Honda Accord car check
Find out if a Accord has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.
- Typical price
- £7,0737 at dealers
- MOT failure rate
- 25.8%399k tests
- Known problems
- 7across CG to CU
- Full report
- £7.49one-off, no subscription
Which Accord are you looking at?
Each Accord generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.
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Subframe corrosion
Safety and MOT risk CL/CMThe rear subframe mounting points are prone to severe corrosion where the subframe bolts to the main body shell. This is a structural failure that affects load-bearing areas within 30cm of suspension mounting points, causing MOT failures at The corrosion typically starts from inside the box sections and progresses outward, making it difficult to detect until advanced. Later CL/CM models show the same pattern, indicating an ongoing design weakness rather than age-related deterioration alone.
What to check: Inspect the rear subframe mounting points from underneath the car, looking for rust staining, flaking metal, or visible holes around the four main mounting bolts. Use a torch to illuminate the area clearly. Check for rust deposits on the ground where the car has been parked - this indicates activ...
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Suspension component corrosion
Wear item CL/CMSuspension components including control arms, anti-roll bar links, and mounting bushes suffer from accelerated corrosion, failing MOT tests at 3335.2x the fleet average rate. The problem affects both front and rear suspension across all engine variants, with failures recorded from 20,000 miles upward. This suggests a fundamental issue with material specification or protective coatings rather than normal wear patterns. Components may become detached during use, creating a dangerous situation.
What to check: Inspect all visible suspension arms and links from underneath, looking for surface rust, flaking metal, or areas where the protective coating has failed. Pay particular attention to mounting points and bushes. Check for rust staining on wheel rims or around suspension components - this indicates ...
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Emissions system failure
Engine damage risk CL/CMPetrol engines fail emissions tests at extraordinarily high rates - up to 9-litre variants. The failures affect both manufacturer limits and default statutory limits, indicating fundamental problems with the emissions control system rather than minor drift. Common causes include failed catalytic converters, faulty lambda sensors, and EGR valve carbon buildup. The problem is worsening over time according to MOT data trends.
What to check: Check the exhaust system visually for obvious damage, corrosion, or missing sections, particularly around the catalytic converter area which may show heat discoloration. Ask when the car last passed an MOT emissions test and request the actual figures if available. Check for any stored fault code...
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Steering rack gaiter damage
Wear item CL/CMSteering rack gaiters (protective rubber boots covering the steering rack ends) fail at exceptionally high rates - up to 3335.2x the fleet average. The gaiters protect the steering rack internals from dirt and moisture ingress. Once damaged, contamination enters the steering system causing accelerated wear of the rack mechanism itself. This affects all engine variants and represents a design weakness in the gaiter material or mounting method.
What to check: Inspect both steering rack gaiters (rubber boots at each end of the steering rack) for splits, tears, or areas where the rubber has perished. Look for grease leakage around the gaiter clamps. Check whether the gaiters are still properly secured to the steering rack - loose gaiters allow contamina...
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Dual mass flywheel failure
Wear item CL/CMThe N22A diesel engine uses a dual mass flywheel (DMF) to reduce transmission vibration and noise. The DMF consists of two weighted discs connected by springs that absorb crankshaft pulses. The springs weaken over time, causing the flywheel to rattle and vibrate, particularly noticeable at idle with the clutch engaged. This is a well-documented fault on Honda diesels of this generation and affects the majority of cars approaching 100,000 miles. Replacement requires clutch removal.
What to check: With the engine off, ask the seller about any rattling noises when starting the engine or when idling. A failing DMF creates a distinctive metallic rattling that increases when the clutch pedal is released. Check the clutch pedal operation - a failing DMF often coincides with clutch wear, so note...
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Injector failure
Wear item CL/CMThe N22A diesel engine suffers from common rail injector failure, typically affecting one or more of the four injectors between 80,000-180,000 miles. Failed injectors cause rough running, black smoke, poor fuel economy, and excessive noise. The problem is exacerbated by poor quality diesel fuel and infrequent service intervals. Individual injector replacement is possible, but often multiple injectors require attention when one fails due to contamination in the fuel system.
What to check: Pull the engine oil dipstick and check for diesel fuel contamination - this appears as thin, fuel-smelling oil that may be overfilled above the maximum mark. Diesel contamination indicates injector leakage. Ask about recent fuel consumption and performance - failed injectors cause noticeably incr...
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Generally reliable
Engine damage risk CL/CMExpert database entry indicates generally reliable performance from K20A and K24A petrol engines through high mileage. These Honda i-VTEC units are considered among the more dependable engines of their generation when properly maintained. Standard maintenance requirements include regular oil changes, timing belt replacement at specified intervals, and attention to ignition components. No specific widespread internal engine faults documented beyond normal wear patterns.
What to check: Check service history for regular oil changes at Honda-specified intervals - these engines respond well to maintenance discipline. Verify timing belt replacement history if approaching or exceeding 60,000 miles or 5 years age - interference engine design means belt failure causes valve damage. Ch...
We haven’t flagged any common problems for this generation in our data yet. A history check still tells you about finance, write-offs and theft, and the MOT history shows how this particular car has been looked after.
What Accords cost at dealers now
From 7 used Accords we track on UK dealer websites.
- Typical asking price
- £7,073
- Typical mileage
- 69,097 miles
- Price change vs last month
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Accord MOT results
of Accord MOT tests end in a fail, from 398,842 tests.
Most common reasons for failing
- Anti-roll bar links wornSuspension
- Emissions failureExhaust & Emissions
- Track rod ends wornSteering
Check the Accord you’re buying
One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.
What the check includes
- Outstanding finance Experian
- Write-off status Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
- Previous owners and keeper history Experian
- MOT history and advisories DVSA
- Mileage check DVSA
- Known problems for its generation GetCarWise
- How many are left on the road DVLA
Accord questions
Is the Honda Accord reliable?
25.8% of Accord models fail their MOT based on 398,842 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 7 known problems to watch for, the most serious being subframe corrosion. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.
What are the main problems with a Honda Accord?
The most serious known issues are subframe corrosion, suspension component corrosion, emissions system failure. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Accord has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.
How do I check if a Honda Accord has outstanding finance?
Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.
How do I check if a Honda Accord has been written off?
Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Accord has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.
Can I check a Honda Accord for free?
You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.
Is a Honda Accord HPI check worth it?
HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Accord faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.
What does a Honda Accord fail its MOT on?
The most common MOT failure on the Accord is anti-roll bar links worn. 25.8% of Accord models fail overall, based on 398,842 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.
More on the Accord
Other Honda car checks
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.