder CVT models with very gentle, slow acceleration off the line to feel for the notorious transmission shudder.
• For V6 models, verify physical proof (receipts or mechanic stickers under the hood) that the timing belt was replaced if the car is older than 7 years or has over 105,000 miles.
• Fully test the infotainment screens and ensure the right-side LaneWatch camera activates instantly when you flip the right turn signal.

Should You Buy One?

Yes. The 2013-2017 Honda Accord is a spectacular used vehicle, regardless of whether you choose the efficient 4-cylinder or the powerhouse V6. It strikes a brilliant balance between reliable commuting capability and engaging driving dynamics that its rivals struggle to match.

If you are buying the 4-cylinder version, try to find a seller who can prove they changed the CVT transmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. If you pursue the V6, budget for the $1,000 timing belt service immediately if the seller doesn't have the paperwork. Ultimately, a well-maintained 9th-generation Accord will easily cruise past 200,000 miles with nothing more than routine fluid swaps and brake pads.