Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken for an alignment. While performing the alignment, the parking brake activated independently. After the service was completed, the contact disengaged the parking brake and noticed that the vehicle seemed a bit more difficult than normal to steer. The contact pulled over, stopped, and became aware that the rear rotors were overheated and turning red. The contact stated that the parking brake was still activated even though the instrument panel had indicated that the parking brake was disengaged. The contact turned off the vehicle until the vehicle had cooled off and then returned home with the vehicle. Once the contact was home and the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the parking brake was still engaged even after disengaging the parking brake. …
I installed (2) identical Advance Auto Parts Platinum rear brake rotors on my vehicle. Both rotors were installed at the same time, in the same manner, and under normal conditions. After approximately (1) mile of normal driving on of the rear brake rotors catastrophically failed by completely separating at the hat (the center mounting section). The opposite side rear rotor, installed at the same time, did not fail. The failure occurred without warning and resulted in immediate loss of braking integrity at that wheel. This type of structural failure presents a significant safety risk, including the potential for sudden brake loss, wheel lockup, or loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was not being driven aggressively, and there were no abnormal conditions prior to the failure. The failed rotor has been preserved and is available for inspection. …
Couldn't get traction on light snow-covered road. Vsa light was flashing and my car wasn't responding to brake to vsa. I applied my brakes to slow down (to no avail). Now my car is out of control and proceeding down a slight incline to a stop sign...picking up speed along the way.my brakes are "to the floor" the whole time as I slide through intersection I have my steering wheel turned right. The front passenger side ended up crashing into a street sign & telephone pole. I was told by police that a car that swerved to avoid me made contact with my rear fender and my car then spun right into the poles. Also, neither front air bags deployed upon impact
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.
I was driving my 2009 Accord on my snow covered street and the vehicle stability (vsa) light flashed on, as it should, when the vehicle loses traction. However, the light stayed on and the ABS and brake lights both appeared as well and all 3 stayed lit. At first, I thought they would reset, but after a few days, they did not. The vsa and anti-lock brake functions were no longer working. My car was brought to a local dealership where they performed a diagnostic test and based on the computer codes, determined that the ABS modulator needed to be replaced. The cost for this repair was over $1300! At that time, I decided not to complete the repair because I wanted to call American Honda to see if they could provide a discount for this very important and expensive safety component. After more than a week, they did finally offer a discount and the repair was completed for $800. …
I am the original owner of my Honda Accord, and use my car primarily for pleasure driving on weekends and holidays. Recently, I took my car to my local service station for an oil change and safety check, and was informed that the rear disc brakes were completely worn and needed replacement, whereas the front disc brake linings were fine. This information came as a surprise because rear are generally last more than 70,000- 1000,000 miles, and certainly longer the than the front pads. The service station attendant told me that premature wear on rear brake pads is a well- appreciated defect for the 2009 Accord, and Honda is aware of the problem and has even settled a class action suit in 2010 relating specifically to this matter. …
I bought car cpo and rear pads were supposed to be new. A year later, I started having problems with my rear brake pads (high pitch noise, burnt smell). Took it to a dealership. They charged me over $160.00 for cleaning and lubricating. A month and a half later - the same problem appears again. Took it to a local mechanic. I was charged $220 for cleaning, lubricating and new brake pads replacement. Two and a half years later, started having problems again. Rusted rear rotors, 20% left of the rear pads. All needs a replacement - $350.00 bill. I had put a little less than 20K miles for the past two and a half years. Front brakes haven't had an issue and are still usable. It appears that I am not alone and a lot of owners of the same make and model report the same issues. This is so ridiculous. I would like Honda to acknowledge bad design and replace it in the vehicle altogether.
2009 Honda Accord ex v6 has numerous problems at 130K...most originating at 70-90K. Excessive oil consumption (1 qt a week)! Rough idle and acceleration, 6 lights lit up on dash, including check engine...comes on and off intermittently.....fouled spark plugs, ticking noise coming from steering wheel when turning, brakes must be replaced every 10K miles, loud ticking noise from engine, poor acceleration with missing/sputtering, smoke emits from tailpipes, vsc light stays on along with TPMS! The list goes on and on...I have been loyal to Honda since 1993 having owned many, especially accords and this one takes the cake....the worst vehicle ever owned! Do not buy Honda...they do not care about you and never will! I missed the class action lawsuit by a couple of months on the engine misfire deal...just recently was made aware of it. Never again Honda!!!!
From the beginning upon taking delivery of the vehicle, the rear brake calipers were not releasing properly. We noticed a burning smell once after driving, but no warning lights were on. We also noticed the emergency brake was not always releasing, as per the warning light. At a routine oil service it was determined that right rear caliper was not full disengaging. The entire rear brake assembly had to be cleaned and adjusted, the rear brake pads and rotors had to be replaced. Both rear calipers had to be replaced. In the past, our vehicles have gone 90,000 miles before replacing only the pads, and then only the front. To replace an entire rear bake assembly indicates some sort of defect or engineering problem. Ma 07/30/15 updated 10/23/2017
Rear tires overheated to the point that it would burn a hand that touched it on 6-11-2012 (mileage 46,384). Smelled of burning rubber. Had to replace the left rear brake caliper, brake pad, and rotor. On 4-18-2013 (mileage 65,922) the same problem on right rear. This required replacement of the right rear brake pad and rotor. On 6-13-2014 (mileage 93,310) the same overheating occurred and required replacement of the rear brake pads. The latest occurrence was on 3-16-2015 (mileage 112,411). We have an appointment to have this examined in two days so do not yet know the diagnosis. I am very concerned that this failure could occur while we are driving and could result in a fire, blown tire, or crash.
Brake complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2009 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 236 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Honda Accord, 32% of the model year's 727 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › pads (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Honda Accord brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 65% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes 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.