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.
5.3
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$550
Average Mileage:
101,250 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (5 reports)
factory recall on hose (2 reports)
replace power steering pump, rack, and pinion (2 reports)
Noise began one day and I ignored it for 3 days. Brought it to my mechanic he checked fluid and said it was fine and took take it to Honda on my extended warranty. Honda changed pump and it stopped for a few years. Noise started again about 2 years later but only in cold so I waited for summer. I received a letter about the re-call and brought my car in and had the re-call work done. Still making winding noise and leaking a small amount of fluid.
I just recently took my car in for a factory recall on the powersteering hose after receiving a call (I never received the notices in the mail they claimed to have sent). I was told this morning that due to the dissolved power steering hose, I might need a new pump. Waiting to hear from them now.
Power steering makes significant noise any time the temperature is below 60 degrees. Previously it would resolve after the car heated up but it continues to be noisy.
- Julie M.,
Springfield, VA, US
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Dealer wanted to replace power steering pump. But there was no leak. Replaced oring as per the service bulletin and replaced fluid. $220 later and problem not resolved....
I've been a Honda owner since getting my license - seriously reconsidering.
After I got my Honda back home the next morning when I started my car it was making an awful awful loud sound. I knew what it was because my dad's powering steering pump went out on his truck and it sounded exactly the same! Haven't gotten it fixed yet but need to really bad!!
Gripe, dealer wants car left so it can be checked when cold, seems my description does not support sufficient info to make a determination? Each day when the vehicle is first driven the power steering makes a whining noise until everything is warmed up. From then until the next first start it is quiet and normal! I thought maybe new fluid?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Car started making loud whirling noises when steering during the winter.
- Jonathan S., Potomac, MD, US