CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2001 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, & problems with the airbag system (SRS). We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 100,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure problems have been a huge problem for Honda Accords & other models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda eventually extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accords as settlement for a class action lawsuit, but that period is over & owners of Accords with transmission problems are out of luck.
Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000.
The SRS warning light likes to come on due to a defective seat belt sensor -- typically the driver's side. This sensor is covered under Honda's lifetime seat belt warranty, but some dealers charge a $100+ "diagnostic fee" or tell customers the entire SRS unit ($800) is bad. Also make sure your 2001 Accord has been checked for the airbag recall: excessive pressure may cause metal fragments during airbag deployment.
I have owned Honda's and nothing else since I was 19 years old and am now 40 years old. Honda's used to offer reliability that was unequaled and major car components that were robust enough to drive 300,000 miles without failure. Alas...that is history. I bought a 2001 accord ex about 5 years ago and have had major motor and transmission problems. The motor issues were excessive oil consumption (115,000 miles) which required valve stem seals and piston rings at $2400.00. Now, the transmission started slipping between gear changes. This will likely require a new transmission which is 100% unacceptable for a Honda with 150,000 miles. Honda cars of the 1980's and 1990's would barely be out of the break-in period at this mileage. Shame on you Honda for forgetting about your core values of reliability and customer service. I am finally throwing in the towel on Honda and am sorry to be forced to make this decision...it feels like losing a good friend.
I bought a Honda because of good reputation. I have replaced the entire steering rack because a part was defective; transmission was in recall - replaced free of charge; and 2 days ago lost 99 percent of my oil in matter of 1 hour due to a blown seal of some sort. What can I expect next? Mechanic looked and said the problem is - it was made in the USA assembly line.
- Mary S.,
Bigfork, MT, US
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I have owned Honda's and nothing else since I was 19 years old and am now 40 years old. Honda's used to offer reliability that was unequaled and major car components that were robust enough to drive 300,000 miles without failure. Alas...that is history. I bought a 2001 accord ex about 5 years ago and have had major motor and transmission problems. The motor issues were excessive oil consumption (115,000 miles) which required valve stem seals and piston rings at $2400.00. Now, the transmission started slipping between gear changes. This will likely require a new transmission which is 100% unacceptable for a Honda with 150,000 miles. Honda cars of the 1980's and 1990's would barely be out of the break-in period at this mileage. Shame on you Honda for forgetting about your core values of reliability and customer service. I am finally throwing in the towel on Honda and am sorry to be forced to make this decision...it feels like losing a good friend.
- bluekeim, Dixfield, ME, US