Honda stopped production of the Honda Accord Hybrid in late 2007 and only 25,000 units were sold in North America. However, the model does appear to have several known problems, including a droning noise and hybrid battery problems.
The Honda Accord Hybrid was the first V-6-powered hybrid vehicle, and Honda's third hybrid model, when it was introduced in December 2004, as a 2005 model. It included Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, which was used in the Insight and Civic Hybrid, and mileage was reported to be 28 to 35 miles per gallon. The Honda Accord Hybrid was discontinued in 2007 amid soft sales.
Many drivers of the Honda Accord Hybrid reported a "droning" or bass-like noise issue. While the noise did not usually impact the operation of the car, the sound was highly annoying and distracting. Finally, Honda issued a service bulletin (TSB-05-006) that stated that the noise was due to a failure of the Active Noise Canceling (ANC) system and owners could have the problem repaired at no charge.
The Honda Accord Hybrid has an engine that can quickly switch from V-6 operation to V-3, which saves on gas. To prevent excessive shaking during the switchover, Honda used specially designed engine mounts to maintain the car's smooth ride. However, the engine mounts may need to be replaced at 85,000 miles and replacing all three engine mounts can cost $2,000.
Honda hybrids use a technology called Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), which regulates the ratio of gas power to electric/battery power. While these batteries have an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty, many batteries need replacing at 145,000. A new hybrid battery can cost $4,500, while a rebuilt battery can run $2,500, and there are services who rebuild hybrid batteries beginning at $1,200. Many owners were upset, as Honda Sales Representatives originally told buyers at the time of purchase that batteries cost about $1,000 to replace.
In the Honda Accord Hybrid, transmissions are warrantied up to 100,000. However, many automatic transmissions need to be replaced or repaired at 125,000. Replacing the transmission can run upwards of $3,000.
