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Honda Accord Quality Control Issues
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Comments
Who knows what the percentage of bad vs.good transmissions were? I sure don't.
I honestly think that the percentage of transmissions that had problems was pretty small.
And, of course I defend the brand that I sell especially when I believe the problems are overblown. I have never tried to pretend that these or any other problems didn't exist.
It's just that I can see people coming here reading these postings and saying..." Well,I better not buy a Honda! I read that they have nothing but problems with their transmissions!"
I think we would all agree that this is absoultely not true. Yes, they were blindsided by some parts problems. Defective units repaired under warranty. Problem solved, I hope!
Will an ocassional transmission out of the millions produced act up? Of course!
Recently I sold an Odyssey to a lady who had heard of a "horrible sludge problem with Sienna engines" on "some" internet forum.
I was happy for the sale but let the lady know that I thought the sludge problem was bogus.
With all things, balance is necessary.
Wouldn't you all agree?
You might sell Hondas but you sure as H&$% don't know how to conduct yourself here in a professional manner. I for one read your comments for what they are worth which I must say mean absolutely nothing.
Ever since I joined this forum, you have created controversy and you have been less than cordial. I am a loyal Accord owner that has had problems and enjoy this forum.
Good place to start is the NHSTA. It is loaded with technical service bulletins and recalls, by year, manufacturer and model. Believe it or not, you can view any of the discussed transmission problems right there. That is the place where they are reported. You can even get a breakdown on the number of cars affected on recalls.
I know that there are a few posters here that spend time at the NHSTA. Hope some others will take the time to see what they offer.
The thing I hate about the internet is that it is also a tremendous source of mis-information. As a smart consumer (which I believe we all are), we shouldn't make our vehicle decisions based solely on one piece of information.
Heck, I had all kinds of problems with a Maytag washer, which I bought because I thought it was the most reliable brand and after the problems I swore I'd never buy another Maytag. So I researched everything I could and determined, Maytag is still the most reliable brand, but I was just unlucky enough to get a bad one. So I bought another Maytag washer.
Just my .02 cents worth.....
The host should shut this topic down as it only serves as a sounding board for people who can't back up what they say.
And I have also been called names, called a liar and been insulted by several people that come here.
I guess that might be why I can get my back up.
I try to temper my responses but apparently do a poor job if this.
I guess the Maytag story pretty much says it all. People tend to remember the units that cause trouble.
Lugwrench and Anselmo..I agree about keeping the board civil. I'll try to do my part to that end.
This is, however, a discussion board, and there are at least a couple of sides to every story.
You are welcome to stay as long as you conduct yourself in a professional manner. The choice is yours and yours alone.
Lugwrench mentioned the NHSTA for figures. It might be a good place for you to start. You have been mentioning posting figures. They are there and all you have to do is spend some time at the site.
kgrozio: Another choice for you would be taking your car to a collision shop. You would be surprised what they can do.
It covers a topic that no other Honda forum covers, quality control issues. Hey, if you don't like what is being posted, I suggest maybe you can find another forum that makes you feel more comfortable.
To Anselmo1: Under no circumstances even consider closing this topic down. It is to valuable to shutdown because of one disinterested party that doesn't like what is posted.
Anselmo is just another one of us unless he's recently been promoted.
Read where Honda is dropping the wishbone suspension in the 2003 Accord and replacing it with a McPhearson suspension.
Thanks for the help.
As far as the suspension, Honda did it with the Civic so it wouldn't surprise me if the Accord got the same make over. Where did you read about the change in suspension?
According to the owners manual, if you have to use the shift lever mechanism, then the car is developing a problem and take it to the dealership immeidiately.
Has anyone else had a problem or provide any more info.? Also is this a costly problem to get fixed, especially at the dealership?
Thanks.
And I have heard nothing about changing the suspension. They were able to change the Civics without effecting the handling so it could happen.
The benefits were greater interior room and five star safety ratings.
It'll be interesting to see the changes. Hopefully it'll be a home run for Honda!
There is some annoying rust appearing on the rear wheel wells, right at the ends of the plastic trim that covers the edge of the fender. I'll find out how bad it is and see what my options are.
The other issue is a vibration in the exhaust at ~2000 rpms. I have read that there is fix kit(because it was a defect in design) and I would like to know where to get it, approximate cost, and is it a DIY fix? Thanks much.
Thanks again!
OB11 - If you go back on this boad you'll see post that relate to the fuel gauge.
Your problem regarding your fuel gauge is the result of a defective fuel sending unit. This problem has been mentioned numerous times in this forum. For more information, check out the NHSTA site regarding this problem and Honda Accords.
Your rust problem is common in the area you mentioned due to a design flaw. It looks as if you will have to have some body work to correct this problem. If you live in the rust belt, you will see a lot of 1994, 1995 and 1996 Hondas with this problem. For some reason, this problem always shows up after the 5 year rust through warranty has expired.
Honda service told me it was a common problem and there is nothing to worry about. He was right, the fuel gauge has worked now for almost three years since the fix. This was the only problem that I have had done on my Accord that was covered under the 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.
The rust problem can be fixed but involves some body work. Take off the plastic bumper and get a angle grinder, wire brush wheels, eye protection and grind off the loose rust, kill the remaining rust, cover it with a good rust paint and then try to find a spray can of paint that will approximately match. That area of the rear honda fender is really the first place that will rust-always make certain to spray lots of water over it when washing the car after driving over salty roads.
Thank god now snow yet in WI.
Some tips on making your environment here more enjoyable:
1. The usual pleas for courtesy
2. Don't beat a subject to death. People DO hear you even if it seems like they don't because they choose not to respond directly. Maybe they've heard it once too often?
3. Break up your posts if they get too long. Give the others an "eye break" in this way. They'll also be more likely to read everything you post if you do this.
4. Use your EDIT button. For a short time after you post, you can actually change what you wrote. Read your posts and make sure they weren't written in anger or that you have the spelling and facts correctly written.
5. Contact the Host via e-mail if you have a problem!
Okay, sorry for the interrupt. Please continue!
Mr. Shiftright
Host
My point about this topic for anyone who wants to read instead of constantly jumping down my throat is that when someone can post a blatant exaggeration about a vehicle and its quality and no one is allowed to call them on it, this topic is useless. It is essentially a sounding board for any disgruntled person out there.
Funny that people can post lies and half truths and they are praised here, but when someone calls them on it they are skewered to no end. Very sad.
You are the only one that seems intent on sabotaging this forum. I suggest Mr. Shiftright asks you to leave.
I have owned 5 Accords since 1984, and have had a few problems with all of them (Except for a 1988 DX that was made in Japan). Compared to the Detroit Iron that I have owned, the Accords have all really been jewels.
Overall, I would say that 98% of the people that post here are looking for answers. The other 2% would like the forum closed down because it has ruffled some feathers.
silvercoupe-Very positive regarding quality control regarding the Hondas you have purchased.
The 1800-2000 rpm buzz noise is well documented at the NHSTA board. The correction is a flexible hose gasket that fits before the cat converter. The Honda Technical Service Bulletin refers to it as a "Buzz Kit".
A rattling sound would indicate a defective heat shield. The heat shield fix is around $80.00 for the Honda part plus labor.
According to the 2001 Consumer Reports Auto Issue released in April, Here is a list of the top 5 most reliable Family cars:
1. Infiniti G20
2. Nissan Maxima
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda Accord
5. Mazda 626
If you have the issue, it is on page 31. Being #4 isn't all that bad.
Just thought I would pass on this information to all.
Here is a link to most dependable 1997 vehicles.
Accord was #1 for Premium Midsize in 1996, but Maxima got it for 1997. Honda did move from 8th to 6th though in overall brand quality
http://carpoint.msn.com/advice/news_4019432_6.asp
And I guess happy Honda owners and, yes, salespeople may have this tendency to "dismiss" these problems when their experiences are quite the contrary.
I do agree that Honda can't afford to let quality slip. There are, indeed competitors out there who would love a share of Honda's business.
Toyota has always put out high quality automobiles and its up scale division Lexus is the highest rated according to customer satisfaction in the latest Powers Survey.
Mazda also has some interesting cars in one of the top rated in its class, the Protege. Rumor has it that the next 626 is going to make eyes pop.
Hyundai believe it or not is also catching up. They know they have limitations so that's why they offer the great warranty.
Happy Holidays to All!
And, I'm sure the quality has improved. Heck, it HAD to!
And...Happy holidays to all, and I do mean ALL of you. I know the bickering can get intense at times. I do enjoy the banter though!
Craig
Another wonder of Europe was the Skoda before VW bought them. How the people in the Czech Republic ever drove these things is beyond me.
Last but not least, the Peugeot of France. Another example of no quality assurance checks. The best thing about a Peugeot was the Michelin tires. And how about the Citroen? Enough said I think!
No wonder America is exporting Accords to Europe!
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to All.
About a week later, I saw the Chrysler dealership tow truck at his house hauling his car away for repairs. The car simply didn't start and it could not be jumped. His car was in the shop a week and he was without a car. He finally got his car back and he wouldn't tell me what was repaired.
Over the next year, I saw the AAA at his house as well as the Chrysler dealership tow trucks. Finally, in 1982, he knocked on my door and asked me what kind of a deal I could get on an Accord?
As far as poor quality cars in Europe I have to agree. They drive rust buckets there. It gets worse in the middle east. Imagine that!