Honda Accord service and repair

The Accord is the Camry's rival in every Miami Gardens driveway, and it holds up just as well. A couple of generation-specific issues are worth watching, especially the starter on the 2013 to 2017 cars. We service every Accord from the 2003 V6 to the current hybrid.

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What we see on this car

What we see on the Accord

Starter grinds or clicks on 2013 to 2017 2.4L

2013 to 2017 Accords with the 2.4L are known to develop a starter that grinds or clicks without cranking, usually when the engine is warm. It is a well documented pattern and a direct repair.

Starter and alternator

Oil dilution on 2018 to 2019 1.5 turbo

2018 and 2019 Accords with the 1.5 turbo are known to thin the oil with fuel on short trips. A rising oil level and a gas smell on the dipstick are the signs.

Oil change

AC condenser leak on 2018 to 2022

Tenth generation Accords are known to leak refrigerant at the condenser. Warm AC on a newer Accord should be leak tested before it is recharged.

AC repair

CVT judder from a stop

2013 and newer four cylinder Accords use a CVT that is known to judder from a stop when the fluid ages. Fresh Honda-spec fluid on schedule prevents it.

Transmission service

Cold-start rattle from the VTC actuator on 2.4L

The 2.4L is known for a short rattle on cold start from the VTC actuator. It is loud and alarming but not usually urgent; we confirm it is that and not the timing chain.

Car diagnostics

Front rotor warp

Accords are heavier than they look and the front rotors warp in the Palmetto crawl. A pulse when braking from highway speed is the sign.

Brake repair

Maintenance by mileage

30,000

Oil and filter per the Maintenance Minder, Tire rotation, Engine and cabin air filters, Brake inspection, Battery test, Tire wear check

60,000

Everything from 30,000, CVT or automatic fluid drain and fill, Brake fluid exchange, Starter check on 2013 to 2017 if there is any hesitation, Suspension check

90,000

Everything from 30,000, Spark plugs on the turbo, Serpentine belt, Coolant condition test, Timing belt and water pump on V6 models (due around 100,000 miles)

120,000

Spark plugs on the 2.4L, Coolant drain and refill, Transmission fluid drain and fill again, PCV valve, Valve clearance check, Engine mount check

Questions people ask

My Accord starter grinds when I start it warm. Is that the known issue?

On a 2013 to 2017 with the 2.4L, very likely. It is a recognized pattern. We confirm it with a test and replace the starter. Do not keep cranking it; that damages the flywheel teeth.

Does the V6 Accord have a timing belt?

Yes. The 3.5L V6 uses a belt, due around 100,000 miles or 7 years, and the water pump is done with it. The four cylinders use a chain.

How often does the CVT fluid need changing?

Follow the Maintenance Minder and do not stretch it in this heat. We treat 30,000 to 45,000 miles as the range for a car that lives in Miami traffic.

Do you service the Accord hybrid?

Yes. Hybrid battery testing, the hybrid cooling system, and the regenerative brakes are all in our hybrid service.