If Your 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Makes This Noise At Very Low Miles, Don't Worry. It Might Be Time To Change The Original Oil.

The eleventh-generation Honda Accord changed a few things compared to the previous model. While the previous Accord could be considered an underrated Japanese hero, because of its K20 engine, the 2023 Honda Accord focuses on hybrid powertrains and efficiency. Honda cars have always been a model for reliability, especially when it comes to the engine. Perhaps even more so than Toyota.  

That said, even Honda isn't trouble-free. A member of the Drive Accord forum recently started a thread about a clicking noise from the engine bay of his 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, which appeared after just 5,500 miles.  

“Has anyone had an issue of weird noise coming in from their hybrid Honda Accord 2024. This noise is from the engine bay and dealership is saying it’s normal for all hybrid Honda Accords. 
The noise started coming in after I clocked in 5500 miles and which means it’s normal or else it would have been coming from the very first day.” 

The Honda Accord Hybrid powertrain is geared for economy now, more than ever

The engine in the new Honda Accord Hybrid is a 2.0-liter normally-aspirated inline-four with an internal code LFC5. It is an Atkinson-cycle engine, which is “geared” for better efficiency due to a greater expansion ratio in the cylinders. Its 146 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque will hardly inspire you, but together with the electric motor, combined power output is 204 horsepower.

The electric motor in the Honda Accord Hybrid makes more power than the inline-four engine

The electric traction motor, alone, makes 181 horsepower and 247 pound-feet, but because the two powerplants do not develop peak power at the same time, you get a much lesser combined output. A similar setup us used in the Corolla-beating Honda Civic e:HEV. 

The "clicking" noise means it may be time to change the original oil.

So, what caused the “clicking” noise from this 2024 Accord Hybrid owner's engine bay? As the eleventh-generation Honda Accord is still new, there isn't much data on reliability. The hybrid powertrain isn't vastly different than the previous model, but there are still changes to make it more efficient. 

Clicking noises from the engine can mean a lot of things, usually bad. Some of the suggestions by forum members are disturbing as they hint at potentially expensive repair bills. It could be fuel injectors, which on certain models become noisy, sometimes due to being clogged and not delivering as much fuel as the engine requires.  

What does the Honda dealer say? 

After driving 2,000 miles more with the same noise persisting, this 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid owner took it to the dealer shop. They told him it was the high-pressure fuel pump making the noise and that it was normal. Or is it?

The noise comes from the valvetrain, but it's not as serious as it sounds.

The high-pressure fuel pump is typically driven by a camshaft, which rides on a thin oil film. Judging by the mileage, the Accord may still have the original oil, which could contain “break-in material”, accumulated during the engine break-in period (since the car was purchased). 

Here is what else the member shared:

"Dealership and Honda is saying it’s the high-pressure fuel pump which makes that clicking noise and it’s normal and you will have it on all cars.
Has anyone ever noticed such noise on their Honda Accord Hybrid 2024?"

A comment by a member caught my attention, as I reached the same conclusion:

"Probably so. They do make a noise, especially if the oil change is past due. The cam that works the high-pressure fuel pump rides on a thin film of oil." 

Another member explained that a dealership showed him a similar 2024 Accord Hybrid with 12 miles on the odometer that made the same noise (but not as loud). Will it turn out to be a common “quirk” on these Honda engines?

Or will a fresh engine oil resolve the issue? I am curious to find any information about the current-generation Honda Accord, so I will follow and report as new details emerge. If you have a similar experience or want to share your thoughts, feel free to hit the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2023 Honda Accord