1999 Honda Accord ex V6 didn't pass inspection due to rusted subframe. There should have been a recall for this problem since its a design flaw. Water from air conditioner drips onto subframe. Since the value of the car is the same as the cost of repair, I have to get rid of the car since I cant see spending that kind of money on a.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

The issue is not really "suspension", but sub-frame. It is a part called the rear beam and it supports the rear engine mount. Part number 50200-S84-A00 has rusted entirely through. As numerous people have reported online, it is true that an A/C drain hose drips right onto this piece of sub-frame and completely rusted it through until it broke on the passenger side. The other areas of this part and the attached front beam are in fine condition and the repair looks to be about $2000. I have some pictures if needed.

- North Oaks, MN, USA

Driving down the road and heard a loud clunk coming from the front end of the car. After this noise, the car did not drive or steer properly. Upon inspection, discovered the sub-frame on the passenger side was completely rusted through. This sub-frame provides mounting points for major suspension components. Upon further inspection, the drivers side was not rusted at all. Even further, it was discovered that the air conditioner drain hose on the passengers side drains directly on to the sub-frame below where the excessive rust caused the sub frame to deteriorate.

- New Cumberland, WV, USA

My car has been making clunking noise from the bottom for about 2-3 weeks and has been getting worse. I took it to a mechanic, he showed me the cradle/subframe on the passenger side rusted heavily and almost breaking off. In researching on the internet I see this is a common problem with 1999-2002 Accord, due to water leaking from ac condensation. This has been reported as a serious mechanical/frame issue with possibility of becoming catastrophic. My mechanic is looking to order the subframe from an Honda dealer but I think this is a serious design problem. These vehicles should be recalled and fixed by Honda.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

The subframe of my 1999 Honda Accord ex has rotted through. This is located on the front passenger side near the strut assembly, presumably beneath the air conditioner drain, as noted by others on postings on the world wide web. The vehicle is in excellent condition otherwise, especially with very low miles (77,000 miles) I contacted Honda of America and they state that the rot is not covered by them. This will cost me $1800 to repair. There is no other rot on the vehicle and the vehicle only has 77,000 miles. My mechanic says it is unsafe to drive. It appears to be the result of a design flaw relating to the location of the air conditioner drain. Honda should be made to repair this unsafe situation.

- Boxford, MA, USA

The subframe, brake lines, fuel lines, and suspension, on the front passenger side, have all rusted out to the point of failure due to a poorly designed A/C drain hose. The dealer should have noticed this was a problem during any of the later service visits. Honda should take action on this dangerous situation.

- Worthington, OH, USA

We have been told by a certified mechanic that the front subframe or cradle on our 1999 Honda Accord is rusted beyond repair and due to the rust, any parts that attach to the subframe, such as the upper control arms and struts, cannot be safely replaced due to the condition of the subframe. The mechanic estimated that the subframe will become a safety issue within the next 6 months and suggested it be replaced. In a search on the internet, I found several other owners of 1999 Accord experiencing the same issue.

- Fenton, MO, USA

The sub-frame is rusted on passengers side corner. Manufacturers defect due to placement of drain for A/C all other sides are ok.

- Valley City, OH, USA

The vehicle is unsafe to drive as the sub frame is rusted due to the air conditioner drain. Engine runs great but the design is flawed.

- Canton, OH, USA

Upon inspection, the right rear portion of the front sub frame is rusted and disintegrated to a point where the car is not considered safe to operate. The frame section has lost so much material that it flexes when downward pressure is applied to the hub assembly. The left side of the front frame is intact and fully functional showing no similar signs of rust.

- Davis Junction, IL, USA

When I purchased my car the ac was not working so I had it checked and was told that it was not connected and was told that Honda's have been having problems with the frames rotting out due to the location of the ac drain. Upon having the frame inspected was told that my vehicle would not pass another state inspection. My car is in great shape body wise with no other rust. I was told that this is a big safety issue and upon researching on line have seen that numerous people are having the same problems. Just want to know why Honda is not being held responsible for these repairs. Honda has always been a car of choice for my family but after this I will never purchase another Honda.

- Waterbury, VT, USA

1999 Honda Accord sub-frame crack from air conditioning drain. Part number 50200-S84-A00 front (rear beam) of the sub-frame has rusted and cracked. The crack is located on the right side of the car directly below where the air conditioning drain tube drips onto the sub frame. All other areas of sub-frame and undercarriage of the car are in great condition. This rusted area is obviously the result of a design flaw with the air conditioning drain constantly wetting the sub-frame. Rusted sub-frame found at 210,000 miles but damage obviously occurred much earlier. Need Honda to recall and replace sub-frame.

- Stillwater, MN, USA

I took my 1999 Honda Accord ex (213,500 miles) to a Honda dealership service center for a front right wheel bearing replacement. Upon the technician removing the tire and working to replace the wheel bearing, it was noted that the front right side of the sub-frame was rotted out and noted the entire sub-frame should be replaced. It was also noted and inspected that the front left (driver) side was not rusting or rotted. The Honda dealership service center explained that it could be a safety hazard and damaging to the vehicle if the sub-frame completely rotted apart.

- Appleton, WI, USA

This is just to enter a complaint with NHTSA about a subframe issue on this make/model/year car. I understand there have been other complaints on this but not enough at this time to involve a recall. We were not in an accident but brought the car in because of noise. We did have to have our subframe replaced in may because it was rusted out and potentially dangerous. It cost $2410.10 (actually part of this cost was for a ball joint repair as well - perhaps a couple of hundred of the total was for that). The cost was for a used subframe. A new one would have been extremely expensive. Perhaps enough complaints will bring some action on the subframe issue.

- Gilbertsville, NY, USA

Repair shop said passenger side of engine subframe is rusted out, rest of subframe is okay. The is apparently a very common complaint for these cars related to the location of A/C drain hose. This is an obvious design flaw and should be corrected by Honda Corp. These vehicles should be recalled immediately given the mounting evidence of this flaw before some poor unaware soul is hurt.

- Columbia Station, OH, USA

Upon inspection of the vehicle by a certified mechanic, the sub-frame : rear beam - cross beam ( part number 50200-S84-A00 ) was found rusted and unsafe. It is located on the passenger side, near the rear of the front tire. The sub-frame component is rusted through on the top side, with holes, leaving only the lower portion of it holding the engine and suspension in place. It was determined a safety issue and failed inspection. Looks like a design flaw that collected water. Expensive part and repair. Honda is not covering it. The rest of the undercarriage and frame was in good condition. I took the vehicle to a local dealers service department, and they said that this is a definite safety issue, and the sub-frame component needs to be replaced.

- State College, PA, USA

I was alerted to a potential problem with the subframe of my vehicle that has caused me to park it. The problem is that the rear subframe has rusted to the point that it is broken in three places. The rear subframe is located in the rear part of the engine compartment and supports the engine and front suspension. I was driving this car for an unknown length of time in this condition. I was informed that this is a safety concern and that the car should not be driven. The portion of the subframe that attaches to the sway bar is completely broken loose from the frame. The location of the rust is under the outlet of the air conditioning condensate drain. This is the only location where the sub frame is rusted. The distilled water coming out of the air conditioner is corrosive to metals. In my opinion this is a design defect that could have been repaired using a very modest cost hose, fitting and perhaps a clamp to re-route the condensate drain away from the structural members of the car. Repair of this problem has been quoted at $1600. The car is unsafe to drive. The center for auto safety has requested a recall of these vehicles. Many of these cars are still on the road and tend to be driven up to 200,000 miles. This flaw is not readily detectable and is definitely a safety concern. At a minimum owners should be made aware of the potential problem.

- Fairview Park, OH, USA

I have a Honda Accord ex and the subframe rotted all the way thought. How is that possible" as I look on the internet I see that it is a common issue on Accord. Is Honda aware of this"

- Shaker Heights, OH, USA

Upon inspection of vehicle by certified mechanic the subframe(cross member) was found unsafe and rusted out on the passenger side with holes and broken. It was determined a safety issue and failed inspection. Looks like a design flaw that collected water. Expensive part and repair. Honda is not covering it. The rest of the undercarriage and frame was in good condition.

- Rochester, NY, USA