Honda Accord Quality Control Issues

bburton1

Honda also provided an extended emissions warranty coverage to 150K for 97 I4 accord. Got a new set of plug wires, distributor cap and some other goodies under the cap, plugs and an oil change. If you have never replaced the plug wires, distributor cap and the other goodies-it is pricey. Kept the old parts as will keep this one for well over 200K. Have 126K on this one and not a problem. Get 30 MPG running between 75-85.
In about 500K of driving/maintaining several accords-have only had the following problems:
-rebuilt carb when ethanol ate up O rings $25
-replaced fuel pump at 175K $65
-replaced cv joint at 185K $125
-replaced clutch at 200K $250
-replaced muffler/pipes 2X @100K & 175K

Driven Honda's since 1980 and lots of different rentals when I travel-still seee no reason to change. Just wish people would stop being so loyal when I haggle over price when buying new ones. Always buy at end of model year from dealers in small towns.

rbruehl

The day after I picked up my Accord with its second re manufactured transmission, I went around and test drove a Passat V-6, Solara V-6, Nissan Altima V-6 and a Nissan Maxima V-6. This past Friday, I picked up my new Toyota Solara SLE V-6. What a difference in the silky smooth shifting of the transmission as compared to my old Accord V-6.

Well guys, I got rid of my problem and you won't be seeing me around here any longer. It has been nice knowing you guys. Hope you don't encounter any transmission woes like I experienced. If you do, fight Honda for a replacement!

mikegold_1966

Here is another one regarding the transmission:

Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 1998

Service Bulletin Number: 010400 Bulletin Sequence Number: 189 Date of Bulletin: 04/00

NHTSA Item Number: SB618985
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC TORQUE CONVERTER (8/82)
Summary:
SUBJECT REGARDING A LEAKING TORQUE CONVERTER. *TT

Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 1999

Service Bulletin Number: 00038 Bulletin Sequence Number: 125 Date of Bulletin: 04/00

NHTSA Item Number: SB612567
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC TORQUE CONVERTER (8/82)
Summary:
VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE SHUDDER OR JUDDER WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MPH, VIBRATION IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH IS IN THE PARTIAL LOCK-UP MODE. *MJS


Check
to order
research.
Submit
below.
Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 1999

Service Bulletin Number: 00038 Bulletin Sequence Number: 140 Date of Bulletin: 08/00

NHTSA Item Number: SB614074
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC TORQUE CONVERTER (8/82)
Summary:
SOME VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES MAY EXPERIENCE SHUDDER / JUDDER WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MPH. THIS VIBRATION IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH IS IN THE PARTIAL LOCK-UP MODE. *TT


Check
to order
research.
Submit
below.
Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 1999

Service Bulletin Number: 010400 Bulletin Sequence Number: 189 Date of Bulletin: 04/00

NHTSA Item Number: SB618985
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC TORQUE CONVERTER (8/82)
Summary:
SUBJECT REGARDING A LEAKING TORQUE CONVERTER. *TT

Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 1999

Service Bulletin Number: 00038 Bulletin Sequence Number: 125 Date of Bulletin: 04/00

NHTSA Item Number: SB612567
Com

26psiboost

My brother purchased a new 2001 EX V-6 coupe last year that is supposed to be white. After lifting up the the window rubbers you can tell the car should be 3 shades lighter than it is. My best explanation is rail dust, but the fact of the matter is the detail shop missed it and I'm actually glad. It would take some serious compounding to lighten the car up and I don't want a $6hr flunkie touching it with a high speed buffer. The front fender was apparently replaced at the factory because it doesn't align like the other fender where it meets the hood or door. There is a small run in the rear quarter where the quarter meets the bumper. An electronic mil guage shows that at least one if not both quarters were re-painted at the factory as there are absolutely no signs of body shop repair work. I sent Southeastern Honda a registered letter in November and they did not respond how something like this could pass inspection, so my family will simply never buy another Honda. It may run forever and have great re-sale but I've seen smoother oranges. A dealer will never notice these little things on a trade, but I know they are there and I expect more out of Honda.

paulo3

This topic has been debated numerous times in this forum. I for one noticed a decline in fit and finish with the introduction of the 6th Generation Accord. Model years 1998 to 2002 doesn't stack up to the fit and finish of 1994-97 and earlier generations.

There has been debate also regarding EPA paint standards of the USA as compared to Japan's. The US built Accord utilizes a water paint base whereas the Japanese counterpart uses an oil base.

Hope Honda corrects its mistakes when the new 7th Generation Accord comes out in October of 2002.

carguy62

someone didn't know what kind of car he wanted. He test drives three sedans and a coupe and buys the coupe. I wonder if he realizes he is now driving a six year old design. But as long as the transmission is ok....

lugwrench

Give the guy a break would you. He can't even defend himself here. He got a car that he likes with a transmission that shifts smoothly. If you replaced your tranny twice I don't think you would buy another one! As far as a sedan vs coupe, it was his choice. The car isn't a six year old design---it is on the old Camry frame. The Solara hasn't been around for 6 years so get your facts straight.

isellhondas

He was determined that he had a bad car. Once that happens, the car is toast.

Even though the transmission may be fixed for good, every time it shifts a bit differently or something he will think it's going bad.

He was probably smart to move on.

However, a "smooth shifting" transmission does not mean a troublefree or long lasting transmission. In fact, a firm shift is really a good thing for long lasting transmission.

I only hope his complaints don't migrate over to the Camry board. After all, no car will ever be 100% perfect.

teo

Exactly, we already moved on. This past saturday my sister got rid of her 1999 Accord LX and bought a brand new 2002 VW Golf 5-door hatchback. Honda needs to take some interior styling lessons from VW/Audi.

Great car. Hello Honda? Anybody home???

wain

I like Hondas but based on the two Civics I owned the trans did shift hard.

teo

A hard shifiting transmission is simply put a lousy transmission. My '97 Acura TL had the worst automatic of any Honda product of the time.

Drive a GM car, BMW, Lexus, et al and tell me if any of those automatics shift jerky or hunt between gears.

Honda's 5-speed are indeed leaders, but their automatics are lousy.

jrosasmc

You think GM transmissions are smooth-shifting? Wait till you try out Volvos!

silvercoupe

Didn't I see you on a VW board recently knocking Volkswagen????

As far as Honda brakes this has been my experience:

91 Accord-150k miles, front brakes changed at 60k and 125k. Rear brakes are original with 25% left.

97 Accord-82k miles, front brakes changed at 75k. Rear brakes are worn approx. 25%.

2000 Accord-26k miles, no brake problems whatsoever.

I think the type of driving that you do has a great effect on brake life. Stop and go driving eats up brakes much quicker than highway driving.

In my opinion a smooth shifting transmission has very little to do with reliability. My 91 Accord with 150k miles has always shifted "firmly", but has never given any problems.

isellhondas

Save your breath, teo won't believe you. It's the CAR and not the lousy abusive driver that is hard on brakes!

Styling lessons...perhaps, styling and looks are objective.

And, VW needs to take some RELIABILITY lessons from Honda!

And, teo, a hard shifting transmission is NOT a sign of a lousy transmission.

Going back a few years, the firm shifting Torqueflights and Hydramatics were the ones that held up the best.

But there are those who like a mushy shift.

anselmo1

Has anyone seen pictures of the new 2003 Honda Accord from a legitimate source? Has any of the big three car magazines run a picture of the new Accord?

teo

Blah, blah, blah....eh Isell?

You should have been yet another D.C. politician..

lugwrench

I have been checking the NHSTA board and from model years 1998 through 2002 all Accords have had the same problem regarding their transmission. Here is the the problem:

Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 2002

Service Bulletin Number: 1001 Bulletin Sequence Number: 626 Date of Bulletin: 10/01

NHTSA Item Number: SB626764
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:UNKNOWN TYPE
Summary:
SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED SENSOR PLUG MISSING. *SLC

carguy62

I wasn't referring to the age of the Solara rather to the platform it is built on. So if it is built on the OLD Camry platform as you readily acknowledge how is it not an OLD design, smart aleck?

GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.

timadams

You are one rude SOB, teo.

And that is not a compliment.

teo

Uh?

lugwrench

Like I said, give the guy a break. Why should you care anyway? The guy had two transmissions replaced so he decided to buy a car that he liked. What's the big deal? Is it because he didn't buy a Honda or a sedan? Get Real will you! So the Solara is on an old Camry frame but the outward appearance of the car is relatively new. Not six years old from a design point! Somebody needs a course in Auto Design 101!

mikegold_1966

Isn't this carguy bozo the same guy that caused all the trouble before? People try to discuss issues in an intelligent manner and this guy crosses the line.

I suggest this individual get a life and move on. Thinking back, I think I posted this once before about carguy!

black_tulip

Care to explain the outburst?

paulo3

Carguy is one in the same--a Bozo (which by the way is a very kind term). Never sticks to issues but spouts out from emotion and interjects mindless comments. A real hipshooter without any compassion.

black_tulip

Let's be careful here...we are beginning to talk more about each other than the topic.

ed_swansfeger

I agree, people should stick to the facts and refrain from the personal assaults. Unfortunately, maturity isn't a virtue of carguy62. Noticed his posts were quite similar over at Honda Problems Part II.

The guy that had his transmissions replaced twice can do whatever he wants. He bought a new car so let's move on.

dc_sports_rule

The carguy dude is running on empty. Stick to the facts will you, and avoid embarrassing yourself.

carguy62

You tell me to stick to the facts. Someone posts on a Honda board that they bought a Toyota. I don't have a right to make a comment about it? Hmmm seems like I AM STICKING TO THE FACTS, UNLIKE YOU.

Someone disputes my statement that a design is old, because their definition of "design" only included the outside appearance. Hmmm, once again seems by replying I AM STICKING TO THE FACTS. And BTW that person needs to take a course in Auto Design 101. A design of a car doesn't just refer to the styling.

That was it, that was all, two posts. And what do you IMMATURE people do? Resort to the juvenile tactic of name calling. And once one does it, the others join in. Mob mentality at it's finest. Talk about embarassing, you people act less mature than my 10 year old.

I'm sorry you don't like it but I have a right to state MY OPINION. I don't violate the rules here, you do. So keep it up and see where it gets you.

rbruehl

Searching around Edmunds during my lunch hour, I decided to read some of the posts at this board. Needless to say, I read carguy's comments with great interest. First of all carguy, I had two transmissions replaced in my not to reliable V-6 Accord and I didn't want to go through all the hassle again. I looked at sedans and coupes and decided on the Solara.

Checked Consumer Reports and noticed that the Solara Coupe was rated higher than the Accord Coupe and many others. Also know that Toyota is a very reliable auto maker which is well documented.

After reading your comments, I have come to the conclusion that you are a very bias and shallow minded individual that likes to cause trouble. Who the hell do you think you are? Better yet, I will tell you----ONE HELL OF A FIRST CLASS JERK!

lugwrench

I guess every forum has one person that loves to cause trouble and our forum gadfly is now Carguy by a very wide margin. Can't accept criticism from others when he is wrong. Can't discuss thing in an intelligent manner and has a defensive "I can't do or know wrong" personality. Makes me chuckle at times cause he always seems to back peddle.

rbruehl welcome back because you hit the nail right on the head. Make he will take a cue and hang out at the Yugo forum or something!

urchin34

At least we can all just log out of the conversation. That 10 year-old has to live with it. I learned long ago not to even suggest any place in the Edmunds Town Hall that a Honda could have a problem. The names I was called make carguy's comments look like a love letter. The rudeness of some of these people pretty much sealed my decision not to buy another Honda.

Congrats on the Toyota rbruehl. My Celica ran 15 years without a glitch. Except for the horrid styling in 1990, I would have bought another. Wish they had had the Solara then.

mikegold_1966

Time to clean up around here and move on toward intelligent discussions. Think everyone knows how to ignore carguy but does carguy know how to ignore us? Let's hope so!

NHSTA is a valuable source for facts regarding all models. Noticed not one person really commented about NHSTA posts here at this board.

mikefm58

You did your research and found what you're looking for, I'm happy for you. I hope you enjoy your Solara, they are a nice vehicle. Sorry to read about your Accord. I don't blame you for staying away from Honda's based on your experience.

I'm a bit hesitant to buy a Toyota simply for the fact that there's a huge difference between the Honda and Toyota dealers here. The Honda dealers are much more laid back and easy to work with. The Toyota salesman are like flies on [non-permissible content removed]. I've never been able to simply look at vehicles without a swarm of them all over me. I could just imagine what it'd be like at the negotiation table.

Most everyone here is pretty cool, just a couple trolls, don't let them get to you.

svkum

Semez....I'm also having the same problem as you mentioned. Car would turn over but wouldn't start. First time, happened last Feb. Went to dealer & they told 4 out of 6 cylinders weren't firing, advised me to put only texaco or conoco gas. Followed that. It again happened 2 days ago. Am sooo fed up. I thought there is no use going to dealer this time. You think of any solution?? It really scares the hell out of me if the car wouldn't start all of a sudden and die like an 30 yrs old car. This is not the kind of satisfaction I'm expecting after spending 26K dollars. What should we do??? Did you try approaching Honda cust service??? Email me at sv_kum@yahoo.com

fritz1224

I also had the hard starting problem with my 2k v6 lx shortly after purchase. Told service about it and first suggestion was problem caused by winter fuel mixture during warm spells. This may have been the cause, but like I told them-"so what"! Warm spells do occur in winter and the car should still start like normal. Contacted Honda consumer affairs(1-800-999-1009)and they knew of this problem and said there was a fix for it. Luckily, this all happened prior to me filling out their initial quality survey. I spelled all this out in the survey and was contacted by Honda and informed of the free fix and given a credit to have the 7500 mile service done for free.Took car to service Dept. and they were already aware that my complaint had reached corporate wonks' ears. They ordered the parts and installed. No such problem since then. Now have 27k miles and starts first time everytime. The parts replaced were the fuel pressure regulator and the ECM/PCM. Hope this helps. Apparently this problem was not a rarity and pertained only to the v6. I'd bet there's a TSB out on this

fritz1224

Information off the work order. Besides the fuel pressure regulator, the other part is specifically referred to as PGM-FI Engine/Powertrain Control Module(ECM/PCM) along with these notations, "S/B# 98-040 and S/B# 98-075". These probably refer to specific service bulletins. Good Luck.
Because the ECM/PCM was replaced, they also had to reprogram my keys. Make sure they do all three keys(valet key included).

lugwrench

It seems the following from the NHSTA has been a problem from 1998 right through 2002:

Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 2002

Service Bulletin Number: 1001 Bulletin Sequence Number: 626 Date of Bulletin: 10/01

NHTSA Item Number: SB626764
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:UNKNOWN TYPE

To carguy: I guess you never read my posts that I own a Toyota Camry as well as a HONDA ACCORD! You always bring up the Toyota and never the HONDA ACCORD! I guess when you wear blinders when you read and only read what you want to read so it serves your purpose. The posters hear are sick of your immature posts and lack of compassion. Time to reevaluate your life pal!
Summary:
SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED SENSOR PLUG MISSING. *SLC

This isn't isolated by any one year but is present in all 6th generation Accord years.

dkrab

I am interested in the V6 transmission, even though my Accord is a 4cyl. 5sp. manual, because my new Odyssey is a V6. But just looking at the last service bulletin lugwrench posted, I am curious how many of these bulletins are for minor problems and how many are major. Maybe I am missing something, but that last one doesn't look like some big design flaw. I can't say I would deduce from it that all V6 automatics have ongoing design problems. Is there more to this than I am reading here? If there is, please post. I haven't seen the "major issues" substantiated.

lugwrench

Here is another one that might be of interest to a few people here that post:

Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 2000

Service Bulletin Number: 300500 Bulletin Sequence Number: 148 Date of Bulletin: 05/00

NHTSA Item Number: SB614892
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
Summary:
THIS MESSAGE ANNOUNCES A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PRODUCT UPDATE CAMPAIGN. *TT

isellhondas

There are no major issues. Just a couple of people here who, for whatever reason, love to dredge up and embellish anything negative about Hondas.

dc_sports_rule

I own a Honda Accord and I like reading about problems that could effect my car in the long haul. Anytime someone posts actual facts from the NHSTA , you can't deny there is a problem.

If lugwrench researched the one problem that effects transmissions from 1998 thru 2002, there has to be some validity. He has backed up his claims with hard facts. I checked this out and he is 100% correct as I personally checked each year at the NHSTA.

I guess the question I have to raise now is what steps has Honda taken to correct this problem? I remember reading posts from isellhondas stating that the transmission problem was isolated to 1998 and a supplier. My question is, how come the NHSTA has the transmission problem indicated every year from 1998 thru 2002? You can't dispute these facts. It makes one wonder!

On the Honda Accord Problems Part II board, (post #2180) let me quote what isellhondas said in his last sentence pertaining to Honda Accords:

"And there are no bad years." Good luck!

briandtw

am about to buy a 97 ex with the six...in the past I have always had a four...any complaints on the six?...help me as it is for my 71 year old mom...briandtw@webtv.net also a proud owner of a 91 prelude si...91 accord wagon...both bought used and FLAWLESS!!!

mikegold_1966

I think dc put it into perspective very clearly. It is obvious there is some sort of manufacturer defect regarding the Accord transmission.

Honda has problems which it has failed to correct in the 6th Generation Accord. Usually the next step is a forced government recall. Of course no manufacturer likes a recall especially on a transmission. Just ask Chrysler and you will find a prime example.

I think the NHSTA is an excellent source to review if you have any doubts regarding your automobile.

isellhondas

Except if you eliminate every car that the NHSTA has identified a problem with you won't buy anything. You will walk or take the bus.

I have heard of no recent transmission problems.

Have any caused troubles? Of course! Just like any car can and will have an ocassional glitch.

dkrab

Lugwrench may have done research, but I haven't seen anything posted here to substantiate the claim that every year Accord V6 Tranny has the same big design problem. I am not saying it does or doesn't, I am just asking for Lugwrench or anyone else to post evidence of it. The few references to NHTSA bulletins are sporadic and inconsistent. I have heard of clunks when backing up, but only on '98s. I have seen people complain of some sort of failure, anything from hard shifts to outright failure, but I have not seen it consistently on every year since 98. If the evidence is so overwhelming, why not share it? I am not trying to pick a fight or take sides here, I just really want to see it. The last post by Lugwrench referred to a missing plug of some sort. What's that? Is it major? I guess it's a bulletin for all years, but when was it discovered? What it discovered recently, and determined to affect previous models back to 98, or was it discovered in 98 and just not fixed? Too many unanswered questions for me to make a judgement.

lugwrench

Check this out for all that doubt what is documented on the NHSTA listings:

Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 2002

Service Bulletin Number: 1001 Bulletin Sequence Number: 626 Date of Bulletin: 10/01

NHTSA Item Number: SB626764
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:UNKNOWN TYPE

You are right, no car is perfect but you have to wonder about a reaccuring. problem regarding the transmission.
Summary:
SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED SENSOR PLUG MISSING. *SLC
Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 2002

Service Bulletin Number: 1001 Bulletin Sequence Number: 626 Date of Bulletin: 10/01

NHTSA Item Number: SB626764
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:UNKNOWN TYPE
Summary:
SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED SENSOR PLUG MISSING. *SLC
Make: HONDA Model: ACCORD Year: 2002

Service Bulletin Number: 1001 Bulletin Sequence Number: 626 Date of Bulletin: 10/01

NHTSA Item Number: SB626764
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:UNKNOWN TYPE
Summary:
SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED SENSOR PLUG MISSING. *SLC

These are just from 2001 and 2002.

isellhondas

This is a tempest in a teapot. Again, I've heard of no recent problems and I would have if this amounted to anything.

martye320

My 2000 Accord EX-L transmission just got replaced at the dealer. I have 68,500 or so miles. Yes, I'm the original owner. Everyone I've talked to says that is unusal, since the trans is supposed to go to 130,000 miles. Any comments? oh, 4 cyl.

black_tulip

Can someone translate the NHTSA bulletins for me?
They don't make any sense to me. For example this most recent one posted by lugwrench says
"REGARDING SPEED SENSOR PLUG MISSING"
What does this mean? What kind of malfunction can I expect because of this? If something is "missing", why doesn't Honda simply put one in?
I know, I am dense.

paulo3

Something is amiss with all the transmission bulletins. People must be having trouble otherwise there would be no TSB's. Hope I don't have trouble with mine. The only thing I can think of that may prolong the transmission is changing the transmission fluid maybe every 15K instead of 30K. Of course I will use the Honda Transmission Fluid only because I have heard others do cause problems.