This sucks, we Honda owners must take action. Okay rear brake pads wearing out faster than the front? Does this make sense you guys. I can't believe there are not thousands of complaints. Manufacture made the rears grip calipers grip harder so there is less nose dive in, to be safer? Cmon that is no excuse, if it supposed to be safer it is unnoticeable!! Why spend money developing a brake system that is unnoticeable safer! This truely does not make sense. Honda true motives is to make more money throught maintenance.

This is outrageous, rear pads should last at least 50,000 miles (ATLEAST!!!) This makes me never want to buy a Honda again. Should have bought a Nissan Altima, or ford fusion.

Over the years that I have been driving I have owned three Honda Accords without incident. My 1991 Accord was a hand me down from my parents in high school, my 1998 was a new purchase for college and recently I purchased myself a brand new 2008 Accord. No expense was spared when I purchased this car, and I even drove an hour away to get the exact make and model I wanted, this is how much I loved it. Well, the honeymoon is over and it's only 7 months in.

Three days ago a horrendous noise began coming from my rear tires, and instantly I knew it was my brake pads and rotors. The noise was unmistakable - it was metal on metal grinding, but it only happened after driving for 15 to 20 minutes. Two days went buy with the noise coming and going and on the third day it became consistent and unbearable. I began researching car complaints and recall notices on line which is where I found this wonderful forum. I cannot believe how many people are having this same problem with their car!! It is absurd.

I contacted the dealer and played the damsel in distress and told them I had no idea what was going on with the car just so I could see if they would be honest and tell me about this ongoing and consistent problem with these models, but of course, they didn't. They played just as dumb and unaware as I did! They said, "oh, it is? Well it's new, it shouldn't be doing that? We've never heard of that problem before, bring it in we'll check it out". Well, what they didn't tell me is that they still wanted to charge me a diagnostic fee. Umm...seriously?

Needless to say I took the car to a different reputable repair shop (belle tire) that didn't want to charge me just for bringing the car in. As usual, when I dropped it off at the repair shop the noise mysteriously disappeared and took two hours to resurface, but once it came back the mechanic said, "oh yeah, that's your rear brakes". That's when I was informed that my brake pads were worn down to the indicators and needed to be replaced. Luckily belle tire is much more reasonable than my local Honda dealer and "only" (I use that term lightly) cost me $149 including a free tire rotation. They also resurfaced my rotors which had not worn as prematurely as the pads. When I looked at the pads which were removed from my car I was dismayed. The outer rear brake pad had normal wear, but the inner rear pads were worn down to the nubs!

I have taken it upon myself to write letters to Honda America (customer service and complaint department) and the president/chairman of Honda America. I will be sending these letters certified as well as via fax and contacting Honda America via telephone tomorrow. Additionally, I filed a complaint at SaferCar.gov and I encourage all others to do the same.

If you have this problem keep all documentation of the problem (invoices and receipts) as well as the parts...this is very important. Your dealer or local repair shop MUST return the parts upon request and cannot keep them if you ask for them back. I hope anyone else who has this problem follows up with the necessary paperwork to complain and ensure this problem is heard (the squeaky wheel gets the oil right?).

If you need any contact information for Honda America, look a couple of complaints below mine. There is a man who posted all of the contact information for Honda America as well as the president/chairman.

Update from Jul 13, 2010: So here's a quick updated. After another year and a half and 23,000 miles or so guess what? You guessed it, my rear brake pads wore out again. Luckily for me I got smart the first time it happened and took my car to a tire/brake/car repair place (Belle Tire) that had a better warranty than the dealership. The dealership only offered a 12,000 mile/6 month warranty. Which isn't worth crap given the fact that this problem happens every 21,000 to 25,000 miles. So this time the pads were covered under the warranty and were replaced free of charge. I did end up needing new rotors since they were resurfaced last time and had worn down past where they could be resurfaced again. In total the repair cost me $120. So I figure from here on out the rear pads will remain under warranty (thank god) and I will continually get them replaced as needed and I will end up spending approximately $120 or so every other repair. This isn't "terrible" considering it could cost a lot more had I not gotten a decent warranty, but it DEFINITELY IS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR!!! Honda needs to get it together!!

I saw a previous post that said the calibers were the problem that was causing the break pads to wear, but my repair place didn't catch this or note it as a problem or issue.

I saw how many people were complaining on here of premature brake wear and so I had to chime in. I had to have my rear brake pads of my 10 month old 2008 Honda Accord replaced at 12,500 miles. This is the first Honda I have owned. Previously I had 2 Mazdas and had great experiences.

I pitched an absolute fit to basically anyone who would listen. I called the Service Department, I called my Salesman, I called the Manager of the Dealership, I called Honda. The Dealership (Service Manager, Salesman and his Manager) all told me this was "normal" wear and tear and was thus not covered under warranty. I was supposed to pay $250 out of pocket. I called Honda Customer Service and they were able to have the dealership eat the cost this one time "as a courtesy."

I still plan to send a written complaint to Honda about it. I do not want to have to replace the brakes once a year. That is ridiculous. Everyone who experiences this issue should put it in writing and send it to Honda. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

I sent this letter to Honda's CEO and several other Honda sources. I went ahead and replaced the brakes (front & rear) myself. I will keep the parts and continue to pursue this with Honda. Here is my letter sent use as needed:

Takanobu Ito
 2-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, 
 Minato-ku
Tokyo, 107-8556, Japan



Reference: Case #N012009-07-1000157 for 1HGCP26458A004289 my 2008 Accord EX-L.



Dear Sir,



I own one of your 2008 Honda Accord EX-Ls. This is my first Honda car (however, I also own a 1993 Honda ST1100) after trading in a 2007 Camry on what I thought was a well made car. Although, I am still impressed with this vehicle, I had hoped to pass it on to my young son in four years as his (not only) first car, but first Honda. 



My car has almost twenty-nine thousand miles on it and already needs rear brake pads and rear rotor refinishing per Fairfax Honda in Fairfax, Virginia. As a prudent consumer, I have recently researched this problem and quickly found hundreds with this (exact) problem. 


Today, I talked with Fernando (who was very helpful) of your American Consumer Complaint Division (800.999.1009) and created the above case. This is were Honda�s lack of acknowledgment of this problem was confirmed. Subsequently, I filed a report and comments with the American Better Business Bureau, www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm, Consumer Reports, and www.carcomplaints.com. Please note that there are many (some of which loyal) Honda customers that seem more upset than I with this problem, and Honda�s lack of concern.

This is unacceptable and this model needs a recall to address the problem. This will return confidence to your new and old customer base, and ensure historical customer satisfaction. It would be unfortunate if Honda starts to resemble the ways and products of the current failing auto manufactures.

I am open for dialogue on your actions, but not to simply restate what I already know and am experiencing.



Regards,


cc: 
Tetsuo Iwamura, President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
 156 West 56th Street, 20th Floor
 New York, NY 10019, USA


cc:
Complaints Department
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
 P. O. Box 2206 
 700 Van Ness Ave. 
 Torrance, CA 90501 



Fax: 
(310) 783-3023
 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
 Honda Automobile Customer Service
 1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7D
 Torrance, CA 90501-2746


Update from Jul 13, 2009: Sold my '07 Camry for what I thought was a better car, but here I am dealing with a brake issue (as many others are) that is not being acknowledged by Honda. I have file a complaint with BBB, Honda 800-999-1009, Consumer Reports, and Honda (of America & Japan) by mail/fax.

Update from Oct 1, 2009: To all - I see the numbers have increase significantly since I posted my comment. I am 4K into brake set number 2. After talking with the Honda Amercia customer service rep, we agreed to disagree. For those that have gotten anywhere with this company congratulations, since I have not. I plan on learning how to change the brakes myself and teaching my son as he take ownership in several years. I figure I will have to do a rear brake change every 3rd oil change, how crazu is that! In the mean time, I will make a flyer to hand out and put on all new accords I see to advertise this problem.

Update from Nov 18, 2009: UPDATE TO What has happened to date: -I received a letter from Honda (Japan) stating that they felt this should be handled by Honda of North America; -A Honda N. America representative played phone tag with me for a couple of week last month, saying that they had received my letter and "were looking into the problem"; -In order to drive the car, I purchased new brake pads for the front and rear from Honda (~$150.00), since I could not find them aftermarket; -I replaced the front pads myself (very very easy), but had to take the car to the local tire shop and asked them to replace the rear - as there is a connection I am not familiar with. They charged me $90.00 to do a (darn) 15 minute job; -A case has been opened with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and they have discussed this with Honda, and presented my request for (at least) reimbursement for pads and labor (~$240.00); and -The assigned representative at the BBB strongly suggested I also file with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as this in the only way all our problems will be pooled together.

So now I am preparing to open a case with the NHTSA and suggest other do the same.

After reading the other complaints posted, I am not sure what else I can add! Before I had the service to replace the rear brake pads (inner pads were worn more than the other pads) for both rear brakes, I had no "symptoms" such as squeaking/squealing, pulling to one side, etc. At my 25k service, I was told of the premature wear of the pads on the rear brakes (down to 2mm for the inner) and advised that I should get them replaced before the rotor became damaged. Well, I got the service: pads replaced, rotors turned, and all to my dismay: this was not covered by the warranty (which I read in full afterward to confirm).

I was told by the service advisor that the likely cause of the sticking was the "new road salt formulations" used in New England. Others have suggested driving habits: hard, stop and go braking, etc. However, I am very laid back for a MA driver and do not ride the brakes and don't even use them if I don't have to: using the road elevation changes or wind resistance to slow me down as much as possible. One thing that might have contributed to this, but seems unlikely given the number of other posts, is that I did use the parking brake a lot....even when not really on steep hills. However, it has become clear to me that this issue is a design related issue that is not fundamentally tied to how one drives, one's geographic location, etc.

The 08 Accord was my first Honda and I am uncertain about my future thoughts about this Manufacturer. I did so much research beforehand (edmunds, consumer reports, kbb, etc.) before finally arriving at some choices between the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, etc.

I am shocked and disappointed in this model from Honda. I truly wanted a car with low maintenance, great resale value, few worries. As others have suggested, I have file a complaint or write some letters, but am unsure as to if anything really will come out of this. I can only hope so.

I am actually taking my 2008 honda accord in tomorrow to the dealer to have brakes looked at. I already know what the problem is because my brother had same problem with his car (nearly same mileage and same make/model) just last week. This is my first non-ford car that my husband and I bought for it's reliability (so we thought). I can even remember our sales person stating that we are going to love what little we have to do to this car and it will run excellently (like changing oil and tires). I am sitting here reading all these complaints and thinking what the F!!!! We even paid over $1000 dollars for an extended warranty!! I absolutely hate being ripped off especially when a company does not own up to its mistakes!!! I am truly disappointed in HONDA for not addressing this issue right away!!!! I am going to put up a fight when I take my car in tomorrow!! Think I'll win???????

This is my second brake job in 10 months. The first one was when the car was only 7 months old. Now at 7month later I found myself back at the shop for the same problem, rear break pads. When I asked the sales associate what was going on, she said that's normal wear for 12,000 miles. I'd took the car in two months prior for a full service check. Everything checked out in great condition. She said the price would only be $130.00 this time. As if I had that to just throw away. After I complained about 10 min about how ridiculous this was to have the car service for the same problem in 7 months, she said I'll give you a discount. After they finished the brake job and I took the receipt to the cashier, she said, "That'll be $130. 00 please". I said where's my discount? She said oh it was for $20. WOW! I would've blown the place up, but I'm afraid of jail. So I thought I'll just file a complaint instead.

I bought my 2008 Honda Accord in Feb. 2008 with only 100 miles on it. Most of the miles put on it were highway miles. I bought the car because of it's dependable reputation. I was very confused when I started to hear this awful rattling noise when I drove the car and when I stopped, it sounded like cans being dragged behind a Just Married car. I just knew it was the person's car next to me on the freeway. Honda should really fix this problem. This is the second brand new car(civic) I have bought from them. I don't think it will be a third. Oh, when I took it in to be repaired, the mechanic said "It happened because I took a trip up to the Smoky Mountains" How absurd!

I can't believe that I had to replace my brakes on my 2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6...AT 11K miles. This is ridiculous, never had this happen to any of my previous vehicles and not looking forward to having this service done every year. Tried calling Honda Customer service and the guy there was a total jerk about the whole situation. Wouldn't admit that Honda was investigating the problem, had to find out from the dealer about that.

Overall I'm happy with this new model, but it's really annoying and frustrating to know that these brake pads are prematurely wearing down like this. I really hope Honda addresses this problem right away. Worse part is that every little noise or squeak I hear from the tire area reminds me of the crappy brakes Honda is putting in these cars, really takes away from the joy of driving this vehicle I had before.

Unbelievable! That's all I have to say about this stupid problem. At 23K, I hear a scraping noise in my wheel well. I took it to the dealer and they say that I have worn rear brake pads. I realized that many other people had the same problem and tell my dealer that it should be payed for by them and not me, but they say that It is not covered by Honda or by my warranty. This is Complete BS. I expected a car that would run without problems but this is one that I did not expect from a 22 time top 10 cars of the year.

Absolutely inexcusable! At this low mileage to have the screeching and grinding when backing up and accelerating, was beyond belief. Called the dealer service department, and they said I had to bring it in and leave it, and we all know what a pain that is! I instead took it to a local shop and they looked at it for free while I waited, showed me the problems, and explained the recommended repairs - Resurface the front and rear rotors, and replace the rear pads. He was actually about as shocked as I was! Called the dealer's service dept. to get a price, ask if warranty covered it, (of course not), asked for the number for Honda to complain; spoke with a rude moron who would not pass me through to her supervisor, and then returned to America's Service and let them do the work even though it was about $30 more! I won't be giving Honda, or the local dealer one more dime after being treated like this, and will be searching for a new car to replace this one by next weekend. I even called the Honda service department and told them I was paying more to get it done elsewhere because they were such a--holes! They didn't care though...

My wife noticed a screeching noise coming from the rear of the car. I removed the rear wheel and noticed that the inside rear brake pad was completely worn out. Went to the Honda dealership to see if the problem was covered under warranty. The service writer looked at me and smiled and said no. I proceeded to plead my case and and he sheepishly told me that there had been several complaints and that he felt that there should be a recall but he could not be of any help with the warranty as Honda considered it normal wear. I did call Honda of America Customer Service and made a complaint with them and they were not much help either.

To be honest I have never had a vehicle to wear rear brake pads out this quickly. I am disappointed with the treatment from the dealership but way more disappointed with Honda. As like most of the others on this board I bought a Honda for it's reputation of being one of the best, safest, economical cars to own. We love the Car but not the brake hassle.

How would feel if you have been a loyal Honda owner for many years and then find out they do not realy care about you or your issues.

See the letter I sent Honda....

Takanobu Ito 2-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku Tokyo, 107-8556, Japan

Dear Sir,

My name is Chris Dixon and I am the proud owner of a 2008 Honda Accord LX. This is my third Honda and my last one which I sold to buy this one was a 1995 Honda Civic LX 4dr which had 250,000 miles on it and was the great.

I give you this back ground so you can understand that I love Honda’s and truly believe they are the greatest cars ever.

With that said I have to share my immense concern. My 2008 Honda Accord only has 31k miles on it and needs rear brake pads. This might not in itself concern you but it confounds me as break pads always wear out in the front first. You might conclude that I am alone in situation and so did I until I did a small amount of research. I am in a huge group of people and I am concerned that Honda is not taking giant steps to fix this and do a recall to repair the root cause of this un-natural wear of rear-brake pads.

To prove my case I will give you my sources other than myself.

249 complaints at last count… http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/2008/brakes/premature_brake_wear.shtml

http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=50933

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1675a0/898

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=26309

If you had someone do a little research you could find hundreds of complaints for 2008 Honda accords all with pre-mature rear break wear.

I hope I have found a sympathetic ear and that you truly love the reputation of Honda as much as I do. This problem needs to be fixed and a huge recall to fix these cars and mine. I expect to own this car for at least 10-13 year like my other Honda.

Sincerely,

Chris D

I received a phone call today to say that my complaint was logged and they were unaware of any issues and this was not a big deal to them. I informed them of all of the complaints that were easy to find and they were unconcerned.

Lesson....Everyone send a letter to the man in this letter....TODAY!!!

We need to all speak out or nothing will ever get done.

Noticed that I heard noise coming from my rear wheels when backing and going forward. Had no idea what it was since car was only a year old. Brought into my garage and they were amazed. They said the front brakes that normally wear out first were "like new" but the rear brakes, especially outside rear brake pads, showed excessive wear. They suggested I complain to Honda as this was highly unusual, especially considering I only drive in a rural area and have one stop light on my way to work.

When I went to the dealer I could not finish the description of what was happening before they interrupted and said, "premature rear brake wear!" They said, "yes, only see it on the '08 Accords with stability control. You are the 10th customer with the problem this week." They then gave me the bad news that it is a known problem but Honda has been unwilling to date to recall or warranty the pads. They said it would be $199 to fix. They recommended I complain to Honda.

When I called the Honda "customer care" number (800-999-1009) they acted like they had never heard of the issue. Despite being very professional and sympathetic, they said "American Honda considers rear brake pads to be a normal wear and tear item that the customer is responsible for so they are unwilling to warranty the item. But we will log your complaint."

Obviously this is not what I was expecting from Honda, supposedly one of the most reliable and low cost of maintenance vehicles on the road.