2008-2012 Honda Accord: Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule for 2008-2012 Honda Accord

Important data note

• Based on the data provided above, there are no owner complaints listed for this make/model/year/issue combination, and there are no recalls found in the NHTSA database for this make/model. If you own one of these Accords, use this as a practical guide, but always cross-check with your owner's manual and local Honda dealer guidance for any model-year–specific notes.
• This guide uses general automotive maintenance knowledge and common Honda practices (e.g., Maintenance Minder guidance, typical intervals). Actual service intervals may vary by engine type (2.4L 4-cyl vs. 3.5L V6), transmission type, driving conditions, and your maintenance history.
• All cost figures are rough 2025 estimates for typical shop pricing and should be treated as ballpark figures. Labor rates vary by region and shop; parts quality (OEM vs aftermarket) also affects price.

Who this schedule is for

• Honda Accord model years 2008–2012 (Seventh generation) with either the 2.4L four-cylinder or 3.5L V6 engine, and either automatic or manual transmissions.
• It is written to be useful for daily drivers, commuters, and family cars that see normal, mixed driving. If you operate under harsh conditions (heavy towing, extreme heat/c cold, dusty environments, lots of short trips, or frequent stop-and-go city driving), consider more frequent service according to “Severe Driving Conditions” guidance below.

How to use this schedule

• Honda’s maintenance minder (if equipped) will remind you about many of these services. When in doubt, refer to the owner’s manual and the service reminder (or ask your dealer) for exact intervals for your specific vehicle configuration.
• The intervals below are guidance for “normal driving.” For “severe driving conditions,” shorten intervals (e.g., oil changes every 3,750 miles/6 months, fluids more frequently).

Maintenance schedule overview (normal driving)

Oil and filters

• Frequency: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving; every 3,750 miles or 6 months if you drive under severe conditions (hot/cold climate, dusty conditions, frequent short trips, towing, or taxi/ride-share use).
• What to do: Replace engine oil with the recommended viscosity and a new oil filter; reset or acknowledge the maintenance minder.
• Cost (2025): Oil change with synthetic or synthetic blend typically $60–$100 if done at a shop (oil and filter included). At a big-box or quick-lube, expect $40–$70 if using conventional oil, higher if synthetic $70–$110.

Air and cabin filters

• Engine air filter
  • Frequency: Every 30,000 miles under normal conditions; sooner in dusty or dirty environments.
  • What to do: Replace engine air filter.
  • Cost (2025): $15–$40 for parts; labor typically $0–$40 if DIY; $50–$100 at a shop if including disposal.
• Cabin air filter
  • Frequency: Every 15,000–25,000 miles, or when you notice reduced airflow or odor.
  • What to do: Replace cabin air filter (also called "HVAC" filter).
  • Cost (2025): $20–$60 for parts; labor optional if you DIY; $0–$100 at a shop depending on accessibility.

Tire maintenance

• Frequency: Rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles or as recommended by the tire dealer.
• What to do: Rotate tires (and check tread depth, wear, and balancing as needed); check tire pressures monthly.
• Cost (2025): Tire rotation typically $15–$40 per axle at a shop; DIY is often free if you own the tools.

Brake system

• Frequency/when to inspect: At least at every oil change interval or every 5,000–7,500 miles; full inspection at 20,000–30,000 miles intervals or if you notice a change in braking feel.
• What to do: Inspect pads, rotors, and brake lines; replace pads as needed; rotors resurfacing or replacement as needed.
• Cost (2025): Pad replacement per axle often $150–$300 (parts and labor). Rotor resurfacing adds $20–$60 per rotor or replacement $200–$400 per axle.

Fluid checks and maintenance

• Transmission fluid (automatic)
  • Frequency: Change around 60,000 miles under normal driving; some recommend 60k–100k with inspection of level and condition in between.
  • What to do: Replace transmission fluid with the correct type; refill to proper level.
  • Cost (2025): $150–$250 depending on vehicle and shop; DIY kit may reduce cost.
• Coolant (antifreeze)
  • Frequency: Check level and condition regularly; coolant flush typically around 100,000 miles or every 5 years, whichever comes first (some owners do around 60k–100k as part of a major service).
  • What to do: Flush and replace with the recommended Honda coolant.
  • Cost (2025): $100–$200 for a flush and replacement at a shop.
• Brake fluid
  • Frequency: Replace every 2 years (typical for most vehicles, including Hondas).
  • What to do: Flush and replace brake fluid as needed.
  • Cost (2025): $60–$100 at a shop.

Spark plugs

• Frequency: For most 2008–2012 Accords, spark plugs generally require replacement around 100,000 miles (more frequently if you have harsh driving conditions or if the vehicle shows signs of misfire, rough idle, or reduced performance).
• What to do: Replace spark plugs; if the vehicle has a V6, it might be a bit more labor-intensive (higher cost).
• Cost (2025): $150–$350 for a 4-cylinder; $250–$500 or more for a 3.5L V6 depending on labor and parts.

Serpentine belt and drive belts

• Frequency: Inspect at every major service; replace typically around 60,000–90,000 miles if signs of wear show or per vehicle specifics; some vehicles may require longer life belts.
• What to do: Inspect belt for cracking, glazing, or fraying; replace if worn or near the wear limit.
• Cost (2025): $80–$150 for belt replacement, plus labor.

Battery and charging system

• Frequency: Inspect yearly; replace as needed (typical life 3–5 years in most climates).
• Cost (2025): $100–$200 for a battery, depending on type and size; installation included by some shops.

Seasonal and other practical checks

• Winter readiness: Check battery health, antifreeze level, tire tread depth, and tire pressure; ensure the heater and defroster are working.
• Summer readiness: Check AC performance, coolant level, and tire condition; ensure cooling system is functioning well.
• Wiper blades: Replace as needed, typically every 6–12 months depending on weather and use.
• Lights and signals: Regularly verify all exterior and interior lights.

Major service milestones (typical milestones and what they commonly include)

60,000 miles service (normal driving)

• Transmission fluid change (if you have an automatic)
• Coolant inspection and top-off or flush if due
• Brake fluid check or flush if due
• Brake pad/shoe inspection; pad replacement if needed
• Inspect belts, hoses, battery, and charging system
• Tire rotation and alignment check

100,000 miles service

• Spark plugs replacement (4-cylinder around 100k; V6 around 105k)
• Transmission fluid replacement (if not already done at 60k)
• Coolant flush or chemistry check
• Inspect drive belts and replace if needed
• Inspect water pump and related cooling system components
• Brake system inspection and service as needed

150,000 miles and beyond

• Inspect timing chain tensioner and related chain wear (Note: the 2008–2012 Accord uses a timing chain, not a timing belt; major chain wear checks are part of long-term maintenance)
• Replace belts and hoses as needed
• Reassess suspension components (struts/shocks, bushings) for wear
• Battery health and charging system check

Engine and transmission specifics (what to know for these model years)

• Timing: These Accords use timing chains (not belts) for both the 2.4L and 3.5L engines. This means no routine timing belt replacement is required, but chain guidance and tensioner wear should be considered during major service intervals.
• Fluids: Hondas in this era typically use Honda-approved fluids (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant). Use the recommended viscosity and type per your owner's manual.
• Maintenance Minder: The car’s onboard maintenance minder (if equipped) helps tailor interval estimates to your actual driving style and conditions. Follow its prompts when they appear.

Cost guidance summary (2025 estimates)

• Oil change (synthetic or synthetic blend, with filter): $60–$100
• Engine air filter: $15–$40 (parts); $0–$40 labor if DIY
• Cabin air filter: $20–$60 (parts); $0–$60 labor
• Tire rotation: $15–$40
• Brake pads (per axle, installed): $150–$300
• Rotors (per axle, if rotors replaced): $200–$400
• Transmission fluid change (auto): $150–$250
• Coolant flush/replacement: $100–$200
• Brake fluid flush: $60–$100
• Spark plugs (4-cylinder): $150–$350
• Spark plugs (V6): $250–$500
• Serpentine belt: $80–$150
• Battery: $100–$200
• Alignment check/adjustment: $75–$150
• Major service (60k, 100k milestones) including several items listed above: typically $300–$800 depending on scope and engine type

How to plan for a typical year (example)

• Annual check: Inspect belts, hoses, battery, brakes, fluids; check tire condition and pressure; top off fluids.
• Every 7,500 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, system checks.
• 15–30k miles: Replace cabin air filter around 15k; engine air filter around 30k; inspect brakes and suspension; address any abnormal wear.
• 60k miles: Schedule transmission fluid change, coolant inspection, brake fluid check or flush, inspect belts and hoses.
• 100k miles: Spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service if not already done, coolant flush if due, and general inspection.
• 120k–150k miles: Inspect drive belts, water pump, engine mounts, suspension components; plan for component wear and possible replacement.

DIY vs. professional service

• Simple tasks you can do yourself (if you have tools and skills): oil and filter changes, cabin air filter replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation (with proper equipment), basic fluid top-offs (coolant, windshield washer), battery terminal cleaning.
• Tasks that benefit from a shop: transmission fluid changes, brake service (pads/rotors), major coolant work, timing chain tensioner inspection (if noise or symptoms arise), spark plug replacement (especially on V6), serpentine belt replacement, alignment.

Data limitations and transparency

• The provided data indicates no listed recalls or owner complaints for this specific model/year in the given dataset. That means this maintenance guide does not rely on recall or complaint data and focuses on general maintenance best practices for reliability and longevity.
• Real-world issues can vary by vehicle condition, maintenance history, climate, and driving style. Always verify with your manual and a trusted mechanic if you notice unusual symptoms (misfiring, rough idling, overheating, fluid leaks, unusual noises, or warning lights).

Final notes

• A well-maintained Honda Accord from 2008–2012 can deliver many miles of dependable service with a disciplined maintenance routine. Following the intervals above (adjusted to your manual and Maintenance Minder prompts) will help protect engine health, transmission life, brakes, and overall reliability.
• If you’d like, I can tailor the schedule to your exact engine (2.4L vs 3.5L) and transmission type (automatic vs manual) and provide a simple year-by-year checklist with more precise tasks and updated local pricing estimates.