CarComplaints.com Notes: 1997 is the last model year in the 5th generation of Accord. Which means it's also the last model year before problems like widespread transmission failure, subframe rust and peeling paint took over.

Does the 1997 have problems? Sure it does. Any car this old will. Some owners say their engine started to cut out around 147,000 miles. That's still not bad, and getting to 200,000+ miles isn't out of the question.

Does anyone believe a newer Accord will reach 200,000 miles?

3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,878 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Honda Accord cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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1997 Honda Accord Owner Comments

problem #2

Jan 052008

Accord

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Honda Accord vehicle with a leaking and corroded radiator. Consumer states the radiator was replaced in 2008 and now it is leaking again. There is corrosion on the back and front of the radiator. The thermostat was stuck open and had to be replaced as well.

- Amesbury, MA, USA

problem #1

Mar 222010

Accord 4-cyl

  • 75,757 miles
Honda recommends replacing timing belt, balancer belt and water pump at 7 years or 105,000 miles on the 1997 Honda Accord. I had the dealer replace them all at 7 years and 36,139 miles, in 2004. The replacement water pump failed prematurely in just over five years and 39,618 miles later. Earlier this year I kept seeing coolant under the car. I had the dealer install new belts and a new water pump. The new pump failed right out of the box spilling coolant on the new belts. So, the dealer removed the new belts, installed another new water pump and then reinstalled the same belts. I don't know how this will affect to the longevity of the new belts. Also, my main concern is that the timing belt is driving the water pump, and the whole assembly is hidden under a cover. If the water pumps starts failing, hot coolant will spill on the timing and the balancer belts causing them to weaken over time, and they can either slip or break causing catastrophic engine failure and an accident. Please see related photos: www.Honda-tech.com/showthread.php?T=1908944 I believe this is a poor design that can cause the engine to fail suddenly. It seems that Honda from 1992 to 2002 use the same basic concealed pump design. Note: The water pump was replaced at 36,139 (preventive measure) and it failed at 75,757 or less than 40,00 later!!! updated 05/11/10.8jb

- Bethesda, MD, USA

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