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.
Same complaint as everyone else. Bought the Accord thinking it was very reliable. Transmission started rumbling at high speeds then at all speeds. The dealership wanted $4500 to replace it, Amco wanted $2900 to rebuild it. My local guy wanted $3300 for a rebuilt and $2200 for a used. I am going with the used one which supposedly has low miles on it. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will last for a while.
Dealer estimated transmission fix ~$3700. I always thought Honda's had a quality reputation and didn't have these kind of problems. Now I find out that transmission problems for Honda are wide spread. This will likely be my last Honda.
I will be contacting Honda directly to see what, if anything, they might do for us.
- Robert S.,
Normal, IL, US
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Same complaint as everyone else. Bought the Accord thinking it was very reliable. Transmission started rumbling at high speeds then at all speeds. The dealership wanted $4500 to replace it, Amco wanted $2900 to rebuild it. My local guy wanted $3300 for a rebuilt and $2200 for a used. I am going with the used one which supposedly has low miles on it. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will last for a while.
- Howard L., Boston, MA, US