Used Honda Accord 9th Gen (2013-2017): Buyer's Guide

Honda extended the CVT warranty on 2013-2015 Accords to 100,000 miles and 10 years. Not because the warranty department felt generous. Because the start clutch was failing at scale across the country and Honda knew it. The 2013 Accord alone racked up 117 documented NHTSA complaints for starter motor failure — mostly before the 36,000-mile factory warranty expired. And the NHTSA opened a formal investigation into sudden steering loss on over one million 2013-2015 Accords after torque sensor failures.

The 2016 model, same platform, same basic structure, got Honda Sensing, Apple CarPlay, and a completely revised suspension calibration. Four years apart. Same nameplate. Completely different ownership story.

This guide covers the 2013-2017 Honda Accord, 9th generation, one at a time.

This Generation at a Glance

The 9th generation Accord (internal codes CR1/CR2/CR3) launched for the 2013 model year and ran through 2017. Both sedan and coupe body styles were offered throughout. The coupe was discontinued after 2017 when the 10th generation launched.

The generation breaks into two distinct phases. The 2013-2015 pre-refresh cars were the launch version, with the highest complaint volumes and most documented issues. The 2016-2017 post-refresh brought meaningful changes: revised front and rear styling, available Honda Sensing (collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, updated infotainment with improved responsiveness, suspension retuning for better road noise isolation, and revised CVT calibration.

Honda Sensing was available for the first time on any 9th gen Accord in 2016. It was optional on all trims that year and standard on the Touring. If factory ADAS matters to you, the 2016 is the minimum year.

Year pages for market data: 2014 · 2015 · 2017

9th Gen Honda Accord Powertrain Breakdown

2.4L I4 with CVT: The Most Common Configuration

Most 9th gen Accords on the used market pair the 2.4L K24W2 four-cylinder with Honda's continuously-variable transmission. LX, EX, and base EX-L sedan trims are almost exclusively CVT cars.

The K24W2 is a port-injected naturally aspirated engine with a solid long-term track record. Oil consumption picks up past 100,000 miles as piston rings wear, but it's manageable. One quart per oil change interval is typical for a high-mileage unit. Two or more quarts is worth noting as a negotiating point or a reason to walk away if the car doesn't show much else going for it.

The CVT is where this configuration gets complicated.

Honda's CVT start clutch judder was widespread on 2013-2015 model years. The judder shows up as a shudder, bump, or lurch on low-speed engagement from a complete stop. Honda issued TSB 13-053, which covered a valve body replacement and software update to address the problem. The fix worked when performed. But many of these cars never got the service.

Honda's response to the scale of the problem was to extend the CVT powertrain warranty to 100,000 miles and 10 years specifically for 2013-2015 Accord models. That warranty is now likely expired on most of these cars. If you're buying a 2013-2015 CVT Accord, the question isn't whether the warranty still applies. It's whether the service was done while the warranty was active.

CVT failure on high-mileage neglected cars is documented at 80,000 to 120,000 miles. DriveAccord.net threads on CVT reliability consistently show failures tied to cars that never had fluid changed. CVT replacement runs $3,500 to $5,000. Honda's CVT fluid spec is HCF-2. It degrades faster than conventional automatic transmission fluid and needs changing every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. If the maintenance record shows no CVT service and the car has 80,000+ miles, the next owner is one delayed shift away from a repair bill that exceeds the car's value.

2013-2014 CVT specific: The highest complaint volumes for judder and electrical issues. The NHTSA also investigated 1,120,470 model year 2013-2015 Accords for sudden steering loss. Investigators found torque sensor failures in the electric power steering system caused vehicles to pull unexpectedly from their intended path. NHTSA closed the investigation without issuing a recall, citing a low failure rate and declining trend. The problem exists. The recall doesn't.

2015-2017 CVT specific: The revised 2015 CVT calibration is noticeably smoother. Fewer forum posts about judder on 2015+ cars with proper fluid maintenance. The 2016-2017 cars add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda Sensing, and the revised suspension tuning makes for a notably quieter ride.

2.4L I4 with 6-Speed Manual: The Clean Pick

The 6MT option is available on the Sport sedan (2014 onward) and on coupe trims throughout the generation. It's the most reliable 9th gen configuration.

There's no CVT to worry about. No start clutch judder. No $4,000 transmission replacement risk at 100,000 miles. The K24W2 drives the rear wheels through a conventional clutch and 6-speed box. Clutch replacement at 100,000 to 150,000 miles is a normal wear item in the $600-900 range, not a defect.

Fuel economy drops slightly compared to the CVT (27 mpg combined vs. 29-30), but for buyers who can drive a manual, this is the version worth looking for. The 2015-2017 Sport sedan with 6MT is probably the lowest-drama 9th gen Accord you can buy. Well-documented in Honda communities as the "get it while you can" variant.

Starter issues still apply to 2013-2015 manual cars, though the V6-specific TSB #16-002 (starter grinding) doesn't apply here. The general starter solenoid contact wear documented on 2013-2014 4-cylinder cars does.

3.5L V6 with 6-Speed Automatic: The Power Option with Two Catches

The J35Y1 V6 makes 278 hp and 252 lb-ft. It's only available in sedan EX-L and Touring trims. The coupe also offered it with the 6MT, which is rare and collectable.

Two things to know before buying any V6 9th gen Accord: VCM oil consumption and timing belt service.

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and oil consumption. Honda's VCM system deactivates three cylinders during light-load highway cruising to improve fuel economy. During cylinder deactivation, oil seeps past the piston ring gaps in the inactive cylinders and pools in the combustion chambers. When all six cylinders reactivate, the engine burns off that accumulated oil. Over repeated VCM cycles, piston rings in the affected cylinders gum up with deposits, preventing a tight seal. Once that seal degrades, oil consumption continues even when VCM is inactive.

This leads to fouled spark plugs, misfires (OBD2 codes P0301 through P0306), and in advanced cases, catalytic converter failure from oil entering the exhaust stream. DriveAccord.net has a dedicated "VCM mega thread" that's been running since the 8th generation. Owners across multiple years consistently report improved oil consumption after installing an aftermarket VCM disabler, a $35-70 device that prevents the system from deactivating cylinders. This is not a Honda fix. It's a workaround the community developed independently because Honda has never issued a recall.

The practical check: pull the oil dipstick before the test drive. A V6 Accord that's down a quart or more before its scheduled oil change is showing ring degradation. Check for sooty exhaust tips. Pull OBD2 codes — any active misfire on a specific cylinder paired with low oil is a VCM damage pattern, not a coincidence.

Timing belt service. The J35Y1 uses a timing belt, not a chain. Honda's scheduled replacement interval is 105,000 miles, along with the water pump and drive belts. This service runs $600 to $900 at an independent shop and $900 to $1,400 at a dealer. A V6 Accord over 100,000 miles with no record of this service needs the work done immediately on purchase. Do not skip it. A snapped timing belt on an interference engine destroys the valvetrain.

Torque converter shudder. The 6-speed automatic's torque converter clutch can shudder at light throttle between 40 and 60 mph. Honda traced the issue to transmission fluid degradation under repeated heat cycling and issued a software calibration update along with a fluid change using Honda DW-1 ATF. The fix works and is inexpensive if done at a dealer. A vibration at light highway throttle is almost certainly this issue, not a transmission mechanical problem. Note it during the test drive and factor it into negotiation.

Starter grinding on V6. Honda issued TSB #16-002 specifically for V6 Accords experiencing grinding or groaning during cold starts. The original starter wasn't perfectly aligned with the torque converter, causing contact wear. The TSB involved a new starter motor and realignment procedure. Grinding on first start of the day on a V6 Accord with no service history is this issue.

Accord Hybrid (2.0L IMA, 2014-2017)

The Accord Hybrid pairs a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine with Honda's IMA electric motor system. Fuel economy is the headline: 49 city / 45 highway / 47 combined across most model years.

The hybrid system is reliable in normal operation. The concern is the IMA high-voltage battery pack. These batteries degrade with age. At 8 to 12 years from original sale date, the pack may no longer hold a meaningful charge. Warning signs include the IMA warning light on the instrument cluster, reduced electric assist, and fuel economy that's dropped to near-conventional levels. Battery replacement ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on whether you go remanufactured, a used pull from a low-mileage salvage car, or OEM new.

Buy a hybrid Accord with recent hybrid battery documentation or budget for a potential replacement. A 2014 Accord Hybrid sold today is at least 12 years old. The battery question is not theoretical at that age.

Trim-Specific Notes

LX: Entry sedan. CVT only. No sunroof. Appropriate for buyers who want the most affordable path into the generation. Not much to argue about in either direction.

Sport (2014+ sedan): Best value trim for 4-cyl buyers. Available with the 6MT from 2014 onward. Sport-specific 18-inch wheels, slightly firmer suspension, and sportier styling. 2016-2017 Sport gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 6MT form, it's the version most owners recommend as a daily driver that avoids the CVT risk entirely.

EX: Adds a sunroof, heated front seats, and Honda LaneWatch (a right-side camera display when signaling). No V6 option. EX 2016+ can be optioned with Honda Sensing. Fine for feature-focused buyers who don't need the V6.

EX-L: The entry point for V6 availability in the sedan. Also available with the 4-cyl CVT. Adds leather seating, power driver's seat, and heated front and rear seats. The 2016-2017 EX-L with V6 and Honda Sensing is the loaded version of the generation.

Touring: Top trim. V6 standard (some 4-cyl Touring versions exist in later years). Adds LED headlights with auto-off, navigation, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats, and premium audio. 19-inch wheels on the Touring ride slightly firmer than the smaller wheels on lower trims over rough pavement. Honda Sensing is standard on Touring from 2016.

Worth noting: the 2016 Accord refresh was significant enough that Honda specifically marketed it as a separate refresh. "2016 Accord Raises its Game with Dynamic Styling, Chassis and Body Upgrades, Available Honda Sensing, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto" was the official press release headline. Pre-2016 buyers give up all of that. Whether it matters depends on how much ADAS and smartphone integration factor into your ownership.

Which Year 9th Gen Accord Is Best?

On the 2013: 117 documented NHTSA starter failure complaints. An NHTSA investigation opened into 1.1 million vehicles for steering loss. CVT judder at its most prevalent. The 2013 is not the version to buy into this generation.

On the 2014: The connecting rod bolt recall (campaign JP2) covers only a narrow production window — engines assembled July 29 to 31, 2014 — but a V6 Accord shouldn't have this issue at all. Any 2014 4-cyl Accord is worth a VIN check before purchase to confirm recall completion.

On the 2016-2017: The same nameplate, but genuinely different car in terms of ownership experience. Fewer complaints on file. Better technology. Smoother ride. If budget allows reaching into 2016-2017 territory, these are the years worth targeting.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All years, all engines

• Run the VIN through NHTSA.gov or the CarScout recall lookup. The Takata airbag inflator recall covers all 9th gen Accords across all model years. This recall is not optional. Confirm the replacement was completed before you agree on price. An Accord with an open Takata recall has an inflator that can rupture and send shrapnel into the cabin.
• Check the oil dipstick before the test drive. Note how far down it reads.
• Cold start: listen for grinding or a reluctant crank, especially on 2013-2015 models. Starter solenoid contact wear causes intermittent failure. A car that cranks hesitantly the first time and normally the second time has a starter on its way out.
• Low-speed test at parking lot speed with hands lightly on the wheel. Any sudden jerk or unexpected pull is the EPS torque sensor issue documented across 2013-2015 cars. Walk away.

2.4L CVT (any year)

• Ask specifically whether the CVT start clutch service (TSB 13-053) was performed on 2013-2015 models. No documentation means no service.
• Accelerate gently from a complete stop in a quiet lot. Any shudder or bump in the first two seconds of movement is CVT judder. On a 2016+ car with regular fluid changes it should be smooth.
• Check CVT fluid. HCF-2 should be pale pink to clear. Dark, opaque, or burned-smelling fluid means it's overdue and the transmission has been running hot.
• If the car is a 2013-2015 from a rust-belt state (CT, DE, DC, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, WI), confirm driveshaft recall 20V769000 was completed. The driveshaft lubricant degraded the protective coating and made the shaft prone to fracture from road salt corrosion.

3.5L V6

• Pull OBD2 codes before the test drive. P0301 through P0306 are cylinder-specific misfires. Any active misfire code combined with low oil indicates VCM ring bypass. Pass on that car.
• Check the oil level. Any V6 down more than half a quart before the next scheduled change is burning it.
• Look at the exhaust tips. Black, sooty residue on a V6 that's supposedly had regular oil changes points to ring wear.
• Highway test drive at 45 to 60 mph with light throttle. Feel for vibration or shudder. That's torque converter clutch judder. Fixable, but note it.
• Ask for timing belt documentation. Any V6 over 100,000 miles with no belt service record needs it done immediately. Budget $700 to $900.
• Listen at idle with the AC on. A faint rattle from the upper valve cover area on a cold engine can indicate VCM-related wear on the valve train.

Hybrid

• Take a 20-minute drive and watch the IMA battery meter in the instrument cluster. It should cycle actively between charge and discharge. A meter that stays pegged, depletes fast without recovering, or shows the IMA warning light indicates battery degradation.
• Ask directly whether the IMA light has ever come on. Battery replacement on a 10-12 year old Accord Hybrid is a real budget item.

Running Costs

EPA fuel economy figures above are optimal-condition ratings. Real-world CVT Accord owners in mixed driving typically report 27-28 mpg combined. Highway-heavy driving comes in closer to rated figures.

For the V6: the timing belt service at 105,000 miles is expensive but not optional. A snapped belt on an interference engine produces a parts list that dwarfs the cost of a scheduled service. Factor it into your offer price if the car is approaching or past that interval without documentation.

FAQ

Is the 9th gen Honda Accord reliable? The 2015-2017 models are reliable by most measures. Consumer Reports rated the 2016 highly within the segment. The 2013-2014 cars have documented CVT, starter, and power steering issues that are specific enough to affect real ownership. If those known repairs are confirmed complete, a 2013 or 2014 Accord is driveable. If they're not confirmed, you're buying problems that Honda declined to fix at the owner's expense.

Which 9th gen Accord year should I avoid? The 2013. It has the most documented complaints of any year in the generation: 117 NHTSA starter failure filings, an open steering investigation covering over a million cars, and the highest CVT judder complaint rate. The 2014 carries enough carryover issues to warrant caution as well, particularly the connecting rod bolt recall and ongoing CVT problems.

Is the 9th gen Honda Accord CVT reliable? The 2013-2015 CVT has documented reliability issues. Honda's acknowledgment came in the form of a warranty extension to 100,000 miles and 10 years, not a recall. A properly maintained 2015-2017 CVT Accord with regular HCF-2 fluid changes is adequately reliable for normal driving. A 2013-2014 with no service history and 100,000+ miles is a CVT replacement risk.

Does the 9th gen V6 Accord have oil consumption problems? Yes. The 3.5L V6 with Variable Cylinder Management draws oil past piston rings during cylinder deactivation cycles. Over time this causes increasing consumption, fouled plugs, and potential catalytic converter damage. The fix Honda never provided is an aftermarket VCM disabler, a well-known solution in the Honda community. Check the oil level and pull codes before buying any V6 9th gen Accord.

How many miles does a 9th gen Honda Accord last? The K24W2 four-cylinder is documented well past 200,000 miles on properly maintained cars in multiple owner threads on DriveAccord.net and Honda Accord Forums. The limiting factor is usually the CVT or deferred maintenance, not the engine. V6 longevity is similar when oil consumption is managed. The weakest links in this generation are the transmission and the VCM system, not the engines.

Bottom Line

The 2016-2017 Accord Sport sedan with the 6-speed manual is the clearest buy in this generation. No CVT risk. No VCM oil consumption. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Honda Sensing available. The 2016-2017 V6 EX-L is the pick if you want the bigger engine — but verify the timing belt is done and check the oil level before you sign.

Check every VIN through a recall lookup. The Takata airbag recall covers all 9th gen Accords. Confirm it's been completed. CarScout members can set alerts to track price drops on specific trims, years, and mileage ranges at usecarscout.com — $5/week or $99/year.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, CarComplaints.com owner filings, Honda TSB archives via NHTSA ODI, and real owner experiences from DriveAccord.net and Honda Accord Forums. See the full Honda Accord market data for current inventory.