Serious design flaw -09 accord

[mike0094]

The 8th gen accord i think it is (the newest gen) has got major design flaws with regards to the front headrests/seats, we bought the 40th ann model after a rewarding test drive, but surely i cant be alone with this problem..i mean the forward angle of the headrest is so redicuous it amazes me to think someone actaully approved it, it drives into the back of your head without you even leaning back, like wtf?? giving you unbearably neck pain almost instantly, it cant be adjusted or anything. Ive looked up on the issue and apparantley there are ALOT of complaints/problems with the design on american hondas. Its gotten to be such a nuisance we actaully removed the headrest and replaced it with the one in my sons 94 accord, thankfully it kind of fits, to have to do something like that to a brand new car is just pathetic. The car isnt great in other areas either. Far out we really regret buying it i mean guys if ur actaully considering buying it make sure u sit in it for a while first and see how your neck reacts

[Troy]

Sounds interesting, have you taken any pictures to show the difference? I'd be interested to see them.

What other issues do you have with the car? You complain about it but don't elaborate at all.

[NileshP]

Sounds interesting, have you taken any pictures to show the difference? I'd be interested to see them.

What other issues do you have with the car? You complain about it but don't elaborate at all.

For me its the following.

1. Premature brake pad wear - Honda tells you that there is an audible beep when the pads are near 80% worn. I didn't hear anything and my brake pads eroded completely and scratched the rotors at around 35,000KMs. Dealer charged me $320 for new pads and machining. Heard they have introduced a new set of pads from 2009 but the CS duds at Honda Australia are unable to confirm or deny this. Instead, they directed me to the dealers, one of whom doesn't even know that 2008 Accord is Gen 8.

2. Loss of ventilation in the cabin. Air flow becomes so weak and I suspect the cheap plastic being used. They use some kinda computer and told me its all good. You will suffocate to death if you decide not to use air conditioning when the temperature is in early 20s. If you use air conditioning, you need to set the dials on highest possible setting to get any cool air.
Affects fuel economy but I guess this is Honda "quality"

I don't know what else I would discover as this car gets older.

[bono]

Hi. I also got the same model you mentioned.

I have experienced the same problem with the headrest when for some reason it was pushed way far forward. When my mother jumped into the front passenger seat she immediatley complained to me how damn uncomfortable it was. I had to pull over to see what the problem was as the driver's was ok. It took alot of mucking around and a little force to get it back to its original comfortable position. I had to jerk the headrest futher forward with one hand and at the same time push the centre backrest back the other way with the other hand (hope this makes sense). The headrest will spring back to a much more comfortable position. If it doesn't work the first time, try it a few more times and eventually it will work. Let me know how you go. Cheers

[mike0094]

Sounds interesting, have you taken any pictures to show the difference? I'd be interested to see them.

What other issues do you have with the car? You complain about it but don't elaborate at all.

i might take some photos and post them soon, even looking at online photos of the accord's seat shows you how far forward its angled. Its because of the head restraint thing thats supposed to eliminate potential whiplash in an accident, its just a lousy design that compromises comfort over safety. Well im not going to elaborate on all but the seat sucks, i hardly see the need for a 5th gear, once the cars in 5th it shudders alot, the air con is only average on full fan, the speedo dials/lights are boring in 1 word, fuel economy is meh, and just wanna stress the terrible seats! ugh...again none of this was apparent in the test drive

[mike0094]

Hi. I also got the same model you mentioned.

I have experienced the same problem with the headrest when for some reason it was pushed way far forward. When my mother jumped into the front passenger seat she immediatley complained to me how damn uncomfortable it was. I had to pull over to see what the problem was as the driver's was ok. It took alot of mucking around and a little force to get it back to its original comfortable position. I had to jerk the headrest futher forward with one hand and at the same time push the centre backrest back the other way with the other hand (hope this makes sense). The headrest will spring back to a much more comfortable position. If it doesn't work the first time, try it a few more times and eventually it will work. Let me know how you go. Cheers

ive tried doing everything, its still terrible

[lefty]

my wife and I have no problems at all with the headrests, even on a 3 hour country drive

[Troy]

Thanks for the heads up then, hopefully someone reads it and is able to have a few extra "test drives" before making a decision to purchase or not.

[UNLS1]

anti whiplash headrests

[hisoka]

my accord euro and my freinds accord euro botth 2007 models have the pathetic aircon aswell. unless its cold outside, the aircon does jack shit.

car is 07 model and have just done the 20 k service.

[Shpox]

I've got the 40th Anniversary. Can't complain about the comfort of the seats or headrest. They sometimes feel a bit unsupportive but they're fine for me. Agree with ventilation. On a 20C day, the car will heat up very quickly. I think that's pretty subjective tough and depends on your cars paint finish aswell. Other than being on the louder side, I find the aircon pretty good.

Have heard and researched the break pad wear issue (check previous posts) and suspect all customers are subject to this. My brakes make an audible squeak at 6000km already. Cases in Australia aren't really reported anywhere with most buyers just bearing the grunt. I can't say until my Accord reaches that distance. I also do wish to comment on the dealers involved, locally anyway. The one where I purchased my Accord from refers me to the service center for most basic of inquiries I have about the car.

[snajper]

I had the same issue with headrests but now they are very comfortable. Because they are active headrests they get stuck to much towards the front and it is impossible to drive.
Push the headrest forward and make sure it goes all the way back by itself. (Compare it to the front passanger seat).
If it doesn't you have do the following(do not use too much force):
1)Sit in rear
2) push the headrest forward and keep pressing middle rear section of front seat (there is like a latch inside the seat that will allow the headrest to move back to its original position.


Good luck.