Defect Alert — Honda Accord Brake Recall

March 12, 2010
By: Robert Silverman


The calls have been coming non-stop on the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline from folks who are having brake problems with their Honda Accords, most notably 2008-2009 models.

We are VERY familiar with this problem and we know that American Honda is trying very hard to comprehend and permanently fix the problem. That being said, we have already successfully represented quite a few distressed drivers who have been in the shop with this problem on a recurring basis.

If you have been back in the shop three or more times for the brake squeaking issue, contact us to review your situation and go over your rights.

Previous clients who have suffered with the problem have received repurchases and partial refunds.  As always, the representation is free under State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws.

Check out some of our state lemon law pages for more information and frequently asked questions:


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43 Responses to “Defect Alert — Honda Accord Brake Recall”


  1. #1 s rowsell says:

    any complaints with honda civics 08-re brakes? My brakes failed 2x. I am in Canada.

    • #2 David says:

      Lemon laws are always fun to read about. There are many problems that cars are going to have and you have to make sure that you are not going to have one. But, there is so much that you can do to prevent a problem happening. Really I have to blame the manufactures of the cars. They are the ones cutting corners way too often.

      • #3 Janice Reynolds says:

        I bought a 2009 Honda Accord on 11/1/2008. I took it in several times for the brakes.. The service men, acted so suprised as it was a new car. The whole time, I am sure they’ve heard of the brake issue from others who were experiencing the same problem. I believe everyones brakes should be completely replaced for FREE and given a refund completely if you bought new brakes!!
        This is so frustrating. The whole reason for buying a NEW car, was so that I didn’t have any car problems. I know there is a class action law suit going on but c’mon it should be finished by now. And Honda should have to recall ALL cars that are having brake problems!!

        • #4 LemonLaw says:

          Janice–I cannot tell you how many times we have heard this. If you are interested in free help, please call us at 1800 LEMON LAW.

          • #5 William Smith says:

            How do I file to get a rebate or partial payment for brake repairs done to the 2008 Honda Accord by an authorized dealer? Bill

            • #6 LemonLaw says:

              Please call 1-800 LEMON LAW or visit us at https://www.lemonlaw.com/

              • #7 Kirk says:

                They still have the problem with the 2010’s they just aren’t doing anything about it.

                • #8 LemonLaw says:

                  They certainly are. We continue to take these claims. If you have been in three times for your braking problem, please call us at 1-800-LEMON LAW.

                  • #9 Teddie says:

                    Our 2010 brakes have just started to squeak, rub, ? The dealership is saying they’re not a part of the recall but we could file a claim. I don’t want to have the same brakes put in, pay their steep price and take the chance Honda won’t cover it. Isn’t it true that a person can opt to go to their own mechanic and Honda will still pick up the cost — if it’s under warranty? Tedie

                    • #10 LemonLaw says:

                      No Teddie, that’s incorrect. If you have work done by a non-authorized dealership, the manufacturer has no responsibility.

                      • #11 Tom L says:

                        My 2010 Accord had a brake squeal at 24,000 miles. The rear breaks had to be completly replaced for $310.00. Unknown to me was that the 2008-2009 Accords and some 2010’s (10 2010’s as I was told, Of course not mine) were part of a class action law suit. The inboard pad was worm to 1mm while the outboard pad was still like new. this is a design flaw. Dealer told me to fill out and send in a form for reinbursment. It was denied. I contacted American Honda and was told they may be able to help with reinbusment, but no guaranty. They told me to fax my repair bill. However, the number they gave me is always busy.

                        I’m not sure how this will turn out. I’m starting to shop for a new car, it will not be another Honda. Heck. I can buy an American brand now that I know one is not better than the other. Ford???

                        I’m just getting the run around.

                        I was a loyal Honda customer. I have owned several over the last 20 years and swayed family members and co-workers to purchase Hondas.

                        My driving habits (all highway) have led me to believe Brakes can and should last 60,000 to 70,000 miles before neeing to be replaced .

                        • #12 bill senske says:

                          i just had my 2008 honda acords rear brakes replaced (pads)+rotars smoothed because of there design flaw less than a year ago at 23,000 miles. i was told the new pads should last up to 60,000 miles guess what! it’s been another 7000 thousand miles and my pads/rear wheels are squeeling/squeeking again. my car is now at the honda dealership for 2 seperate recalls. i also told them to check the rear brakes! if my brakes are gone thats it the cars getting torched! just kidding, but this is the 1st time/last time i buy a honda! i’ll let you know.ps buy ford!

                          • #13 mike b says:

                            My 2007 Honda Accord has the same problems, but Honda claims it must be due to my driving habits. I bought my car Honda certified used May 2010, and since then have had to replace both front and rear pads + rotars twice. Although most complaints are for the 2008-9, the dealership disregards my complaints because my vehicle is 2007. I just recently graduated college 2 years ago, and since then Honda and school loans have sucked me dry. 1st and last time i buy Honda.

                            • #14 LemonLaw says:

                              Mike: I would certainly consult with a lawyer.

                              • #15 tuan says:

                                At 51,000 miles, my 2010 Honda Accord is going through a second rear brake job. The VIN on my car is not included in the settlement, so I’m not eligible for reimbursement. Is there anything that can be done? Honda seems to not have fixed their rear brake problem.

                                • #16 Tim Horton says:

                                  I am on my third set of rear brakes at 55 thousands miles. The lumbar pump in the drivers seat has stopped working. The leather seats up front look as if someone has taken sandpaper to them. The leather is an eyesore. The carpet keeps coming up in the floorboard. The key remotes have stopped working. This car is the biggest piece of junk I have owned. All Honda wants me to do is trade in for a newer model!!!!!

                                  • #17 Tim Horton says:

                                    This is a 2008 Honda Accord EXL

                                    • #18 Cassy says:

                                      Interesting to read about break issues with the Honda 2008 and 2009. I purchased a brand new Honda Accord back in 2007 and I have had nothing but issues. I took it to the dealership and they wanted $600. Well, I had by borther who was previously a auto mechanic and within 6 months, he had to have the pads and rotors redone. He replaced with the best pads and rotors and guess what, yes I am having to have the car looked at again, 3rd time. I love my Honda, but the breaks suck. Honda needs to figure the problem out and fix the issue to their existing customers. It’s a known issue and they need to fix it. Honda is to be one of the better vehicles.

                                      • #19 Karl says:

                                        I have a 2010 Accord and just had to replace the rear pads at 23,000 miles. Is there any pending action for those of us that have had this problem since the other class action suit is over? The bet part the dealer told me this was normal…..really, do I look stupid? I have owned enough cars over the years to know that rear pads should last 2-3 times longer than front pads.

                                        • #20 Teresa says:

                                          I to have a 2009 Honda Accord that has 36,000 miles I just had to spend $200.00 for rear brakes. You spend 30 some thousand dollars on a vehicle and have to have brakes that soon. Now that sucks!

                                          • #21 Nancy says:

                                            On April 13, 2012 purchased a certified used 2009 Honda Accord LS with approx 36,000 miles within two days of the purchases I been having problems with the front breaks there is a squeaky loud noise. I been trying to have the car delaler look into this issue. Finaly after 2 months the delaer have look at the car. The Honda dealer stated that there is nothing wrong with the front breaks that I have 50% on the front brake pads and that with time is just a glazing issue of normal wear and tear. I have never own a foreing car in my live, this is the 1st time I am dealing with a problem were squeaky loud noise is part of wear and tear. I have own previously american cars, and been driving for 25 years. As of today 02 August 2012 I been researching and finding out that Honda is aware of this major issue with the 2009 Hodan Accords that has been documented as well as a class action lawsuit. I was not aware at the time of the sale or was disclose by the the the authorize dealer at the time of the sale. What recourse do I have any one knows?

                                            • #22 Nancy says:

                                              On April 13, 2012 purchased a certified used 2009 Honda Accord LS with approx 37,000 miles in California within two days of the purchases I been having problems with the front breaks there is a squeaky loud noise. I been trying to have the car dealer look into this issue. Finaly after almost 4 months the dealer have look at the car. The Honda dealer stated that there is nothing wrong with the front breaks that the front break have some glazing from the normal wear and tear and possible the way I brake. There front brake pads have 50% and that they may be able to try to work on the issue of glazing but will not install new pads since this is used car. I have never own a foreing car in my live, this is the 1st time I am dealing with a problem were squeaky loud noise is part of wear and tear. I have own previously american cars, and been driving for 25 years. As of today 02 August 2012 I am beginning to do some research and finding out that Honda is aware of this major issue with the 2009 Hodan Accords that has been documented as well as a class action lawsuit. I was not aware of this issue at the time of the sale until today. Also this issue was never disclose by the the the Honda authorize dealer at the time of the sale either. What recourse do I have any one knows?

                                              • #23 LemonLaw says:

                                                Please call Krohn and Moss at 1-800-US-LEMON. They have an office in California and may be able to help.

                                                • #24 Pamela Hayden says:

                                                  Omg!!! same brake problems listed above are the same ones I have with my 2009 Accord!!! The car is a nightmare!!! I spend so much on brake repairs I cant afford car payment and insurance. I hate this car!!!! what can i do??? back calipers went last week. Replaced front brakes late aug. Recalled in 2011 for back brakes!! Now. It needs two front tires!!! 55 thousand miles and trouble from day one!!!

                                                  • #25 Avra Gauthier says:

                                                    I have been driving my 2008 Honda Accord Ex-L since January 22, 2008. I had my rear brakes changed free of charge by the Honda dealership on March 27, 2010 at about 36,000 miles. Now, I am having to get my rear brakes changed again. I have never had problems with my front brakes, but my rear brakes have been a nightmare. This time I had to change the rear brakes and rotors. Honda needs to check on this problem.

                                                    • #26 Rosa says:

                                                      I just bought a Honda accord lxp 2010 with 7349 miles and by reading all this bad feedback I am trembling. My car is holing when I take the foot of the brake plus I fill a burning on my mouth front the A.C. vent the dealer just clean the cabin filter and put it back I am already thinking to trade it in and look for Camry Toyota. This is my first Honda.

                                                      • #27 sarah gayle says:

                                                        2007 Honda Accord. Need new breaks once a year, got my last set free from autoshop, they warrenteed them. Not sure if matters, but during real cold weather so happens, squeking starts, then get told need new breaks (4th year in a row). Emergency break feels funky too. Was thinking there was issue there but after reading forum, looks like honda issue. If anyone knows of something that can be replaced for a fix that would be great would like to keep my car.

                                                        • #28 sarah gayle says:

                                                          2007 honda accord rear break issue update. I have manual transmission and use emerg .brake alot pparking on a slant. I have gone 2 full tanks worth of time not using it and parking on flat surface. Oddly enough getting a GOOD diffrence in mileage and now curiouse if issue there causeing rear brakes not to release. I would think that if your going thru brakes too fast it coud be possible your running around w/ the emergency break activated enough to brakes to be used and problem since brake light does not come on. Just a thought. Going to keep NOT using it and see what happens next year!

                                                          • #29 Barbara Ferguson says:

                                                            My 2010 Honda Accord is having the same problem. I am on my 2nd set of rear brakes in past year. 1st replacement was at 38,000 and the 2nd replacement (just yesterday) is at 51,000. My original front brakes are still in good condition. This class action law suit that was settled, was settled before I even bought my car (bought with 4 miles on it November of 2010) Settlement was in April-ish..is there anything I can do? still have until 2015 for the payoff and I am in no position to trade in, I would be upside down…plus I am not looking forward to buying another Honda…

                                                            • #30 LemonLaw says:

                                                              I am not familiar with the class action settlement. If you are in three times for the issue, I would look into your federal warranty rights.

                                                              • #31 Teresa Dopkin says:

                                                                I too have had issues with my brakes in my 2009 Honda Accord. I applied for a refund of the $ I spent replacing the brakes at 18,000 and was denied? WTF? There is no recourse that I can see to that…..fill out the claim forms and wait for a non-reply. Car now has 33,000 and squeals horribly meaning another nice repair bill in my future! Can’t wait.
                                                                I loved my 1999 Accord, but sadly — this experience has soured me on Accords…..too bad for Honda – they are losing a once loyal customer.

                                                                • #32 sarah gayle says:

                                                                  Update: Autoshop putting in new emergency break cable. Honda may have issue there. I was releasing the emergency break, light would go off, but breaks DO NOT disengage. It has taken me 4 years of yearly new rear break pads for someone to listen to what I was saying when I would bring my car in, and NOT just think I’m a driver who uses both feet to drive and hit my brakes all the time. My car would have been under warrentee when it first started. Good Luck to all and will defiantly update one more time if this was not the fix (though Autoshop confirmed breaks did not disengage when they let Emergncy break back down)

                                                                  • #33 david says:

                                                                    I have a 2007 Honda Accord. The dealer WIIL NOT help. The beaks are terrible. The overall quality of the Accord has gone down hill. I will look at the domestic cars for my next purchase. I cannot believe I am doing this. The dometic cars have been horrible but this experience with the local dealer has driven me in this direction. I have always loved my Hondas. Buicks are looking good. I may even consider a Malibu. Good luck to everyone that is stuck with brake problems. As I write this many other Hondas have has brake recalls.

                                                                    • #34 Erin says:

                                                                      In the last couple months I have had my brakes fail 2x. The first time I hit another car and the second time I was able to get the brakes to work some how before I hit another car. I have taken it in and they say nothing is wrong except for my rear brakes need to be replaced. My car is a 2010 accord with 48,000 miles. They told me to keep watching them. I do not know what to do and I am very scared to drive my car… I have been lucky the last two times but how do I watch them before something bad happens? Please Please help!!!

                                                                      • #35 Sharon says:

                                                                        I have a 2009 Honda accord EX, now with 75,000 miles – bought it brand new in 2008 – first I had to have the tire sensor system replaced, then I have replaced brakes and rotors at least 3 times – recently did last ones maybe over a year ago and they are already bad. I then had to have new pistons and other parts because car was burning oil too fast. Then I bought a new set of tires a year ago and they are all cupping and making terrible road noise. My lumbar support is broken and the leather on the armrest is loose. So disappointing Honda! 🙁

                                                                        • #36 Wilberto says:

                                                                          I just bought a certified 2012 accord smooth as a baby’s butt for the first two days third day brakes started making a click and clunk noise when braking easy or slowing down for a stop sign it sounds like a old cheap motel mattress.I took car to dealer they after a few hours they told me it was normal in this model due to extra space or gap on the brake caliper I though it was BS so I contacted honda and they gave me an appointment for a test drive with the head mechanic next week I’ll post the outcome of that.

                                                                          • #37 Moonie says:

                                                                            #36. wilberto. What is the outcome of your appt. I have the same problem with my 2012 honda accord. Thank you.

                                                                            • #38 Abhishek says:

                                                                              After seeing all the above comments I am both happy and sad. Happy because I am not the only one who is having brake issues with Honda Accord. Even I just bought 2012 honda certified Accord. Since day my brakes squeal a little while breaking easy or slowing down on stop sign. I checked with my dealer twice and even test drove with him. Surprisingly he hear nothing and told me that little squealing noise is normal in the morning but it should not happen at all times. Even after stressing the dealer never got convinced that it happens every time. They say breaks are in good condition with more than 50% life left in the lining. I do not want get the brake job done from a non-Honda certified dealer. Does Lemon Law also applies to 2012 Accord models?

                                                                              • #39 LemonLaw says:

                                                                                @Abhishek: Lemon Law may cover brakes depending on where the work as performed. I would continue to work with Honda dealers. Please visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a firm in your state to consult about your rights.

                                                                                • #40 Joseph says:

                                                                                  We just replaced our second set of calipers in the rear and this spring replaced the calipers and entire brake package in the front of our 2008 Honda.
                                                                                  I can’t believe this. In all my 35 years of driving, I’ve never replaced calipers. But now, three sets on one vehicle. Crap.

                                                                                  • #41 William Gareau says:

                                                                                    Had to replace my brakes on my 2013 CRV at 27000 “KLMS.” Back brakes on metal to metal and front calipers not releasing. Just changed the battery, again not on warranty. Could go back to G.M. next time.

                                                                                    • #42 Joan says:

                                                                                      Had to replace rear Rotors, pad, and front pads, 2009 with 44K miles. Down to metal! Battery replaced twice; however, did get refund on first battery replacement from manufacture, not Honda.

                                                                                      • State: DE
                                                                                    • #43 Frank Savino says:

                                                                                      Still have my 08 Honda accord and the rear brakes have been a nightmare for the last 13 years.Over 4000 dollars in repairs.

                                                                                      • State: New jersey

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