Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
My driver side (left) courtesy light will not automatically turn on when the door(s) open nor when the remote is used to unlock the car. Yes the switch is set to door mode. Yes the light works when manually pushed. Yes all other lights come on when the door(s) open. The bulb is fine, the fuse is fine, and the door-light switch is fine. I find this to be a safety issue, not particularly regarding driving, but for my physical safety. I need this issue resolved so if I need to use this light in particular, I can.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. While driving unknown speeds, the passenger side turn signal lever failed to remain in position. Additionally, the vehicle was burning oil excessively without warning. The contact called a local dealer (mcgrath city Honda, 6720 w grand ave chicago il, 60707) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Tl contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. While in a stopped position, the contact noticed that the right passenger side head light had started to smoke then it caught fire. The fire department was notified and they extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The insurance company contacted the dealer and the contact was awaiting an investigation. The current and failure mileages were approximately 25,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I have notice that while I am driving at night, my 2009 Honda Accord's headlights will dim. Sometimes so low that if makes it hard to see. At this time I can't correlate it to the air conditioning, heater or anything else. The lights just dim down randomly and have increased in frequency over the past few months. We purchase the car in August of 2009 and it has done this from day 1. The Honda service department where we bought the car says it is a normal load issue.
Tl contact owns a 2009 (na) Honda Accord. When the air conditioner is activated, the headlights move up and down intermittently. The lights also dim and flicker without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that all the 2009 accords performed in that manner. The failure mileage was 827. Updated 10/16/08. Updated 10/17/08.
When vehicle air conditioning is on, headlights and other lighting dim noticeably. Headlights are the most worrisome as diminished lighting can make night driving hazardous. On-coming vehicles have "flashed" their lights in response to this "flicker". Honda states this a normal attribute of this vehicle.
2009 Honda Accord ex 4 cylinder- my cars cabin and headlights dim ever 20 seconds. This is not only annoying, but it is dangerous as well. The lights go really dim then slowly come back on. Other drivers think I am flashing at them, and my visibility lessens each time it dims.
Headlights flicker at any given time, at idle, or when driving at any speed. Not just once, but has happened six or seven times in succession on the highway. Honda is aware of the problem but according to the dealership, they say it's "normal".
Flickering headlights on 2009 Honda Accord - this happens at somewhat regular intervals, extremely annoying and has an impact on the driver's ability to focus (since I am always waiting for the next flicker).
I would like to file a complaint about a 2009 Honda Accord headlight dimming issue approx every 20-30 seconds with the ac turned on. It appears as if I am flashing my headlights at vehicles in front of me.
Headlight complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2009 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the lights of the 2009 Honda Accord, 3% of the model year's 727 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Honda Accord headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 1,000 miles, and 76% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.