2003 Honda Accord

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Power train is the leading concern among 2,013 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 25 Accord model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 2,013

Of the 2003 reports, 158 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 157 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernPower train926 reports · 46% of complaints
Owner complaints2,013Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship24 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train926
  2. Air bags324
  3. Service brakes175
  4. Hydraulic146
  5. Electrical system143
  6. Engine and engine cooling95
  7. Steering91
  8. Vehicle speed control81

Recalls and investigations

  1. Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 10, 2019

    Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

    If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.

    Campaign 19E068000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.

    Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

    Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

    An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

    Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

    An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

    Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMar 30, 2017

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Honda Accord Coupe vehicles, equipped with a four-cylinder engine. If the passenger frontal air bag module has been replaced, such as after a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, the replacement air bag module may include a Takata air bag inflator. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any Takata inflator used in the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF0.

    Campaign 17V220000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.

    Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.

    Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Air bagsNov 4, 2014

    American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Air bagsJun 20, 2014

    American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Steering, hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connectionsMay 17, 2012

    Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.

    If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.

    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 12V222000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Electrical system, ignitionAug 5, 2010

    HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

    REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTED TO THE PARK POSITION CAN ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE ORIGINAL INTERLOCK PIN AND LEVER WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW, DESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 10V364000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

    DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

    Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

  15. Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008

    K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

    Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov

  16. Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorApr 11, 2008

    HONDA IS RECALLING 351,000 MY 2003 ACCORD VEHICLES. IF WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE MOTOR TO VENT WARM AIR DURING NORMAL OPERATION, IT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING. THIS CAN CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING.

    IF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILS, IT WILL CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION. IF NO SIGNS OF CORROSION ARE PRESENT, A COVER WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE WIPER MOTOR TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR HOUSING. IF SIGNS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE OBSERVED ON THE WIPER MOTOR, THE MOTOR WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

    Campaign 08V169000 on NHTSA.gov

  17. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 17, 2007

    CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 317-1131L-AS, 317-1131R-AS, 317-1131L-US, AND 317-1131R-US, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION A SLIGHT DISTORTION OF THE BEZEL CHANGED THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE TURN SIGNAL. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

    Campaign 07E031000 on NHTSA.gov

  18. Exterior lighting, headlightsJan 16, 2007

    CERTAIN TYC HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/NS 20-6361-00 AND 20-6362-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2006 HONDA ACCORD PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PHOTMETRIC WERE MISALIGNED WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DEMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    GENERA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT GENERA AT 714-522-6688.

    Campaign 07E004000 on NHTSA.gov

  19. Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

    CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

    Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov

  20. Exterior lightingMay 8, 2006

    CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.

    Campaign 06E038000 on NHTSA.gov

  21. Exterior lightingApr 18, 2006

    CERTAIN EAGLE EYES AND SONAR HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON 1988-2005 HONDA CIVIC, 1990-2005 HONDA ACCORD, AND 1990-2001 ACURA INTEGRA PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    TOM MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF NONCOMPLIANT LIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOM MOTORSPORT AT 626-968-4007.

    Campaign 06E032000 on NHTSA.gov

  22. Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 21, 2006

    CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

    Campaign 06E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  23. Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006

    CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

    Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov

  24. Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2004

    ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

    GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

    ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

    Campaign 04V176000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: power train

926 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 22, 2025

    The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there were several mechanical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a failure with the ignition switch, and the key could not be removed from the cylinder, and the shift lever failed to shift into drive(D), park(P), or into reverse(R). The contact stated that while the vehicle was in drive(D), the drive(D) indicator was flashing. Additionally, the contact had been having a failure of the power steering assist. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact was unaware of any warning lights during the power steering failure. The contact stated that the power steering failure was recurring. There was also a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that after being able to shift to drive(D), and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and hesitating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found several recalls related to the failures. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the contact was advised that two previous recall repairs were completed for the air bags and the ignition, but the VIN was no longer under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

  2. Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Jul 13, 2024

    Tie rods, brakes

  3. Power train, Dec 12, 2023

    The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift properly; however, the engine revved abnormally. The driver pulled to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed after being restarted on several occasions; however, the failure persisted on other occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

  4. Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jul 20, 2023

    (Please check the attached full complaint letter) I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my experience with the American Honda Motor Company. As a loyal consumer and a law-abiding citizen, I believe it is crucial to address issues that impact consumers and the general public. Since 2013, I have been trying to resolve a critical issue with my brand-new Honda Accord car I bought from Honda. Unfortunately, American Honda company didn’t resolve the issue that affected my car and hundreds of thousands of the same cars’ owners that they sold in NJ and in 22 salt belt states. My argument with the American Honda company is that they have a major design issue with their front left and right axles for Honda Accord cars that have been manufactured since 2003.

  5. Power train, Apr 19, 2023

    Theirs a humming or whining sound and burning odors on the transmission. Slipping on transmission gear.

  6. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 21, 2023, crash

    After car had leaking valve cover gaskets replaced the TCS and BRAKE indicator lights illuminated. Couldn’t reset. All fuses and light bulbs were good. E-brake limit switch OK, brake pedal switch ok but had small crack so REPLACED. TCS, BRAKE light went off then returned within 3 mins now with ( ! ) indicator light illuminated. Made appt with Honda Dealer however 2 days before appt vehicle lost traction at 50 mph brakes went to floor vehicle began to fishtail and driver was unable to correct steering or brake. This lead to a solo vehicle accident off the side of road.

  7. Power train, Oct 4, 2021, crash

    My transmission ffails while deiving causes it to go into limp mode and stops on contact

  8. Power train, Aug 27, 2021

    The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission erroneously downshifted into 3rd gear causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed to approximately 25 mph. The contact indicated that the transmission remained stuck in 3rd gear. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 287,000.

  9. Power train, Jan 18, 2021

    I AM ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND IT HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY. AT ABOUT 118,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55 MPH AND IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, HARD ENOUGH THAT THE TIRES SCREECHED. IT WAS VERY TERRIFYING AS WELL AS HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO BE VERY DANGEROUS. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEMS. AT THIS TIME, THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE TRANSMISSION IN THE 2003 HONDA ACCORD HAS BEEN PLAGUED BY PROBLEMS FROM THE ONSET. I AM JUST VERY FORTUNATE THAT NOTHING SERIOUS HAPPENED TO ME WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, OR I WOULD NOT BE HERE MAKING THIS POST.

  10. Power train, Dec 24, 2020

    STEERING WHEEL LOCKED KEY WON'T TURN

  11. Power train, Dec 2, 2020

    TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP FOR A MAINTENANCE REPAIR TO GET A BRAKE LINE JOB DONE. AFTER THEY COMPLETED THE JOB I TOLD HONDA TO PUT MY VEHICLE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, TO CHECK FOR ANY OTHER ISSUES WHICH THEY DID. SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE WITH IT NO ISSUES. DROVE HOME FINE NEXT DAY COMES, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, THIS TIME I WENT AND GOT THE DIAGNOSTIC DONE ON MY VEHICLE MYSELF. COME TO FIND OUT IT'S A TRANSMISSION/TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM, WHICH HONDA DIDN'T CHECK OR TELL ME ABOUT, LOOK UP REVIEWS ABOUT THE MY VEHICLE, AND A LOT OF OTHER HONDA OWNERS OF MY EXACT MODEL SAYS THE SAME HOW BAD THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THIS VEHICLE.

  12. Power train, Dec 10, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AS NEEDED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SPEAK WITH A DEALER, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000(POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

  13. Power train, Aug 30, 2019

    MY TRANSMISSION IS BROKEN WHY?

  14. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2019

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAULT CODE WAS NOT RETRIEVED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

  15. Power train, Jul 5, 2019

    AUTONATIC TRANSMISSION

  16. Power train, Apr 29, 2019

    ENTERED HIGHWAY AT 50 55 WHEN RPMS WENT UP AND LOST ACCELERATION QUICKLY ABOUT GOT REAR ENDED AND ONCE I GOT TO THE SHOULDER I TURNED OFF CAR AND STARTED IT BACK UP AND ONLY THING I COULDN'T ENGAGE IN CAR ..PARK WORKED BUT THE REST WAS IN NEATRAL LUCKY NOONE WAS HURT..TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING I FIND THIS A MAJOR ISSUE SINCE SO MANY OTHER 03 ACCORDS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND I'M ASKING FOR HONDA TO REPLACE MY TRANDMISSION..NUMBER OF MILES 138,000.

  17. Power train, Mar 2, 2019

    I JUST BOUGHT MY HONDA ACCORD 2003 FROM A USED CAR DEALER AND IT HAD 120XXX MILES LITERALLY DROVE IT TWO MONTHS AND IT BROKE DOWN MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TEANSMISSION SO I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND I SEEN THAT THESE ACCORDS HAVE BAD TRANSMISSIONS EVERYWHERE I SEEN SOMEONE HAD A PROBLEM WITH TRANS I CHECKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL BUT THEY SAID THERE WASN'T THIS IS REALLY DISAPPOINTED KNOWING I I LYNCH HAD IT TWO MONTHS AND HAVING THE SAME ISSUE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING

  18. Power train, Jan 24, 2019

    TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. NEW TRANSMISSION WAS BAD ALSO. WASTED MONEY FOR THE SAME THING MULTIPLE TIMES AND HONDA WILL NOT HELP. THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL IS ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE SAME EXACT MAKE MODEL AND YEAR. IT IS HARD TO FIND A TRANSMISSION, AND AFTER SEEING THE RECALL AND IT MATCHING BOTH TRANSMISSIONS I DON'T SEE WHY WE SHOULD HAVE TO KEEP SPENDING MONEY ON FAULTY PARTS. ALL THE TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE HAD RECALLS AND WERE FAULTY. WE WANT HONDA'S HELP TO FIX IT FOR GOOD SINCE NO OTHER MECHANIC CAN FIGURE IT OUT AND WE HAVE SPENT MONEY BACK TO BACK ON THE SAME THING. THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL WAS TERRIBLE FOR TRANSMISSION FAILURES. I FEEL IT IS WRONG TO HAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS BUY TRANSMISSIONS THAT HAVE TO BE THE SAME THAT CAME OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND WE ARE WASTING ALL OF OUR TIME AND MONEY TO DO SO, BECAUSE ANY TRANSMISSION WE BUY IS ALREADY MESSED UP.

  19. Power train, Dec 18, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD MALFUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED IN DECEMBER OF 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 207,000.

  20. Power train, Aug 6, 2018

    WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 65 MPH, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SEEMED LIKE IT WAS BRAKING BY ITSELF WITHOUT ME PRESSING THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND AFTER SPENDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS, FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS DAMAGED AND BEYOND THE SECOND GEAR, IT IS SLIPPING. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THAT DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO AN ACCIDENT BY BEING REAR ENDED OR WORSE. HONDA SHOULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION.

  21. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 184,449.

  22. Power train, Jan 22, 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN OVER 20 MPH EACH TIME THE FAILURE HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  23. Power train, Nov 30, 2017

    TORQUE CONVERTER STUCK OFF, P0741, CODE GIVEN. TRANSMISSION REBUILD/ REPLACEMENT REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED USE OF VEHICLE. SERVICE RECORDS SHOW 2ND GEAR OIL JET ADDITION AT 25,500 MILES, AND ALL SUBSEQUENT SERVICING DONE AT MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED INTERVALS, AS INDICATED BY PRINTED SHOP RECEIPTS FROM HONDA DEALERSHIP. AFTER DRAIN AND FILL DONE AFTER FIRST CODE THROWN AT 106,000 MILES, 50 MILES LATER THE SAME P0741 CODE THROWN. LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP DID TEARDOWN AND SAID THAT TORQUE CONVERTER SHOWS SIGNS OF OVERHEATING, METAL SHAVINGS IN FLUID, AND SEVERELY WORN AND BROKEN CLUTCH MATERIALS ( I HAVE PICTURES OF SAID DAMAGE).

  24. Power train, Nov 6, 2017

    TRANSMISSION - WHILE DRIVING I'D PULLED OVER AND THE CAR SLOW TO A STOP WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN GEAR,I PLACE THE GREA LEVER IN PARK THEN BACK INTO DRIVE AND ALL THAT HAPPEN WAS A WINEING SOUND FROM THE TRANSMISSION I TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND SAT THERE FOR A WHILE, STARTED THE ENGINE WAS ABLE TO GO SOME DISTANCE MORE AND THE CAR STARTED TO WINE AGAIN MADE IT HOME AFTER THREE STOP LET THE CAR REST AND THEN GO AGAIN.HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILD ,YEARS LATER TRANMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AGAIN.THIS ALL HAPPEN ON CITY STREET LAST REPAIR WAS 09/23/2016 BY BRAKE STOP AUTO REPAIR

  25. Power train, Sep 25, 2017

    HELLO I NEED TO SUBMIT A NEAR COLLISION INCIDENT CAUSED BY A TRANSMISSION LOCKUP ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. I DON'T KNOW YOUR VIN TRACKING METHODS, BUT YOU HAVE NOT ACCOUNTED FOR ALL OF THEM, PARTICULARLY MINE. REFER TO: NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 04V-176 MFR CAMPAIGN ID: P38 CAMPAIGN DSCRIPTION: 03-04 ACCORD AUTO TRANS RECALL RECALL DATE: 04/13/2014 I'VE JUST HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME IN MY 2003 ACCORD AND CAN PROVIDE PROOF BY SUBMITTING MY TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT RECORDS FROM THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER SERVICE SHOP. I WAS LUCKY THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO AVOID REAR ENDING ME.