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.
Just bought my son this 2004 Honda Accord for his first car from the Honda Dealer. We did not even make the first payment and I went to turn on the wipers to clean the windshield. The solution sprayed all over but the wiper never came on. I changed the fuse directly linked for wipers and a couple other that it said to try in the manual but nothing worked. I suppose I will need to take it in to dealership.
I have had a Chevy Tahoe for 12 years and never had to put anything into it. I have a bad feeling about this and the reason I chose a Honda was because I thought it would run a long time for my son and get him through college? So bummed!!
My wind shield wipers failed to work a few days ago. Luckily it was noticed when I tried to spray some windshield fluid because of a dirty windshield. However, I was under the impression that it possibly would have been the fuse as a friend recommended that could be the problem. I then proceeded to purchase the replacement fuse at Pep Boys but upon replacing it, I realized that it must be the motor as the wipers still didn't work. This is really frustrating as my car has only 105,000 miles although it being a 2004 Honda Accord. I just hope that the dealership doesn't charge me an arm and a leg to replace. :(
The wipers are banging and making lot of noise. Got it checked with auto shop and they said that the wiper motor needs to be replaced. Also I hear an irritating rattling sound from the passenger side window. The auto shop said that the window motor needs to be replaced. In addition the control arm needs to be changed too and there is only 85000 miles on the car. I never expected a honda to have such issues. I would have been better off buying a toyota which I plan to next month.
This car's windshield wipers just stopped working. One day they were working and the next day, they were not. I clicked the knob to clean the windshield of pollen and the wipers moved maybe 6 inches and then stopped. They never moved after that. The amazing thing to me is this is a commonly reported problem that most people just won't take the time to notify Honda. The next amazing thing is that Honda charges more to replace the motor than say, Tires Plus, etc. using the same part from Honda.
As infrequent as windshield wipers are used, they shouldn't fail like this. I have both a 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager and 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE and both cars are still in great shape. To pay what I did for this Honda Accord EX-L with V-Tec 6 cyl., a windshield wiper motor should not have failed due to anything. Either the engineering and placement of the motor is bad, and/or the motor was defective. Either way Honda should replace these motors or reimburse owners. Lastly, the 2003 recall of Honda with windshield wiper motor problems should have included the 2004's, because most of them used the same motor assembly. It seems to be all about money.
Anyone who has this problem should call Honda of America the more complaints they get they will finally send out a recall and pay you back for the repair.
- Lynda J.,
Centreville, MD, US
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My Windshield wipers wouldn't work this morning and had to wipe off the morning dew with other means. What if it was raining. The thing is, my car is only 4 years old, 50,000 miles, and I live in TX where it finally started to rain this year only. So, for about 2 1/2 years, hardly had to use the wipers. Out of warranty so, had to pay out of pocket and cost me $430. Going to call Honda first thing on Monday. Doubt anything will be done, but it was outrages having to pay that kind of money for a new motor and labor.
bought 2004 accord brand new off lot & a year to the day of buying it windshield wiper motor broke. My local dealership (whom i have bought at least 4 new hondas from) told me that the part & labor would cost a little over $500.00. Of course it wasn't covered in my warranty because I also have the defective odometer that registers too many miles & warranty had ran out at that time. I have never heard off a wiper motor going bad. this is not something that you use EVERYDAY..
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Just bought my son this 2004 Honda Accord for his first car from the Honda Dealer. We did not even make the first payment and I went to turn on the wipers to clean the windshield. The solution sprayed all over but the wiper never came on. I changed the fuse directly linked for wipers and a couple other that it said to try in the manual but nothing worked. I suppose I will need to take it in to dealership.
I have had a Chevy Tahoe for 12 years and never had to put anything into it. I have a bad feeling about this and the reason I chose a Honda was because I thought it would run a long time for my son and get him through college? So bummed!!
- Shonda V., Sioux Falls, SD, US