Used Honda Accord Buying Guide: Best Years and What to Check
The Honda Accord is one of the easiest midsize sedans to find used, and one of the easiest to live with. Plenty of them are out there, so the real work is choosing the right generation and engine, then checking the specific car in front of you.
The short answer: For most shoppers, a 2018 to 2022 Accord with the 2.0-liter turbo or the hybrid is the sweet spot, and a well-kept 2013 to 2017 car is the value play. On any 2017 to 2020 Accord, confirm the Denso fuel pump recall is done. On 1.5-liter turbos, check the oil for a fuel smell.
Key takeaways
- The Accord has three generations worth shopping as of 2026: 2013 to 2017, 2018 to 2022, and 2023 onward.
- Honda dropped the V6 and the coupe for 2018, and the last manual-transmission Accords were 2020 models.
- 2018 to 2020 Accords and 2017 to 2020 Accord Hybrids are covered by a large fuel pump recall that expanded in late 2023.
- Some owners of 2018 and later 1.5-liter turbo Accords report gasoline in the oil, mostly in cold climates and short-trip driving.
- A clean service history and a pre-purchase inspection matter more than the badge or trim.
Which Honda Accord generations should you consider?
Three Accord generations make sense for a used buyer in 2026. Each one has a different engine lineup, and the engine matters more than the year for how the car drives and what to check.
| Generation | Model years | Engines and transmissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th | 2013-2017 | 2.4L four with CVT or manual; 3.5L V6 with 6-speed automatic (manual on some coupes) | Last Accord with a V6 and a coupe body |
| 10th | 2018-2022 | 1.5L turbo with CVT; 2.0L turbo with 10-speed automatic; 6-speed manual on some trims through 2020; hybrid | Roomier cabin, more driver-assist tech |
| 11th | 2023-present | 1.5L turbo with CVT; 2.0L hybrid on most trims | No manual, bigger screens, hybrid-heavy lineup |
The 2.0-liter turbo in the 10th-generation car makes 252 horsepower and was offered with a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, according to The Truth About Cars' launch coverage. Manual Accords were rare. The Drive reported that Honda ended manual production with the 2020 model year.
What are the best years for a used Honda Accord?
The 2018 to 2022 Accord is the best all-around pick for most buyers, especially with the 2.0-liter turbo or the hybrid. It is newer, safer and roomier than the 9th generation, and prices have come down far enough to fit many midsize budgets.
The 9th-generation 2013 to 2017 car is the value choice. The 2.4-liter four with the CVT is a simple, efficient setup, and the 3.5-liter V6 is the pick if you want smooth power and a conventional automatic. At this age, condition and maintenance history decide everything.
The 2023 and newer Accord makes sense if you want a nearly new car with a long warranty runway, or you want hybrid fuel economy. Expect to pay more, since these are recent models. For a quick gut check on what a fair number looks like, see our guide on how to tell if a used car price is fair.
What problems should you watch for on a used Accord?
The Accord's two issues worth knowing about are a widespread fuel pump recall on 2017 to 2020 cars and owner reports of fuel dilution in the 1.5-liter turbo. Neither is a reason to skip the model. Both are reasons to check paperwork and the oil before you buy.
The Denso fuel pump recall
Honda has recalled fuel pumps made by supplier Denso in several waves. The largest expansion, announced in December 2023, covered about 2.5 million Honda and Acura vehicles, including 2018 to 2020 Accords and 2017 to 2020 Accord Hybrids, as reported by WPR/NPR. An impeller inside the pump can deform, which can stop the pump and cause the engine to stall. The fix is a free pump replacement at a Honda dealer.
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the seller for the repair order. Our step-by-step guide on how to check for recalls walks through it.
Fuel in the oil on 1.5-liter turbo Accords
Some owners of 2018 and later Accords with the 1.5-liter turbo have reported a rising oil level and a gasoline smell on the dipstick. Reports cluster in cold climates and with short-trip driving, where the engine rarely gets fully warm. Honda extended warranty coverage for this issue on certain 2016 to 2018 Civics and 2017 to 2018 CR-Vs with the same engine, but that program did not include the Accord.
On a 1.5T test car, pull the dipstick with the engine cold. An oil level above the full mark or a fuel smell is a red flag. Records showing regular oil changes help a lot. If the car lived in a cold state and did lots of short trips, an oil analysis from a lab is cheap insurance.
Other things to check on any Accord
- CVT behavior (2.4L and 1.5T): The car should pull smoothly with no shudder, slipping or whine. Ask whether the CVT fluid has been changed on schedule.
- 10-speed automatic (2.0T): Shifts should be quick and quiet. Harsh or delayed shifts deserve a closer look.
- Infotainment and cameras: Test the screen, Bluetooth, CarPlay or Android Auto, and the backup camera.
Which Accord engine should you choose?
For most people the 2.0-liter turbo (2018 to 2022) or the hybrid is the best engine choice. The 1.5-liter turbo is fine for gentle commuting, and it is the most common engine, so you will see more of them.
| Engine | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L four (2013-2017) | Low cost, simple ownership | CVT service history, high mileage wear |
| 3.5L V6 (2013-2017) | Smooth power, conventional automatic | Higher fuel use, age-related wear |
| 1.5L turbo (2018-present) | Budget-friendly commuting | Fuel in oil, CVT feel |
| 2.0L turbo (2018-2022) | Strong acceleration, highway passing | Transmission shift quality |
| Hybrid (various years) | Best fuel economy, city driving | Fuel pump recall on 2017-2020 cars, hybrid system warning lights |
Fuel economy varies by engine and year. Compare exact ratings for the car you are looking at on fueleconomy.gov before you commit, especially if you are deciding between a 1.5T and a hybrid.
How many miles is too many on a used Accord?
Mileage matters less than maintenance on an Accord. A 120,000-mile car with documented oil and transmission fluid changes is often a better buy than a 70,000-mile car with no records. The engine, transmission and suspension all wear with use, so price the car for its miles and plan for the parts that come due.
Around 100,000 miles, expect to budget for things like spark plugs, suspension bushings, brakes, tires and possibly a battery. On hybrids, ask whether any hybrid system work has been done. For a deeper look at mileage, read how many miles is too many on a used car.
Used Honda Accord inspection checklist
Use this checklist on a test drive, then hand the car to an independent mechanic before you sign.
- Run the VIN for open recalls, especially the fuel pump campaign on 2017 to 2020 cars.
- Get a vehicle history report and look for accidents, title brands and odometer gaps.
- Check the dipstick with the engine cold on 1.5-liter turbo cars.
- Accelerate gently and firmly from a stop to feel for CVT shudder or slipping.
- Drive at highway speed and listen for wheel bearing hum or wind noise from poorly fitted repairs.
- Test every screen function, camera, sensor and driver-assist warning.
- Look under the car for rust, leaks and damaged splash shields.
- Book a pre-purchase inspection with a shop that knows Hondas.
Let the right Accord come to you
Clean, well-priced Accords tend to sell quickly, so the hard part is often spotting one before someone else does. Scout lets you describe what you want in plain English, such as "2019 to 2022 Honda Accord 2.0T or Hybrid under 70,000 miles within 50 miles of 30309," and turns it into a saved search you can confirm or edit. When a matching car shows up in dealer inventory near you, Scout emails you. You can set one up for free with used car alerts, then contact the dealer directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most reliable used Honda Accord year?
Many shoppers favor the 2018 to 2022 Accord with the 2.0-liter turbo or hybrid, and well-maintained 2013 to 2017 cars with the 2.4-liter or V6. Reliability depends heavily on the individual car's history. Check that the fuel pump recall is complete on 2017 to 2020 models and get an independent inspection before buying any year.
Does the Honda Accord 1.5 turbo have oil dilution problems?
Some owners of 2018 and later Accords with the 1.5-liter turbo report gasoline mixing into the oil, which raises the oil level and leaves a fuel smell. Reports are concentrated in cold climates and short-trip driving. Honda's extended coverage for this issue applied to certain Civics and CR-Vs, not the Accord, so check the dipstick and service records.
Which Honda Accords are part of the fuel pump recall?
The December 2023 expansion of Honda's Denso fuel pump recall includes 2018 to 2020 Accords and 2017 to 2020 Accord Hybrids, along with other Honda and Acura models. The defective pump can stop working and cause a stall. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall site or ask a Honda dealer whether the free pump replacement has been done.
Can you still buy a used Honda Accord with a manual transmission?
Yes, but they are rare. The 9th-generation Accord offered a manual on some four-cylinder sedans and coupes, and the 10th generation offered a six-speed manual on certain Sport trims. Honda ended manual Accord production with the 2020 model year, so a manual means shopping 2020 or older and widening your search radius.
Is a used Accord Hybrid worth it?
A used Accord Hybrid is worth it if you drive a lot in town, where hybrids save the most fuel. It costs more up front than a 1.5-liter turbo of the same year. Confirm the fuel pump recall on 2017 to 2020 hybrids, check for hybrid system warning lights, and compare fuel economy figures on fueleconomy.gov.