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.
9.3
really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,710
Average Mileage:
98,000 miles
Total Complaints:
504 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace/rebuild transmission (348 reports)
not sure (72 reports)
Honda to pay cost as this transmission was a previous recall (45 reports)
NHTSA official complaints - Guys, please keep pushing persistently to get the justice. Honda USA and all Honda dealership have been robbing us!
Transport Canada Defect Complaint Form - If you are in Canada, you can file a complaint with Transport Canada. If the link above does not work try using the secure URL: https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/PCDB-BDPP/
Transport Canada Defect Complaint Form (New URL - If you are in Canada, you can file a complaint with Transport Canada. If the link above does not work try using the secure URL: https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/7/pcdb-bdpp/fc-cp.aspx .
The reason I bought this car was the new car sticker in the lot that said 'First tune-up at 100,000 miles' I thought that's the car for me - reliable for a long time. I have a busy job, busy life, etc and can't be slowed down or irritated or saddled with major car repairs - so I was sold.
Imagine my disbelief when my son and grandson were at a major intersection during rush hour traffic and the transmission died - just like that. Thankfully a really nice man stopped to help, towed my son out of the intersection and arranged for a tow truck, right to a transmission place as he said he knew that's what the problem was. Boy was he right, total transmission replacement for $3,215. Of course no warranty left on car which is why we skipped the dealership - couldn't afford their prices.
I was still so shocked over the issue. It was the first time we had bought a foreign car and I had heard you could drive a Honda up to 300,000 miles with no problem - it would run for ever, yada, yada, yada. So I thought I'm going to go on-line and see if anyone else had experienced the same problem and I found pages and pages about the 2003 Honda and transmission failures! I also read where there had been a recall in April, 2004 to bring in and have gears looked at - never got that notice either.
I've had many American make cars and never had a major issue with any outside of normal wear and tear like batteries, brakes, tires, etc. I bought what I thought was a fail safe car when it came to repairs and now I run into this major problem.
I'm also irritated as it was a major job, had to be fit in between other customers and the shop had to have it for two weeks - had to get rides to and from work - what a pain!
Then who has $3200+ just laying around so we had to use all of our vacation money and cancel our vacation on top of it!
Bottom line - based on the complaints I've read and research I've done, Honda certainly knows they have a problem with this transmission but did not recall like they did the 2004 (which seemed to have less complaints). Seems like Honda pays for some peoples parts but not others - how do you arrange that?
I will never buy another Honda and tell everyone I know my story. I hate companies who duck their responsibilities and don't stand behind their products. Buy American brands from now on - I think they've caught up on technology and are just as good!!
HONDA SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE WAS "ALMOST KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY" DRIVING MY CAR:
The Service Manager, at Cambridge Honda, drove it home, because it wasn't acting up at the garage, AND DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED NOTHING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. He, Joe, said he "almost went through the windshield on the highway" on his way home. He said repeatedly that he was almost killed. THAT'S RIGHT THE HONDA SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE ALMOST WAS KILLED!!! Which is what could have happened to me or any other Honda Accord owner. If this happened in inclement weather, I'd be dead in a ditch (it's New England so those days are coming). The car lurched at highway speeds and at low speeds. It lurched speeding up and slowing down. If I put the car in neutral, and just applied some gas to the pedal, the tachometer (RPM) needle jumped around all over the place.
Only until the service manager got it back to the service garage did any service lights come on. How convenient.
I am an owner of a 2003 Honda Accord. I have always thought of Honda as being very reliable car to buy but Now I will def think twice before buying a Honda. I was in the market to buy a 2012 Honda but now, I will look into others before making my decision. The dealer itself told me that they have had many issues with transmissions on 2003 accords but there is not recall or fix from Honda. Honda has quoted me $4700 for the fix. I am very much interested in the class action lawsuit.
Had the same problem. Some type of pump in the transmission that overheated. The car would rev but not accelerate. Went to a very reputable transmission company and the price was what I expected. Ouch. Next car will be a Toyota.
- bpeal_99bp,
Bennington, NE, US
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I was driving my Accord (EX, V6, 76K miles) on the freeway, going 65mph when my car violently downshifted multiple times within a 5-10 minute period as I struggled to get off the freeway. I was nearly rear-ended multiple times before I managed to exit. After collecting myself, I drove home facing the same sporadic issues as I accelerated to 6000 + rpm to maintain 60 mph. All in all a nightmare. Honda refuses to pay for it or address the transmission defect and I'm forced to pay at least $2500 for a new transmission.
I bought my Honda because they were supposed to be reliable. I can't believe the transmission went out completely at 135k miles. I asked the dealer, Crown Honda of Greensboro to help with the charges and they said no. I called Honda corp.and they refused to help with the charges as well.
I couldn't believe it! Just doing normal driving and the transmissions spikes around 6000 and then dies. Brought it to a good repair shop that specializes in Hondas, and they said it's not worth fixing. They also said that Honda trannnys have gone way downhill.
AT 98800 miles my 2003 Honda Accord Ex-V6 suddenly started to choke when it attempted to shift from 1st to 2nd gear. Luckily I was a short distance to my location. Called a Honda dealership and was told they were not at fault and Honda Motors will not cover any costs.
OK Everyone. My 2003 Accord EX V6 auto transmission starting slipping at 65,000 miles. I called Honda America (800-999-1009) and got a case number. They said to take it to a dealer for evaluation. As I was doing some errands a few days later, the car became almost completely undrivable--I feared the car would not make it to the dealer and I decided to take it to an independent shop that specializes in Honda/Accura and does very good work and was very close to where I "broke down". They said the computer showed torque converter failure and said that when that fails, it takes out the rest of the transmission.
They replaced the transmission for $3100 (18 month-18,000 warranty), including a transmission oil cooler (you should think about doing that because it gives you more fluid and keeps temps down). Honda America case rep called me back and said to fax a copy of the repair order--the next day they called and said they were sending me check for $1500. That was EXCELLENT customer service.
It is a fact transmission failure is a result of a manufacturer defect because there are numerous cases of people experiencing the same transmission failure with their 2003 Honda Accord vehicles. Honda has acted irresponsibly in that they are not holding themselves accountable for what has already proven to be a serious safety issue. The recall honda issued in 2004 was a band-aid fix and they knew full well the problem would persist down the road. I urge everyone to put the pressure on honda to issue a recall for their failing transmissions. A class action law suit will be filed if it hasn't already and I encourage everyone who has been affected by this to be involved with that.
Complete transmission failure occurred while exiting the freeway, loss of forward propulsion. Mileage only approx. 78,000. Dealer, Pacific Honda est. $6400 to fix, including 3 broken motor mounts and leaking hose. Towed to AAMCO, and the est. there was about $4900 minimum. Car was sold as is. Honda America refused assistance although the dealer said they would take 25% off of labor. I am interested in a class action lawsuit!
Bought a honda thinking it would last and found out later that after 1998 they just turned out garbage transmissions. Very unhappy and wish they would have taken care of these problems before cars break down.
2003 Honda Accord with only 53,000 miles. While driving on the highway approximately 55mph I attempted to change the line when my car suddenly and abruptly decelerated causing drivers behind me to brake rapidly and this almost lead to an accident. I was in the car with my wife and 4.5 years old son. It was a horrible experience. Next day I took my car to a dealer just to find out that I going to need another transmission and the cost is $4600. American Honda offered 35 % discount but the problem with this is than independent garages quoted repair between $2300- 2900 so in reality it was not real discount.
There is definitely something wrong with this year model transmission and judging by so many complains (and more is posted every day) about the same issue I am surprise that NHTSA is not doing anything about that. I hope that agency is not waiting till someone get badly injured or cause others serious trouble. I am the lucky on, it cost me a money but I am well and alive and so is my family.
In May there was a recall from Hyundai and based on what I found on NHTSA website there was a lot less complains about transmission problem and NHTSA reacted : quoted†Hyundai is recalling 6,169 Santa Fes because a defective transmission may cause "loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash," according to the NHTSA†unquoted. I would like to know what rules NHTSA used to differentiate transmission problem. In one case may increase risk of crush but in other not. I also want to know if anyone who works for NHTSA will take full responsibility if there is going to be death or injury caused by not paying proper attention to transmission failure in this case.
All above was sent to NHTSA but I want to add to that.
I am the owner of 2003 Honda Accord EX, VIN # 1HGCM66533A017625 and I have experienced premature transmission failure at 53000 miles. I was driving on the highway with my wife and 4.5 years son and attempted to change the lines when my car unexpectedly and abruptly decelerated. We were lucky that there was enough distance between traffic behind us so it did not cause any problem but experience was horrible and it was close and I personally think that this is safety issue and no one wants to way till someone will be injured or killed.
American Honda is not taking any responsibility for this problem. Funny thing is that they did when this problem start surfacing, my friend had same problem at around 50,000 miles in 2007 (his warranty expired at this time) but American Honda replaced his transmission at no cost to him. So is there double standard treating customers or they did not realized severity of the problem then. I can provide his VIN # just to proof that.
After my transmission failed I did some research online and was surprised to find so many people complain about the same problem. So this is not isolated problem but very wide spread issue. Shame on you Honda. I guess they became another greedy company.
Then I found out from my friend who worked for company called CRS ( Company Remanufacturing Specialist ) located in Mahwah New Jersey which specialized in transmission rebuilding, that they rebuilded a lot of transmission for 6 cylinder Honda and there was some design / construction problem with most if not all transmissions manufactured in USA. He pointed out especially to one of them which wrong material used for transmission oil pump gears was causing them to grind and chew aluminum and in effect contaminating oil and leading to solenoid valves failure and some other issues. I do not have enough funds or resources to persuade this but I am sure if someone (lawyers) would look into this they would find much more info and proof that this is manufacturing problem on Honda side.
To add to injury American Honda settled lawsuit in California and paid 5.5 million dollars to lawyers instead fixing their own problem and take care of they own customers, people actually buying their product. But at this point I do not mind to who they pay to as long they pay for their own mistakes.
Purchased a honda because of its reputation. Never thought the transmission would go out. After doing research I found out I got hosed. There are many other complaints with the same problem within similar mileage.
C'mon Honda!! 75,000 Miles!!! Transmission went out on the highway with my kids in the back seat!! All of a sudden, the car jolted twice and then would no longer shift gears. Brought it in to the dealer and the quoted $4000 to replace.....Tried to work with American Honda to help cover the bill, but they refused. Stated it was too far out of warrenty. Bought the Honda for reliability and to get to at least 100,000 miles - but fell far short of that. I was extremely dissappointed with this car, and will not be purchasing another Honda.
I paid big buck for my 2003 EX Accord thinking I was getting a great car. Turns out it wasn't as good as my ford truck. I will never buy another Honda. No more GM's either. Honda knew those transmissions were crap when they recalled them. They screwed me once but not again. I bought a Nissan.
My first problem with the transmission occurred in April of 2010. I took it to the Honda dealer and they said that it would cost $3500-4000 to replace it. I simply couldn't afford it, so I took it to an independent transmission facility and it was rebuilt for $2000. I complained to the dealer that a Honda transmission shouldn't need replacing with only around 90,000 miles. Of course, they didn't care. On July 28 of this year, I was heading to Maryland and the transmission failed again on Interstate 95 while I was in the left lane. This is 2 hours away from my home. AAA towed it to an approved facility in Delaware. Now it is going to cost $3800 to fix. I called Honda headquarters and they were less than helpful. I told them why I couldn't get the transmission fixed at Honda either time. The manager's reply was "Well, now you are out another $3800!" Nice, huh? I told them I wanted to write a letter to corporate and he gave me the address, but added, "You can write them and they will call you to say that they received your letter, but they will not change the policy." Not only am I out the $5800 for fixing the transmission twice, but I had to get a rental to get back home. This was my family's 6th Honda...I guess it was the last.
I purchase a honda thinking i would not have to replace a transmission for a very long time at least until it had 160,000 miles or more. i guess i was wrong. Will rethink buying honda in the future.
I can't believe transmission could fail on a car with mileage less than 60K. Also, it happened out of a sudden with no warning on the dashboard. It was a risky situation but worst could have happened. A little research shows that there are many people experiencing transmission failure with this particular model which is directly related to safety of the people aboard. Honda should do a recall or adjust their policy to replace this kind of failures with transmission with cars with such low mileage on it. It has always been serviced at Honda dealership with no issues noted on the last visit.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The reason I bought this car was the new car sticker in the lot that said 'First tune-up at 100,000 miles' I thought that's the car for me - reliable for a long time. I have a busy job, busy life, etc and can't be slowed down or irritated or saddled with major car repairs - so I was sold.
Imagine my disbelief when my son and grandson were at a major intersection during rush hour traffic and the transmission died - just like that. Thankfully a really nice man stopped to help, towed my son out of the intersection and arranged for a tow truck, right to a transmission place as he said he knew that's what the problem was. Boy was he right, total transmission replacement for $3,215. Of course no warranty left on car which is why we skipped the dealership - couldn't afford their prices.
I was still so shocked over the issue. It was the first time we had bought a foreign car and I had heard you could drive a Honda up to 300,000 miles with no problem - it would run for ever, yada, yada, yada. So I thought I'm going to go on-line and see if anyone else had experienced the same problem and I found pages and pages about the 2003 Honda and transmission failures! I also read where there had been a recall in April, 2004 to bring in and have gears looked at - never got that notice either.
I've had many American make cars and never had a major issue with any outside of normal wear and tear like batteries, brakes, tires, etc. I bought what I thought was a fail safe car when it came to repairs and now I run into this major problem.
I'm also irritated as it was a major job, had to be fit in between other customers and the shop had to have it for two weeks - had to get rides to and from work - what a pain!
Then who has $3200+ just laying around so we had to use all of our vacation money and cancel our vacation on top of it!
Bottom line - based on the complaints I've read and research I've done, Honda certainly knows they have a problem with this transmission but did not recall like they did the 2004 (which seemed to have less complaints). Seems like Honda pays for some peoples parts but not others - how do you arrange that?
I will never buy another Honda and tell everyone I know my story. I hate companies who duck their responsibilities and don't stand behind their products. Buy American brands from now on - I think they've caught up on technology and are just as good!!
- Susan C., Waukesha, WI, US