CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004 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 ever 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 replaced 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.
The power lock and unlock actuators failed first on the drivers side and then on the passenger side doors and now neither can actuate.
The driver side one is especially frustrating as the way it's setup the only 2 actually functional locks for the rear seats won't unlock if the drivers side one isn't unlocked so they are effectively useless now as well.
EVERY TIME I GO TO UNLOCK MY DOOR W/ MY KEYS THE BACK DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT UNLOCK. ALSO WHEN I'M INSIDE THE CAR AND PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON IT DOES NOT UNLOCK AS WELL. I LITERALLY HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK IT! I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE TO THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM W/ THIS CAR!!
I m not the only one who got this problem. Honda Accord 2003-04 has this problem. I start my car and noticed the stereo light went dark. I already knew that this is a common problem in this model, so I called the Honda Canada dealer. Actually, the rep was a very nice person. He asked my VIN # and told me wait till they receive the part. I asked about the cost of it. He said ZERO Dollar. I was so happy and thanked god!
Still waiting for their call...
- pac,
Montreal, QC, Canada
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Somewhere around Feb of 2010 and roughly 37,000 miles, my drivers side power door lock decided to malfunction. At first, I thought the remote control key battery died, but realized the trunk release still worked via my key therefore it obviously was still sending a signal. The power door lock switch in my car will lock the 3 other doors but not the drivers door, thus I manually push the button down when I get out of my car. To unlock I now must use the key in the door...which is not a big deal, but I like the convenience of the remote. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because I am out of warranty and feel confident that I will be facing a large repair bill. Tonight, April 14th, however may have changed my mind about visiting the dealer because while I was parked, with engine off, and keys in hand, I somehow set my car alarm off after manually pushing down the lock button. I could not disable my car alarm because I had no control over my door locks with my remote. Putting the key in the ignition and starting the engine did not stop it. I wanted to yank a battery cable to shut it up, but had no wrench. Needless to say I shamefully walked away from my car in hopes the alarm would stop on its own after it reset itself, which it did. I am sure this had something to do with the fact that my main power door lock mechanism is faulty and malfunctioning. Stupid car.
Update from Oct 25, 2010: The fix...had the 'lock actuator' mechanism replaced at a local repair shop. The part cost $25.58 and labor was $90. Best to 'shop' repair costs Honda's quote was significantly higher.
Power lock on the driver's side isn't going up and down anymore using the remote. Does lock however manually. I think it's an actuator would be my guess.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The power lock and unlock actuators failed first on the drivers side and then on the passenger side doors and now neither can actuate.
The driver side one is especially frustrating as the way it's setup the only 2 actually functional locks for the rear seats won't unlock if the drivers side one isn't unlocked so they are effectively useless now as well.
- Tyler H., Signal Hill, CA, US