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.
Transmission began slipping about 2 months ago or so, I've had to get it towed before when it did not shift properly. My engine light came on and then car reeked like gas. Now if I drive it for a hour, engine light pops on and I have to reset it and then drive again. Can not take my car on long trips.
At around 40,000 miles received a new rebuilt transmission from Honda since car had only been in my possession for a couple of months at the time. Now, after approximately 160,000 miles, Honda Service reporting that the transmission is showing signs of failure and should be replaced.
I have had two previous Accords - one went 270,000 miles and the other 250,000 miles before I sold them and neither of them ever needed a transmission replaced. So I would agree with the statement I saw somewhere about "avoid this particular make/model like the plague".
- Greg W.,
Corona, CA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Transmission began slipping about 2 months ago or so, I've had to get it towed before when it did not shift properly. My engine light came on and then car reeked like gas. Now if I drive it for a hour, engine light pops on and I have to reset it and then drive again. Can not take my car on long trips.
- Savannah M., Gloucester City, NJ, US