Honda Accord 8th Generation 2008-2012 (CP1-CP3) Review

The 8th-gen Accord was handed a facelift for the 2011 model year. This consisted of some visual adjustments to both the sedan and coupe as well as some additional standard kit and revisions to the five-speed automatic transmission. The SE trim was introduced to the range as well.

To create a sharper appearance at the front, the Honda Accord was given a new grille design with one fewer horizontal line¹. The grille no longer has a chromed border, just a chrome brow and two thin chromed slats below it on the sedan and one on the coupe. This is joined by a new bumper design for the sedan and coupe which has a smaller central air dam² and more intricate creasing around the foglights³. This design is the same on lower-trim models but without the foglights.

Changes to the rear may appear to be extensive, but the only noteworthy alteration from this angle is the new broad lightbar that extends from the taillights to the license-plate housing¹. The Accord script is also repositioned higher on the trunk lid². On the coupe, the only change made to the rear is a new pair of taillight clusters.

No noticeable alterations are made to the eighth-generation Honda Accord's profile, but from this angle, we can catch a glimpse of the redesigned front grille¹ and bumper². The side of the coupe also shows off the new taillights. New alloy wheel options can also be seen.

When it comes to the interior, Honda opted to keep the changes to a minimum. However, you may notice that the traction control's deactivation button located to the left of the steering wheel now features a graphic as opposed to the VSA text¹. The HVAC controls located at the sides of the center console control panel have also been rearranged².

The 8th-generation Honda Accord was available with four powertrains and three transmission options throughout its lifespan. While this sounds like a long list of choices, in reality, it is only limited to two variations of the 2.4-liter inline-four and 3.5-liter V6 units each, all of which are available from the 2008 model year and fitted transversely, driving the front wheels. These consist of the K24Z2, K24Z3, J35Z2, and J35Z3. Transmission options consist of the five- and six-speed manual and five-speed automatic. All powertrains are naturally aspirated gasoline mills. Inline-four models are referred to as the Honda Accord CP2, while the Accord CP3 code refers to the V6 powertrain. The Accord CP1 is not a US code; it is only available in Southeast Asia.

Although the four-cylinder K24Z2 and Z3 have different power ratings, the EPA gives them the same city/highway/combined mpg estimates. The manual sedan appears to be the most frugal model on the combined cycle with its 27 mpg claim, while the automatic variant has the best highway estimate at 33 mpg. The 8th-generation Honda Accord Coupe models do not appear to vary that much from the four-door models based on these estimates. It is a similar story with the V6-powered units. The 2008 variation of the J35Z2 auto sedan and coupe boasts a combined figure of 22 mpg. This is improved to 23 mpg with the arrival of the Z2's second iteration. The Z3 mated to the six-speed manual coupe is the poorest of the lot, but only fractionally with its 21 mpg figure. Real-world figures sourced from user submissions which consist of drivers that in no way represent the EPA show that the above-mentioned claims may be accurate, but bear in mind that these figures are sourced from drivers with varying styles and conditions.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

The Honda Accord sedan achieved exemplary results in its NHTSA crash test with a five-star rating for the overall frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. In the frontal section, both the driver and passenger sections are awarded five stars. The combined side barrier and pole section sees the front seats earning four stars and the rears, five. The side-barrier test garnered four stars for the driver and five for the rear passenger. The NHTSA does not provide crash-test results for the coupe, but given that the two body styles share a similar structure, its rating should not vary greatly.

When it comes to safety features, the Accord range backs its crash results up with an extensive list. All models receive front automatically tensioning three-point seatbelts, dual-stage and dual-threshold driver and passenger airbags, dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side occupant-position detection, curtain airbags, and active head restraints. Vehicle assists consist of traction and stability control, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and tire-pressure monitoring. Automatic headlights, daytime running lights, outboard lower anchors and tethers for children, rear-center child seat tethers, and child locks for the rear doors complete the Accord range's safety offering. A backup camera was introduced in 2011 via the navigation package for the EX-L trim only.

There are four trims available for the eighth-generation Honda Accord sedan and three for the coupe. The range starts with the LX trim for the sedan. This is followed by the LX-P, EX, and EX-L. The coupe can be had in LX-S, EX, or EX-L. With the arrival of the facelift, Honda introduced its customary SE trim for the sedan. Basic standard features across all models are fairly generous as equipment such as air-conditioning, auto-locking doors, all-electric windows, and a multifunction steering wheel are all included as standard.

The eighth-generation Honda Accord uses a Maintenance Minder system that uses an on-board computer to inform you when a certain service is required. While it is an advanced system, we would recommend sticking to a routine maintenance schedule as these systems can be untrustworthy in certain cases. As a result, we suggest that you adhere to the following schedule. The K24Z and J35Z should receive an oil and filter change ($95) every 5,000 miles together with a tire rotation. A new air-cleaner element ($22 to $38) is required at 15,000-mile intervals. Every 45,000 miles is when you should replace the cabin air filter ($25).

It is imperative that you conduct a transmission-fluid change at 60,000-mile intervals for models fitted with the five-speed automatic. A new fuel filter is required at 90,000 miles. A new set of spark plugs ($100 to $150), a PCV valve, and a coolant change should be done every 100,000 miles. Accessory drive belts should be replaced every 150,000 miles. A minor service for the Honda Accord should not cost more than $208 at the dealer and $86 at a private workshop for the 2.4-liter. It is important that you adhere to these intervals if you wish to keep at bay problems with the K24Z's exhaust-cam galling and weakening timing-chain tensioner.

A basic service will cost in the region of $290 at the dealer or just over $100 at a private shop. The V6 may cost $1,125 at a dealer or $295 at a workshop which is an alarming increase over the smaller powertrain. For a major service, you can expect to pay around $1,420 at the dealer or $295 at an independent shop. Conducting an oil change by yourself will have you spending $63 for five quarts of 0W-20 the synthetic motor-oil type including the cost of a filter for both the inline-four and V6 engines. Spark plugs may cost $100 to $150 while a new air filter should be between $22 and $38.

2008 to 2012 Honda Accord recalls consist of the following:

• The eighth-generation Honda Accord range was part of the catastrophic Takata airbag recall. Thus, all cars are subject to seven airbag-related recalls. All 2008 to 2010 models were also recalled for an airbag control unit power supply corrosion. A handful of 2008-2012 models were recalled for an incorrectly installed replacement airbag inflator.
• All five-speed automatic models assembled from 2008 to 2010 were recalled for an automatic transmission problem relating to the control-module software, which can result in the car rolling away even if it is in Park.
• Some four- and six-cylinder 2010 Honda Accord units were recalled for a remote start/ignition switch-circuit coupler problem that can cause the engine to stall while on the move.
• 2010 and 2011 V6 Honda Accord models had to be recalled due to a front suspension problem related to the damper bolts and spindle nuts which were not properly tightened.

No recalls were issued for the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord's engine, power steering, or brakes.

You may encounter the following OBDII codes when running a scan on the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord sedan or coupe:

• Codes P0101, P0102, P00420, and P0430 indicate an issue with the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and catalyst system.
• You'll encounter codes P0134, P0135, P0137, P0138, P0141, P0161, or P1129 if there is an issue with the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord's oxygen sensors or their readings. Air-fuel ratio mixture issues will be reflected by the P0171, P0174, or P1172 codes. The P0200 code reflects a fault with the injector circuit.
• P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, or P0304 means that a misfire is detected. The last number of the code indicates which bank is at fault. Irregular engine idling is highlighted by the P0507 code.
• You'll see the P0325 or P0328 codes if there is a problem with a knock sensor.
• Camshaft- and crankshaft-position sensor problems are indicated by the P0339, P0340, P0341, and P0390 codes.
• Exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) and evaporative emission (EVAP) control-system faults in the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord will be indicated by the P0400, P0455, P0456, P0457, P0497, and P145c fault codes.
• Engine and speed-sensor-related fault codes include P0523, P0701, P0704, P0716, P0717, and P0722.
• Electronic throttle control system relay faults will bring up the P1658 and P1659 codes.
• P060a indicates a fault with the internal processor.
• The P0966 fault code points to a fault in the automatic transmission's clutch pressure-control solenoid valve.

It is unlikely but possible that the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord's radio and climate-control display may go dark spontaneously. If this happens, you'll have to have the unit replaced. A handful of owners have also struggled with a door-lock actuator problem. This is an intermittent issue that can only be resolved by replacing the door-lock system. Cars fitted with the sunroof/moonroof may also struggle with water-leak problems due to worn plugs. Water will leak on the driver or passenger whenever the car goes round a corner. There have also been reports of a bad brake-booster vacuum supply hose that results in a hard brake-pedal feel when it is pressed for the first time in the early morning or in colder conditions. A hose replacement will be needed to resolve this. A small sample of owners has also recorded that the Accord may struggle with an erratic idle speed or stalling problem due to a flaw with the idle-air control (IAC) system. This can also impact the car's fuel consumption and trigger the Check Engine light.

You are unlikely to encounter the following problems with the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord:

• Intermittent electrical problems relating to the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord's battery, headlight, key remote, VSA, and mice eating wiring are not likely to occur, unlike some other Hondas with soy wiring that attracts rodents.
• Problems relating to the 2008 to 2012 Honda Accord's Bluetooth, computer, gas gauge, speaker, and window visor are not well-documented and seem rare.
• Both the clutch and differential appear to be problem-free in the eighth-generation Honda Accord.
• The eighth-generation Honda Accord's fuel pump, oil pump, head gasket, and catalytic converter are not known to be problematic other than the usual wear-and-tear but do listen out for exhaust rattles on the V6, which may indicate a failed pre-cat that can potentially ruin the engine.
• Problems with the rack-and-pinion power steering pump and steering column should not be frequent in the 8th-gen Honda Accord.
• It is unlikely that you will have problems with the rear suspension, wheel bearing, or ABS sensor.

The 2008 and 2009 Honda Accord models should be avoided, mainly because these two years appear to be the most problematic models, particularly with the rear brake wear, but this is only marginally so compared to the rest of the range. You should also overlook the V6 model with the VCM cylinder-deactivation system as it can lead to several engine problems over time and is simply more trouble than it's worth. Any examples that have not been routinely maintained and well-looked after should also not be considered. If possible, try to avoid the automatic models as these transmissions are known to fail, which can result in costly repairs.

Facelifted eighth-generation Honda Accord models appear to be slightly more trustworthy. Those powered by the K24Z should be fairly dependable, but if you are looking for a bit more grunt, only V6 models without the VCM should be considered for the sake of reliability. The five- and six-speed manual-transmission options are also more dependable as they are not plagued with the automatic transmission's tendency to fail. The choice between the sedan and coupe body shapes is entirely dependent on your personal preference.

The eighth-generation Honda Accord is an accomplished Japanese sedan that delivers in terms of interior space, standard features, and reliability. Performance from both the K24Z and J35Z powertrains is also nothing to shy about. Unfortunately, there are some faults that crop up here and there, but if the Accord is routinely serviced and meticulously looked after, there is no reason why it should not provide a trouble-free ownership experience.