Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V030000 (air bags), 09e063000 (equipment), and 16V056000 (air bags). While driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the driver's side and curtain air bags deployed without impact or warning. The front passenger side air bag failed to deploy, causing extensive injuries to the front passenger. In addition, the brake pedal failed to function when applying force to stop the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a tree. The driver sustained head, neck, and back pains. The front passenger sustained extensive bruising, pain to the head and back, and injuries to the left arm, collar bone, and sternum. Both occupants required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and deemed the vehicle destroyed. …
Vehicle in motion turning right into parking space. Brakes applied, vehicle accelerated into brick post causing significant damage to front end of vehicle and post. Second incident vehicle in motion turning right into parking space. Brakes applied, vehicle accelerated into grassy strip. Vehicle difficult to bring to stop.
On two occasions in the last six months, my 2009 Honda Accord experienced what I would describe as unintended acceleration while operating the vehicle at a low speed (first time turning on to a road; second time accelerating while attempting to park the vehicle). The engine surged with power and nearly redlined the tachometer. Each case I shifted to neutral to disable the drive train and then shut down the car; waited five minutes and restarted the car. I scanned the ntsb data base to look for similar reporting but found none. I bought this car used, in 2014, from a Honda dealership, with only 15440 miles on it. I drove it without incident for at least nine months. I now have about 25500 miles on it. I also own an older Accord and consider their vehicles to be quality products. I am not treating this as a complaint as much as I am trying to determine if similar incidents have occurred. …
I was the driver, enclosed is the passenger eye witness account.sudden uncommanded acceleration incident VIN 1hgcs 12869a011349 nov. 5, 2015 us rt 12 just north of illinois / wisconsin border. Northbound lanes enroute to lake geneva. November 5 20115 9:15 a.m. Weather clear and dry. Cruise control is not on or engaged. Normal driving until we make a lane change and driver says, 'the car is taking off on me.' I look over at the steering wheel assuming she means we are sliding. She then tells me she can't stop the car. At this point I realize we are accelerating (estimating speed 80 MPH). I look at the floor to see where denise's feet are placed. Both feet are on the brake pedal and she is nearly out of her seat from pressing hard. Both of her hands are on the steering wheel. She directs me to place the car in neutral. I comply but do not sense any affect. …
Friday, March 25th I accelerated quickly into a left turn from a dead stop at church street and rt 20 in northborough, ma and the accelerator stuck in the full throttle position. I took my foot off the throttle and applied breaks heavily but the engine continued to rev, I reached down to turn the key and kill the engine but before I was able to do that there was a large clunking noise and the throttle released to idle. A similar issue happened today as I entered the highway (190 south) at the 140 south intersection. The highway entrance and both lanes were empty so I stomped on the accelerator to see if Friday's issue was a fluke - the throttle stuck again. I tapped the breaks but nothing happened. This time I was able to watch the tachometer rev up to 5,000 rpms and it released on its own. In both situations the cruise control button was on but not engaged.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated above 100 MPH for two miles or longer. The contact applied both feet on the brake pedal. The vehicle shook aggressively and continued to increase in speed. The contact was alone on the road and noticed that the brake pedal went to the floor but did not slow down the vehicle. The contact was able to change gears to neutral. The vehicle made a loud abnormal noise and was able to gradually decelerate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. While driving 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to place the gear into neutral and depress the brake pedal in order for the brakes to operate. In addition, while the vehicle was in park, the engine continue to accelerate. The contact had to turn the engine off twice in order to resume driving. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,631. Updated 10/21/16
Upon exiting driveway and traveling about 50 feet, auto accelerated as if the gas pedal had been driven to the floor. Driver swerved off the roadway into a tree about ten feet from the roadway. Airbag was deployed. No skid marks on roadway.
While pulling into parking space, with foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle violently lunged forward into a block wall. The driver was unable to stop the vehicle by applying the brakes. The driver was hospitalized for 2 days.
I have 2009 Honda Accord I purchased from bayridge Honda 23089 miles at 2011. Today 36700 miles. When I was driving brooklyn queens expressway two weeks ago vsa and engine light is on. And feeling engine is vibrating& uncontrolled brake distance, two weeks ago I visit my car dealer; there is vsa & engine light on when my car 36500 miles. Bayridge Honda service checked there is no mistake in the car. When I back my car engine light is off everything looking smooth. (charged 105.00$)following weekend short trip connecticut- new haven (180 miles) and I returned as some problem engine is irregular working or stalling when is working. I called American Honda before serviced my car.just suggest serviced your car. First vsa following engines light and uncontrolled loose brake condition is came when engine not take gas irregular. …
Acceleration complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2009 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2009 Honda Accord, 3% of the model year's 727 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Honda Accord acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2009 Honda Accord, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Honda Accord acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.