The rear seats in a Honda Accord fold down by pulling a release on the seatback to flip the section forward and lie flat, expanding cargo space. Exact location and method can vary by year and trim, so consult your manual if needed.
Where to locate the seatback release
The Accord typically uses a split 60/40 rear seat, with each section having its own release. Look along the top edge of the rear seatback, near the outer corners, for a small lever or strap. Some trims may also include a trunk-side strap or lever that can fold the seat from the cargo area.
Inside the cabin: Step-by-step folding from the seatback
Follow these steps to fold the rear seatbacks from the cabin. Ensure you have enough space behind the seats and clear any obstructions.
- Move the front seats forward if needed to provide space for the folded seatbacks to lie flat.
- Fold down the headrests if they block the seatback from lying flat (press the release button on the headrest posts and slide them down).
- Locate the release lever or strap on the top edge of the seatback (one lever for each section of the 60/40 split). Pull or lift the release to unlock the seatback.
- Gently push the seatback forward until it lies flat with the seat cushion, forming a continuous loading floor.
- Repeat for the other section if you need a full flat load floor.
When finished, make sure the folded seatbacks are locked in place and that there are no items pinching the belts or hardware.
From the trunk: Folding from the cargo area (where available)
Some Accord trims provide a trunk-side release to fold the rear seatbacks without entering the cabin. If your model has this feature, you’ll typically find a strap or lever on the rear-seat area visible from the trunk. Use it to unlock the seatback and fold it down, then return it to the upright position when you’re done.
- Open the trunk and look for a strap or lever on the seatback near the opening (the exact location can vary by year).
- Pull the strap or operate the lever to release the seatback portion.
- Push the corresponding seatback forward from the trunk or manually from the cabin if necessary, until it lies flat.
- To restore, return the seatback to the upright position until you hear a click indicating it is secured.
Note that not all models include trunk-side folding hardware; if you don’t see a strap or lever, fold the seats from inside the cabin using the method described above.
Using the trunk approach, if available, offers quick access but follows the same principle: release, fold, and lock the seatback to ensure stability.
Safety and best practices
Folding the rear seats is generally safe, but keeping a few precautions in mind helps prevent damage and injury.
- Clear the area: make sure there are no fingers, pets, or loose objects around the seatbacks before folding them.
- Check for obstructions: ensure belts, buckles, or cargo won’t get trapped as the seatback folds.
- Lock and secure: after folding, make sure the seatbacks are fully locked when in the upright position and the cargo area is clear.
- Headrests: If folding, ensure headrests don’t obstruct the fold; lower or remove if necessary.
Following these guidelines will keep you from damaging airbags or sensors and ensures the seat is secure when you drive.
Summary
Across recent Honda Accord models, folding the rear seats is designed for versatility: most commonly you pull a release on the top edge of each rear seatback to drop that portion forward and flat. Some trims offer a trunk-side release for convenience. Always verify the exact mechanism for your model year and trim in your owner’s manual, and ensure the seats are properly locked when you reassemble them. With a little practice, expanding cargo space becomes quick and simple.