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.
I took my car to Goodyear in Fayetteville GA (love those guys!) because my check engine light came on. I was told the error code had something to do with the transmission but that I had to take it to the dealer because the problem was listed on a factory recall. The dealer (Willett Honda South) told me my VIN was NOT on the recall list, which meant they would not make any repairs free of charge. $200 later, they tell me they replaced a small part and added a statement on my receipt that if my check engine light came on again, I would likely have to replace my transmission. Well guess what...the light came on again and my car now surges.
If Honda KNEW there was a problem with specific model years, why the heck wouldn't they repair ALL of them? I have the same problem as the recall, yet I have to eat the cost, which, by the way I CANNOT afford...? That's not right!!!
Day one owning a Honda was are first day of hell,lets see.Drove the car for about two months.Then while driving the dash light up and the tac speed drop from 90 to 60.Engine light can on.I was like WTF.call dealer next day.After making appointment.Drove in at 9 in the morning.Sat in the waiting room were you look awful.Beside the fact the coffee/tea table was in mess.They came and told me the the spark plug was loose and did i try to change them.I tossed the money on the table and told him when my warranty was done .I done with Honda.Ok i will start backwards.Are 2004 Honda had the transmission replaced with only week left on warranty.The hood was replace ruffly one years be for the transmission,The truck was replace ruffly the same thing.One year in the difference. All in all.Its the last Honda this family will ever buy.Beside Are Toyota never never failed or fell apart like Honda.1997 Camry is still on the road.meaning it was are first car new and.We miss it 340000 and still on the road :)
O yeah and the Honda has 113569 for clicks.. Nov 13 2011
The repair is so common yet the cost is too much for a Honda owner and lover like myself. Please bring the cost of transmission repair down since it is so common in your vehicles or manufacture a more sound product. Thank you.
Honda Uk test drove my car and in an official report said that on the model launch they reported a transmission whine problem to Honda R&D in Japan. They say the niose is caused by helical gears used in the transmission, there is no way of alleviating this problem. Thanks very much Honda for mentioning this in your very slick advertising.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I took my car to Goodyear in Fayetteville GA (love those guys!) because my check engine light came on. I was told the error code had something to do with the transmission but that I had to take it to the dealer because the problem was listed on a factory recall. The dealer (Willett Honda South) told me my VIN was NOT on the recall list, which meant they would not make any repairs free of charge. $200 later, they tell me they replaced a small part and added a statement on my receipt that if my check engine light came on again, I would likely have to replace my transmission. Well guess what...the light came on again and my car now surges.
If Honda KNEW there was a problem with specific model years, why the heck wouldn't they repair ALL of them? I have the same problem as the recall, yet I have to eat the cost, which, by the way I CANNOT afford...? That's not right!!!
- Lisa U., Jonesboro, GA, US