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 problems

1…457910…12

Comments

  • silvercoupesilvercoupe Member Posts: 326
    Have experienced a couple of problems with my 2000 LX 2.3 Coupe:

    1. The engine "stumbles" just a little during warm up. The stumble occurs about 2 minutes after I crank up and head for work every morning. The same in the afternoon,then it runs fine.

    2. The transmission seems to be "hunting" first gear at times when I almost come to a stop, then speed back up. It acts like it doesn't know what gear to go to.

    Do you have any thoughts on these minor problems?
  • jjm5jjm5 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I am new to town hall and in fact new to US. I am planning to buy a used car. I have seen one Honda Accord 1992 DX. It is in good condition only problem is when it accelerates, you can feel the gear change. Its kind of rough auto transmission. According to owner it is from begining and it is common in Honda accord. Is it correct ?

    Is it adviseable to buy the car (92K miles excellent condition) with such problem?

    Thanks
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    I smelled the rotten eggs a few times when I used the car for short trips and stopped to get mail. I smells like the odour they put into methan gas. Is this normal? I think this is part of the reason for my relatively poor gas mileage. I'm thinking the rotten eggs are caused by incomplete combustion or something...Auburn and others what do you think?
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    silvercoupe: the new tranny just needs to be worked in, this still happens to me occasionally but the tranny is beginning to shift a lot smoother. It usually does 1-2-1 shifts on 90 degree turns when new.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Silvercoupe: I think I read about the stumble thing somewhere so let me check.It may be something to do with the kind of fuel but let me check and see if there is any info on it..As far as the trans shift quality. For like ever Hondas have not liked to come to a rolling start then reaccelerate. They do feel a bit strange but it is normal and may decrease as titopuente says..

    jjm5: With out driving the car it is tough to say that it is normal. However the shift quality of the trans should be a possitive one. Meaning a bit hard no slippage good solid engagement. The trans can be tailored to be smoother by changing the shift cable adjustment. But as I said you do want it to be possitive. A correctly adjusted cable moves the trans arm at the same time that the throttle plate moves without being tight at idle..If the car has been taken care of then they last a long time..

    titopuente: That smell is usally caused by a rich mixture,or as you said unburned fuel. If your part of the country uses that winter fuel(oxygenated) then that could be a reason. I have not yet come across a bad computer control of that system, it is dependable. I will keep an eye out for any write ups on it for you...
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    I have a black/black EX V6 Coupe that has the loudest rattle coming from the back! I took it up to the dealer today and they have no clue what is causing it. The only thing he said he could do is take off all the trim and he'll need to keep it for 2 days. Has anyone else heard a rattle coming from the rear? It happens all the time no matter how fast you are going or on what kind or roads you are on. I need some help!

    - Anthony
  • spokanespokane Member Posts: 514
    A rattle which occurs under all conditions is the "best" kind because it should be quite easy to find. I would cooperate with the shop's request for a two-day check although it shouldn't take that much time. I presume they did first check for a loose shock-absorber mounting nut -- that would cause a very distinct and near-continuous rattle.
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    I know for a fact that it's not the shocks/springs because I got H&R Sport Springs a couple weeks ago. This rattle has happened since I took it off from the lot. The service manager said it's something in the trim. I guess I'll just have to leave it up there.
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    If it rattles all the time, even when stopped (with engine on), try the muffler or intermediate pipe. I had a rattle from the back when I drove over bumps for 2 days right after I drove off the dealer lot, I took it to the dealer really pissed off and they found that it was just the lock for the rear seat back. It was a bit loose, so it took them 2 seconds to tighten it. I'm not sure if the coupes have fold down rear seat backs though. The dealership saw my distress and they gave me a free leather steering wheel cover! But I had to sew it on myself...it makes the steering wheel feel a lot better.

    I used the ABS again...it was raining like crazy in Toronto yesterday and it did not feel like 10 HZ, it felt more like 5 pulses per second. Does the ABS frequency vary according to speed? Or are the pulses to the brake pedal reduced so as not to provoke panic?

    Auburn: Thanks a lot!
  • butch11butch11 Member Posts: 153
    I live at the edge of Ethanol Enhanced gasoline and real thing gasoline. If you use the stuff designed as a welfare program for our wealthy farmers, you get the H2S smell-and if you use the real thing-smells clean. Some engines tend to be smellier than others-just like people.
  • silverdxsilverdx Member Posts: 2
    Hi All,

    My Accord just recently met the pothole from hell which brought the car to a dead stop from 20 mph, resulting in some rather significant damage to the 'front beam' under the car.

    Insurance will pay, so I'm planning to have the dealer replace it. I just wondered if anyone out there knows how significant a repair this is? If it's something that is difficult enough that the car could end up worse off for the repair?

    Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    I just found out that most cars around my area give off the rotten egg smell on occasion. I did a little research and it turns out that it is true that we (Torontonians) use a rich fuel mixture when the weather is cold and when the heat starts coming in, the normal gas is used.

    Silver: OUCH! The suspension system would take most of the ouch (that's what they're for) but that's as much as I know.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Your car should not end up worse because of the repair. however there is a slight chance that maybe something got bent( such as the main frame)that may cause it to be hard to align. But if it was just a "hole from hell" you will probably be fine with the new parts. It is no big deal to do the repair work, it's all nuts and bolts and like a puzzle, every peice has it's place. You will be fine..Good luck..

    titopuente..Yeah us Jersey'ans use the crap also. Glad to hear that was all it is..see ya.......
  • zgliuzgliu Member Posts: 4
    First, thanks for those responded to my "buzzing sound" report. Since I'm so busy these days, I just assume it's normal and stop worrying about it. I may check it with another dealer in the future.

    Now, I got a new problem. The background light of my clock suddenly went out. Besides, I noticed that there is no light on the markers/labels of the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, the windshield wiper control rod, the power mirror and window buttons on the door. I'm not sure if they are supposed to be lit or the lights are also dead. My car is Accord 1999, LX V6. Could someone having/knowing the same model give me the answer?

    It seems not to be a simple fuse-blow-out problem, since the clock is still working. I went to a dealer yesterday. He told me it might be caused by the alarm system which was not installed by Honda. It's possible but I don't think it's likely. The alarm was installed one year ago and the clock light went out just last week.

    Anyway, I made an appointment and let's see what happens.
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    out of what you stated, only the clock is supposed to be illuminated.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Yeah what titopuente says is correct about the lighting. As far as your clock goes, it most likely just has a bad bulb. There is a small bulb that is replaceable seperately that we keep in stock due to seeing alot of them blow out. Maybe 5 or 10% of the time it is a bad clock but not likely.
  • drake4985drake4985 Member Posts: 3
    We just bought a 92 Accord in December however one thing about the car troubles me. The title says it is an LX when I did a lemoncheck on internet it says it is an LX, but, on the car it says it is an EX. Could it just be misunderstanding or could the badge have been changed?
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    Correct me if I'm wrong, auburn, but the '92 model is set up just like the other body styles, I believe...If you have a factory sunroof and alloy wheels, it's an EX. If not, it's an LX. I don't know what mechanical differences there are in that run of cars (for instance, my '94 LX lacks 4-wheel discs and the VTEC motor as well as the wheels and sunroof.
    (I've noticed, too, that not one person has posted having a problem with their MANUAL tranny Honda...heh heh heh...)

    -Lancerfixer, militant 5-speed supporter
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    The SE models have the convenience features of the EX (sunroof, alloys,) but not the mechanical upgrades.
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    I love the 5 spd. of all Hondas. They are so easy and smooth and really let the engine shine. But unfortunately my sister is going to inherit my car and that means no 5 spd. for me :(. However, I'm going to get the Prelude SH. Hondas don't seem to make auto trannies as good as their manual trannies.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    Teach your sister how to drive a stick. She'll be forced to learn if that's what you buy...:)
  • ultraultra Member Posts: 9
    If anyone lives in the Denver area and are looking to buy any sort of Honda, stay away from Planet Honda. My story: My wife and I test drove a CRV from Planet Honda. This was the first time we drove one. We made it very clear to the salesperson that we were not interested in buying that day, but were looking to do something in about 3 weeks. Everything went fine until we were almost back to the dealership. The salesperson asked us why we wouldn't buy that day. We said we were waiting for our tax refund so that we could put down a larger downpayment. He said we should lease instead of purchase. I informed him that we keep our vehicles more than a few years. This pressure from him kept up even after we returned to the dealership. He even asked us after we told him "no" several times if he should get the CRV all cleaned up for us to take delivery that day! We just walked away. That night we emailed the dealership our experience with this salesperson b/c we had talked to someone different several months before and had a totally opposite experience. The dealer's response was to have the internet salespeople contact us, who never addressed the problem we encountered, but were very eager to sell us a vehicle. We were contacted 3 different times by the internet salespeople.

    There are several other dealers in the Denver area who do not use high pressure sales tactics. We purchased our CRV from Fisher Honda in Boulder. Ask for Suzi Smith or Craig Sweeney.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    As has been stated if you have an ex it will have ABS, power sunroof and Alloy rims. If you have all those then you probably have an EX, if not then you have an LX. You could also call a Honda dealer and have them do a vin inquiry, this will not only tell you what you have but if there is any outstanding updates that may apply to your car. I could run it for you also but would need your VIN..
  • bnormannbnormann Member Posts: 335
    Ultra,

    Did you post your story in Smart Shopper

    I know they will be interested in your experience.

    Your Host, Bruce
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    The info I read about the stumble and or hesitation on acceleration, they say is from a misadjusted base idle. So if you are still having that problem the next trip in ask them to check out the bulletin on stumbling and see if it applies to your car..see ya
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    I am not so sure that this is a real problem or not. It is smilar to silvercoupe's problem. Mine is 99 LX 5spd. I bought it last August. Around November a wierd problem started: every morning I turn the engine on, let it idle 20 seconds and hit the road, within 1 mile or 2 miles later, during the acceleration (3th gear 2500-3000 rpm) car hesitates just once.(it feels like when you turn the AC on in a very small car and car jerks, or hesitates or become breathless.) After that no hesitation, nothing all day long. It does it every morning. I asked dealer to check it, they said there was no error code. I changed the air filter did not work. I reset the computer, it did not work.

    What you think, it is the same thing???

    Hey great help so far for everybody, thank you very much.
    Snowman.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Ultra posted his/her story of woe EVERYWHERE !!!
  • hondalemonhondalemon Member Posts: 2
    I bought my 2000 EX V6 at Planethonda in Golden, CO. Got the best price from them. Took them 5 days to install invisible bra, cassette (CD already in), mud flaps, and floor mats. Part of the problem came when I went to pick up the car after 3 days. The invisible bra and mud flaps had been installed over the dirt! Imbedded between my new paint and the thin plastic film were numerous small rocks!!! They took it back peeled off the bra washed the car and put it all back on. I never went back. At 1,000 miles the car would not restart after it got warm. Long story short and 6 visits and 5 months later. I now have a "new" remanufactured trannie because it shifted rough and clunked, a new computer and a new fuel pressure regulator to compensate for the oxygenated fuels boiling at altitude. It took 25 days in the shop and them putting 200 miles on the car but I got it back - with a 5 inch scratch on the hood, grease and dirt on the leather interior and a windsheild that looks like the passenger side was sand blasted. Fortunately it died two days later in the drive way so Honda towed it to their shop (their expense), where it remained for 8 more days so that they could re-program the keys to the new computer - they didn't know the "old" keys would only start the new computer 20 times without re-programming. (And these are the people Honda trusts to put me in a safe vehicle?) Now they are taking it to a body shop to repair the scratch, then are going to detail it and replace the windsheild (at their expense). It amazes me that they seem appaled that I am still a little annoyed. Like since they are fixing everything I should be happy now (after 30 something days) that I soon will have a car that will hopefuly run. I had to pay insurance and payment for the month my TOP of THE LINE hondalemon was in their shop. Needless to say I am seriously considering trading it in on another car. Even considereing going used with hopes someone else has fixed all the bugs. But then again I wouldn't want to buy someone elses "fixed" lemon. Any similar problems?
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    I probably dont have to tell you this but that is weird. Just a one time thing like that I wouldn't think that an idle adjustment could help it. Have you ever tried to change brand and or octane level of gas? Or even tried to let it warm up for like a min or two and then see if it would do the same. If after changing things up a bit the stumble still happens at the same time then I guess I would say why not try the idle reset procedure with the PGMFI tester.If it seems to be more of at a certain temperture then maybe there is a problem with like a coolant sensor. Try to keep me informed, either way it doesnt sound serious so I wouldn't worry much..Good luck..
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    I have a 2000 V6 Coupe and I have been using 87 octane ever since I got it almost two months ago. Will I really benefit from 93 octane?
  • silvercoupesilvercoupe Member Posts: 326
    snowman & auburn63: The problem that snowman described with his car is exactly the same as mine. snowman just explained it much better than I did. I have not noticed it as much since the weather has warmed up some, but it's still there-just a little burp after running for 2-3 minutes-that's it. I have used BP and Chevron gas, and nothing has changed. It does't seem serious, but is a little annoying. Guess I need to try a higher octane fuel to see if it helps.
  • spokanespokane Member Posts: 514
    Snowman and Silvercoupe, I have seen this slight "hesitation" during warm-up of some cars but I can't comment on Honda specifics. I agree with Auburn that it's likely associated with an engine management circuit such as a coolant temp sensor. On some vehicles, when a set temperature is reached, the engine management system changes modes and this causes a very slight blip in engine behavior. As snowman says, it's similar to the effect of engaging the A/C compressor on an underpowered engine ... and it happens only once and within a mile or two of starting with a cold engine. Understanding the cause to be as mentioned above, I came to regard this as normal. My guess is that both of you guys are careful drivers because I don't believe a "leadfoot" driver would notice.
  • zgliuzgliu Member Posts: 4
    Thank you, titoputente and auburn63.I went to a dealer and they replaced the bulb.

    I do hope the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel and the control levers be illuminated. It's not important, but nice to have during the night.

    I have seen many discussions about hesitation on this list. My car (1999 LX V6) has the same problem (or behavior if you like). I was dispointed by the transmission, but didn't think it as a problem. Now I think I should at least let the dealership look at it.

    One thing different is that my car ALWAYS hesitates during acceleration. The shift is not smooth at all. The problem is severe during warm up. After that, it gets better but I can still feel the hesitation.

    Should I increase the engine idle speed or adjust some electronic controls in the transmission?
  • silvercoupesilvercoupe Member Posts: 326
    I have been using Fram oil filters for years, but from reading other boards they are poor quality. Also have read that Fram makes Honda oil filters.
    Most people seem to like Purolator and Delco. What are your thoughts on this?
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    zgliu,
    If your car is a 98 or 99 with a L4 motor then an idle adjustment could cure your stumble as per a bulletin on them. The pgmfi checker and procedure must be followed in order for it to be correct..

    Silvercoupe,
    I in 17 years with Honda have never been told that Fram makes Honda filters but even if they did they would be of a different spec than what they sell in the stores. I own a Honda and advise all to use Honda parts for every occasion. You would not believe me unless you have seen it but over the years the cars I have seen that have aftermarket parts on them are always the ones that need the most repairs. The substandard parts, now matter how good they worked on your chevy(which I own and also buy OEM parts for)just cost you more money in the long run.I always suggest to people that they can have any mechanic work on the car but put only Honda parts in for the best performance. See ya.........
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    No one tell me what octance they are using. It's not like I need any help!! I guess I'll just stick with 87.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    I use what ever is the cheapest these days. If you want to know and dont know already what Honda suggest let me know and I will look it up on monday..Sorry if you thought I ignored you, my Honda is a 92 so I didnt think it you would want to know...see ya
  • sarakaysarakay Member Posts: 19
    Hi, I have an 87 Accord with an automatic transmission. It slips in the low gears, usually when I'm going around a corner but sometimes when I accelerate hard when going straight. It's been doing this for a while ... I had the trans fluid changed (put in Honda fluid) and it was great for a while then it started slipping again. I took it to one of the transmission repair chains and the guy said the fluid wasn't leaking. He thinks the clutch is wearing out and wants $1000 to tear it apart. Does this sound right to you guys? My Accord is a great little car and has given me very few problems. I'd like to fix it if possible. Thanks for any help.
  • tl565tl565 Member Posts: 78
    I've been searching for a new vehicle for the past month and after reading of all the problems with Accords so I have scratched it off my shortlist.

    I always thought Honda made problem-free cars. Has the quality slipped since they started making them in the U.S.? All of these problems with the engine and transmissions are incredible to me for a new car. Why buy new when you are likely to suffer headaches?
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    auburn63,

    I was just kiddin, I hope you didn't take my post seriously. But thank you for being the only person to answer my question. :-þ

    tl565,

    The whole reason for this topic is for problems, hence it's title, "Honda Accord Problems." I love my '00 EX V6 Coupe, it's a great car. The only problem I've had is a rattle coming from the rear headliner, and it is fixable, I just haven't had the time to take it to Honda. Honda has made the Accords in the US since 1985, so I doubt it's our American slakers causing problems. I've never had any engine or tranny problems with my Accord. Actually, the tranny is made in Japan. I'm a die-hard Nissan fan and I'll always be one. The Honda is growing on me though, 2,300 miles and counting.......
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    tl65:
    The tranny problems seems to occur in late 99 and 00 models...a friend of mine is in the business. Please don't scratch Hondas off your list, they are highly dependable (bullet proof) cars that if cared for properly (no need to pamper, rev the engine high up and corner...they're made to do that) there is EXTREMELY little chance for them to cause any problems. My neighbour still drives an 83 civic and in the course of using that car he went through an early 90's grand prix! And just like what Auburn said...this is an Accord problem board, the people with no problems won't post and those who do and know this site will (and most of the time its the same person presenting problems over and over)....how many people have problems?...a few...how many Accord owners are there?...too many!

    ADG44: Hondas have already grown on me. Hondas seem to be the only carmaker to blend bulletproof reliability, performance, low maintenance, fuel frugal and comfortable cars in one package at a reasonable price. My upcoming car is a current gen. Prelude 5spd. I drove it, cornered it, floored it and fell in love with it. And to top it all off...its fuel efficient! Great for a soon to be university student. The only con...DAMN insurance :-(
    (fast car+testosterone+18year-old=DANGER) oh yeah!
  • titopuentetitopuente Member Posts: 46
    1300 miles on Accord SE...Tranny is Smooth (now worked in to my driving style) great car!
  • tl565tl565 Member Posts: 78
    I understand the title of this board, but I was surprised to see so many NEW Accords with problems. I was expeecting high mileage problems, not problems with a brand new car. Stumbling engines, engines not starting, rough shifting transmissions to me are enough to scare me away! If it was a first year car you might expect a few problems, but even the 2000 models seem to have problems. I spoke with a neighbor who traded his problem-free '90 Accord in for a '00 and has had to take it back to the dealer several times in the first few months. I told him to check out this board.
  • tl565tl565 Member Posts: 78
    HondaLemon -- Did the "new" remanufactured transmission in your 2000 Accord fix the clunking problem? Has Honda offered to buy it back as a lemon because of the different problems?
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    I know what ya mean!! I'm 16 and drive a '00 EX V6 Coupe. I wanted a Prelude, but I'm kinda too big for the car and it didn't have leather, auto climate, or side airbags. Luckily I don't pay for insurance for my car! .....DANGER.....
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    Thanks for the input guys.
    I believe that this is temperature related problem. As auburn63 suggested, I idled my car in one morning a bit longer (2minutes) before, sometimes in the middle of the winter, in that specific morning did not stumble. The reason that I did not have this as habit because of my 91 Accord.I never wormed up my 91 Accord more than 10 seconds even winter time but, hey what is the big deal.
    Since the weather is warming up, I am having problem to generate the same feeling, today it did not do it. Morning temp was around 50. Since they are very sophisticated engines, they might be sensitive to cold whether and require a little bit warm up time.

    Silvercoupe, I do not suggest you to go up for 89 or 93 octane. I am using 87, I though the same thing and I upgraded it for a while but actually lost the power. My car did not accelerate as strong as it did with 87. So I switched back.

    Spokane, your explanation makes good sense. It could be a unique specs of VTEC engines, ha?
  • terminalisterminalis Member Posts: 40
    hondalemon

    Sorry to hear about your problems. I was wondering when your car was made. Rumor is that early 2000 production had more problems. I think your dealer's service dept. really sucks. Well, I know the feeling. They fixed everything, so you should be happy. Right? What a joke. I found myself in a similar situation. Honda service dept. doesn't seem very competent. However, there are some very knowledgeable people around here in this forum (auburn63, spokane, etc). auburn63 is actually a Honda tech, and he knows the stuffs. So ask them around. Good luck.

    --terminalis
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    It might be silly to ask but I decided to change my own oil. What size wrench I must buy?
    Thank you
  • fritz1224fritz1224 Member Posts: 398
    I have read alot about v6 tranny problems and how us quality of accords is inferior. My transmission was made in japan. Probably all the 2000 v6's were. Is japan quality now hit the skids?
  • fritz1224fritz1224 Member Posts: 398
    My dealer just informed me the necessary replacement parts to fix the boilover problem have been sent directly from Honda. The fuel pressure regulator and computer are being replaced. I just hope they know what they're doing. They said they have to keep the car a whole day. Service manager also said this is the first repair of this type he has had done. Also mentioned there would likely be a national recall of V6's to fix this widespread problem. Any thoughts about this Auburn63 or anyone else?
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles