What is the Honda Accord Oil Type?

by Synthetic Oil | Last Updated: May 5, 2023

Owning a Honda Accord is a wonderful choice, as the vehicle is one of the most popular midsize sedans on the market, known for its reliability and longevity. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, is key to keeping your Honda Accord running smoothly for years to come. But with so many different types of oil available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll break down what oil a Honda Accord takes, by model year, and whether you can substitute for an alternate oil grade.

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What Oil Does a Honda Accord Take?

The Honda Accord has been in production since 1976. Since then, the size of the car, the engine, and even its oil specifications have changed. Did you know that the first generation of the Honda Accord was a compact car with two doors? Since then, the Honda Accord has seen ten generational upgrades, with the most recent being from 2023.

With those changes in mind, let’s take a look at the different Honda Accord oil types to use on your particular model:

2023 – Present Honda Accord (11th Generation)

The 2023 Honda Accord takes 0W-20 synthetic oil. This oil provides better fuel economy and engine protection compared to conventional oil. It’s important to use only the recommended oil type and viscosity to ensure optimal engine performance.

Interestingly, the 2023 Honda Accord comes with only two engine choices, a 192-hp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo or a 204-hp 2.0-liter hybrid.

If you just purchased a 2023 Honda Accord, make sure to read up on when to do the first oil change.

2018 – 2022 Honda Accord (10th Generation)

The 2018-2022 Honda Accord also uses 0W-20 synthetic oil, just like the 11th generation.

Need to know how to do an oil change on this model? Here’s a nifty video for you:

2013 – 2017 Honda Accord (9th Generation)

The 2013-2017 Honda Accord takes 0W-20 synthetic oil. Common models include the Accord Mk9 and Sport versions. Lighter cars, faster engines, and a focus on fuel economy.

2008 – 2012 Honda Accord (8th Generation)

The 2008-2012 Honda Accord typically takes 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic oil. Either viscosity can be used, but it’s recommended to stick to 0W-30 for better fuel economy and engine protection. For these model years, the Honda Accord was bumped up to a full-size car by the EPA. You could also find the Crosstour version that was 300 pounds heavier than the car.

2003 – 2007 Honda Accord (7th Generation)

The 2003-2007 Honda Accord takes 5W-20 or 5W-30 conventional or synthetic blend oil. Another engine upgrade! The four-cylinder now had 160 hp, while the 3.0-liter VTEC V6 could access 240 hp.

1998 – 2002 Honda Accord (6th Generation)

The 1998-2002 Honda Accord takes 5W-30 conventional or synthetic blend oil. The wagon body style was gone. The base model came with a 2.3-liter engine and 135 hp. You had an option of a 3.0-liter VG with 200 hp, however.

1993-1997 Fifth Generation

The 1993-1997 Honda Accord takes 5W-30 conventional or synthetic blend oil. Fifth-generation Honda Accords gained VTEC for the 2.2-liter model and its first V6 with the 2.7-liter model.

1989-1993 Fourth Generation

The 1989-1993 Honda Accord uses 5W-30 conventional oil. Although the pop-out headlights vanished, this model was beefier. With a 2.2-liter engine and 130 hp, this model was the one that cemented the Honda Accord as a midsize sedan.

1985-1989 Third Generation

The 1985-1989 Honda Accord takes 5W-30 or 10W-30 conventional oil. This iteration was much sleeker than the first two and featured a double wishbone suspension as well as a 2.0-liter engine with about 98 horsepower. Also, it had pop-out headlights. How cool.

1981-1985 Second Generation

Fun fact: the Second Generation Honda Accord was the first ever Japanese car to be assembled fully on US soil. The 1981-1985 Honda Accord takes 5W-30 or 10W-30 conventional oil.

1976-1981 First Generation

The first generation had 68 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. The sedan version was slightly more powerful, with a 1.8-liter engine instead of 1.6 liters and power steering. The recommended 1976-1981 Honda Accord oil type is 10W-30 conventional oil with temperatures above -7 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, you can also use 5W-30, regardless of the temperature. Being that these vehicles are probably very high mileage, it is recommended that you get a fully synthetic high mileage oil for these engines.

Can I Substitute For an Alternate Oil Grade?

It’s generally not recommended to substitute for an alternate oil grade, as it can affect engine performance and potentially void the warranty on newer models. However, in certain situations, such as when driving in extreme temperatures, a different viscosity may be recommended. It’s best to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for guidance.

So, while you can use 0W-20 or 5W-20 because the operating viscosity is the same, you do not want to alternate between 5W-30 and 0W-20 or mix them together. The 5W-30 would be far too viscous, and your Honda Accord’s performance would suffer as a result.

What About High Mileage Honda Accords?

For high-mileage Honda Accords, it’s recommended to use a high-mileage oil, which is specially formulated to address common issues such as oil leaks, reduced engine performance, and increased oil consumption. One of the recommended brands is Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 or 0W-20 for any Honda Accord made in 2013 or later. If you have an older generation, look for a high-mileage formula that is either 5W-30 or 10W-30.

Final Thoughts on Honda Accord Oil Type

What is the Honda Accord oil type for your vehicle? Hopefully, the list helped! Following the manufacturer’s recommended oil type and change intervals is the best way to maintain your Honda Accord’s performance and protect your investment. For newer models, you will most likely be using a 0W-20, though there may be instances where you can use a 5W-20. Be sure to change the oil every 3,000-7,500 miles and to take good care of your Honda Accord. It will last forever that way.

If your oil light has come on for your Honda Accord, here is how to reset it.