IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2001 Honda Accord Mk6

By 2001, the Mk6 Accord was well into its lifecycle and corrosion was becoming the defining concern for surviving examples. Mechanically the cars remained strong but bodywork needed careful inspection.

What changed for 2001

  • •Corrosion now the primary concern on 3+ year old cars
  • •Parts availability still excellent through Honda UK
  • •Insurance groups remained competitive for the class

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Structural corrosion around rear arches now common
  • !Sill end rust becoming apparent on poorly garaged cars
  • !Floor edge deterioration requiring welding attention
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Arch, Sill and Floor Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Rust around the rear arches, sill ends and floor edges is the defining UK problem on surviving Mk6 Accords, and welding costs can quickly exceed the value of average cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,800
Warning Signs:

Bubbling paint on rear arches, Crusty sill seams, Historic MOT corrosion advisories

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the jacking points and inner sills
  • Look inside the rear wheel arches for fresh underseal hiding repairs
  • Read the MOT history for structural corrosion notes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front Suspension Bush and Ball Joint Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The Accord’s front suspension usually stays quiet for years, but ageing bushes and lower ball joints eventually cause knocks, vague steering and uneven tyre wear.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£600
Warning Signs:

Clonk over potholes, Vague steering, Inner-edge front tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Drive on broken surfaces with the radio off
  • Check for split bushes and joint play during the underside inspection
  • Look for uneven wear across the front tyres
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air-Conditioning Condenser or Compressor Failure

ModerateCooling System

Older Accords often lose air-conditioning performance because the front condenser corrodes or the compressor clutch wears out.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£700
Warning Signs:

Air conditioning blows warm, Compressor clicks but no cold air, System loses gas after a regas

What to Inspect:
  • Run the climate control until the cabin should be fully cold
  • Inspect the condenser for oily staining or heavy corrosion
  • Listen for noisy compressor operation at idle
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2001 Honda Accord Mk6

  • Inspect the rear arches, sills and floor edges thoroughly because corrosion is what usually kills a Mk6 Accord.
  • Listen for front suspension knocks over rough roads and budget for bushes or ball joints on original cars.
  • Test the air conditioning properly; condenser and compressor issues are common enough on older examples.
1999–20002002
Check a 2001 Honda Accord Mk6 by Registration