2009 Honda Accord Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009 Honda Accord Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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2,341 owners

On the 2008-2012 Honda Accord 3.5L V6, the 8th generation Accord V6 (3.5L J35Z2) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) deactivates 3 cylinders at highway speeds, causing excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles), misfires, and accelerated engine vibration that damages engine mounts. When VCM deactivates cylinders, insufficient ring pressure allows oil to bypass rings into combustion chamber. The class action lawsuit (Rodriguez v. American Honda, 2013) covered 1.87 million vehicles. Honda settled in 2016 providing extended warranty for engine repairs related to VCM-caused misfires and oil consumption. Many owners in the Drive Accord community disable VCM immediately upon purchase.

This issue also affects: Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Audi Q5, Audi Q7

Common Symptoms

Oil level dropping 1-2 quarts between 3,000-5,000 mile oil changes
Engine misfires (P0300-P0306 codes)
Fouled spark plugs with carbon and oil deposits
Excessive vibration felt through steering wheel and seats
Check engine light with misfire and/or catalyst codes
Catalytic converter efficiency codes (P0420, P0430)
Blue smoke from exhaust at startup

How to Fix

Install VCM disabler device: VCMuzzler II (~$81, simplest install, no power wire), VCMTuner II ($150-200, more features), or S-VCM Controller ($180-250, automatic temperature adjustment). Check oil every 500-1,000 miles until VCM disabled. Replace fouled spark plugs with NGK DILKAR7B11 ($5-8 each) every 30,000-50,000 miles. Honda 2016 class action settlement may provide extended warranty for misfires/consumption - contact Honda with VIN. Severe cases (catalytic converters destroyed): $2,000-3,500 replacement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,341+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeVCMuzzler II ($81) is #1 recommended device on Drive Accord forum for 8th gen V6 - 1-minute install under dash, no power wire needed, prevents all VCM activation (VCMuzzler VCMuzzler II)
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TipDrive Accord forum: Check oil EVERY fill-up until VCM disabler installed - running 2+ quarts low is common and causes permanent engine damage. Keep 2 quarts of 0W-20 in trunk
NoteDo NOT ignore fouled spark plugs or misfire codes on V6 VCM engines - continuing to drive with misfires destroys catalytic converters ($2,000+) and can damage cylinder walls from oil washing

Typical repair cost:$81 - $3,500

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified2,341 reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

743 owners

On the 2008-2012 Honda Accord 3.5L V6, the 3.5L V6 J35 engine in the 8th generation Accord uses a rubber timing belt (not chain) on an interference engine design. Timing belt failure causes catastrophic and irreparable engine damage - valves contact pistons and the engine is destroyed. Honda recommends replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. This is the #1 overlooked major service item on used 8th gen Accords. Water pump is driven by the timing belt and must be replaced simultaneously. Many owners purchasing used V6 Accords are unaware this service is due and are blindsided by the cost.

This issue also affects: Audi A4 allroad, Audi A7, Audi A8

Common Symptoms

Vehicle approaching 105,000 miles or 7 years old (preventive)
Squealing or chirping noise from engine timing area
Coolant dripping from water pump weep hole
Engine overheating (failing water pump)
Engine cranks but does not start (broken belt)
Check engine light with cam/crank position sensor codes

How to Fix

Replace timing belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, idler pulley, and drive belts as a complete service at 105,000 miles or 7 years. Independent shops: $1,000-1,400. Honda dealers: $1,400-1,900. Always replace water pump - labor is included in the timing belt job. Gates or Aisin timing belt kits ($200-350) include all components at OEM quality. Failure to replace results in engine destruction with no warning - not repairable after catastrophic belt failure.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 743+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeGates OAW timing belt kit (part #TCK285WP) includes belt, water pump, tensioner, and idler - $250-300; Drive Accord community recommends Gates or Aisin over dealer OEM parts at 2x the cost (Gates #TCK285WP)
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TipDrive Accord forum: When buying a used V6 8th gen Accord, ALWAYS ask about timing belt history - if unknown, budget $1,200-1,500 immediately. This is THE critical service item
NoteThis is an interference engine - timing belt failure at highway speeds causes $5,000-8,000 in engine damage with NO repair possible. The $1,200 service is not optional

Typical repair cost:$1,000 - $1,900

Research This Issue

743+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified743 reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls15 recalls