Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Honda Accord
The 2009 Honda Accord has notable recall history focused largely on airbag issues, posing potential safety concerns. Complaints are common in areas like brakes and engine. Given the number of issues, a thorough inspection is essential before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Honda Accord has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 727 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V502000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V378000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V182000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V268000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V042000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V545000 Incorrectly Installed Replacement Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V030000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V346000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V056000 Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V395000 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E063000 NOSE MASK ACCESSORY NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 160 complaints
- Air Bags 144 complaints
- Engine 111 complaints
- Service Brakes 51 complaints
- Electrical System 44 complaints
- Unknown or Other 38 complaints
Of the 727 complaints on file, 49 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 727 complaints, owners report 51 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator issues
How to check: Ensure all airbag recall repairs are completed.
Frequent hydraulic issues
How to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
General engine complaints
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine noises or rough idle.
Red flag: Loud knocking or shaking
- 02
First minute driving
What to check: Brake response and feel underfoot.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 03
City driving
What to check: Steering feel and alignment check.
Red flag: Steering pulls or vibrates
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth power delivery.
Red flag: Surging or hesitating engine
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Feel for strong, consistent braking.
Red flag: Brakes feel weak or pulsate
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Listen for steering or suspension noises.
Red flag: Clunks or squeaks when turning
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any recent brake system work done?
- Is there any unresolved engine noise?
- What maintenance has been regularly done?
- Have there been any past accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Complete service history
- Proof of recall repairs
- Title and registration
- Recent inspection report
- Warranty information if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Honda Accord at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 Honda Accord? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.