Honda Accord Quality Control Issues

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Comments

  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    most Honda dealers don't do major services on Saturdays. those are reserved for oil changes, tire rotates, basically the non-warranty money making services. they don't pay the master-techs to work Saturday hours. and you don't want an oil change kid touching your transmission probably...

    and yes, unfortunately, it does appear that although as a rule Honda makes quality cars, when they don't, they refuse to stand by them, and worse yet, they train their employees to blame the consumer. Edmunds recent long term wrap up notes that rotors were warped at 13k miles. my car only has 11k miles, and Honda tells me it is my fault.

    can't help you with the transmission problem, my 03 EX V6 shifts fine. i don't use rear defrosters so i am not sure if it has a timer.

    good luck with your problems! i feel for ya!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    These can drive the Service Dept NUTS!

    If it's easilly noticed then it's easy to fix.

    It's the one that rattle "sometimes" on "certain roads" under "certain conditions" that are a real pain especially when we can't get them to rattle.

    Rainy days aren't the best to check for them with all of the extra road noise.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    My point is that if it's such an important feature that you would not have bought the car if it was not included then you should make sure it has it before you buy it. It's not Hondas fault for not including it, it's the buyer's fault for not checking.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    a car that is missing a "feature" isn't really low in quality...

    it is up to the consumer to buy the car that has the features that he/she wants. seems pretty cut and dry to me....

    a quality control issue is a rattle, leak, or faulty mechanical/electrical part. a missing feature doesn't seem like a quality control glitch. unless all Accords except one had a keyhole in passenger door of course....
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,691
    The concept that someone doesn't check for what's always been there and they don't know is going to have been omitted is over your head. I've explained it many times.

    End of discussion. Agree to disagree.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    If you have a car same as mine can you please tell or test your car to see whether or not rear defroster is supposed to turn off. It would be very helpfull. Thanks
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >>I complained about this to corp. Honda case manager and he told me they don't want to see me again. <<<

    Did he really say that?
    If he did, boy your lawyer is going to have a great time.

    >>>Does anyone else's seat move forward and then back again when braking hard? They told me that's normal. <<<

    how hard?
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    If you have a car same as mine can you please tell or test your car to see whether or not rear defroster is supposed to turn off. It would be very helpfull. Thanks
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    Yes he told me since I opened my mouth and asked them why wasn't my rattle fixed they probably called Honda corp. about this. By the way I was told by a lawyer that a dealership can reject you if they feel like it at anytime and their is nothing a Honda corp. or lawyers can do about this. They just told me to find another dealership. Any ideas about this?
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    You dont have to break very hard. It moves back and forth like its sliding on something
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    I have 03EXV6. The rear defroster does not have a timer to turn itself off. I checked the owner's manual. If it does, the manual would say so. Unlike my 89 Accord, it has a timer.
    Having no timer does not bother me.

    The service dept. only does oil change or minor services (i.e. coolant
    service) on Sats.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    can't test it for you, i am at work, Honda sits in my garage at home. nice weather out - i drive the Miata :)

    i would say it it doesn't turn off, then your car isn't equipped with a auto-off defroster. i would HOPE that Honda could master a simple thing like that, if they meant to.
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    I have an '03 Accord EX-V6 coupe. I expected the rear defrost to turn off automatically too, like my '98 EX-4. No dice. I don't know why the change but maybe it has to do with the fact of no rear wiper and all that window back there.
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    I'm not happy about the missing passenger door lock.
    I must say though that it hasn't really mattered in the past.
    I have a '98 Accord and the security system has never failed. I suspect that if its a big deal to a person than they will find the same missing door lock on many other new cars and be equally disappointed. What I really miss is the trunk lock.
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    Thanks guys at least i now know that its supposed to be that way. Cause why list it on honda website if its not true.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    OK, we've effectively beaten this topic to death. We know that gregoryc1 and imidazol97 think that Honda really dropped the ball on this, and they're concerned with the possibility of both the primary and backup systems either failing or being unavailable simultaneously.

    It seems that the rest of us are satisfied with the primary system of a keyless remote and a single lock on the driver's side as a backup. Perhaps not perfect, but the "all systems" failure scenarios seem very unlikely to us, so we're not concerned.

    If Honda monitors these forums, one of the rationales presented for bringing this topic up over and over again, those who consider this a problem have expressed that opinion strenuously and repeatedly. So if Honda is ever to be made aware of those concerns through these forums, they certainly would have to be aware of them now. They'd have to be comatose not to be.

    Obviously, nobody from either camp is having any influence on the other camp, and that's not going to change. So can we agree to disagree, stop beating this dead horse and move on?
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    Thanks guys at least i now know that its supposed to be that way. Cause why list it on honda website if its not true.
  • demars581demars581 Member Posts: 16
    Anyone have warping issues with Accord Brakes? My 2003 Accord has about 22,000 miles and at highway speeds when a press the brake, the car shudders.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    "The concept that someone doesn't check for what's always been there and they don't know is going to have been omitted is over your head."

    Nothing is going over my head. What should Honda have done? Maybe they should have taken an ad out in all local newspapers anouncing there was no key cylinder on the passenger side. Maybe they should give all Accord owners a pamphlet anouncing this same fact. Or maybe they should have bought air time on all local channels. Or someone could just thoroughly check out the car they are buying before signing on the dotted line. I have no sympathy for someone who can spend 2 hours posting about the intricacies of oil and carbon build-up but doesn't spend the same time researching what is the 2nd largest purchase in most American households.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    the 03 Accord brakes are a huge issue for Honda. your Honda dealer should replace the pads with "updated" pads and turn the rotors...
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,691
    I'll let anonymous have the last word. It seems to be very important.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Thanks.
  • demars581demars581 Member Posts: 16
    Thanks for the information.

    How long do Accord brakes typically last? About 60% of my driving is highway.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    " I said earlier I was done. I'll let anonymous have the last word. It seems to be very important."

    When your "I'm done" statement comes packaged along with your own final shot, you haven't ended anything.
  • twobigdogztwobigdogz Member Posts: 14
    I just purchased a 2004 Accord sedan. About the only thing I really don't like about it is the rear deck styling, So I had the dealer install the rear deck spoiler. The problem that they installed it off center on the trunk. Not only is it off center, but apparently the offset causes it to not fit quite right and it is pulled away from the top of the trunk lid on one side and from the vertical part of the trunk on the other side.

    I am taking it back to the dealer on Friday and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this issue.

    I am at a loss for figuring out how they are going to correct this issue short of installing a new trunk lid or taking the car back, since there are now 4 misplaced holes in my trunk lid.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    The instructions for the spoiler installation reference templates that specify the correct location very accurately. If they didn't follow those instructions, they screwed up. They owe you a new trunk lid, IMO.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Honda should not have removed the lock from the passenger side of the vehicle! The concept is simple! What did they "save" in the manufacturing process?---- One dollar!---------- Personally, I think "Honda" should be forced to retrofit a cylinder assembly on the passenager side of the 2003 Accord, for any owner who wants this convenience. After looking at the driver's door locking assembly, it appears that it could be also used on the front passenger side of the vehicle.
  • apbangiapbangi Member Posts: 17
    Same here! I have a 2003 Accord, 5-speed Manual Transmission with 24k mile.

    o springy or bully clutch (when releasing clutch after shifting from 1st to 2nd)

    o pulsations in steering wheel when braking

    o flaws in interior finish (miscut floor coverings, hanging "ceiling", etc.)

    o very weak engine, especially when the air conditioning is ON; this junk weakly accelerates (and roughly, struggling as if it is over 10 years old)

    THIS ACCORD IS A PIECE OF JUNK!
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    Sounds like you do have issues with your Accord that need attention. My 98' with less power has no acceleration problems and after only 24k miles you shouldn't be having any either. I'm sorry about those problems. Maybe YOUR Accord IS a piece of junk. I would get it fixed.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    We had a 1999 Accord 5 speed that was a freeway terror with or without the A/C. No problem with power or anything. Not to mention our 03 EX-L coupe or our present 04 EX-L sedan. All are great. Sounds like someone has warranty issues. I don't see how anyone could drive a car 24K miles with al those problems. I wouldn't tolerate those issues on a used car.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    " Personally, I think "Honda" should be forced to retrofit a cylinder assembly on the passenager side of the 2003 Accord, for any owner who wants this convenience"

    That has to be one of the more assinine comments I have seen here on Edmunds. It's not as if Honda put out a few with the passenger side key cylinder then stopped. The 03 Accord has never had one. You should have made sure the car you bought included all features you find important. You can always go trade the Accord for something that suits you better.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    Honda needs to be "FORCED" to make their brakes work better before they worry about "feature" add on's. Brakes are a safety issue - key holes are not.
  • maxpower02maxpower02 Member Posts: 103
    Lets move on to other "more important" topics!
    Brakes, transmissions, etc!
  • clint98v6atclint98v6at Member Posts: 54
    Did Honda change the rotor or pad material for the current gen. Accords? My 98 has 75,000 miles and I'm just now changing pads for the 1st time. 80% highway/20% in town. I've never had a shudder or any pulling to one side. Seems like the current gen. has more brake problems.
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  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    I have 25,000 + miles on a 4 cyl. 2003 Accord, and I do not have any problems with my brakes or rotors. I guess some people do not know how to drive a vehicle properly!
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    But it also started right after an automated car wash. I mean RIGHT after the wash. We had the rotors turned at the dealer under warranty. Solved the problem and from now on, we wash the cars at home.
  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    I am not certain, but I believe the change was made for '03 to use a different material for the front pads. Many people (myself included) had continual problems with warped rotors. Mine warped at 6k miles, which I have never done in any other car.

    Last summer/fall, Honda changed the front pad material (I don't know if it was to the same material as the 6th gen or not). They replaced my pads and I have been driving for several thousand miles since with no problems. The new pads were installed on 2004 models at the factory, so there should be no problems with them.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    I just gave you my observation on this issue. It is a fact, that some drivers apply the "brakes with their left foot", and control the "accelerator with their right foot". This operational characteristic opens up the possibility of "riding the brakes", in which case, the "brakes" will overheat and the rotors will warp. QUESTIONS, ----Why do you take my comments personal? and Why do you make a "value judgement" about my personality? Please explain! I do a lot of highway driving, so it is very possible that my vehicle will not experience this issue!
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    I think overtightening of the lug nuts can contribute to rotors warping too.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    "I think overtightening of the lug nuts can contribute to rotors warping too."

    We had that happen on our GS300 courtesy of a local tire shop. Kind of infuriaing as well because we had just replaced the rotors and pads. But we sold the car before they got too bad.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,691
    I don't see in 3025 anymore than many of the posts over the months from other people here. If the real hosts of the discussion have a problem, they can contact whomever about the rules of the road.

    Let's get back to discussion and leave personality out of it.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    While I still find the explanation unconvincing and still consider the one statement in 3025 to be somewhat offensive regardless, I'll admit I may have overreacted with my responses. I apologize for that, and I've deleted them..
  • apbangiapbangi Member Posts: 17
    "I have 25,000 + miles on a 4 cyl. 2003 Accord, and I do not have any problems with my brakes or rotors. I guess some people do not know how to drive a vehicle properly!"

    I think there is a flaw with the 2003 Accord brake system (grabby). Mine has a come-and-go vibrations/pulsations in the steering wheel when braking. I'm not a brake-rider (nor do panic braking) and still have this problem.

    This Accord (and naughty gregoryc1) deserves a whip on the butt.

    ramida
  • rueshanrueshan Member Posts: 32
    ... to adjust to the brakes on my 2004 Accord EX-V6. However, I have had my Accord for 7 months, and I have not been kind to the brakes.... many, many fast starts and quick stops. After 22K miles, I have no vibration or warping to report... and believe me, my last 2 cars had to have the brakes changed and the rotors turned MANY TIMES. I am not a gentle driver, and yet my Accord has had zero problems with the brakes. I have done all the things that people say not to do... the tires have been rotated 3 times using impact wrenches, and I have gone through one car wash after another with the brakes just as hot as they can be. Apparently Honda did something right when they engineered this braking system.
  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    The brake pad material was changed between the 2003 and 2004 model years. Your car has the new pads, which are *MUCH* better. The problem was with the original pads on the 2003s. Many owners were experiencing warped/pulsating rotors with the 2003 Accord, but the problem has been solved with the new pads. The service manager at my dealership said that he hasn't had any '03s back in for brake problems after having the pads changed. I had mine replaced about 6k miles ago and they are still smooth. My commute consists almost entirely of 55-mph highway with 18 stoplights in 11 miles. This did not work too well with my old brake pads. Honda did something right when they RE-engineered the brake system, but it seems to me that it should have been done right the first time. It's not like disk brakes have changed that much in the last, oh, 50 years or so.
  • twobigdogztwobigdogz Member Posts: 14
    Fortunately, my dealer recognized right away that it was a poor installation, and did not try to argue that it should be acceptable. Also fortunately there was an easy fix. It turns out that the specified hole size leaves some room to play around the bolts, in my case enough to move the spoiler into the correct position. A very small movement makes the difference between a perfect fit and a bad fit. It makes sense that Honda would design it this way. Otherwise, anything less than absolutely perfect position for the holes would not work.

    In recognition of how badly it was installed the first time, the dealer extended the warranty. So - while I was extremely unhappy with the initial work, I am pleased with the dealer response.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    That's great news! So often when potential disputes with a dealer are reported here, it seems that there's rarely a happy ending. It's nice to hear of one for a change.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    Honda DID NOT fix the brake pad/rotor issue. where are people coming up with this idea exactly? I will say AGAIN. not fixed. bought my 03 EX-V6 in Sept 03. by December it needed new front brakes (about 5k miles). they replaced pads (not rotors) with "new design" pads. by February 04 the vibrations when braking from high speeds were back with a vengeance. at that time they proceeded to turn the rotors and tell me the pads were fine. if the pads were fine, the rotors would NOT need to be turned. can't have scored rotors and have perfect pads - not scientifically/mechanically possible. but what do i know, i clearly am just driving the car wrong - NOT. apparently, the brake pedal in the Accord really shouldn't be used in the same manner as you would use it in a VW, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Volvo, Toyota, etc. (all my other cars that NEVER had brake issues).

    HONDA dropped the ball on quite possibly the most important safety issue on a car - brakes. i really do believe this will be a "60 Minutes" type issue. don't want it to be, since the resale values will plummet as a result.

    i am wondering if Honda has changed some magagement staff or something. if this were Ford/Firestone, i could understand. but I have had 2 Civics and an Integra, no brake issues whatsoever. not sure what happened in 02/03 with regard to quality and service....but in 04 things still aren't fixed.

    other than that, car runs great. it is smooth, and fast, and quite efficient for a V6. just don't expect the smoothness and efficiency when braking for some reason.....
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