2017 Honda Accord Common Problems and Reliability Ratings
You’re looking at a used 2017 Honda Accord and wondering if it’s the smart, reliable choice everyone says it is, or if you’re walking into a world of expensive repairs.
Maybe you’ve heard stories about the transmission acting up, or perhaps you’re just trying to sort through the mixed reviews online. The 2017 Accord is widely considered one of the most reliable modern Accords. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Consumer Reports data actually shows the 2017 Accord is more reliable than other cars from the same model year .
Let’s break down what owners really experience, where the weak spots are, and whether this car is still worth your money.
TL;DR: The 2017 Accord has a 95% recommendation rate on Cars.com and a 4.9/5 reliability rating from owners . The V6 models have a torque converter warranty extension to 10 years/150,000 miles due to potential failure . The four-cylinder models are generally bulletproof, but watch for CVT hesitation, backup camera failures, oil leaks, and parking brake caliper issues. The infotainment system is a common frustration point across all trims.
Overall Reliability: What the Numbers Say
The numbers tell a pretty good story. Among 434 owners who provided feedback on Kelley Blue Book, 83% recommend the vehicle . Cars.com shows a slightly higher recommendation rate at 95%, with owners rating reliability at 4.9 out of 5 stars .
This is the final year of the 9th-generation Accord, and Honda had worked out many of the kinks from earlier models. But as with any used car, some problems are more common than others. Here’s what you need to watch for.
The Big Ticket Items
V6 Torque Converter and Transmission Issues
If you’re looking at a V6 model, pay close attention to how the transmission feels. Honda issued a warranty extension for the torque converter on certain 2017 V6 Accords to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date .
The problem: torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications, causing the lock-up clutch to lose holding force. This triggers the transmission indicator to flash “D” and sets a diagnostic trouble code (P0741) . In plain English, the transmission might feel like it’s slipping or not engaging smoothly.
Owners report other transmission quirks too. One 2017 V6 owner described “noticeable jumpy downshifting, specifically at 40, then 20 MPH” and had the transmission replaced under warranty—only to have the same problem persist . Another forum member noted that “Honda transmissions are bumpy and have little quirks,” especially on downshifts .
A 2017 V6 owner at 75,000 miles described “unsmooth acceleration” that felt like “uneven power,” with the car seeming to speed up and slow down during acceleration .
If you test drive a V6 Accord, pay attention to how it shifts. Any hesitation, bumpiness, or unusual behavior could indicate a torque converter problem—but it may still be covered under the extended warranty.
CVT Hesitation on Four-Cylinder Models
The four-cylinder models come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and it has its own set of complaints. Multiple owners report a “jerk” at low speeds in city driving. One owner noted “the cvt transmission isn’t great in city driving. Jerks at low speeds. Car doesn’t want to stop easy as there’s no downshift” .
This seems to be a characteristic of the transmission rather than a sign of impending failure, but it’s worth testing during your test drive to see if you can live with it.
Electronics and Infotainment
This is the single most common complaint across all 2017 Accord trims. Honda did a lot with the dual-screen setup, but reliability is a real issue.
Backup Camera Failures: Owners frequently report the backup camera failing. One person noted “the display is black, only shows the orange outline but nothing actually around the car” . Another owner reported “it costs about $600 to have it replaced” .
CarPlay Freezes: Apple CarPlay connectivity issues are widespread. One owner described “after 4 hrs of operation the display would freeze (both Google map & Waze). Multiple visits to Honda failed to make a repair” . Another reported “the map completely locks up or the entire screen locks, resets, or goes blank” .
Loud Static from Speakers: Some owners have experienced “a very loud static type noise (from speakers) that would not stop until vehicle was turned off” . Replacement of the audio head unit fixed it for that owner.
No Volume Knob: As one owner put it, “it’s loaded with features but there is no volume knob, it’s touchscreen and on the steering wheel. They realized this was a bad idea and put it back in the next gen Accord a year later” .
Common Mechanical Issues
Parking Brake Calipers
This is a known trouble spot. The parking brake mechanism in the caliper can seize, especially on 2.4L four-cylinder Sport models . One owner reported being unable to pass inspection due to “parking brake calipers being worn, needing replacement” at only 12,000 miles .
Oil Leaks
Several owners report oil leaks. One 2017 Sport owner from New Jersey described an engine making “grinding noise upon acceleration” and found only “a drop of oil on the dipstick” when checking . The service writer told them “that Honda cars notoriously leak oil & to keep an eye on my level by checking the dipstick monthly” .
Another owner reported a “back oil leak that cost me $2,500 to replace a gasket” at around 70,000 miles . The valve cover gasket is another common leak point that can be expensive from a dealer .
Battery Issues
Premature battery failure comes up repeatedly. One owner had a battery fail at 25,000 km (about 15,500 miles) . Another needed a new battery at 36,000 miles . The 2017 Accord seems to be a bit hard on batteries, and some owners report parasitic draws that drain the battery when the car is off .
Fuel Pump Recall
There was a recall on 2017 V6 Accords for a fuel pump issue. Particulates in fuel could adhere to internal components, reducing pump performance and potentially causing an engine stall . This recall (19V060000) affected 437,032 vehicles. Honda offered a free fix involving software updates and, if necessary, fuel pump replacement .
Check whether any recall work has been completed on any Accord you’re considering.
What Owners Love
For all the complaints, most owners are genuinely happy with their 2017 Accords. Here’s what they consistently praise:
Reliability (when it works): “It’s quick on its feet, handles well and maintains an average of 28-30 mpg in town. Would buy again” .
The V6 Engine: “The last year of the V6 provides just under 300 horsepower on regular, 87 gas. The car can pull at highway speeds to pass someone with ease… It’s a blast to drive” .
Honda Sensing: “Adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist is an absolute game changer in daily driving and takes so much stress out of even short drives” .
Practicality: Owners note the roomy interior, large trunk, and overall comfort. One owner with a Sport SE manual driving 50,000 miles per year for work says “it just goes and goes” .
Maintenance Tips for a 2017 Accord
If you buy one, here’s how to keep it running well:
- Use the correct CVT fluid (HCF-2) for four-cylinder models—using the wrong fluid can damage the transmission
- Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles (Honda DW-1 for V6 models)
- Check the oil level monthly—some owners report oil consumption
- Test the parking brake regularly to ensure it engages and releases properly
- Keep an eye on the backup camera and infotainment system during the test drive
“If you have a low mileage vehicle and have not crossed 40k yet but 2 years have passed, just change the fluid. Don’t take risk.” — Honda forum advice on CVT maintenance
The Verdict
The 2017 Honda Accord remains a solid used car buy, with strong reliability ratings and a 95% owner recommendation rate. The four-cylinder models with the CVT are generally the most reliable choice. The V6 offers more power but comes with potential transmission and torque converter issues—fortunately, many are covered by extended warranties.
The real weak point is the infotainment system. If you rely heavily on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, test it thoroughly during your test drive. Backup camera failures are also common and can be expensive to fix.
What’s your experience with the 2017 Accord? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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