Free used car buyer guide / Ninth generation / 2013-2017
Honda Accord common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.4/10
1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: four-cylinder cvt judder and belt wear. Score methodology.
The 2013-2017 Accord is still one of the best mainstream used sedans, but the right drivetrain matters more than the badge. The traps are 2013-2015 V6 starter/ring-gear grind, early four-cylinder CVT judder and salt-belt driveshaft corrosion, 2013-2016 battery-sensor fire recall exposure, V6 fuel-pump software/particulate recall, 2.4L VTC cold-start rattle, and high-mileage VCM oil use on V6 cars. The safest buy is a 2016-2017 four-cylinder automatic or manual with clean CVT fluid history, closed recalls, no cold-start chain rattle, and no launch-year body-electronics weirdness. Owners should keep recall and transmission records together because these cars sell well only when the known Honda paperwork is tidy.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
Four-cylinder CVT judder
Best years
2016-2017
Best buys
- 2016-2017 2.4L four-cylinder sedan with documented HCF-2 CVT fluid or 6-speed manual service.
- 2016-2017 V6 6-speed manual coupe with timing-belt proof and no VCM oil-use story.
- 2015-2017 Accord Hybrid if hybrid software recalls and 12V battery history are clean.
Inspect hard
- 2013-2015 V6 automatic: start it repeatedly and verify TSB 16-002 starter/ring-gear repair.
- 2013-2015 four-cylinder CVT in salt states: driveshaft recall, CVT judder, and fluid records.
- Any 2.4L K24W: first cold start after sitting overnight for VTC actuator rattle.
Avoid
- V6 automatic that grinds or free-spins on start after a starter replacement.
- Four-cylinder CVT with shudder, delayed engagement, or unknown fluid.
- Open battery-sensor recall on a 2013-2016 car with corrosion around the battery tray.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Honda Accord viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Honda Accord should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.4L K24W four-cylinder with CVT
2013-2017
BEST IF SERVICED
This is the volume Accord. It is efficient and durable, but early CVT calibration, fluid neglect, VTC actuator rattle, starter wear, and salt-belt driveshaft recalls make records essential. A smooth 2016-2017 example is the low-drama choice.
2.4L K24W four-cylinder with 6-speed manual
2013-2017 selected trims
LOWEST TRANSMISSION RISK
The manual removes CVT uncertainty and keeps the K24 simple. It still needs clutch feel, VTC rattle checks, oil consumption observation, and recall closure, but a stock manual sedan or coupe is the cleanest mechanical package.
3.5L J35Y V6 automatic with VCM
2013-2017
FAST BUT CHECK STARTER AND VCM
The V6 gives the Accord real pace, yet 2013-2015 automatics are known for starter gear/ring-gear engagement trouble and all VCM cars need oil, plug, mount, and timing-belt diligence. Buy the history, not the horsepower.
3.5L J35Y V6 6-speed manual coupe
2013-2017
BEST ENTHUSIAST SPEC
The manual V6 coupe avoids the automatic starter bulletin pattern and is desirable, but many have been driven hard. Inspect clutch hydraulics, engine mounts, timing-belt age, brakes, tyres, and modification evidence.
2.0L i-MMD Accord Hybrid
2014-2017
GOOD AFTER RECALL CHECK
The hybrid is refined and economical, but fewer shops know the system. Verify inverter/software campaign status, 12V battery health, brake feel, and hybrid cooling before paying a premium.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2013
Ninth-gen launch with K24W four-cylinder/CVT, V6 automatic or manual coupe, and new electronics.
Buyer: Treat 2013 as the highest-inspection year: starter grind, CVT behaviour, battery-sensor recall, fuel-neck recall and early infotainment issues all belong on the checklist.
Owner: Close the old recalls and keep a cold-start video if selling a quiet car; launch-year buyers are cautious.
2014
Hybrid joins the range; some L4 cars are covered by the connecting-rod bolt recall and the battery-sensor recall continues.
Buyer: A 2014 can be excellent, but verify short-block recall eligibility, hybrid software history and VTC noise before choosing it over a later car.
Owner: Save CVT/hybrid fluid and recall paperwork; the car's reputation depends on documented maintenance.
2015
Final pre-facelift year; V6 fuel-pump recall exposure begins and 2013-2015 driveshaft/starter issues remain relevant.
Buyer: A 2015 V6 automatic needs proof of both starter bulletin work and fuel-pump software/repair status.
Owner: If a starter grind appears, repair it correctly rather than installing repeated cheap starters.
2016
Facelift year with revised styling and infotainment; battery-sensor recall still affects non-hybrid cars.
Buyer: This is the sweet spot for four-cylinder buyers if recall history and CVT service are clean.
Owner: Keep the battery sensor dry and documented; corrosion around the battery makes buyers think fire recall.
2017
Final ninth-gen year, including desirable V6 coupe/manual and mature four-cylinder cars; 2023 fuel-pump recall still applies by VIN.
Buyer: A 2017 is worth paying more for when it has closed pump recall, timing-belt planning on V6, and no CVT shudder.
Owner: Finish the 2024 fuel-pump recall before listing; final-year cars lose their premium if campaign status is unclear.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
V6 automatic starter/ring-gear grind
Affects
2013-2015 Accord V6 automatic and related Crosstour V6 applications.
Symptoms
Metal grind, free-spin, delayed start, repeated starter replacements, worse after heat soak or weak battery.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-900 starter-only; EUR 900-1,800 bulletin-style repair.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none; low-voltage history possible.
Root cause: Starter pinion clearance to the torque-converter ring gear is wrong, damaging engagement surfaces.
Quick check
- Start cold three times.
- Restart hot after the drive.
- Ask for Honda TSB 16-002 invoice.
- Reject aftermarket-starter-only stories if grinding remains.
Buyer note
A grinding V6 automatic is not a small noise; it can mean the earlier repair missed the ring-gear step.
Owner note
Fix it before the car strands you, and keep proof that the torque-converter position was addressed.
Fault 2
Four-cylinder CVT judder and belt wear
Affects
2013-2017 Accord 2.4L CVT, with highest concern on early cars or poor fluid history.
Symptoms
Low-speed shudder, flare, delayed D/R, highway drone that surges, transmission warning, metal in fluid.
Typical repair cost
EUR 180-350 fluid/software; EUR 3,500-7,000 used or reman CVT.
Codes / scan clues
P0700 and Honda CVT pressure/ratio codes.
Root cause: CVT belt/pulley control and fluid condition are sensitive to heat, software calibration and skipped HCF-2 service.
Quick check
- Cold D/R engagement.
- Light-throttle 15-45 mph acceleration.
- Confirm HCF-2 fluid.
- Scan transmission history.
Buyer note
A smooth CVT Accord is fine; a shuddering one should be priced as a transmission risk.
Owner note
Shorten CVT fluid intervals if the car does town driving or hills.
Fault 3
Salt-belt driveshaft corrosion recall
Affects
2013-2015 Accord four-cylinder CVT originally sold or registered in road-salt states; expanded again in 2025 for certain 2013 cars.
Symptoms
Clicking, vibration, broken axle, loss of drive, recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 600-1,400 both front driveshafts outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Protective coating damage lets salt corrosion weaken the shaft until it can fracture.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 20V769 and 25V422.
- Inspect axle shafts near dampers.
- Listen for CV-joint clicks.
- Check state history.
Buyer note
A northern Accord with an open driveshaft recall needs repair before motorway use.
Owner note
The 2025 expansion matters even if an earlier VIN check was clean.
Fault 4
2013-2016 battery management sensor water intrusion
Affects
2013-2016 Accord non-hybrid under 17V418/KG0.
Symptoms
Recall notice, battery warning, corrosion at battery sensor, no-start, burnt smell near battery.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 150-450 sensor/cable work if outside normal coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Battery sensor and charging codes.
Root cause: Battery-sensor case can let moisture and road salt enter, creating a short and fire risk.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 17V418.
- Inspect battery top and sensor.
- Look for sealant-only interim repair.
- Check charging data.
Buyer note
Do not accept a corroded battery area as cosmetic on these years.
Owner note
Replace the sensor if the car only received the early sealant stopgap.
Fault 5
V6 fuel-pump particulate recall
Affects
2015-2017 Accord 3.5L V6 under 19V060.
Symptoms
Hesitation, reduced power, no-start, fuel pressure faults, recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 600-1,200 pump/module outside recall.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel pressure, lean, misfire codes.
Root cause: Particulates can adhere to internal fuel-pump components and reduce pump performance.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 19V060.
- Confirm FI-ECU software update.
- Ask if pump was replaced.
- Hot restart and full-throttle merge test.
Buyer note
A V6 Accord with hesitation and open pump campaign needs Honda diagnosis before purchase.
Owner note
Keep the N3X recall invoice because it explains future fuel-system history.
Fault 6
2.4L VTC actuator cold-start rattle
Affects
2013-2016 Accord 2.4L most commonly, though any K24W should be cold-start checked.
Symptoms
One-to-two second metallic rattle on first start after sitting, timing chain noise, occasional cam timing code.
Typical repair cost
EUR 500-1,200 actuator; EUR 1,200-2,200 if chain/tensioner work is added.
Codes / scan clues
P0011/P0014 possible but many cars store no code.
Root cause: VTC actuator lock pin does not hold oil pressure position after shutdown.
Quick check
- Arrive before seller starts it.
- Record the first start.
- Listen at timing-cover side.
- Ask if actuator and tensioner were replaced together.
Buyer note
A short rattle is negotiable; a long chain clatter changes the car's value.
Owner note
Fresh oil helps noise but does not repair a failing actuator lock.
Fault 7
V6 VCM oil use, fouled plugs and mounts
Affects
2013-2017 Accord V6 automatic with Variable Cylinder Management, higher-mileage cars.
Symptoms
Oil consumption, P030X, fouled rear-bank plugs, ECO-mode vibration, collapsed engine mounts.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-900 plugs/mounts; EUR 2,000-5,000 ring/engine work if severe.
Codes / scan clues
P0301-P0306, catalyst efficiency if oil burning is advanced.
Root cause: Cylinder deactivation changes ring loading and vacuum on inactive cylinders; oil control and mounts suffer on some cars.
Quick check
- Check oil level before start.
- Look for plug invoices.
- Feel ECO-mode vibration.
- Inspect active mounts.
Buyer note
The later V6 is better than older VCM Hondas, but oil-use evidence still needs a discount.
Owner note
Track oil every 1,000 miles and service plugs before misfires damage cats.
Fault 8
Infotainment, Bluetooth and backup-camera faults
Affects
2013-2017 Accord EX/EX-L/Touring and navigation-equipped cars.
Symptoms
Frozen screen, Bluetooth dropouts, camera delay, touch panel failure, parasitic draw complaints.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-400 software/diagnosis; EUR 600-1,500 head unit or camera work.
Codes / scan clues
Body/audio network codes possible.
Root cause: Aging head units, early software, camera wiring and weak 12V batteries create intermittent cabin electronics faults.
Quick check
- Pair a phone.
- Use reverse camera repeatedly.
- Test nav/audio after hot soak.
- Scan body/audio modules.
Buyer note
Electronics faults are not a reason to reject a clean car, but they should not be priced like working features.
Owner note
Keep 12V battery strong before blaming every screen issue on the head unit.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall printout for 17V418, 20V769/25V422, 19V060 and 23V858.
- CVT HCF-2 fluid records or manual clutch records.
- V6 timing-belt, starter and fuel-pump invoices.
- Hybrid software/12V battery records if applicable.
Walk around
- Inspect front driveshafts on salt-state cars.
- Check battery sensor and tray corrosion.
- Look for coolant/oil leaks and uneven tyres.
- Confirm all keys and start buttons work.
In the car
- Pair Bluetooth.
- Test reverse camera and infotainment.
- Check ABS/SRS/TPMS lights.
- Cycle heat and A/C.
Test drive
- Cold-start for VTC rattle.
- Repeated starts for V6 starter grind.
- Light-throttle CVT shudder test.
- Highway acceleration for fuel-pump hesitation.
Scan tool
- Engine misfire/fuel trim history.
- Transmission pressure/ratio codes.
- Body/audio module codes.
- Charging and battery-sensor data.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2016-2017 four-cylinder with smooth CVT behaviour, clean recall closure and no VTC rattle, or a manual V6 coupe with timing-belt proof. The best examples are still excellent value because the platform is fundamentally strong.
Avoid: Avoid V6 automatics that grind on start, early CVT cars with shudder, salt-state cars with unresolved driveshaft recalls, and any Accord where the seller treats open safety campaigns as irrelevant.
Quick answers
Honda Accord buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Honda Accord 2013-2017 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: V6 automatic starter/ring-gear grind; Four-cylinder CVT judder and belt wear; Salt-belt driveshaft corrosion recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Honda Accord years are the best to buy?
2016-2017 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2016-2017 four-cylinder with smooth CVT behaviour, clean recall closure and no VTC rattle, or a manual V6 coupe with timing-belt proof. The best examples are still excellent value because the platform is fundamentally strong.
Which Honda Accord should I avoid?
Avoid V6 automatics that grind on start, early CVT cars with shudder, salt-state cars with unresolved driveshaft recalls, and any Accord where the seller treats open safety campaigns as irrelevant.
Is the Honda Accord 2013-2017 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.4/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: four-cylinder cvt judder and belt wear.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Honda Accord guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCRIT-17V418-6250.pdf
- carcomplaints.com: tsb-a16-002.shtml
- cars.com: 2013-2015-honda-accord-crosstour-starter-issue-1420684480836
- hondaproblems.com: starter-torque-converter-failure
- samarins.com: accord-2017.html
- tsbsearch.com: ATS-160717
- NHTSA TSB SB-10108085 CVT judder reference
- RepairPal Accord estimator
- NHTSA 20V769 recall details via API
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA 17V418 Accord API
- Honda OEMDTC KG0 summary
- NHTSA 19V060 recall report
- Honda recall lookup
- CarComplaints VTC actuator TSB
- VTC class action complaint context
- DriveAccord V6 ownership discussions
- Honda owner maintenance minder
- Center for Auto Safety 2013 Accord data