The 3 Most Problematic Honda Models

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There are two main ways to measure car reliability: through quality testing conducted when a car is first released, and through trends of customer complaints over the years. Both routes have pros and cons. Testing, such as that carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tests cars under comparable conditions, which gives more reliable data. But looking at customer complaints can paint a clearer picture of how these cars hold up over time.

Hondas are, in general, known for being reliable family cars, and the good news is Honda auto repair is generally affordable. But these cars aren’t without their problems. Here are the top three most problematic Hondas, as reported by real Honda owners online:

  1. The Honda AccordThe Accord is a very popular and widely purchased car, so it’s no surprise that this model also has a higher volume of complaints. In the last decade or so, the model years with the most problems have been the 2003 and the 2008, so you might want to get those thoroughly checked out if you’re thinking of buying used. If you already own one, it’s good to know that the most common complaint is premature brake wear, so you may need more frequent brake pad service in order to avoid damaging the rotors.
  2. The Honda CivicAgain, the Civic’s popularity makes the number of complaints about it unsurprising. The 2001 Civic had quite a few problems with its transmission — an expensive repair — so it’s important to keep that in mind. The 2006 through 2008 model years also had quite a few hiccups, but the updates in the past couple years have the model looking strong currently. The most common problem that cuts across the years for the Civic is premature tire wear; there was even a class-action settlement regarding problem, which also caused braking and steering issues.
  3. The Honda OdysseyThe Honda Odyssey had quite a few troublesome years between 2002 and 2007. There have also been a number of recent recalls on the Odyssey (announced as recently as late summer) for airbag deployment issues, fuel leaks and engine concerns, which may require a visit to an auto service shop.

Keep in mind that not all cars wear equally, since driving conditions, driving habits and maintenance levels differ. If you have a trouble with your Honda, the best idea is to find qualified Honda auto repair shops or Honda repair centers in your area and have a certified technician take a look.

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