CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Honda Accord suffers from transmission failure. It's not a huge widesperad problem like in prior years, but definitely still something to consider.

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 problems have been a huge problem for the Accord & several other Honda models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda eventually extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accords as a class action lawsuit settlement, but owners of other Accord model years with transmission problems are out of luck.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
91,938 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Honda Accord drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #44

Jul 012015

Accord

  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was driving on highway in traffic and car would not shift gears, car was jumping forward and would not accelerate as traffic sped up. Was able to get car off the highway, but got stuck at a red light, when attempting to accelerate forward, car went backwards.

- Towson, MD, USA

problem #43

Apr 012015

Accord

  • 161,000 miles
Driving on the freeway and entered caldecott tunnel in berkeley, ca. All of a sudden the car would not go and the rpms shot up to 6500. I had nowhere to go as I was in a 2 lane tunnel. I put my flashers on and slowed to a stop. This freeway has a very high volume of traffic and I was lucky not to get creamed by someone. There was no warning light that came on. There was a burning smell. I was "pulled" out of the tunnel by a very nice man who stopped to help me. Had the car towed to my mechanic who tells me that the transmission is done. This is a 2005 Honda Accord V6 and after researching, I see that there are numerous complaints about the transmission. I plan on calling Honda to see what they plan to do. I could have been seriously injured.

- Pittsburg, CA, USA

problem #42

Dec 172014

Accord 6-cyl

  • miles
Drove the car to work slowed down behind another car to let them turn and the car stalled like as if the car was in neutral, I pulled over because it never happened before turned the car off and then restarted the engine and drove about 10 more minutes to work. Later on that day after my shift was over took it to a mechanic who scanned for a code which read P0741 in his words meant transmission issues.

- West Haven , CT, USA

problem #41

Sep 212014

Accord 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This incident is concerning my 2005 Honda Accord ex V6, VIN (given above). I am the first owner and car has 85000 miles on it. On 21st September 2014 automatic transmission failed without any warning while I was driving on freeway today. Check engine light never turned on.the car just stopped on a crowded interstate, which was very frightening. This vehicle has been properly maintained and I've never missed an oil change, timing belt, etc. I've never had any major problems with this car, no leaks, no engine issues and this leads me to believe there is some sort of defect with this automobile which needs to be recalled. My situation with the transmission is obviously not an isolated incident and Honda needs to step-up to the plate. The mechanic said that he has seen this same problem time and time again with Honda's especially with 2005 Accord V6 transmission failures. On further research on NHTSA website, I found NHTSA campaign id number : 11V395000 addressing similar problem and as of 23rd September 2014, 1.5 million (1512107) vehicles has been recalled for similar issue.the Honda recall number is R89 and the recall was placed on August 27th 2011, for Honda Accord 2005-2010 for the transmission. I took my car to, grossinger Honda, my local Honda dealer. The diagnosis was that the transmission had completely failed although fluid levels were normal. Dtc codes were P0741, P0746, and P0777. Honda opened a case and gave me a case no:N012014-09-22-02450. More than 1.5 million vehicles are affected from this recall and they tell me my car isn't one? I strongly feel that my case is genuine and with reference to NHTSA campaign id number : 11V395000, my vehicle should be considered for this recall by american Honda.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #40

Jul 172014

Accord

  • 203,563 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the driver started the vehicle, it was unable to shift out of gear. In addition, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 203,563.

- Robinhood , AL, USA

problem #39

Mar 212014

Accord 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,500 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle independently decelerated and when she depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 55,500. Updated 06/10/14 MA the consumer stated she paid for a re-built transmission and torque converter. Updated 07/23/14

- Pittsburg , PA, USA

problem #38

Feb 012014

Accord 6-cyl

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning and would not accelerate over 30 mph. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, who performed a diagnostic and located the failure at the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 103,000.

- Wayne , ME, USA

problem #37

Jan 292014

Accord 6-cyl

  • 76,500 miles
Driving to work in somewhat heavy traffic when I approached a slight incline. The engine began racing to redline and the transmission would not engage to move the car forward again. I was very nearly rear ended by the vehicle behind me as the car suddenly slowed down. I put on my hazards and pulled to the shoulder, and suddenly the gear engaged again and I was on my way. While slowing down further on in my drive, the transmission began pulsing and surging as I slowed nearly causing me to lose control. I backed off from the traffic and was almost to work when I approached another hill. This time the engine again raced to redline and I pulled to shoulder and shut the car down. I waited a minute and restarted and the vehicle appeared to be fine again. I drove the half mile to work and immediately setup an appointment to have the transmission looked at. I was able to make it to the dealer by keeping the drive select in 3rd and they have diagnosed the vehicle with a failed 2nd gear leaving me to foot the bill for a remanufactured transmission at over $5000. Needless to say, my wife and I as the original owners of this vehicle are very disappointed and hopeful that Honda will help to cover part of the repair. I am concerned that my wife and children could have been in the car when it lost power and could have been seriously injured in an accident and the vehicle is only 8 years old with 75K on the odometer.

- Avondale, PA, USA

problem #36

Jan 282014

Accord

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the engine rpms increased abnormally as a burning odor and smoke was emitted from under the hood. Additionally, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who advised the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 70,000.

- Croton On Hudson , NY, USA

problem #35

Dec 292013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 66,700 miles
While driving on the interstate my car lost power from the engine. The RPM's went higher but there was no power even though the engine continued to rev. There were no warning indicators on the dash to try to understand what was happening except for the RPM gauge. The transmission had completely disengaged just as if it were in neutral even though it was in 'drive'. the scariest part was that I was stuck in heavy traffic driving at highway speeds at night during a rainstorm and there were no visible warnings to observe other than the tachometer and sound of the engine revving up. I understand now that the transmission has started to fail prematurely due to overheated transmission fluid and needs to be replaced at a high cost.

- Strafford, PA, USA

problem #34

Oct 302013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 42,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Automatic transmission V6 Accord. Cruising at highway speed of 65, moderate traffic, around 4:35P, level ground, ambient temp of about 71, approx 2000 revs. Transmission suddenly shifted down (no kick down), engine raced at 6500 revs, caused car to rapidly decelerate. Luckily there was a gap in traffic behind me, otherwise could have shunted. Took foot off gas, looking for gap to pull over to the shoulder when car suddenly shifted back into a gear normal for speed - revs dropped to about 2500 to 3000, speed around 45. Gently pressed gas and increased speed back up to normal highway speed. A whine is coming the engine bay - more noticeable at lower speeds. Transmission subsequently not shifting smoothly.

- Vail, AZ, USA

problem #33

Jul 082013

Accord

  • 65,000 miles
Car details: - 05 Accord SE coupe with ~65K miles (automatic transmission, 4 cylinder) recently, I have noticed that the car will not accelerate even when I keep pushing the gas pedal. Typically happens at around 50 to 60 mph marker (the mph needle will just stall at one location and not move). I have to tap the brake lightly a couple of times or let the car coast down without giving it any gas (it kind of releases whatever is holding the car from accelerating and releases the mph needle). I then accelerate the car again and it will go higher than 60 mph. Keeps happening often (not every time though). My gas mileage is lower which confirms that something is happening. This is a serious safety issue on highways. I am not sure if this is related to all the transmission failure issues that Honda Accord continue to see on models manufactured in the mid 2000S.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #32

May 292013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 93,000 miles
At only 93,000 miles, my transmission is shot. Just one year after my extended warranty runs out based on time, not mileage. Honda's reputation of reliability makes people not even expect to buy a warranty. Their reputation is a lie. Any american car would have a 100,000 mile warranty the transmission. I will definitely never buy a Honda again. The financial burden of replacing a transmission so early on is not easy and this car should be recalled for it's common defect, as I am learning online.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #31

May 102013

Accord

  • 78,093 miles
Brought vehicle in for routine maintenance timing belt replacement. Honda technician notified me that the timing belt tensioner was leaking and could leak onto the belt causing it to slip off of tensioner.. he further stated that this type of leak goes un-noticed until timing belt is replaced. Loss of power can occur if timing belt is not secured.

- Kinnelon, NJ, USA

problem #30

Feb 232013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 102,465 miles
Driving on highway 101 in California the powertrain (automatic transmission) on our 6 cylinder Honda failed at highway speeds. When we got to an exit, the car could not power up an exit ramp. The car even rolled backwards even when the transmission was put in park. Prior to this problem we had no advance warning or inkling of any transmission difficulties. During this incident the warning light on the dash did not turn on. Once we got to a repair facility we were told that the transmission had failed completely and the cost of a remanufactured unit would be about $4,400. After this incident we read up on Honda's and discovered that such complete, no-warning failures are rather common in these Honda Accord. Our extended warranty ran out six months ago. Given the high number of these problems and the high cost involved, we believe that Honda should repair or replace these units as losing power in a car on an interstate highway is very dangerous.

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

problem #29

Apr 202013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 176,700 miles
Manufacturer: Honda (american Honda motor co.) summary: Initially, while waiting on a red light, while the car was going into a forward gear, the car surged forward. Then tried to apply breaks but car seemed to want to move forward. Applied brakes and moved gear to neutral. There was a loud noise coming from underneath the car. Once stopped, put car on park and turned off engine. Before turning car off the engine just revved and surged forward causing me to almost rear end the car in front. End result was the transmission would not shift on any gear (drive, reverse, low gear). The car was rendered fully un-drivable as it seems the transmission has completely failed. Honda was contacted and informed. They stated there were no recalls for Honda Accord 2005 (the NHTSA website indicates campaign 11V395000) recalls but Honda stated they would not cover the repair even though it is a known frequent failure. How should I pursue this issue going forward? ps. The car was tolled back to my driveway and its still sitting there.

- Fishkill, NY, USA

problem #28

Jan 022013

Accord 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
My 05 Honda Accord V6 auto transmission gave up on me only at 65000 miles. Honda does not want to pay for it because the warranty has expired and they quoted me over $4400 to replace it with a new one but the only has 65K miles on it. I'll never buy another Honda for this reason.

- Upper Darby, PA, USA

problem #27

Oct 302012

Accord

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

- North Reading, MA, USA

problem #26

Aug 012012

Accord 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
I was driving home from work in stop-and-go traffic. When I went to accelerate I noticed that the vehicle jerked, as if it had a problem shifting. I didn't think much of it at the time until it did it again after I came to another stop and accelerated once traffic started moving again. This time I pulled over to the side of the road. I then noticed the malfunction indicator lamp ("check engine light") came on the dash. The traction control (tcs) indicator also came on. I turned the car off, waited a few seconds, then started it again, hoping that would clear any faults. The indicators were still lit and when I went to put the vehicle in drive the drive "D" indicator was flashing green (it's normally solid green). I drove it a short distance to a nearby parking lot where I called a tow truck to come tow the vehicle to my local Honda dealership. Upon driving it to the parking lot I noticed that it wouldn't shift out of first gear. Top speed I got was about 40 mph. Also the engine was revving slightly. I then knew that the problem was more serious and I feared for the worse. While waiting for the tow truck I checked the error codes that was causing the check engine light to come on. It came back with three codes having to do with the shift solenoid valve a and clutch pressure control solenoid valve a being stuck on. The dealer called me back the next day and explained that they replaced the shift and clutch pressure control solenoids, were going to give it a test drive to see if that corrected the fault, and would call me back afterwards. The next call I received was devastating. I was told that it didn't fix the issue and that I would need a new transmission! I was completely shocked. The car just hit the 50,000 mile mark! I have babied this car since I first bought it new. I don't drive it rough and I follow the maintenance schedule to a T. how could this possibly be?

- Grovetown, GA, USA

problem #25

Aug 152011

Accord

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Accord. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle. The mechanic stated that transmission fluid was burning causing the rubber to expand and the vehicle to slip between gears. In addition, the mechanic stated that the gear system would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Ossining, NY, USA

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