Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Honda Accord Quality Control Issues

1…2425272930…69

Comments

  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    Well, I've been in a Japanese Accord for two years now .... and that crazy AC vent next to the drivers window thinks it's an eastern diamondback! Oh, and my quirky tranny? On a J-Vin? Say it ain't so ;-)
  • luismaciasluismacias Member Posts: 1
    I bought a 2002 EX V6 two weeks ago. I've been noticing the transmission shift funny. Between 0-25mph I feel the transmission shift but then it does it immediately 2 more times when I get upto 35mph. This is very different from my parent's EX V6. They got one two days ago and the shifting is very different. The acceleration is steady and smooth going from 0 to 35 mph. I feel the shift just once. In my EX, the RPMs get upto 4000 when its doing all this shifting. My parent's only gets to 3000. I don't know if its normal or what. My previous car was a '90 camry v6 automatic and the shifting is a lot more steady and smooth, not as jerky as mine. I thought that was the way Honda transmissions shifted and that it was just a question of getting used to but after driving my parent's Accord, the shifting is definitely different. In my car, its almost as though the transmission is looking for the shift point. I want to take it to my local dealer to have them check it out. What's the best way to explain this situation to them? I can't really think of the proper words to express this to the service advisor. It's almost something that they're going to have to drive it to feel what I'm talking about. I just hope they don't tell me there's nothing wrong or simply tell me that's the way they shift. I have my parent's car as a reference and its very different.

    Has anyone else had similar experiences with their Accord? I know that the year 2000 models had problems (or at least that's what I read in this forum). Any suggestions? Does this sound like a problem or is it just new Honda car owner anxiety?

    Thanks
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    See? That's the problem with purely anecdotal evidence. Person A says his paint is chipping. Well, I had my Benz repainted on the hood and front fenders and front valance last year with water based paint and I've driven in snow, rain, sand and cosmic rays and the paint looks simply great.

    So one of us is crazy?
  • jvgiojvgio Member Posts: 3
    I have a '96 Accord EX wagon that I brought to my local dealer for 90k service and repl. of the timing belt. The balance shaft was off by one tooth when I got the car back. Once this problem was fixed, I still had a growling drone from about 1800 to 3000 rpm. My car had never done this before. The dealer installed a kit w/ new gaskets & bolts around the mid-pipe (service bulletin 94-041) to fix this, but I still have a drone at 2500-3000 rpm. Thanks for any help!
  • inkieinkie Member Posts: 281
    Lugwrench, I am a retired ink and paint chemist I have been out of the business 3 years so I still think not much has changed. I worked for a japanese company that owned plants all over the world. Only a few companies supply the raw materials to make the paint for the car manufacturers including Honda.So basically the formulas are all the same. When you or others are referring to water based paint its not really water based paint like the latex paint you all are familiar with. The auto paint has a very small percentage of water in it to disperse some of the resins and reduce the VOC's{volatile organic solvents]. If applied properly and cured its very hard, glossy and and is very durable.Due to the enviremental laws in this country the use of so called oil based paints are declining.The newer systems are less expensive and much easier to use. For your information oil based paint consists of a lot of volatile solvents,additives, resin, pigment and a small percentage of vegetable drying oils and thats why its called oil based paint. The japanese use both types. The oil based paint needs a higher curing temp. and it will give a harder and glossier finish in some colors and thats what some of the message writers possibly see. To tell you the truth, you would probably needs instruments to see a difference but as I said before the so called water based paints are excellent. Some auto body shops have trouble matching the colors for cars that have Hi-Bake paints but an experienced technician can get very close.

    w
  • cota99cota99 Member Posts: 28
    I own a '96 Accord LX. When I turn off the car, the fans turn on about one minute later. A few months ago, some hoses burst due to over heating. Does anyone know what the problem may be? I bought a new radiator that I have yet to install. Thanks in advance for the help
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    You had the exhaust "buzz kit" gasket set installed but you are still hearing a "raking sound". (metal sound when you accelerate?). Have the mechanic check all the heat shields on the exhaust system. One could cause this type of problem. An other possibility is an A pipe leak since maybe the "buzz kit" gasket wasn't installed correctly. It sounds as if the sound you are experiencing is exhaust related.
  • mpynempyne Member Posts: 120
    I was doing some reading about this subject and what I read was water based spreads easier thus allowing thinner coats to be applied(1-3 water compared to 4-6 oil) It might not have anything to do with the quality but be more cost effective because can get away with using less paint. But I still dont understand why cant we design some type of protection that prevents this from happening. I think allot of people get annoyed when you buy a 20k car and have the paint start chipping 2 days later. It drives me crazy
  • paulo3paulo3 Member Posts: 113
    It is definitely cheaper putting three coats of water based paint on a new Accord from Ohio than lets say 5 coats of an oil based paint from the Accord plant in Japan. As far as durability is concerned, an oil based paint is more durable hands down!

    Go back 20 years and remember how cars didn't chip as much (except Fords--this is another story in itself).
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Ah, but you forget about lacquer paints? They chipped like crazy.

    If your problem is that too thin a coat was put on, that really isn't the fault of the paint but the application, right? Who's not reading the instructions on the can?

    I'm NOT saying you are imagining the paint chips. But what I'm suggesting at least as an alternative cause is production problems at the factory where your car was produced.

    The paint itself is a good idea.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Gee, me thinks you is right again. Must be the island influence. My Honda seems to have a very thin layer of paint. That's Honda's fault. To compound the issue, the layer below the paint is another color (ie: white) while my paint is dark "Emerald Green". On my daily commute, my car is often hit by road salt and sand. The sand (and other assorted bad stuff) leaves small paint chips. I've been using touch up paint on these small chip spots with mixed success.
  • lugwrenchlugwrench Member Posts: 213
    Five coats of water based paint on your Accord from Ohio or five coats of oil based paint on your Accord from Japan? What Accord would have a more durable finish?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    If you are you sure know more than I do!
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    It's a no brainer (unless you are a Honda salesman)----the durable finish.
  • dc_sports_ruledc_sports_rule Member Posts: 134
    Put me down for the best finish available with a minimum of chipping. I have noticed a trend in Japanese painted automobiles. Their finish seems to be deeper and more glossy. My next door neighbor owns a Lexus and the paint on the vehicle is the best I have ever seen and the car is 8 years old!

    My Accord was built in Ohio and I have all kinds of chipped off paint especially on the hood and front bumpers. The hood is so bad that I am thinking about having it painted since the touch up paint looks awful.

    I am actually thinking about buying the following products to protect my cars finish after it is painted:

    http://www.xpel.com/
  • bunk1968bunk1968 Member Posts: 119
    So many problems. I just want a good car that is kind of sporty and has good reliability. Is the Altima a better choice? If I get an Accord should I just assume I need a bra for it.
  • anselmo1anselmo1 Member Posts: 163
    Overall, the Accord is a better built car than the Nissan Altima. The latest JD Powers survey confirms this fact. Nissan's customer satisfaction has slipped from #3 to #8. Toyota was #1 and Honda was #2.

    Yes, I would buy a leather bra if you decide on purchasing an Accord. It would be a good choice on any vehicle purchased.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    I'm sorry, dc_sports_rule, but the "shiny" attribute of a paint has very little to do with the quality or the depth of the paint. Our paint expert might be able to help us out with a better explaination of those properties. I've thought about using a "bra" to cover the front end, but (personal opinion) that would look terrible and could damage the paint under it. There is a 3M product consisting of a thick(er) layer of clear plastic sheeting to cover the front end of a car. I think it comes in kits built for specific brands and models. It seems to stop most of those "hits" which damage the paint. I don't have any experience with that product but have heard several good reviews of it. My solutions has been to apply the very best wax type product to my daily commuter. I use Zaino which is really a polymer, lasts much longer, and protects a bit better. Still, I jump reflexively every time I hear a "ping" againt the car - and that happens almost every day. And I'm starting to get better with the touch up paint! :(
  • dc_sports_ruledc_sports_rule Member Posts: 134
    The oil paint takes longer to bake than water based paint giving it a more durable finish. You know, it is like comparing water to oil--which is thicker and more durable--Physics 101!


    Check out this site:


    http://www.xpel.com/

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I guess I'll have to start looking for paint chips on US vs. Japan Accords. I've never noticied any differences but, then, I've never really looked.

    I think that if a flying rock hits a hood, the paint is probably going to chip no matter what kind of paint was used. I could be wrong, I guess.

    I would NEVER use a bra on ANY car! I have seen more used cars traded in with ruined paint under these things. They retain heat which bubbles the paint and the grit underneath them will rub the paint off the hood.

    I guess they might be OK if they were removed everytime the car gets washed.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I should think so. Afterall, I don't know too many women who shower with their bras on :)
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Sorry, but I didn't do good in Physics. I'd be careful not to bake the paint too long though, otherwise it will end up like my wife's meatloaf--Cooking 101.

    Now that I've stopped laughing.....I fail to believe any of the posts here in regards to paint quality of oil vs. water based paints. I'm sure whatever health issues the US has imposed on autos are imposed on vehicles "sold" here rather than "made" here. I could be wrong though as I have a real life and don't have time to research this.

    Oh, and I've always reminded my wife to remove her bra when she showers.
  • timadamstimadams Member Posts: 294
    Let us know how hard it is too install the xpel clear paint protector sheets, dc. I guess we'd have to wait several years to tell how well they really work. Intriguing idea, though.
  • bunk1968bunk1968 Member Posts: 119
    Is the Xpel clear protector the one made by 3M?
    Can I ask a dealer to get me an Accord with a J in the Vin# so that I know it is made in Japan? What are the chances of me getting one if I buy a new 02 Ex V6?
  • dc_sports_ruledc_sports_rule Member Posts: 134
    My aunt burned her bra at the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention in a rage of protest. After looking at her today, she should have kept it on. Bra's on cars should not be left on in the winter or rain. Technically, you probably should only use them when it is sunny outside.

    I am not to keen on meat loaf or baking. As long is the finish is durable on my Accord, I would be happy.

    The X-Pel layer can be done by collision shops, detail shops, custom radio shops etc. It has to be done right so I would opt for the collision or detail shops. I am sure if you check the site, they have a listing of dealers.

    By the way, bras shouldn't be worn in topless bars or lounges. It is the quickest way to drive customers off!
  • mike1qazmike1qaz Member Posts: 93
    No V6 accords are made in Japan for our market. They are made in Ohio. If you're interested in 4 cylinder "j" accords you can browse dealers inventory to locate the vin of the cars on their lots. We can do this in south Louisiana anyway, so I assume most of the Honda dealers offer this ability.
  • lugwrenchlugwrench Member Posts: 213
    http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=17782
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    It's a "nose mask".

    Trouble is, they are somewhat of a PITA to remove and put back on. As a result, most people get lazy and leave them on all of the time.

    When this happens, they do a lot more harm than good.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    When I bought my first "real" car, a used '89 Integra, the previous owner (and the dealer) kept the nose mask on. The mask was embossed with the word "Integra" across the front. I took it of the first time I washed the car...and found "Integra" written in rust across the hood. Grrr. Luckily, it was very light surface rust and was dispatched with some rubbing compound and a good waxing. I left the mask off from then on.
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    Looks like a cross between a Nissan Altima and a 2000 Toyota Camry. What does everyone else think?
    It looks as if Honda has another winner as far as a new design is concerned.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Actually people in the Sedan forum are saying Honda has another "weiner" as far as new design is concerned. :)
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    or whatever---it isn't that bad now!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Some will like it and others won't. I can hear it now....

    " Ooh, what a pretty color!"

    " Yuck! what an ugly color"

    " Oh, I love the tailights"

    " Why did they screw up the tailights?"

    " You would have thought they would have......"

    "It looks like a cross between......"

    And on and on....
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    the overwhelming reaction to the new Accord is negative. BUT...we have not seen it in the flesh, and most Hondas have a way of growing on you (sort of like of plain-looking girl with a good personality), so the jury may still be out.

    But I think this one will take quite of bit of "growing".
  • dc_sports_ruledc_sports_rule Member Posts: 134
    It grew on me but I prefer the knockout babe with the big melons.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Where do you get that? I've heard nothing either way.

    I think Honda is way too smart to screw a good thing up. Still...some will love the changes and others will think Honda took a great car and screwed it up.

    I hear this every model change and I watch as sales continue to increase year after year.

    Hopefully this trend will continue.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Where did I get what? The part about the negative reaction? You're kidding right? Where have you been, man? Even you couldn't have missed this one. Go over to the Honda thread in the Sedan forum on this very site and read the posts since the '03 photos were posted. Better yet, go over the vtec.net and read those comments.
    THE NATIVES ARE GETTING RESTLESS.
  • black_tulipblack_tulip Member Posts: 435
    I think Honda is way too smart to screw a good thing up.
    They have done it in the past, e.g. replacing the Legend with RL.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    After leaving my last post I did go over to the sedans forum and read the comments.

    I don't go there very often. I couldn't believe the amount of speculation! People jumping to conclusions about a car they haven't even seen yet based strictly on looks!

    Still...some will love the changes and other's will not. Happens ever time a model changes.

    black tulip...I agree!
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    Like:
    changes in 4 cyl engine

    is 4 door sedan larger-if so how much in CF and any change in wheel base

    any changes in suspension-hope not

    any attempts to make the accord quieter

    IMHO appearance is virtually irrelevant-very few vehicles today are supremely ugly-however one of the new caddy's with the snow plow grill qualifies. how could they
  • anselmo1anselmo1 Member Posts: 163
    I thought the new Accord looked unique. My question is "what cost cutting measures have been instituted by American Honda on this new model". Are they dropping the famous "wishbone suspension" for McPhearson struts? How much of the car is out-sourced to US suppliers? If my memory serves me well, Honda made an agreement to purchase GM starters last year.
  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    I like the front end, but the rear tailights look saturn-ish. The side profile is alright also, looks kinda like the current Accord with Benz/Lexus door handles. Overall, it's still Honda conservative. And I'm sure it will sell extremely well.
  • paulo3paulo3 Member Posts: 113
    Has anyone seen the Honda plant in Ohio? Are there plant tours open to the public?
  • 12monkeys12monkeys Member Posts: 3
    Problems with 2002 Accord Coupe in general

    1. i don't about you guys, i was pissed off when they tinted my back window and the black dot matrix pattern on the top part of the back window caused bubbles in the tint.

    2. Vibrations from the music, the drivers side mirror shakes, the rear view mirror, the door glass...

    other than that... such a comfortable driving experience...
  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    Answer to #2: Mine doesn't do that except for the light shaking that happens in any car that has even the slightest amount of bass production from the stereo. YOu must listen to your stereo really loud. It which case, everything should vibrate.
  • anselmo1anselmo1 Member Posts: 163
    Mine shakes from the day I bought it and drove it off the lot. Shakes a lot more with the radio on but still shakes with the radio off.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Turn your bass down...:)
  • anselmo1anselmo1 Member Posts: 163
    isellhondas--explain to me why the mirror shakes even when the radio is OFF?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    No idea.
  • mikegold_1966mikegold_1966 Member Posts: 138
    My rear view mirror also shakes without the radio on. Anyone have an idea what causes the shaking?
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles