Is 2010 a good year for Honda Accords?
Yes. The 2010 Honda Accord is generally considered a solid used-car pick due to its reliability, comfortable ride, and strong resale value. As part of the ninth generation (2008–2012), it offers a well-rounded package with capable engines and a roomy interior, though buyers should account for age-related wear and maintenance costs on a higher-mileage example.
What makes the 2010 Accord stand out
The 2010 model year is part of a generation renowned for durability, balanced handling, and a spacious cabin. Here are the core strengths that tend to attract buyers to this year:
- Reliability and longevity: Honda has a long-standing reputation for durable powertrains and solid overall reliability.
- Comfort and practicality: Generous interior room, a large trunk, and a smooth, composed ride make it a practical daily driver.
- Resale value: Accords typically hold value well in the used-car market, which helps preserve equity over time.
- Performance options: A 2.4-liter four-cylinder offers solid efficiency and sufficient acceleration, while a 3.5-liter V6 delivers stronger performance for buyers who want extra power.
- Safety features for its era: The 2010 Accord came with a strong safety package, including multiple airbags, stability control, and solid crash-test performance for the period.
These attributes combine to make the 2010 Accord a compelling choice in the used-car market, especially for buyers prioritizing reliability and practicality. Age-related maintenance costs and wear are the primary considerations to budget for with any 12-year-old vehicle.
Trade-offs and caveats
Like any older model, the 2010 Accord carries potential drawbacks that buyers should weigh before purchasing. This section outlines common concerns and how they typically manifest.
- Age-related wear and electronics: Cabin materials, infotainment systems, and other electronics can show the signs of aging, so a thorough check is important.
- Maintenance history matters: A well-documented service history generally correlates with better reliability, while gaps can indicate deferred maintenance.
- Transmission and drivetrain wear: Some higher-mileage examples may show symptoms of transmission or suspension wear; a test-drive and PPI can help identify issues early.
- Recalls and safety campaigns: There have been recalls on Accords from this era (as with most vehicles); verify that any open campaigns have been addressed.
- Fuel economy vs. performance: The four-cylinder offers good efficiency, but the V6 delivers more power at the cost of higher fuel use.
Overall, a well-maintained 2010 Accord can deliver dependable ownership, but the price of admission is ensuring a comprehensive inspection and a clean maintenance record to mitigate the typical aging-related risks.
Buying a used 2010 Accord: what to check
Before committing to a purchase, use this checklist to evaluate a used 2010 Accord and avoid common pitfalls.
- Review maintenance records: look for regular oil changes, timing-chain service history (the 2010 Accord uses a timing chain, not a belt), and component replacements.
- Inspect for leaks and engine wear: check for oil or coolant leaks, unusual engine noises, and compression if feasible.
- Test the transmission: ensure smooth shifting in both automatic and manual versions; avoid any slipping, harsh shifts, or hard engagement.
- Assess brakes and suspension: examine the condition of pads, rotors, tires, shocks, and worn joints; a test drive over varying surfaces helps reveal issues.
- Evaluate electronics and comfort features: verify HVAC, power accessories, Bluetooth infotainment, navigation (if equipped), and warning lights.
- Check recalls and campaigns: confirm that open recalls have been completed through NHTSA or the dealership records.
- Inspect the exterior and undercarriage: look for rust, paint mismatches, and damage that could indicate past accidents or corrosion.
- Have a professional inspection: a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic can uncover hidden problems.
By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of finding a reliable 2010 Accord and budgeting appropriately for maintenance.
Summary
In summary, the 2010 Honda Accord is a solid year to consider if you want a dependable, comfortable, and value-strong used sedan. Its strengths—reliability, spacious interior, and strong resale—make it appealing, especially when you prioritize a clean maintenance history. Keep in mind the usual age-related upkeep and conduct a thorough inspection to ensure you avoid common wear-and-tear costs. If you’re seeking newer tech or the latest safety features, you may prefer a later model year, but a well-kept 2010 Accord remains a sensible and capable choice in today’s market.
Is the 2010 Honda reliable?
Among the 2049 owners who provided feedback on the 2010 Honda Civic for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 85% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and styling to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest.
What is the most reliable year for the used Honda Accord?
The 2008-2012 models, or the 8th generation of the Honda Accord, are widely considered some of the best used Honda Accord models available. These vehicles are known for their reliability, comfortable ride, and solid performance.
How reliable is the 2010 Honda Accord?
The 2010 Honda Accord is generally considered a reliable car with a high owner satisfaction rating of around 85%. It consistently ranks well for reliability due to its low frequency of severe repairs, though some common issues include oil consumption in the V6 engine, VTC rattle in the 4-cylinder models, and climate control or suspension problems.
Positive aspects
- High reliability ratings: Multiple sources give the 2010 Accord a high reliability rating, with some ranking it first or near the top for its class.
- Low repair costs: The average annual repair cost is low, and the severity and frequency of repairs are below average for other vehicles, say RepairPal.
- Strong owner satisfaction: The majority of owners (85%) recommend the vehicle, citing reliability and style as its strongest points.
- Longevity: Accords are known for their longevity, with a potential lifespan of 200,000-300,000 miles, notes CoPilot for Car Shopping.
Common issues to be aware of
- Oil consumption: The 3.5L V6 engine can consume oil, particularly when its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is active.
- VTC rattle: Some 4-cylinder models experience a Variable Timing Control (VTC) rattle on cold starts.
- Climate control: Owners have reported issues with components like the AC compressor, blower motor, and evaporator.
- Suspension: Problems with shocks, struts, ball joints, and tie rods have been noted.
- Recalls: The vehicle has had several recalls, including a recall for a potential electrical wire harness issue that could cause the engine to stall, according to Honda Newsroom.
This video reviews the 2010 Honda Accord Coupe, focusing on its engine and reliability: 57sTheAuto101YouTube · Aug 25, 2023
What to do before buying
- Check maintenance history: Look for a vehicle with a consistent maintenance history, especially with regard to oil changes.
- Inspect for recalls: See if all open recalls have been addressed.
- Perform a pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car to identify any potential issues, particularly those related to the V6 engine, climate control, and suspension.
You can watch this video to see a test drive of a 2010 Honda Accord LX: 58sDirect Auto OutletYouTube · Jun 1, 2025
What is the recall on the 2010 Honda Accord engine?
Honda will recall 2,277 model year 2010 Accord 4-cylinder and CR-V vehicles in the U.S. to replace an electrical wire harness coupler in the engine compartment. The wire harness coupler could have been damaged during vehicle assembly, which can lead to engine stalling over time.
