Older Honda Accords

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Comments

  • libn314libn314 Member Posts: 4
    I took my 2003 LX to the dealer complaining of front end judder when braking over 50mph. Also noted that this was a known problem and that there was a TSB on this issue. They examined it and said that the rotors were "within spec" and that "you never know what's going to happen when you start machining them." I checked and found that my VIN was within the range specified on the TSB for brakes/pads issues on the early 2003s. I've (obviously) still got the judder since nothing was done. Any suggestions on what I should do?
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Go back and demand that they perform the service according to the TSB. I just read it and the procedure starts with checking the thickness of the rotors. If they are within the service limit, they are to be refinished. If not, they are replaced. But in any case, the brake pads ARE replaced. There's no provision in the TSB for the dealer to "take no action" based on the inspection of the rotor, so if your service department is declining to perform the service, they're jerking you around.

    If they still refuse to cooperate, I'd demand that the service manager show you the TSB and point out where it says that they can simply do nothing based on the inspection of the rotor. As I said, I've read the TSB and there is no such provision, so he won't be able to back his position.
  • alcatrazt2alcatrazt2 Member Posts: 70
    Hey everyone. I am going to purchase a 2004 Accord V6 EX...I have a few questions regarding the transmission. What exactly is D1, D2, and 1?
  • alcatrazt2alcatrazt2 Member Posts: 70
    Hey everyone. I am going to purchase a 2004 Accord V6 EX...I have a few questions regarding the transmission. What exactly is D1, D2, and 1?
  • jkwtradejkwtrade Member Posts: 18
    I'm installing a deck lid spoiler on a 2004 Accord LX. I got the install instructions from HandA Accessories. They call for a 8mm drill bit to drill the 4 holes in the deck lid. The 5/16" (7.9mm) drill bit seems too large in comparison to the size of the screws that came with the deck lid spoiler.

    Could someone please let me know what size drill bit they used for their installation?
    Thanks in advance.
  • smpearsmpear Member Posts: 11
    I am going to get a deck lid spoiler for my 2003 EX V6 and got a quote of $500 (installed) from the dealer. On ownerlink, they list out dealers and i found an installed price of $378 that i could get from another dealer (apparently my dealer does not participate).

    This seems like a nice no-haggle approach to getting a good deal. Order over the web then show up when they contact you and get a honda part dealer installed.

    What have others paid for the deck lid for the Gen 7?
  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    The gearshift selections are: P, R, N, D, D3, 2, 1. They correspond to Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Drive (up to 3rd gear), 2nd gear only, and 1st gear only.

    Generally speaking, you should leave the car in Drive--it will shift through all the gears (1st through 5th). D3 is used if you need to keep out of overdrive (towing a trailer). Second gear is used if you are going down a steep hill or if you need additional traction in inclement weather (of course the V-6 models have traction control, so you probably don't have to worry about it). First gear is used if you are going up or down a very steep hill.
  • murray53murray53 Member Posts: 71
    I would tend to agree. My past experience with Michelin tires has been good, they may cost a bit more but I haven't heard of any problems with them. I have had good luck with some other brands too.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Just don't buy Continentals. We have a set of these on our 03 Si and we can't wait to wear them out so we can get a different tire. Granted they are high performance 17" tires but they are very inconsistent when it comes to smoothness. In comparison a set of 17" Nittos I had on my 01 Accord V6 were like glass compared to these Continentals.

    I like the OEM Michelins but I had a set of Bridgestone Turanzas on my 97 RAV4 that were great. Made the car handle much better than the stock Duelers.
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    Don't buy Continentals you will regret it! I first had the OEM A/S series on my Avalon which could not be balanced and my car pulled to the left. Continental replaced them with their CH95 series but I still had horrible vibrations at around 55mph and a shimy at low speeds. When I tried to get them balanced at another tire dealer, they showed me how all four tires "hopped", were out of round and impossible to balance.
    I eventually threw them out and installed Bridgestone Turanza LSH series. The car rides smoothly, is quieter and no longer pulls to the left. Get the Bridgestones.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Hopping...Cannot balance. They suck. I'm going Yokohama next time.
  • clint98v6atclint98v6at Member Posts: 54
    I repaced the OEM Michelins on my 98 Accord with Bridgestone Turanza LS-H's. I've put 15,000 miles on them so far. The Turanzas perform better than the Michelins in every regard except for snow traction, where the Michelins performed marginally better.
      
    I would say that the Turanza LS series is a little more performance oriented than the Michelin Energys. They provide better handling but also have a slightly stiffer ride than the Michelins.

    Bought mine thru Tirerack for quite a bit less than the OEM Michelins. I would definitely buy the LS series again.
  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    We have had several Hondas and have used Bridgestone tires when the ones that came with car wore out.

    We got Potenza RE950 tires for our son's Nissan Altima, and they seemed to work very well. The tread pattern looked fairly open, so they should do good in the rain. I thought they might be too noisy, but they were quiet enough for us.

    After that, we got RE950's for our 1997 Accord and for out 1999 Accord, and we have been happy with them.

    According to the Tire Rack, they were the most requested tire for an Accord. We order them from the Tire Rack.
  • surjn98surjn98 Member Posts: 34
    What is the ground clearnace or the Accord sedan? How come Honda never mentions that in it's specs?
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    Are you being serious?

    Why does Honda never mention it? Maybe because it is a non-factor for 99.99% of Accord buyers.

    I guess you are that .01% Honda is neglecting.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    yea, i notice that Honda is stingy with their "specs". on my Owner Link page with Honda, they say my rotor size is "TBD". that says SO much considering all the rotor problems i have.

    got my transmission recall notice yesterday.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Got my Accord back yesterday with all of the rattles resolved & tranny mod kit installed. The dealer has an excellent service department and goes the extra mile to make customers happy.

    However, I am still unhappy with the front brake noise & vibration. The dealer did everything he could including rotor resurfacing and pads. The Accord rotor design and sizing must be flawed.

    I guess this problem is mine until the car dies at 200-300k miles.
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    I think the brake assembly looks undersized when compared to other vehicles of the same size. I have not had problems with the brakes yet though.
    The rotors on the V6 model should be larger IMO.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    "I think the brake assembly looks undersized when compared to other vehicles of the same size."

    Lucky for all of us, the engineers have more precise methods than their eyeballs when sizing rotors.
  • vppcvppc Member Posts: 58
    I currently own a '98 Camry with 110K on it. It's been a great car, but I am considering a new Accord. I think that the rear styling looks identical to the '92-'96 Buick Regal? I definitely think the '03-'04 styling rear was better. What do you all think?
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    Your eyes can tell you a lot. I just checked how much pad is left on my brakes this morning. Have you looked at the brakes on other cars or wondered why some people pay for brake upgrades?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Yes I've always wondered why people pay for brake upgrades. Unless they are racing or driving down a mountain at GVW, then they've wasted their money, especially if they haven't gone with wider/stickier tires.

    Btw, a visual check of the pad thickness can't be compared to "eyeballing" a rotor to determine whether it's sized correctly.
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    Why not. You insinuate that you can't see a size difference. I gave an opinion. I didn't complain about the brakes. Sometimes you folks sound like the Accord is the only car you've ever owned. Road&Track writers may have a different view about correct size. Your opinion of a what is a waste of money is just an opinion based on your seemingly narrow POV.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    I called Honda customer service to discuss my brake problem. The representative told me that TSB's are used by dealer techs to troubleshoot problems and are not mandatory repairs (recall is a mandatory repair).

    For example, the TSB for front brake shudder recommends replacement of the pads. However, the dealer is not obligated to perform the repair as a "no-charge warranty item". You may have to pay for the repair as a "maintenance" item.

    I told Honda that my car was repaired as instructed by the TSB-069 (no charge) and is still shuddering.

    My conversation with Honda ended in frustration since the representative basically told me that there is nothing else he could do if the dealer followed the TSB and I would have to live with the vibration.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    This is why I begin to dislike Honda. Their service sucks!! I am sure my next car won't be a Honda.
    My in-law brought in her Lexus ES300 for 45K service. She forgot to mention the brake pulsation to the service dealer (even I told her "don't forget"). After a test drive, the dealer noticed the problem and replaced the front rotors & pads under the warranty free of charge.
    She didn't even buy the car there.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    yes, Honda service (first level especially) is really bad. throughout the industry it is recognized that Honda employees need training, and that the majority of Honda vehicles are below average when it comes to braking performance.

    but, you can fax a nasty letter to Honda. i did that, and talked to a case manager. she was really rude too, but after 15 minutes on the phone she understood that if they don't replace my pads and rotors, i would make sure that i made their life really difficult. so, after asking me if i knew exactly how Honda brake pedals are supposed to be pushed (can you believe that??) and getting my obvious answer, she agreed to replace pads and rotors. i am waiting until the problem gets really bad again.

    anyway, write a letter and fax it referencing the TSB and tell them how its going to be. can't hurt, right? i was going to send it to the CEO's attention, but Honda doesn't give that info out! now i know why.....he/she probably doesn't want to have to hear it, haha.

    and definitely, the V6 is heavier in the front, it should have more substantial front brakes than the 4 cylinder. simple math.
  • hmurphyhmurphy Member Posts: 278
    This is exactly why I traded my 03 EX-V6 for a different car. After multiple tries, even with Honda being fairly cooperative, they couldn't fix my brakes.

    After 12K, I saw a long future filled with brake repairs not covered under warranty, and decided to take my chances with something else.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Did the new rotors fix the problem? If so, I might want to file a complaint with a "Case Manager" to get new rotors for my car.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i haven't had rotors replaced yet. they said that they would give me until Jan 05 (even though warranty runs throgh Sept 06). so, i am trying to wait until as close to Jan as possible. not confident though. the new rotors/pads will fix the problem, for about 1000 miles. unless they have secretly changed the composition or size of the rotors and just aren't telling me. that would be great, but i doubt it.

    but your case is awful, considering they won't do any work on your car. you should AT LEAST get rotors resurfaced and new pads i would think, unless they can prove that you take your car to race tracks or something like that.

    i know that lots of people swear by Honda, but from what i have heard, they have always had a reputation of arrogance. even their recall notice is worded arrogantly. it says "Honda Motor Co. has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety...". they should have said "due to complaints and possibly being forced by the U.S. government...."

    oh well :)

    good luck!
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    chucko: We had to take our GS300 back to the Lexus dealer twice because they didn't do something that we asked them to do. They said that it didn't need to be done but the car was still wasn't "right" when we picked it up. Sure enough, they did what we asked them to do and the problem was more or less solved. Granted, this Lexus dealer does give loaners but they are still 60 miles away and I was 5 or 6 monhs pregnant at the time.

    You can have a bad experience with any service departmwnt just like you can have a bad experience with any car.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    why are the EPA estimates better for the V6 Accord automatic vs. the automatic TSX? since the Accord is a V6, and the TSX a smaller 4, is it just a matter of gear ratios? does the TSX scream at 70mph where the Accord barely registers a blip on the tach?
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Service depends on the Dealer. We have a great dealer, so as such we have purchase and / or leased 5 vehicles from them. They give outstanding service both on a pay basis, and / or a warranty basis.----- (Even though we have not had a warranty issue,I make it a point to listen to people in the customer service waiting room. People love to talk about their vehicles and the needed service. You can learn alot about a dealer from other customers.)---- If we ever had a problem with service, while a vehicle was under the original warranty, I would not hesitate to activate the "Lemon Law" in New Jersey. Brakes are a "safety item", and as such they must operate in a proper fashion. A brake problem is both a dealer and manufacturer problem. Document the problem according to your state's lemon law and take action.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    anonymousposts & gregoryc1,
    Agree, service depends on the dealer. But warranty repair depends on the car manufacturer.
    I am surprised Lexus dealer replaced rotors & pads under warranty for a 45K mile car.
    Its basic warranty is 4/48K.
    Does our Honda do that or we have to beg for it?
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    My 03 Accord coupe suffered warped rotors that occured right after a car wash after we had been driving it a while and right after we had the tires rotated at a place that had caused warped rotors in one of our other car because they over-tightened the lug nuts. The Honda dealer we bought it from took care of the brakes no questions asked. We had to tell them the brakes were shuddering but they did fix the car without hassle.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    Looks like if your car is hit with a recall/TSB, the report also indicates it. Just did a free check for my 03EXV6. It reports 5 records.
    I thought only accidents, flooded, etc, are reported.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    All lien records, registrations, and emmissions tests show up. Recalls do not but lemon buybacks will show on Carfax/Autocheck.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I didn't say you can't see a size difference. I said you can't determine the proper size for a rotor by visual examination. Btw, I design brakes for a living, what do you do?
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    The wheels must be tightened with a torque wrench. I carry a torque wrench in our cars for that purpose. If I have to change a tire on the road, I can torque the lugs to specifications. Tire stores use automatic wrenches. They may or may not be set at the correct torque. In addition, the lugs should tightened in a sequence, and brought up to torque slowly, (not all at once)!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    The tire stores with the torque sticks for the automatic air wrenches can do close work if the mechanic knows how to use it. If he goes around the wheel (star pattern) and keeps bringing up the torque to the torque stick's flex limit, he can get it really close. But if he's the two times around and thank you, some will be tighter than others.

    I checked after NTB tightened mine a couple of times.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    While I won't tell you what I do for a living and can't KNOW that you design brakes for a living, why can't you let an opinion be an opinion. We waste money in the eyes of some for plenty of things. For instance, had I wanted just transportation, I certainly didn't have to "waste my money" buying an Accord V6. So, if people believe for whatever reason that they want to buy a brake upgrade or a useless spoiler than that is their business. If I think that the Accord V6 brakes could be beefed up, that's my opinion.
    My opinion based on owning many cars, used and new over 30 years. By the way, doesn't matter to me that you design brakes for a living, unless you're offering a discount on some beefed up brakes for the '03 Accord V6. Hold up,, don't respond. I'm moving on out of RESPECT for your opinion!
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    well, he/she clearly doesn't design Honda brakes for a living, and if he/she does, he/she surely should be FIRED! ;)
  • nedlyjnedlyj Member Posts: 89
    While everyone can have their opinion, the fact remains that brakes have been regarded as a common "problem" issue on many Honda models for many years.

    On our 99 Odyssey, with 85K miles on it now, we simply have to accept the fact that we need to replace the front brake pads every 15-20K miles. We're on our 5th set of pads, and we just had the rotors turned at 80K miles. So, I know that once a year I need to spend about $120 and get new front brake pads.

    Do I accept this as part of my annual maintenance requirements. Yes. But that doesn't mean I like it, or I think that Honda shouldn't have done a better job designing these brake pads. 15-20K miles is just too low in my opinion.

    Yes, brake pads are consumables - but until the braking system is designed in such a way that it's easy and inexpensive for a consumer to replace them, then I think we have every right to complain when their lifespan is much shorter than the norm.

    Of course, these are just my opinions...

    -n
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    And opinions are just what we are here to discuss! :)

    There's no need for any of this conversation to get personal, folks.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    We have an Ody, Civic, and Accord. The brakes are fine. And I drive like a bat-out-of-Hades. We have also owned several other Civics and Accords in the past that have had no brake problems in operation or reliability. I realize that the brakes aren't WTC ready but I don't drive that hard, they perform just fine for everyday use.

    For the people that have the serious problem with the brakes, it has to be a problem with the dealer service or the driver. IMHO those are the only two reasons left since the design itself is proven sound on the other millions of Hondas on the road.
  • lorewlorew Member Posts: 1
    i need some touch up paint for my 2004 accord. is it better to get it from a honda dealer or is a local parts chain just as good?
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    I've bought touch-up paint for cars from dealers and find that they're usually around the same price as auto parts stores and come as close to a match as one can get.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    I don't race to the red light or to the off ramp. So why are my 89 Accord brakes so bad? The rotors can NEVER last more than 12K. As expected, the current rotors have 10300 miles on them and I already experience a pulsation when braking.
    The Consumer Report didn't give black mark on brake category for 86-89 models for no reasons.

    So is this a driver or dealer service's problem with my 89 Accord brakes?
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    It's an old car problem with those brakes. You may have stress fractures in other parts of the suspension. I had a 1983 Tercel that went through wheel bearings every 10,000 miles. Turns out I had a problem with that steering knuckle.

    I don't doubt you have problems with your brakes. But that doesn't mean Honda makes cars with bad brakes. Who know what has happened with that car in this amount of time.

    As far as why Consumer Reports gave the brakes bad marks. Who knows. I do know that 1990 Accords had brakes rotors that had to be machined off and on. I would give those bad marks too. Are the 1989's the same? I never owned one.

    Driver/dealer? I don't know. But that generation Accord was the start of the Accord's take over of the sedan segment. Hard to build a reputation of excellent reliability if all of your highest selling model have bad brakes that need replacing every 12K miles.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Bought my touch-up for $4.70 at my Honda dealer in PA.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    in the mid 90's yes. since 98, Honda hasn't been able to make an automatic transmission for V6 cars that is even of average reliability. they had 6 years to do it, and couldn't. Hondas are generally perceived as good cars, but i wonder for how much longer...the new Ford 500 and Pontiac G6 look to take some sales away from the Accord. with Honda's decreased reliability, and domestic increase reliability, coupled with all cars (talking V6 models) being built in the U.S., it might be a wash!

    where are these millions that don't have problems? they are always brought up in here, but i haven't heard from them. so, that argument is out the window. the only valid opinion of gee35's is that he says HIS/HER Honda brakes have been perfect. fine. great. wish i was him/her! but he/she is clearly in the minority. more people on here complain about brakes than don't. Edmunds own editors, C&D, Consumer Reports, Honda technicians and management staff, and hundreds of internet posters, seem to understand that a Honda with good brakes is a rarity. this whole "blame the driver" attitude isn't needed, not asked for, and totally not relevant.

    that is GREAT for gee35 that he/she claims his/her cars have been perfect in that regard. but to blame the driver of the car is lame. he/she admits he/she drives hard, with no problems. so, how can it be a driver problem with the rest of us that don't drive hard? where is the sense in that? he/she drives hard, no brake problems, the rest of us drive smooth and easy, and have problems. oh, let me guess, Honda brakes are unlike any other brakes on the market, you are SUPPOSED to drive like a "bat out of Hades" for them to perform safely and correctly. :) good one! :)

    thats my opinion :)

    they are replacing my passenger side airbag cover. it is sagging in/down, and there is concern that it might come in contact with actual bag components. lovely. at least they are not asking me if i know how to use the airbags correctly, haha. gonna do it when my recall work is done. wish it luck!
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