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.
At 115K miles the Catalytic Converter started making loud rattling noises and progressively got worse over time. It sounded like someone put a tin can inside the exhaust pipe. I lived with strange looks from other drivers probably not wanting there car to sound like a Honda. At 141K miles the engine check light came on. The dealer said the converter was bad and needed to be replaced. My cost $1050 dollars incl. labor. I almost had a heart attack. They said Honda converters are extremely expense $800. If I selected a cheaper $200 after market vendor it would go bad again in 1 year. These things must be lined with gold and silver. I think 7 years is to early for a converter to go bad. I purchased a Honda for reliability. That's not what I got. It will be a Toyota next time. If you have Honda beware.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Failed along with rack and pinion, engine mount broke, and needs 3rd set of lower ball joints. Junk car.
- Mark R., St. Charles, MO, US