Honda Accord Quality Control Issues

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  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    Well these guys are sensitive to market price/demand. Could be that Honda's last longer and therefore there is a larger market for "midnight auto supply" used parts. Also have heard Honda parts have a premium price and therefore a larger payoff for the crooks.

    Years ago lived in SF and Porsche was the hot item there-friend had his stolen and the cops only kept them on their hot sheets for 2 weeks in SF. Yep it is a market driven society which includes the crooks.
  • gotribegotribe Member Posts: 101
    Took my 03 V-6 Sedan in to the dealer today for an annoying "knocking" noise when the car is taking off from a stop or sometimes slowing down. Sounded like it was possibly coming from the trunk, or the headliner. There's been some posts previously about rattles from the headliner area. In my case, the dealer showed me a service bulletin that says my knoching noise is coming from the brakes. Something about Honda redesigning them so that corrosion doesnt cause problems with caliper release later on--unintended consequence is knocking noise when they release. Dealer claims theres not much that can be done except some stop gap lube that's used at the 15k check when the brakes are "taken apart". I'll see if this problem gets worse, or maybe goes away. Pretty annoying, especially the lack of a fix.
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    To me, it sounds as if Honda has a supplier defect regarding the brakes. The new brakes should not do what you are experiencing.

    Maybe our "resident expert" can enlighten us regarding this problem.
  • paulo3paulo3 Member Posts: 113
    It seems as if the 2003 V-6 Accord seems to be the one with the problems. Everyone I have personally talked to that owns a new 2003 Accord has a 4 cylinder model. All say they love their car and no problems.

    I keep reading little problems one right after another with the V-6. Such as pulling right, brake noise, and rear rattles.
  • pj23pj23 Member Posts: 158
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    Well, it is isellhondas of course!
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    It happens all the time. First hit the brakes while slowing down, click. Taking off from a stop, clack. come to a stop, click. of course it is sometimes quieter and louder, usually quieter when it rains, and usually a little louder when it is dry. It kinda sounds like they didn't put any anti rattle shims/brake quiet compound on the pads.

    Thinking I will talk to the local brake shop, and see what they say. Probably will end up pulling the pads and putting some brake quiet to see if it eliminates the problems.
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    Don't go near those franchise brake places-if there is not a problem with your car they will create one-dangerous idea. Had to sue a guy recently in small claims court-while looking for other cases against him was realy amazed at the number of cases against the brake and muffler shops-wow.

    My only experience with disc brake noise was with my VW van-the pads wore much more on one side and got wedge shaped-could only get 20K or so out of them before they started making a racket-had to get some high performance pads and for some reason they worked ok-no more squeaks or strange wear patterns.

    Oh and thanks again for the advice on the emissions control problem I had.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    When it comes to the mechanical end of things. auburn is the guy for that since he is the guy behind the wrench.

    You're going to hate this, mikegold, and I know you won't believe it either when I tell you that I haven't heard any brake noises.

    And I keep trying to get a V-6 to pull to the right and that hasn't happened yet either.

    That's not to say some cars may have these problems.
  • altimavraltimavr Member Posts: 12
    when is Honda expected to take into consideration the feedback and experiences of its customers and dealers, and make adjustments in their 2003 Accords? For example, I heard that it's better to wait until the Spring season after a new generation's release, so that manufacturers can work out some of the "bugs". Does Isellhondas or anyone else know when these adjustments typically happen? Also, is there a formal process whereby dealers advise the manufacturers of feedback (positive or negative)?
  • mott_da_hooplemott_da_hoople Member Posts: 15
    The latest issue gives the new 2003 Honda Accord 4 cylinder an outstanding review! Here are some of the quotes.

    "The Accord has a firm yet absorbent ride that's steady and composed on highways, supple and controlled on bumpy roads. The cabins is very quiet, though road noise is not as well muffled as it is in the Camry or Passat. A taut suspension and responsive, communicative steering help the car feel agile, though its 40-foot is a bit wide."

    "The well-finished and spacious interior has a high-quality look and feel and comfortable seats five adults"

    "We expect much-better-than-average reliability"!

    I think that this has been the best review of a new Honda Accord to date. Comments please!!!!!
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    If so, that is too wide for a car the size of the Accord. Doesn't the even the Pilot have a smaller turning circle?
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    Do me a favor if you got the 5MT's on the lot...
    this is what happens on mine, when the clutch starts engaging in a drive gear, I hear the front brakes click. When I come to a stop w/ the car out of gear, and come to the stop, same thing. I'm thinking that it may be the shims/pads because when you stop in an Auto, te engine is still trying to "pull" the car forward, while if you have the clutch out, the engine is fully disengaged and the car will usually "rock" a bit. Then again, maybe it's just my car... curious as to if it is repeatable on another car...
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    Edmunds lists the turing circle of the Accord as 36.9 feet. The Camry is listed as 36.7, the Passat as 37.4, and the Altima as 37.4. The Mazda6 has the larget turning cirlce at 38.7.
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    36ft turning radius... boy... that spoiled me... that huge midsized SUV having that turning radius... kinda expected the Accord to be sharper, but guess not... only problem with small turning radius for car size is it feels "darty" on the road...
  • windpower1windpower1 Member Posts: 2
    I traded in my 1997 Accord SE with leather 77,000 mi and engine noise. Got 8,000 for my car. Didn't want to sell myself because of the engine noise. The paint was also in rough shape. Traded for a 2001 BMW 540i with 3000 miles along with $40,000. This is by far the best car I have ever driven. I have owned turbo Supras, 300z's and years ago a 1955 Chevy with a 427/4speed. (not std equipment if you know what I mean. I'm showing my age. The BMW is an absolute pleasure to drive. With the CPO warranty I have another 97,000 miles and till October 2007. The Honda was a good car but now I have the true feeling of fun driving.
  • anselmo1anselmo1 Member Posts: 163
    Good luck on your new car. The 540 is a very nice vehicle.
  • maxpower02maxpower02 Member Posts: 103
    and after reading here and other TH boards about the pull to the right and noises from the trunk, my wife keeps asking me why I let go of the steering wheel and lower the radio.... Anyway, no pull or noises from the trunk.:-) But, it does gurgle, especially when I start and stop. Sounds like the heater box, will have it serviced soon. Car is very quiet, the other day I had a passenger who asked me if I was having trouble starting the car, I told him I had started the car and it was running. There is a little road noise, on rough roads, but no engine noise at all...Unless you pounce on the gas, then it screams and your doing 80!! Amazing engine! First day I drove it, I went on to the highway, stomped on the gas, (Like I did in my old car), by the end of the ramp-80MPH- Didn't even feel it! Sorry for the long post, but I can't get over how good this car is. Of course IMHO!!
  • cheddar1cheddar1 Member Posts: 21
    I've got the 2003 EX-V6L Accord... I love it so far.. two things though... one could someone suggest a suitable cleaning product for the dash,leather. wheels, tires, carpet, etc ????

    Two I'm getting an unbelievable amount of brake
    dust especially on the front and with only 600
    miles... is that common, what can i do if anything about that ???

    Thanks
  • umyayaumyaya Member Posts: 123
    I got the same thing from the front brakes (very ugly). I'm around 900 miles now and it's not as bad. I'm assuming new brakes do that or something... I hope it's normal, and not that my brakes are now gone. Though, I have notice in the last 100+ miles that my brakes seems tougher to push, like they're pushing back... any thoughts?
  • cheddar1cheddar1 Member Posts: 21
    I love the feel of the brakes as well. Mine push
    back too. Even though it's minor that "sooty"
    look to the wheels takes some luster away from owning a new car...

    I hope it's not a long term thing. AT 1000 i have
    my first scheduled oil change(free).... I'll check with service about the brakes then

    Otherwise the car's pretty solid... I'm glad i bought it.. how bout you ???
  • gotribegotribe Member Posts: 101
    I'm not a happy camper today. I've posted previously about a knocking or creaking noise, seemingly from the chassis someplace. Like other posters with this complaint, dealer said its brake pads moving around and its "normal". Well, guess what, the dealer just did the brake service that is supposed to alleviate the problem at east temporarily, and it didnt. Now the Honda engineers think it might be a defective front subframe, and a new one is on order. You can imagine how happy I am, having this major piece replaced on a car with less than 4000 miles. In addition to this little problem, it also had a bad o ring in the power steering system which caused a fairly major fluid loss until discovered. I'm afraid we have more than the usual early model glitches from this redesign.
  • lugwrenchlugwrench Member Posts: 213
    I have had very good results with the following product line:


    http://pinnaclewax.com/leathercare.html

  • mdamesmdames Member Posts: 79
    I also have a 2003 EXV6 sedan. I love it! I have used Zaino to polish my two vehicles for several years now. In my opinion nothing can match this. It is not a wax. Its used on show vehicles. The shine is incredible and lasts very long. I won't use anything else. I have used a number of high end waxes in the past. Zaino is easier to apply and the results are great. You can order the product at www.zainobros.com. I suggest you get the FX accelerator. It is the easiest to use. As far as leather care, Lexol is good. I have used it on my other car's interior for a year or so.
  • umyayaumyaya Member Posts: 123
    Why are you getting your oil changed at 1,000 miles? Or do I have this wrong. EVERYONE I've talked to in person and in these chats has said that your supposed to wait till closer the recommended 10,000 miles with this car due to the oil addatives for the new, not broken-in engine. I at least would wait till closer to 5,000 this time, and this is coming from someone who puts Mobile 1 in every 3,000 on our Legend and now our TL-S.
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    I have tried various products and think Finish First Products are the best on the market:


    http://www.finishfirstpolish.com/

  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    You probably won't see it as much in hubcap applications as the hubcap/steel wheel blocks a bit of the brake dust.


    It has to do with the non-premium grade brake pad's they use on new vehicles. If you decide to, they make "dustless" brake pads that are supposed to practically eliminate this problem, supposed to have better braking power too... You can check into it if you like, should be roughly a 1hr job... depending on experience...

  • umyayaumyaya Member Posts: 123
    TB - How much do these new pads cost for a set?
  • paulo3paulo3 Member Posts: 113
    Tire Rack sells the kind of brake pads that you are looking for. Here is the link:


    http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/ebc/greenpads.jsp

  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    beat me to it... probably will run ya about ~40-60 for the fronts.. same for rears... you may also be able to find them at your local auto store...
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  • dukeofbdukeofb Member Posts: 3
    I also have used Zaino, on my last three leases. The products are fab on a dark color, but also great on my silver '03 Ex6. Can't miss with it!
  • jeepvanjeepvan Member Posts: 46
    Hi All, I will very much appreciate if you can help. My car is 97 Accord Ex 4cy. I have been recently going to Precision autocare for regular maintenance service, and the guy recommends things to be fixed and its price.
    1. Two serpentine belts need to be changed.$144
    2.Distributor cap,rotor,wire system change $222
    3. Break fluid replace,flush $52.
    4. A/C to Heater turning knob(switch) is not working. To inspect, $134
    When I check the web, serpenting belts cost $15 each. Distributor kit cost around $50 bucks, and break fluid is around $30. Is this guy trying to milk money from me? Not sure, what to do ? Thanks in advance for your valuable help.--Bill
  • lugwrenchlugwrench Member Posts: 213
    If I were you, I would look for someone else to service your Accord. The prices he is charging are out of the ball park to say the least.
    I would contact your local AAA club to get a list of approved repair facilities in your area.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    Umm, about your temp selector knob: does it basically freewheel in place? Mine did that, and it was actually the knob itself; it had cracked and was spinning freely on the shaft it was mounted on. They pull stright out of the dash...just give it a smart tug. A new knob cost me just under five bucks at the local dealer. I'd try this first (and while you're at it, get the car serviced there, too...they can't possibly rip you off worse than this guy!)
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Your Accord doesn't even have "serpentine" belts!

    Take it to a dealer of an honest imdependent who knows Hondas!

    Your guy sounds like a crook!
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    how many miles on that 97 I4 accord-did u know there is an extended honda warranty that will cover the following:
    Rotor, distributor cap, wires, plugs and an oil change. That is a freebie if you have under 150K on the clock. Two serpentine belts to replace-must be the power steering pump, alternator and ac-way too much money for that. Have u had the timing belt changed-should be changed at 105 to 125K-then you can have the drive belts changed-never heard of anybody calling them serpentine-those things are found on FORDS.

    Yeah don't go back to this guy-go to a junkyard and find a heater control assembly-pull it out and replace it yourself. or use google and find a honda parts source online.

    Oh the extended warranty is useful as I am having problems with my emissions control system and honda paying for it all. I think my problem is a heated O2 sensor-they cost about $200 from honda.
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    warranty that covers parts that wear out. Unless it's a maintenance contract. Plugs, and wires are going to wear out, as does the brake pads, fuel filter, etc.... perhaps honda warranty is worth more than it looks like it is..


    As for the serpentine belt... uh... no. You need 3 belts. A/C, P/S, Alt. Many places will do a full tuneup for you for about 150-200 and change the belt, spark plugs, wires, rotor, cap, check your valve clearances, and even do an oil change... Check your local dealer... If you are over 90k on your vehicle, I would seriously consider having the timing belt changed... You can probably get it all done for about 6-800. And not have to worry about anything for 30k mi.


    Never heard of a vehicle needing a brake fluid purge... that's a new one on me. Usually when you change the pads out and bleed the brakes you do a sort of purge...

  • mike1qazmike1qaz Member Posts: 93
    bburton1 is talking about is the agreement honda reached for the emission system for the 94-97 model years. I think it's good to 150k. Is this right bburton1?
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    is for emissions control and is good to 150K. Apparently Honda made a deal with the US govt to include rotor, cap, wires, plugs and oil change in the extended warranty. Am having some problems with my emissions system on a 97 and have 2K miles left on extended warranty. Think it is the heated O2 sensor-dealer has replaced a couple of things on the emissions purge system and hope to get the O2 sensor next-that is a $200 part.
  • jeepvanjeepvan Member Posts: 46
    Hi All, thanks for your advice. I have the 97 Accord Ex 4dr auto, 4 wheel drive. I also found out this serivice tech is charging too much from other friends as well. I only have 76K on the car. I dont have an extented warrenty.
    Are you sure there is no serpentine belts for this car? In online websites, they sell belts for this model. I am taking the car to a friend's servicetech, to get his opinion. Thanks much.
    Bill
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    hey u have a 97 accord ex w 4wd?? nah. If u do have a 97 accord 4 cyl-u do have an extended warranty-call a couple of honda dealers with your VIN# and they can look it up in a few seconds.

    no serpentine belts on a honda-at least on yours.

    4wd???
  • lugwrenchlugwrench Member Posts: 213
    Just call a Honda dealership for the extended warranty?
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    They musta discontinued the 4WD version after 98... hehe...

    Sometimes drive belts are all referred to as "serpentine belts" not sure why... just a generalization. A "Serpentine belt" will usually drive all the accessories such as A/C, P/S, Alternator, etc. Your Honda should have all separate belts for these pulleys.


    Merry Christmas all...

  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    At least not in the U.S.
  • dc_sports_ruledc_sports_rule Member Posts: 134
    Isn't that what the Honda Pilot is?
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    The Pilot is based on the Accord platform, but isn't an Accord. Just like the Odyssey, the MDX, the TL and the CL.
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    I know, just poking fun... I'm guessing someone either made a mistake, or mistook the FWD for Four wheel drive... either way...
  • jeepvanjeepvan Member Posts: 46
    Hi,
    This is regarding the service tech guy's remarks on my 97 Accord. I took it to another place, and this new guy inspected the belts in front of me, and said they are OK. I also checked them and they look sturdy. I have decided not to do it now.
    I called Honda-USA directly and they say I dont have any warrenty now on this car. This new tech recommended doing the ditributor cap,rotor, wire change along with the timing belt change. Is that good or bad? The manual book does not recommend doing this at any specific mile/time.
    I did a fuel injection service for $50 with this guy. He said, he does it throuh an automatic pipeline machine, which pushes the cleaning liquid and then sucks them out. Is this normal/correct? As usual, any advice is highly appreciated. thanks.
    Bill
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    One more time-how many miles do you have on this car-if it is under 150K there is an extended warranty.

    Why did u do a fuel injection cleaning-what problems were u having-a honda dealer a few months ago tried to sell me on a 3m fuel injection cleaning-looked the tech directly in the eye and said-"What's your spiff". we both laughed and that was that.

    milage-what is it
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