Honda Accord Quality Control Issues

bburton1

Where do you live-sounds like big city east coast or maybe LA. wow sounds like car thief heaven.

yrmac

But to me, it seems that you always have a conflicting answer to these people who are looking for help with their problems. If I feel that my Accord is pulling or "drifting" or " my rocker panel is starting to rust", why not give them advice on how to correct these problems instead of giving your second hand experiences on the otherwise. If you have not seen rust in your area, then that is good and maybe true for you but what can an average guy from the northeast expect from these Accord? I have an '02 V6 Accord and when I checked the underbody of this vehicle, I can see that there are areas of the underbody that have only the primer. Is this a concern for me...Yes, mainly because my other car, which happens to be a Toyota Camry, has an underbody that is fully coated/painted with undercoating. This Toyota Camry is almost eight years old and not a single speck of rust( Trust me this is good if you live in the "saltbelt region"). Isell check the 6th gen. Accord underbody if you get the chance and you will see what I am talking about( check especially the areas where the strut assemblies and the rear sway bar are located.)

mikegold_1966

Even if isellhondas saw the rust under an Accord, do you think he would admit to a 2002 Honda Accord rusting? I don't think so---he sells Accords for a living so at times he wears "rose colored glasses" when looking at certain parts of the Accord. The guy still won't admit to the transmission "clunk" sound on 6th generation Accords. Maybe isellhondas needs a trip to "Miracle Ear" for a fitting?

Good point regarding the factory undercoating on the new Accords. Toyotas do have factory undercoating on all cars that they sell.

isellhondas

This isn't the first time you have called me a liar.

I think what I said was I have never personally heard a clunk in any Accord or Odyssey while backing up. I have no doubt backed up hundreds of these.

But 'm sure you think each and every one clunks.

As far as rust go's...I see, from time to time cars running around here with salt belt license plates. A lot of these are rust buckets.

I don't doubt that some Hondas may have an unusual rust problem. I just don't see it here and we do have a LOT of rain and salt air.

yrmac

So you've seen some Accords that have rust on them(sadly they are fromthe north) and at the same time, you don't see rust on the Accords in your area. Well, either these Accords in the saltbelt areas have different standards than the ones sold in California or Accords in general are roadsalt prone(maybe the ones you have in your area are "Made in Japan" and Accords here in the northeast are made in US of A...).

mikegold_1966

Let me clarify this, I didn't call you a liar, I just called you a salesman that sells Hondas for a living. (If you think this is an analogy--so be it but I sure has heck didn't say it). It sounds as if you have a guilt complex or something. But unfortunately, you have to expect these type of defensive comments from isellhondas. He has reacted this way from the first time he posted in this forum and he hasn't changed.

You think with all the knowledge isellhondas has regarding Hondas, he would comment in a constructive positive manner like Auburn does in the other Honda forum. Instead, every position he takes is defensive, negative and at times outright rude.

anonymousposts

If you go to the "rust belt" you will see numerous cars from a variety of manufacturers with rust. I see alot of older Hondas and most of them do not have rust. There are some that have rust around the rear wheel but I also see alot of other cars with rust in the same spots. To single Honda out isn't really fair. It's kind of like going to north Alaska and saying that since Accords have people that are cold in them they must have sorry heaters. I think most other cars in north Alaska would have a problem keeping their occupants warm as well.

paulo3

Honda does have a rust problem above the rear wheel wells in heavily salted areas. I would say more so than Nissan, Toyota, VW or Mazda. The VW's I have seen are probably the most "rust free" cars on the road. It was definitely a design flaw by Honda engineers on the 4th and 5th Generation Accords.

Isellhondas has a very aggressive arrogant attitude when he writes a response to a Honda question. I think it was MikeGold_1966 that said it best--"He is the resident gadfly" of this forum.

My only suggestion is to take the majority of isellhondas comments (no pun intended) with "a grain of salt".

dc_sports_rule

Paulo, I couldn't have said it better. You hit everything right on the mark. Hey, isellhondas will not admit when he is wrong and refuses to eat crow.

You have to grin when isellhondas says something of note. I think the dude is probably ok but just gets carried away with his remarks.

yrmac

Hey, I fully, 100% agree with your logic. If a car(any kind of car) is used in a saltbelt region, then there is a high probability that it might rust . What I am referring to is Isellhonda's assumption that since he has not seen a rusted Accord, this situation does not exist or in his li'l bit of twisted reasoning is an "abnormality" for a Honda.
I think in all fairness, Honda is a reliable brand but if I have to compare between Honda and Toyota, I will say that I will give the edge to Toyota in terms of reliability.

anonymousposts

We've owned both Honda and Toyota and I don't think that there is a significant difference in terms of quality. We had a 97 RAV4 that we put 47k on and it never went to the dealer for anything. OTH, we've owned bunches of Hondas and the worst problem any of them ever had (knock on wood) was a rear power window switch that stopped working on a 96 Civic EX with 113k. Other than that it's only been timing belts, oil changes, and the occasional CV axle.

isellhondas

So funny that you would call me rude...

Although I do sell Hondas, I have no stake here. I have never used these forums in an attempt to drum up business. Quite the contrary.

I do try to calm the fears of people who come here, read negative postings and jump to the conclusion that all Hondas rust, clunk, squeak or go through brake pads every 10,000 miles.

If that makes me a "gadfly" or bad person, so be it.

srockr

I am looking into purchasing either a new Accord or Civic. Just not sure which to go with especially after reading these boards. In your opinion, which has the least problems: Civic or Accord?

Also, just my fyi: I have the Michellin X-One tires on my current car and they are absolutely the best tires I have ever had. Great road grip and handling!

bodydouble

In the long run it will be a more satisfying car -- quieter, faster, roomier, more comfortable. Also I find current Civics are somewhat decontented. They just seem more cheaply made then past Civics. Just my .02

tblazer503

The interior is greatly refined compared to previous models as well as the current gen Civic. The Accords generally command higher resell values as well.

As for the security issue previously mentioned, the '03 Accords now come with laser cut keys as well... (with the key)

Personally, I feel that the build quality of my '03 is much better than on my '00 Civic, the ride is smooth, and handling is great. Brakes are a bit touchy w/ the EBD, though. Overall, very nice car.

ms4tune

in OR and car thieving is a sport.
Funny, gotta have a new ride to keep it from getting stolen. One would think the newer the more enticing but no, it's the older ones that get taken. I'm a little bitter.

isell, what's the story with this chip embedded in the ignition key? And is this part of the car or an extra of some sort?

Anybody know of a good alarm system (short of a Rottweiler)?

isellhondas

Starting in 1998 with the Accords and 2001 for the Civics, Honda went to the chip in the keys.

It's supposted to be impossible to hotwire one of these. Impossible is a big word, I know, but from what I understand, the theft rate on these has gone way down.

It's still possible to tow one away but that tends to make a lot of noise and attract a lot of attention.

Car alarms...I don't like them but if you go that way be sure to stick with one of the name brands.

bburton1

in OR-wow was sure you lived in one of the big metro areas in the east. Sounds like OR has got some real bad actors now. Sad I like the middle eastern approach to thievery.

tblazer503

If anyone really wants your car, nothing will stop them from taking it. Everyone knows it, and we all don't expect to stop all the expert theives, just the kids out to make a buck.

The way the chips actually works is kinda interesting. When you put the key in the ignition and turn the lock cylindar, the closed circuit(on) creates an electromagnetic field which engergizes the chip in the key. The chip then sends out an encrypted signal to an antennae in the ignition which is routed to the ECU. The ECU decodes the signal, and determines if it is a "authorized" key. If it is, the ECU allows the fuel delivery circuit(fuel injectors, etc) to be powered up. At least this is my understanding of it.

As for an alarm system, I usually go with about 200-300 for a system, and end up installing myself. Primary reason is because it is very expensive to have it set up the way I want it. I may just wait to see if Honda comes out with a plug-in module for the OE system, though since the OE is built into the key. I believe that on the '00-'02 you can add in a glassbreak sensor and shock sensor on top of the keyless entry.

bburton1

Did honda change the suspension system on civic this year-saw a new civic on the road last night-rear suspension looks different-a mutton leg thingy on the bottom of the rear suspension assembly-looks like something I saw on a GM van a few days ago-this can't be good for the civic-or am I blinder than I think.

ms4tune

I agree, anyone who wants it bad enough will take it, however, my desire is to add some time and energy to the effort. From what you all have said, it's open season on the older Honda's. Back to the key. Since the chip is in the key, does that mean only Honda can make duplicates or can the local "Get Keys Made Here" make duplicates?

bburton, yea, you'd think it was a budding metropolis. According to Sunday's news, there were 2 teens who "trained" about 18 of their friends to be car theives. The two were busted for operating a ring in the state capitol. Not sure what the PD is doing about the others.

bodydouble

I've been told by more than one service department that there is no add-on available to the factory security system. Furthermore, I've been warned NOT to install any aftermarket alarm as the wiring can be extremely dicey. One false move and you can kiss your ECU goodbye.

talon95

With the key codes, a dealership can make copies
of keys. Or they can look them up on their
computer system. But you can't just go to Ace
Hardware and get a key. They need a special
device to program the chip.

yrmac

To add salt to the wound, duplicating the key will set you back at least $500.00 canadian or around $300.00US (at least this is what my dealership told me).
There are two add-ons that I know of which you can add to the Accord security system. On is the Siren kit which will bypass the car horn and will use a 98dB horn for the alarm. The other one is a Hood Switch Kit which will trigger the alarm if your hood is opened/broken into(this is probably a good add-on, since thieves can just open-up your hood and totally disable your alarm).

inkie

Besides the existing safety features on the new Hondas you may want to look into something called a "Diskloc" {www.disklok.com} its a pretty sturdy steering lock that is hard to remove.It takes a professional thief a lot longer than the few seconds they need for other locks of this type. Its bright yellow which makes it easy for someone to see if its towed and I have been using it for two years on my accord and am very satisfied.

storm11

The replacement key is roughly $50-$60 US. Your dealer is either clueless or trying to hose you, or both.

aming

I think they are close in their prices. Will have to wait for a salesman to respond....

bodydouble

Did you get the information from Honda? The siren kit would really interest me if it is available. Not only would I prefer a siren to go off if my car is broken into, but I would also prefer to "beep" a siren rather than the horn when I press the Lock button on the remote.

However, the factory security system already includes a hood switch so you wouldn't need a hood kit, even if one is available. You can test it. Just leave the hood ajar. The security system will not arm. The doors will lock, but the alarm will not set and the red LED on the door will not flash.

yrmac

Bodydouble, yes, I got that info from my dealership.The siren kit can also be ordered through the internet ... check www.handa-accessories.com. I think the Hood Switch Kit are for those models that don't have this option (i.e. 1998-2000 models). I am not sure about 2001-2002 models. I have 2002 and I will check this out. Regarding the lock button on your fob, pressing it once will lock/set alarm without setting off the horn(parking lights will flash). Pressing the lock button again will set off the horn together with flashing parking lights.

Storm11, unless your dealership is giving you a huge discount or you are one of the lucky few. Here in Toronto, its around $500, however, I am not sure if this price is for one key or for the whole set(i.e 2 owners key + 1 valet key).

mdx_kid

There are no discounts. All you pay for the key is $50-$80. Then after you get your key there will be labour to program the key for you car. That will be additional $150 to $300 depending how greedy they are.

isellhondas

I'll try to remember to ask our service dept.

150-300 dollars sounds way off!

mdames

Well I thought I'd add my two cents to these discussions. First of all, as one who does not often contribute to this forum but does read the posts, I am amazed at the petty arguments that take place. And whenever people use words like "always" and "never", they are wrong, period! Few things fall into this category and the language is inflammatory - inciting further discussions which have absolutely nothing to do with the reason this topic exists. Anyway, on to the above subjects.

I owned a 2000 Accord EX V6 sedan for three years. Although the transmission does have a hesitation or hard shift from 1st to 2nd, I did not experience the clunk when driving in reverse, ever - even though someone suggested that they all did it. I now own a 2003 EX V6 sedan and, contrary to popular belief, it does not, nor ever did, drift to the right. I love this car. It is a significantly more impressive car than the previous generation. Although I don't know Isells at all, it seems to me that his opinions are unbiased (as unbiased as anyone's can be since we all have biases)and insightful.

Respectfully,

aming

First may we all welcome you to the dog eat dog forum.
WELCOME........

"contrary to popular belief, it does not, nor ever did, drift to the right." This is not belief. This is fact. Just cause you are lucky that yours doesn't does not mean it doesn't happen. It happened to me when I test drove a EX V6 here in Canada. Please do not make it sound like we just make these things up.

Thank you..

cheers...

mdames

Thanks for the welcome. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen. But the comments in this forum are anecdotal. There is no real proof of a widespread problem, only a perception of one(that could perhaps be a real problem). Some of the posts I have seen are so draconian. You'd think that Honda should be drawn and quartered for producing such a "terrible vehicle". But perhaps because this car is so good, the only things that can be discussed as quality control problems are of such a trivial nature. I think this speaks well of the new Accord. By the way, I do hope that those who are experiencing drift find a resolution. My experience with this is that it's usually related to the tires and road crown. I had a car that pulled to the right (not drifted). I switched out the left and right front tires and the problem was resolved.

Take Care

yrmac

Funny you said "anecdotal" since that is exactly what most of these discussion is all about. When Isellhonda confirms a situation as "normal" or "non existent" since the situation never happened to him (like your stipulation that drifting is not existent because your 03 does not display this anomaly) then that is "ANECDOTAL". However, if Honda admitted to the transmission problem by giving out extended warranty as a compensation, then this is a FACT, an emperical data. You love your '03 Accord,and since you love it then you're probably blind to some of its shortcomings. I also love my Accord however I am also perceptive to some of its quirks.
The transmission problem was also discussed here as something like a "perception" and not a widespread problem. Now we all know it to be the otherwise. If you think all the discussed topic here are trivial, then as aming said " you are the one of the lucky few" and I sincerely hope it can stay that way. Mdame, this kind of discussion is good for the consumer, think of it as your lifeline, a "Dear Abby" kind of a forum for your Accord.

mdames

Dear Abby: I won't belabor this discussion since it is off topic. But I will say that you have misquoted me and have made some assumptions about me that I did not disclose. I did not say that the drifting problem is non-existent. I said that there is no real proof of it being widespread. You have assumed that I'm blind to my car's shortcomings because I love it. Why do you think that without asking me about that first? I have a list of shortcomings on my new car that I am having the dealer fix. So I am aware of its shortcomings. However, they are small issues about which I will not assume that they are widespread problems. Also, there is a huge difference between a transmission problem and and drifting.

Thanks for the discussion. Its invigorating.

yrmac

Dear lonely in seattle aka mdames,
I am very much flattered for giving you invigoration in your otherwise sorry life . However, since you think that this forum is full of trivial issues that you feel are not important, then my advise to you is to move on. Go to another forum, as this forum are for " honda accord quality control issues" nothing big or small (go ahead read the TITLE).
If you think that your dealership will accomodate all your car "small shortcomings", then,(ahem) you are one of the lucky few. However, read the previous postings and you will notice that the dealership most often ignore the customers concerns. Let me qoute you "there is a huge difference between a transmission problem and drifting", sorry mdames but both of these problems are the same...i.e they are "quality control issues" and having this discussion here in this forum will let accord owners know if these issues are common or not.
Thank you for dropping by...

Sincerely yours,

mdames

Sorry if I offended you. I didn't intend for that to happen. Just thought I'd throw in my opinion with all the others. I hope all of your concerns are resolved in a positive way. God Bless you and take care.

Mike

black_tulip

"First of all, as one who does not often contribute to this forum but does read the posts, ..."

Trying to make up for lost time?

mdx_kid

Got the 03 EX Accord. The passenger side side view mirror doesn't work. Took it in for a checkup and after an hour and a half got the answer that we couldn't figure it out. So I'll have to leave the car for a week and that would be in December.
Temp gauge is off by 2-3 degrees and the service advisor told me that they don't have any device to check so he suggested that I should llisten to radio and see what's the difference and then they will adjust that to that difference.
Looks like Honda makes vehicles and most of them are good but if one of them has something wrong then GO FIGURE as their mechnics can't or will after tearing everything apart.

maxhonda99

mdx_kid, I wouldn't be to worried about the temp gauge as they are typically off by a few degrees from the real outside temperature.

bodydouble

Please also note that you'd have to drive around for a few miles before the temperature gauge will record anything close to actual temperature. My office is less than 10 miles from my house. And I find that the gauge would read within one degree of actual temperature by the time I get to within a couple of miles of house or office.

lugwrench

You have to wait a week to get this fixed?

mdx_kid

I also have MDX and the temp gauge is perfect from day 1.

As for the mirror they have to check the whole wiring for the car to get to the problem (at least that's what they told me) and so they need it for a week.

aming

my 2000 corolla's temp gauge works perfectly too.

I can't believe they need a week to figure out the wiring. Can you get them to exchange the car for another new one?

keep track on how long the car is in the shop. Maybe you can get a new one under a lemon clause or something.

Good luck..

isellhondas

How would someone know if they are accurate anyway?

Our store has a big time and temp sign in front of it. Once in awhile someone will drive by, compare the temp to the one in their car and actually call us to tell us ours is wrong!

Lots of things will affect the reading.

Seems like much ado about nothing!

bodydouble

You wouldn't be able to invoke lemon laws for the mirror problem.

bodydouble

Actually it's easy to tell if the gauge is accurate. Radio stations announce the temp quite regularly. For me, sometimes I would check the weather on the internet before I leave the office or house, and usually, after driving for a bit, lo and behold, the temp shown on the gauge would be bang-on.

lancerfixer

Radio stations announce the temperature...

At the radio station!
While it gives Joe Listener a pretty good idea of the temperature, I wouldn't call that accurate unless you were standing outside the studio (or wherever they get their weather data from...many times it's the local airport.) When I lived an hour away from and 1,000 feet of elevation up from Boston, I wouldn't trust WBZ's temp call to be accurate from where I was standing.

ickes_mobile

but at the national weather service. Here in Minneapolis that means the airport. Watch the nightly news and notice how much the temp varies across a metro area at any given time.