How Long Do Honda Accord Hybrids Last? (12 Important Facts)

Honda first released a hybrid version of the Accord in 2005, and overall it’s a superb car and not just because of its excellent fuel economy.

It has a good resale value as well as an affordable sticker price and comes with a suite of safety features and tech goodies.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Accord Hybrid’s average lifespan.

Here is the short answer to how long the Honda Accord Hybrid lasts:

The Honda Accord Hybrid can last roughly 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and good ownership habits. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, you can get 20 years of service from an Accord Hybrid before repair costs become uneconomical.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Honda Accord Hybrid?

Honda knows how to build a car that holds up very well even after hundreds of thousands of miles and the automaker has become somewhat synonymous with long-lasting, reliable vehicles.

Throughout the years, many gas-driven Accords have rolled past 200,000 miles with plenty of life left. Some have even reached the million-mile mark (although most likely with at least one engine and/or transmission change along the way).

The Accord Hybrid should be equally robust although the hybrid battery will inevitably wear out after about 10 years or so, but this won’t spell the end of the vehicle.

A replacement battery can be picked up for around $2000 although you’ll have to allow for labor costs.

Most Honda Accord Hybrids should last 250,000 to 350,000 miles before requiring repairs that cost more than the car is worth.

On the used market there are numerous examples of Accord Hybrids with well over 200,000 miles, you can see these for yourself on sites like Car Gurus.

As with any vehicle, how long your Accord Hybrid lasts is heavily dependent on the owner.

Regular maintenance can add thousands of available miles to the odometer, as can smooth driving habits which can help keep wear and tear on major components to a minimum.

The gas engine and electric motor work together and if one isn’t working as it should it can negatively impact the other, this is why staying up to date with maintenance is crucial.

The Accord’s hybrid battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which goes up to 10-years/150,000-miles in some states like California. 

Common Problems of the Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord Hybrid has been an extremely reliable vehicle and there haven’t been any widespread faults or issues since it was first released. 

But no vehicle is perfect, so let’s take a look at some of the more common issues Accord Hybrid owners have encountered.

IMA Issues

Older Honda Accord Hybrids are more prone to IMA issues as the hybrid batteries are pretty old by now. 

IMA or Integrated Motor Assist is basically what Honda calls its entire hybrid system, which includes the battery and electric motor. 

IMA warning lights may also start flashing if the 12-volt battery is failing. If the 12-volt battery is a few years old, then replacing it with a fresh one might be just what the car needs.

If basic troubleshooting steps lead you to believe that the hybrid battery needs to be replaced and you’re already out of warranty, you can get an aftermarket replacement for around $2,000.

The good news is that ninth and tenth-generation Accord Hybrids are still pretty new and are not as susceptible to these types of issues.

Newer Honda Accord Hybrids also use more modern battery chemistry compared to the first generation of Accord Hybrids which used nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Other than the potential IMA issues, the Honda Accord Hybrid has been a very solid and reliable vehicle throughout its many generations.

Related: 7 Most Common Honda Accord Hybrid Problems (Explained)

What is High Mileage for a Honda Accord Hybrid?

A Honda Accord Hybrid with 100,000 miles is considered a high mileage vehicle. Although the vehicle may have plenty more years left, all of its warranty coverage will be gone at this point and you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any major repairs that need to be done.

In most states, the hybrid battery warranty also expires at 100,000 miles so you’ll need to be prepared for any premature failures. 

The Accord Hybrid also uses many of the same parts that a regular gas-powered Accord uses such as suspension and brake components, hoses, gaskets, along with lots of other regular maintenance items. Many of these will need to be replaced due to wear aound the 100,000-mile mark.

A high mileage Accord Hybrid might be a better purchase than a lower mileage version, it really depends on how well the car has been looked after.

When buying a used Honda Accord Hybrid, consider the following:

1. Maintenance history. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
2. Get a second opinion. Have it checked out by a mechanic who knows about hybrids.
3. Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually means more wear-and-tear. A one-owner car that’s been regularly serviced on time is less likely to have issues and nasty surprises.
4. Check the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for.

How Long Does the Honda Accord Hybrid Last Compared to Other Cars?

In this section, we’ll compare the Accord Hybrid to its competitors.

Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid was Hyundai’s first-ever hybrid model back when it was first released in 2011.

It’s not as popular as the Accord Hybrid, but it packs a lot of value for its price, especially if you’re looking at buying used.

The Sonata Hybrid has an expected lifespan of around 200,000 – 300,000 miles or roughly 13 – 20 years which is slightly shorter than the average for the Accord.

• RepairPal gave the Honda Accord a slightly higher 4.5/5 rating for reliability compared to the Hyundai Sonata’s 4/5.
• The Honda Accord has slightly lower upkeep at $400 per year compared to the Sonata’s $458 per year.
• According to Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index, the 2021 Accord Hybrid received 4.5/5 for reliability while the 2021 Sonata Hybrid got a much lower rating of 3.8/5.
• Edmunds gave the 2021 Accord Hybrid a much higher overall rating of 4.9/5 compared to the 2021 Optima Hybrid’s rating of 4.5/5.
• JD Power gave both vehicles similar scores for Quality and Reliability with the 2021 Honda Accord getting 82/100 while the Hyundai Sonata got 83/100.

Hyundai has been able to build up its reliability over the last decade and offers industry-leading warranties and better standard features, usually for a lower price. 

Despite this, many early models of the Sonata Hybrid were also affected by major engine failures, and there’s no telling how well the newer models will hold up to the test of time.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is still a much safer bet overall.

It also gets slightly higher ratings from both professional reviewers and actual owners. 

Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry is the Accord’s main rival.

Both brands have industry-leading reliability ratings, but Toyota has a lot more experience with hybrid vehicles due to the fact that they sell significantly more units. 

A Toyota Camry Hybrids will have no issue reaching 300,000 – 500,000 miles which translates to over 20 years of useful service.

• RepairPal gave the Toyota Camry a 4/5 for reliability which is only slightly lower than the Honda Accord’s 4.5/5.
• The Toyota Camry is much cheaper to maintain overall and costs only $388 per year on average compared to the Accord’s yearly average of $400.
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the 2021 Camry Hybrid a 4/5 for reliability while the Accord Hybrid got a slightly higher 4.5/5 stars. It’s worth noting that the Camry is more popular with over 200 reviews while the Accord only has less than 40 reviews.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Camry Hybrid an overall rating of 4.3/5 while the Accord Hybrid got a much higher rating of 4.9/5.
• JD Power gave the 2021 Toyota Camry an 84/100 for Quality and Reliability while the Accord got 82/100.

Looking at the review scores, the Accord Hybrid has a slight edge over the Camry Hybrid.

But Toyota hybrid batteries tend to last longer than Honda batteries which typically need to be replaced at around 200,000 miles. This may have improved with newer Honda hybrids, but it’s too early to tell how much the gap has narrowed.

If reliability and longevity is your primary concern, then the Camry Hybrid is a no-brainer. But the Accord Hybrid delivers a more compelling overall package that has better interiors and tech, as well as better driving dynamics.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Toyota Camry Hybrids Last?

Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 quickly rose to the top of EV sales charts since its release. 

Although Tesla has had an uphill battle with build quality issues over the years, their EV technology is pretty solid and innovative.

Based on what we’ve seen with older Tesla models, we predict that the Model 3 can easily last 300,000 – 500,000 miles.

• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Tesla Model 3 a reliability rating of 4.7/5 which is pretty similar to the Accord Hybrid’s rating of 4.5/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Tesla Model 3 an overall rating of 4.3/5 which is lower than the Accord Hybrid’s score of 4.9/5.
• RepairPal and J.D. Power do not have any reliability ratings for the Tesla Model 3.

Though the Tesla Model 3 can last hundreds of thousands of miles, it will eventually need a new battery after 10 or so years. EV batteries are much more expensive than hybrid batteries and there won’t be any cheaper aftermarket alternatives anytime soon.

The Accord Hybrid will still have better range when bought new and especially after a couple of years of use. It will also be easier to repair and maintain because parts will be more widely available and easier to replace, compared to a Tesla which can only be properly serviced by a Tesla dealer.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Tesla Model 3 Last?

Comparison Chart

* Ratings for entire model range (not specific to hybrid models)

Is the Honda Accord Hybrid Reliable?

The Honda Accord Hybrid is an extremely reliable vehicle and has received stellar reviews from the leading auto review sites.

After carefully looking through different Internet forums and databases, we haven’t found any major issues with the different generations of the Accord Hybrid. 

Aside from being known for excellent build quality and reliability, Honda has been hybrids for just as long as Toyota. It was one of the first manufacturers to offer a hybrid vehicle when they first introduced the Honda Insight.

Here is some additional proof of the Honda Accord Hybrid’s reliability:

• RepairPal not only gave the Honda Accord top marks but also ranked it in 1st place for reliability in a field of 24 midsize sedans.
• Owner ratings for the latest Accord Hybrid have been exceptional even when compared to rivals like the Camry Hybrid.
• Consumer Reports has given the Honda Accord a scores ranging from 4/5 to 5/5.

Reliability Compared to Other Midsize Cars

The Best and Worst Years for the Honda Accord Hybrid

Honda has been selling the Accord Hybrid for more than 10 years and over three different generations of vehicles.

Given its relatively long history, it’s definitely had its share of good and bad years.

In this section, we’ll take a look at which model years to stay away from and which ones are really safe choices.

Worst Model Year

Looking at the CarComplaints website, the 2014 and 2018 model years of the Accord Hybrid have collected the most complaints.

This is not surprising because these are the first model years of the ninth and tenth-generation Accord, so build quality issues and bugs haven’t been fully sorted out yet.

Despite the lower number of complaints, we would actually rank the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid as the worst model year. 

This model had a number of complaints regarding faulty brakes and used older battery technology thus the fuel mileage from the V6 engine isn’t very good for a hybrid vehicle.

Best Model Year

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is currently the best model year as it has more standard features and updated styling.

The 2021 model year got the 8-inch infotainment screen, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as standard features.

It also got an updated grille and new alloy wheel designs that set it apart from the older model years.

Related: 11 Best & Worst Honda Accord Hybrid Years (Facts & Stats)

Model Year and Number of Complaints

Here is the total number of complaints for every model year of the Accord Hybrid as reported on the CarComplaints website.

What About Recalls for the Accord Hybrid?

The Honda Accord Hybrid has had a total of 68 recalls so far, most of which are for the first three model years.

You can always check if your Honda Accord Hybrid has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Honda recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

It is also important to note that recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Here is the total number of recalls for every model year of the Accord Hybrid so far:

• 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid: 1
• 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid: 2
• 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid: 3
• 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid: 1
• 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: 0
• 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid: 5
• 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid: 4
• 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid: 10
• 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid: 17
• 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid: 25

Honda Accord Hybrid Model Year List

The Accord Hybrid was first introduced in 2005 during the production run of the seventh generation model. 

It skipped the eight gen lineup due to poor sales but returned for the ninth generation which also saw the addition of a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variant.

There were no Accord Hybrids sold in the US for 2016 as production was moved back to Japan.

First Generation (2005 – 2007):

• 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid

Second Generation (2014 – 2017):

• 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

Third Generation (2018 – present):

• 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid 
• 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid

Is the Honda Accord Hybrid Expensive to Maintain?

Honda’s excellent build quality and dedication to producing reliable vehicles mean that the Accord Hybrid won’t be very expensive to own and maintain. The Honda Accord costs only roughly $400 per year in repair and maintenance costs.

Low ownership costs are one of Honda’s big selling points, in fact, Repair Pal has ranked the Accord as the most affordable midsize car in terms of maintenance and repair costs.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Accord Hybrid’s brake pads can last over 100,000 miles per set before they’ll need to be replaced.

The Accord Hybrid uses regenerative braking which extends the lifespan of the brakes quite significantly. 

Regenerative braking charges the battery and slows down the vehicle at the same time whenever you take your foot off the accelerator so you don’t need to use the brakes as much.

• The front pads tend to wear down faster so you’ll probably have to replace them sooner than the rears. 
• The brake rotors could also get rusted out relatively quickly especially if you live in rust-prone areas. Some cars might need replacement brake rotors well before 100,000 miles.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

The Accord Hybrid’s tires should be able to last around 40,000 to 50,000 miles or roughly 3 to 5 years with normal use.

They can wear out much sooner depending on road conditions, driving habits, climate and maintenance.

Here are a couple of tips that will help you preserve the life of your tires:

• Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• If you drive on rough roads or regularly launch the car and slam on the brakes, your tires will take more of a beating.
• Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
• Check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

The ninth and tenth-generation Accord Hybrid uses an eCVT or Electric Continuously Variable Transmission which can last well over 500,000 miles and will likely outlast the vehicle.

eCVTs are more durable than traditional automatics and even manual gearboxes.

Older Accord Hybrids from 2005 to 2007 use a traditional automatic which can easily last over 200,000 miles but will require more maintenance compared to the newer eCVT.

How Long Will the Accord Hybrid’s Electric Motors Last?

The Accord Hybrid’s electric motors should be able to last the entire lifetime of the vehicle. 

Electric motors need less maintenance and are generally more reliable than internal combustion engines. You’re more likely to need a major engine repair or several hybrid battery replacements before the motors start acting up due to age.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

The Honda Accord Hybrid needs new spark plugs every 105,000 miles or when the Maintenance Minder on the dash tells you to do so.

You may also need new spark plugs sooner if they look too worn out or fouled up during the car’s regular inspection.

How Long Do Honda Accord Hybrid Batteries Last?

The Honda Accord Hybrid’s batteries should be able to last at least 200,000 miles as long as they’re not completely abused or neglected.

The newer ninth and tenth-generation Accord Hybrids use more modern Lithium-ion hybrid batteries which last longer than the outdated Nickel-metal hydride technology in the seventh-gen Accord.

Older Honda hybrids that used NiMH batteries tended to need a battery right around 200,000 miles. 

Newer generations of the Accord Hybrid should have much better battery longevity. And we haven’t seen any reports of anybody needing a replacement hybrid battery even for the earlier ninth gen models from 2014 and 2015.

If you do need to replace the battery in an older Accord Hybrid, you can get aftermarket replacements for around $2,000. 

What About Insurance Costs?

According to Insuraviz’s estimates, the Honda Accord costs an average of $1,498 per year or roughly $125 per month to insure. 

Insurance costs can vary from person to person, so be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal for your Optima Hybrid.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Honda Accord Hybrid

• Practice smooth and safe driving habits.
• Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
• Use quality parts and fluids.
• Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
• Regularly wash your Accord to remove dirt and grime, as well as to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust.
• Keep your Accord Hybrid stored in a garage to help protect it from extreme heat and cold.
• Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your SUV needs and in what quantities, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Sources

https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/accord

https://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/accord

https://www.kbb.com/honda/accord-hybrid/2021/

https://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord-hybrid/2021/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/honda/accord

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord_Hybrid/

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/honda/honda-accord-insurance/

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Honda-Accord-Hybrid-d2256

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/hybrid/honda/accord

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/accord/