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.
Alternator began not charging the battery, then suddenly it stopped completely as I was mid-intersection and nearly was hit by oncoming traffic. It was so crazy and literally should not have happened as it did. The cost of repair and towing and loss of work due to no transportation reached upwards of 2300 dollars. Ugh - I hate this damn car.
Avoid 2003 Honda Accord like the plague. So many problems: electrical, tranny out at 150k, both driver and passenger window regulators out, alternator out at 140k, engine brackets broke off at 150k. SO MANY PROBLEMS! EXPENSIVE!
I went to work yesterday and when I went to pick my car up, the car would not turn over. When I turned the key, all i got was a series of clicks. I had a tow truck try to jump the car, but it still wouldn't turn over, even after banging on the starter. I had the car towed to a mechanic, who after charging me 28.00 for a diagnostic check, told me my ale
- brandyb85,
San Francisco, CA, US
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Alternator began not charging the battery, then suddenly it stopped completely as I was mid-intersection and nearly was hit by oncoming traffic. It was so crazy and literally should not have happened as it did. The cost of repair and towing and loss of work due to no transportation reached upwards of 2300 dollars. Ugh - I hate this damn car.
- Dana N., Saint Augustine, FL, US