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.
Have an '04 Honda Accord that has really been a pain in the ass. First, I had to replace the transmission to the tune of $4,000 which made me have to sell my F150 to get that money, and now the car started having intermittent starting issues which only kept getting worse - until one day I drove to work, making several stops along the way, with the car starting up fine every time! Then it came time for me to get off work and nothing! Not even a clicking sound or nothing! Finally got home the next day via tow truck and have replaced both the ignition and starter relay and still nothing - oh as well as a new negative battery cable! Honda has serious work to do! Never again!
My wife went out to the car and tried to go do some shopping. The car wouldn't start. I diagnosed the problem as being the starter. It was a pretty easy fix but I was pretty unhappy because I had just purchased the car two weeks earlier.
I am a disabled veteran from the Iraq war. I went to kuni and got a used car 4 days later and car died on the highway almost getting hit by cars. I had to get my brother to jump me 10 times to get it to Walmart parking lot. left overnight, next day got a new battery, 6 days later car dies again. dealer told me ill have to get a new computer chip 1200 dollars Refusing to take back to the car. they offered a trade but add 2500 extra on another car. Do not go here!!! All veterans beware they could care less for us vets.
One morning of moderate weather 55 degrees, my car would not start. I took it to one Honda certified dealer who had it for three days and advised me to take it to the dealership due to the complexity and cost of the solution. Took it to the dealership and was told the computer chip was fried rom water condensation and needed replaced. A $1100 part. "But no worries we won't charge you labor." I was told by the first mechanic that he figured it was the computer but couldn't find it when he looked in the assumed compartment. All honda's from the beginning of time till the 2003 model have a common location for this part. in 2004 Honda had a bright idea to combine some parts for efficiency. However, after the 2004 model Honda realized it was a mistake and made the 2005 models and after based on previous common location. So not only was it not common for his experience but Honda realized for some reason it wasn't a good idea to put it ...wherever in the world it is in my car. I wonder if it is because it will accumulate some condensation and go out???
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Have an '04 Honda Accord that has really been a pain in the ass. First, I had to replace the transmission to the tune of $4,000 which made me have to sell my F150 to get that money, and now the car started having intermittent starting issues which only kept getting worse - until one day I drove to work, making several stops along the way, with the car starting up fine every time! Then it came time for me to get off work and nothing! Not even a clicking sound or nothing! Finally got home the next day via tow truck and have replaced both the ignition and starter relay and still nothing - oh as well as a new negative battery cable! Honda has serious work to do! Never again!
- mshelton, Greeneville, TN, US