2009 Honda Accord 2.2L Diesel · AM58 TXR

The 2009 Honda Accord presents a pattern of recurring mechanical advisories spanning four years of regular MOT testing, beginning with a failed test in September 2021 involving both front and rear upper suspension arm failures and a binding rear service brake. Subsequent attempts to clear the roadworthiness certificate were inconsistent, with another failure in October 2021 before passing again in early 2022, followed by further setbacks including a parking brake efficiency failure and additional suspension concerns in late 2023 and 2024. The most recent test on 27 November 2025 showed partial improvement with clearance from steering rack play and front suspension arm issues, yet retained advisories for front brake disc condition, front brake pad thickness, rear lower suspension arm wear, and minor windshield damage. This trajectory indicates persistent underlying problems rather than a straightforward recovery, suggesting ongoing maintenance challenges that have not been fully resolved despite multiple attempted repairs. At 164,034 miles on a seventeen-year-old vehicle, the annual mileage accumulation of approximately 9,650 miles falls within the expected range for a car of this age, though the gap between the 2023-10-14 pass and the subsequent 2024-10-11 pass represents a significant six-month interval with no intermediate testing. The presence of repeated steering rack inner joint play and near-limit rear tyres across three separate test cycles points to progressive wear in these systems, while the recurring front upper suspension arm ball joint failures indicate either inadequate repair quality or systemic design weaknesses in those components. The lack of continuous testing between 2023 and 2024 raises questions about whether the vehicle has been regularly serviced during periods of heavy use, and the absence of any new failures since mid-2024 suggests that critical components may be degrading slowly rather than failing catastrophically. Buyers should focus intensively on the front and rear upper suspension arm assemblies, as the repeated ball joint failures in 2021, 2023, and 2024 suggest potential for continued movement or complete loss of support function under load. When test driving, pay particular attention to how the car handles bumps through corners—the steering rack inner joint play often manifests as vague steering feedback or a slight pulling sensation when turning. The front brake disc condition flagged in 2025 requires checking for any audible knocking noises or a feeling of reduced braking firmness when applying the front brakes, especially under moderate pressure. Additionally, inspect the rear lower suspension arm for visible wear patterns or excessive looseness when the vehicle is in motion, as a compromised arm can allow the rear axle to shift unexpectedly during hard braking or cornering. The parking brake efficiency failure from 2024 demands verification of free play at the parking lever and ensuring the brake pads remain intact and properly seated, as a weak parking system compromises safety even if other functions are adequate. The corrosion advisory noted in 2024 and 2025 indicates rust has affected the vehicle structure, though the report confirms structural rigidity remains largely intact. While this does not immediately threaten safety, prolonged exposure to road salt or wet conditions can accelerate deterioration of subframe mounting points and bodywork seams, potentially leading to localized flexing or alignment issues over time. Given the history of steering and suspension component failures, it is prudent to request a detailed inspection of the subframe bolting pattern and check for any signs of rust penetration around wheel arches and door sills. If the seller has documented repair receipts for the suspension components, verify their authenticity and ensure they were performed by qualified technicians using correct torque specifications. Finally, confirm that the windshield damage identified in multiple tests has been professionally repaired with proper glazing materials, as cracked or misaligned glass can compromise visibility and introduce vibration at speed, particularly given the reported steering play that could compound the effect.