CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure & problems with the stereo backlight failing. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 90,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure has been a huge problem for the Accord & several other Honda models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accord as a class action lawsuit settlement, but owners of other Accord model years with transmission problems are out of luck.
The stereo backlight problem has been an issue since these Accords were only a few years old. Honda eventually issued a recall which covered the repair for 7 years/100k miles, which was nice while it lasted but now that period is over. Honda initially was replacing the entire radio ($800) but eventually began replacing just the PCB which at ~$300 is much cheaper. That sounds like a deal, but keep in mind we're talking about a backlight bulb that costs $2 to fix in most other cars.
6.5
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$480
Average Mileage:
72,800 miles
Total Complaints:
87 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (34 reports)
Honda issued a recall - covered 100% for 7 years/100k miles (28 reports)
replace the entire CD player radio (13 reports)
call American Honda (1-800-999-1009), ask for goodwill repair (4 reports)
call local honda dealer and mention service bulletin 04-027 (4 reports)
radio removed, LCD replaced, radio re-installed (3 reports)
Service Bulletin 04-027 (updated, 2004-08 - As a result of a class action law suit, Honda extended the warranty for the Audio/HVAC display to 7 years or 100K miles whichever occurs first. The original 04-027 Service Bulletin required the complete replacement of the entire control head. The Service Bulletin was progressively updated however to reflect only the replacement of a defective Printed Circuit Board (PCB) within the control head with a new updated and modified PCB. Flat rate time as specified by Honda via the Service Bulletin is 0.8 hours labor. Part number listed in Bulletin; PCB cost with core exchange unknown.
My cd player completely quit working at @ 40,000 miles. It will not even let me eject the cds. I was so excited to have a 6 disc cd changer. A lot of good this does me now.
My LED light in the radio display also went out at @45,000 miles and from what I have read this is a major problem in 03 accords. Call American Honda and report the problem. Mention "Goodwill Consideration" and Service Bulletin 04-027. (Vehicles affected: 2003 Accord (except DX and LX L4 models):ALL. This was issued July 9, 2004. You might be able to get your radio replaced for free even if your warranty has "run out".
I bought the Accord for my daughter while she was attending LSU. The back light went out in the stereo at 50,000 miles. The Honda dealer told us that we should bring it back to the dealer we bought from. He said some dealers are replacing the radios for nothing in order to maintain a reputation. Mine was not that gracious.
Have not had the car long. Bought it used. Could have gone any route, new or used. But decided to go with this one because of Honda's reputation and could get a loaded car. Was I wrong in doing this? If I cannot get this fixed, I will stick with Toyota the rest of my life.
This is not what expect from a HONDA ACCORD... We never a stupid but severe problem with ACCORDS till now... There should be some kind of recall for this matter.. My back light blew out after 29k THAT'S BULLSHIT!!!!!
I was a dedicated Honda buyer but after I purchased a 2003 Accord, I've changed my mind totally. The radio dashboard light blew at 49K miles. We can't see anything on the dashboard except for the odometer readings. It's especially annoying at nights. The dealer informed me that my car has exceeded the 3 year/ 36K mile warranty and it will cost me over $1000 plus to replace. They can't replace the bulb, they have to replace the entire radio - What a rip-off
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My cd player completely quit working at @ 40,000 miles. It will not even let me eject the cds. I was so excited to have a 6 disc cd changer. A lot of good this does me now.
My LED light in the radio display also went out at @45,000 miles and from what I have read this is a major problem in 03 accords. Call American Honda and report the problem. Mention "Goodwill Consideration" and Service Bulletin 04-027. (Vehicles affected: 2003 Accord (except DX and LX L4 models):ALL. This was issued July 9, 2004. You might be able to get your radio replaced for free even if your warranty has "run out".
- Gracey M., Statesville, NC, US