2009 Honda Accord: excessive oil consumption

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Engine · CT

Component/System: Engine – piston ring failure; oil control issue related to VCM system. Available for inspection: Yes. My 2009 Honda Accord EX-L V6 (J35Z2 engine with VCM) has developed repeated misfires due to oil entering the combustion chamber, consistent with Honda TSB 13-078. It began around 96,000 miles with cylinder #3 fouling. At 121,000 miles, cylinder #2 also misfired. A Honda dealer confirmed the issue as piston ring failure, and oil loss was measured at ~1.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. The issue causes sudden power loss, rough running, and hesitation, especially during highway driving or acceleration. This creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions or inability to safely merge. The misfire occurs without warning; no warning lamps were active beforehand. Brandfon Honda confirmed the diagnosis in May 2025. Honda acknowledges the defect in TSBs and prior class action litigation (Soto v. Honda), but refuses to assist because my car is outside the 8-year extended warranty window—even though I was never notified of that warranty. I’ve maintained the car carefully and reported the issue to Honda through multiple channels. This is a known defect affecting many 2008–2012 Accords. It compromises driveability, increases oil consumption, and creates safety concerns due to unpredictable engine performance. I’m submitting this to ensure it is recorded as part of a broader pattern that may warrant further investigation.

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Engine · AZ

The engine is burning oil, about 2 quarts a month. The oil level consistently runs low when checked and I have to top it off with 1 qt every 2 weeks. There is no leaking under the car so the mechanic said the engine is burning the oil and I would need to replace the whole engine!. The cost of replacing the engine is more than the car is worth. I just bought it a year ago and thought Hondas were more reliable than this. The mechanic said Honda had some issues with the "rings" and tp check this website for a recall. I do not see a recall but if many other similar cars have the same problem there should be a recall that Honda should fix.

Filed May 8, 2023 · Engine · PA

Burns oil due to bad piston rings. They are notorious for it and everyone that has a 8th generation Honda Accord (2008-2012) knows this is one of the biggest problems with the vehicle.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Engine · IL

I took my Honda in regarding a rattling noise coming from the engine while driving. It has become more noticeable in the cold and during acceleration. After taking it to the dealer I was told the engine is burning oil. Keep in mind my 2009 Honda Accord has 42k miles on it and is regularly maintained. I was told there is a large amount of carbon build up and it would require a number of this needing repair. Piston Rings, Actuator, Timing Chain, gaskets, seals and the list goes on. The alternative was bring the car in every 3k miles for oil changes because of this issue and monitor the oil consumption. Baffled by how this is possible with carbon build up and using premium fuel. Now I come home and search the internet and find out Honda has an issue with the 2.4 liter Engines in 2009 Honda accords. Apparently a service bulletin was issued but I was never made aware of this issue. Clearly this is a manufacture defect and there should have been a recall. The technician heard the issue and explained the engine would require this major repair or I would be forced to bring the car in for oil changes every 3k miles. The alternative was $6k in repairs total, $2k in parts to replace what they have identified as the issue. There was never any indication that the oil levels were low. And when the vehicle was brought in for oil changes they would note they would change the oil and top it off it was low but never checked why and what the underlying issue was for any lower oil levels. It's really disappointing when you follow all the maintenance protocols to find out they are hiding behind a bigger mechanical issue that can/will have escalating impact on the engine life of my vehicle.

Filed Dec 4, 2019 · Engine · 158,000 miles · IL

Oil is entering combustion chamber cause blue smoke to come out of exhaust at times. Seeing oil consumption under 1000 miles of travel at least 1qt of oil consumption.

Filed Oct 10, 2019 · Engine · 86,000 miles · CA

My car has a high oil consumption problem, which is causing rattling sound to come from the engine. I'm afraid that my engine might catch file because of excessive oil consumption. It looks like this is a known problem, and there has been a recall as well. I've been complaining about this problem to the honda dealer from past two years, but they never told me about the recall and were asking me money in the range of $3000-$4000 to fix it. Now when I know that it was part of the recall, they are saying that the car is out of warranty and I've to pay everything from my pocket. I feel the honda dealers are cheating their customers, not informing them about the potential issues, and trying to gouge them thousands of dollars for fixing their cars. We, as a consumer, do not know much about the vehicle internal workings, so have no choice but to agree to whatever they ask to charge.

Filed Mar 28, 2019 · Engine · 95,000 miles · CA

The car has excessive oil consumption (0.75 q per 1000 miles) based on a recent oil consumption test. Every 2100 miles or so the low oil warning light lit. Honda refuses to repair.

Filed Dec 30, 2018 · Engine · VA

Engine oil consumption is more and causing burning of engine oil very frequently. This is causing rattling noise when accelarating and would cause more damage to engine and can be hazardous if driving on highway.

Filed Apr 25, 2018 · Engine · 129,000 miles · WA

Oil consumption in excessive amount.

Filed Jan 22, 2018 · Engine · 170,000 miles · OH

My engine started knocking due to excessive oil consumption, even tho I changed my oil on time every time. There was a lawsuit in 2013, but honda said I didn't qualify to get my engine replaced free of charge because it was VIN # specific and state specific. Which is crap. I will never buy another honda. Quality has went way down..

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Engine, Lights · 72,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 honda accord. While driving unknown speeds, the passenger side turn signal lever failed to remain in position. Additionally, the vehicle was burning oil excessively without warning. The contact called a local dealer (mcgrath city honda, 6720 w grand ave chicago il, 60707) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Nov 5, 2017 · Engine · NC

Takata recall, excessive oil consumption, vtc actuator loud grinding on start up cold or warming