What is Causing These Reported Brake Problems

A front-wheel drive car, like the Accord, will normally have rear brake pads that wear down at a ratio of 2-to-1 compared to the front pads. So when a large cross-section of 2008–2009 Accord owners began reporting worn rear brake pads in as few as 12k miles, clearly something with the braking system was defective.

One theory is that with the last major Accord model redesign in 2008, Honda switched to brake pads that were too small for the heavy Accord. Another theory is Honda switched to using a softer pad material to keep rotor wear down, & also used organic brake pads to minimize brake dust.

The 2008 & newer Honda Accord uses a new "Electronic Brake Distribution" or EBD system. While EBD makes braking safer, the Accord's new braking system is partly to blame for the premature brake wear.

Update: Honda Settles Class Action Law Suit Over Premature Brake Wear

A class-action lawsuit was filed against Honda in September 2009 seeking restitution for 750,000 late model Accord and Acura TSX owners. The suit described a design defect in Honda's new Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system which leads to excessive force on the rear brake pads, which results in a vastly reduced lifespan of the pads from 70,000 miles to under 20,000 miles!

The suit claims that the average total cost to fix is about $150, but if the rotors were damaged (a likely scenario), the price can spike all the way to $650 or more.

Honda has agreed to settle the suit without actually admitting a defect exists, or admiting responsibility or any wrongdoing. However Honda has agreed to provide cash to affected Accord owners. If the settlement gains final approval by the US court, it will allow owners and lessees of the Class Vehicles to submit claims for cash reimbursement for two types of repairs:

• Improved Rear Brake Pads / EBD Adjustment: Owners and lessees can pay to have newly redesigned Honda brake pads installed & also dealers can make adjustments to the EBD system. Owners will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket costs for this work up to $150.
• Previous Rear Brake Repairs: Owners and lessees will also be able to claim reimbursements for money they spent purchasing or installing rear brake pads, regardless of whether the brake pads were Honda/Acura or aftermarket. Reimbursements for prior rear brake pad replacements will be 50% of the repair costs, or up to $125 per repair, whichever is less. There is no limit on the number of rear brake repairs that can be claimed.

The settlement was given final court approval on July 26th, 2010.

Additional Resources

• AccordSettlement.com - the official court settlement info website
• Honda Accord & Acura TSX Rear Brake Class Action - information from Girard Gibbs LLP

How Much Will it Cost Me?

1. News Pads and Rotors at 26k 2008 Honda Accord
2. Damaged Rotors From Faulty Rear Pads 2008 Honda Accord

Owners who have already needed brake replacements will reportedly receive only one half of the cost of repairs, up to a maximum of $125. Other owners will receive $150 towards the cost of a set of new rear brake pads that Honda says will last longer than the units being replaced. Honda has dished out about $2 million dollars to the law firm handling the case and could in total pay up to well over $100 million if all affected owners receive new brakes.

Save money by ordering the parts yourself through our affiliate Auto Parts Warehouse! Have the product shipped for free and then bring it in for installation.

Other Action You Can Take

This step is crucial. Don't just complain on forums; The sites below actually manage your complaint in ways that allow useful statistics and they report dangerous trends to the authorities. Law firms often contact these sites for help with Class Action lawsuits. Make sure to file your complaint on all three sites, we can't stress that enough.

1. File your complaint at CarComplaints.com
2. Submit your complaint to the Center for Auto Safety
3. Report a safety concern with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Testimonials From Accord Owners

“Told that needed rear brake pads replaced due to grinding sound. Front pads still had 70% life left. Never had rear pads wear out before front ones. Usually changed front pads twice before rear ones. Have owned GM, Ford, and Chrysler cars in the past. Was insulted by Honda with their offer to change pads, have me pay for the work and then if the class action suit is approved will reimburse me a max of 150 dollars which does not cover the total cost of repair.”

TGeist, Fort Meyers, FL

“I was aware of premature rear brake wear from this forum, so when I took my car in to have the tires rotated, I had the dealer check the brakes. Both front brakes were at 9mm and the rear were both at 4mm. They told me I'd probably make it to 22K before needing them replaced, which was supposed to make me feel better, I guess.”

Steve S, St. Louis, MO