The 2019 Honda Accord is about as close to a safe bet as you’ll find in the used car market. It’s practical, refined, genuinely fun to drive in the right trim, and it holds up well over time. If you want a midsize sedan that doesn’t make you nervous every time a repair bill shows up, this is the kind of car that earns its reputation.
That said, “generally reliable” doesn’t mean problem-free. There are real issues to know about before you hand over your money. This review covers exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and whether the 2019 Honda Accord is worth buying right now.
Reliability and Common Issues
RepairPal gives the accord a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranking it among the top midsize sedans on the market. Consumer Reports also rates the 2019 model well overall, though a few problem areas stand out in owner feedback.
The 1.5T engine has a known oil dilution issue. Gasoline can find its way into the engine oil in colder climates, particularly during short trips where the engine doesn’t fully warm up. This was a known problem across the 10th-gen accord lineup. If the car you’re looking at has the 1.5-liter turbo engine and has spent most of its life in a cold-weather state, ask about oil change intervals and get an inspection done.
The 2.0T engine, found in the accord Sport 2.0T, Touring, and EX-L 2.0T trims, is widely considered the stronger choice. The 2.0T produces 252 horsepower and pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s a more powerful, more enjoyable powertrain, and owners report fewer of the oil-related headaches that show up with the 1.5T. If you can find a 2.0T-equipped accord in your budget, it’s worth the slight price premium.
There’s also chatter in owner communities about head gasket failures in 10th-generation accords, though this appears more common in higher-mileage examples. It’s something to be aware of, not necessarily alarmed about at reasonable mileages, but it underscores the value of a pre-purchase inspection.
On the infotainment side, some owners report the Honda Sensing suite triggering false alerts, and Bluetooth connectivity can be finicky. These are more annoyances than deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing about going in.
The 2019 Honda Accord has five recalls on record. You can verify current recall status using the NHTSA recalls database by entering the VIN. Make sure any open recalls have been addressed before you buy.
What to Inspect Before You Buy
Get an independent mechanic to inspect any accord before you commit. A $100 to $150 pre-purchase inspection can save you from a very expensive surprise, and it gives you real leverage if you want to negotiate the price down.
Here’s what to specifically look at with the 2019 accord:
- Engine oil condition: Pull the dipstick and look. If the oil smells like fuel or appears unusually full, the 1.5T oil dilution problem may be present. Don’t skip this step.
- Transmission behavior on the 2.0T: The 10-speed automatic in the 2.0T accord is smooth when it’s healthy. Test it on the highway. Hesitation, harsh shifts, or hunting between gears are red flags.
- Honda Sensing cameras and radar: These live behind the windshield and front grille. Check that the camera lens is clean and undamaged, and verify the sensors aren’t showing warning lights during your test drive.
- Underbody rust: The accord isn’t especially rust-prone, but any car from a northern state or province deserves a look underneath. Check the subframe and brake lines.
- Tire wear patterns: Uneven wear, especially on the inside edges, can point to suspension or alignment issues. These aren’t catastrophic fixes but they add up fast.
Run the VIN through our free VIN lookup tool before you even set foot on a lot. You’ll see accident history, title flags, and whether the car was ever used as a rental or fleet vehicle. Takes two minutes and can save you from a car with a hidden past.
Fair Price Range
What you’ll pay for a 2019 accord depends a lot on trim level and mileage, but you can expect a clear gap between the 1.5T and 2.0T variants.
A base LX or Sport 1.5T with average mileage typically lands in a noticeably lower range than a fully loaded Touring 2.0T. The accord sport trim is a sweet spot for a lot of buyers because it adds the sporty exterior, larger wheels, and a more engaging feel without jumping to the top-tier price of the Touring.
The accord sport 2.0T is one of the most sought-after configurations you’ll find, and pricing reflects that. If you find one at a price that seems too good, dig into the history carefully. There’s usually a reason.
Fuel economy is decent for a car this size. The 1.5T accord typically returns around 30 mpg combined, while the 2.0T drops slightly, closer to 26 mpg combined according to EPA fuel economy data. Factor that into your long-term cost picture, especially if you drive a lot of city miles.
Use our car loan calculator to figure out what your monthly payment looks like before you sit down with a dealer. Knowing your number going in keeps the conversation on your terms.
Is the 2019 Honda Accord Worth Buying Used?
Yes, for most buyers, it absolutely is. The 2019 Honda Accord gets a lot right: the interior is genuinely upscale for a mainstream sedan, the driving feel is polished, the back seat has real legroom, and the trunk is huge. It competes directly with the Toyota Camry, and depending on what you value, many drivers prefer the accord’s sharper handling and more driver-focused feel.
The turbo engines give the accord a performance edge that you don’t typically get from the segment. The 2.0T in particular makes this feel more like a driver’s car than a generic commuter. If that matters to you, it’s a big differentiator.
For commuters, families, or anyone who wants a reliable car that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the 2019 accord is genuinely one of the best car choices in its class at this price point. Even the accord sport trims offer an impressive package for the money.
Who should look elsewhere? If you’re buying in a very cold climate and you’re set on the 1.5T, just be extra diligent about the oil dilution history. And if you’re looking for a pure budget play with the lowest possible ownership costs, a higher-mileage accord still needs the same inspection diligence as any other used car.
The Toyota comparison is fair but the accord holds its own. It drives better, the trims are more interesting, and the 2.0T has no real equivalent in the Camry lineup at this price point.
Before you commit to any Honda Accord, pull its history. Run a free VIN check on this Accord to see reported accidents, title issues, and ownership history.
The 2019 accord is the kind of car you can buy with confidence if you do your homework. Inspect it properly, check for open recalls, verify the VIN history, and have an independent mechanic look it over. Do those things and you’re in a strong position to get a car that’ll serve you well for years.
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