Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

tedescm · December 2002

There has been much discussion about bad Honda transmission and I have also seen discussion regarding starting problems associated with the Honda V-6.

Are these problems the exception or the rule?

Has anyone had personal experience with these problems?

tedescm · December 2002

There has been much discussion about bad Honda transmission and I have also seen discussion regarding starting problems associated with the Honda V-6.

Are these problems the exception or the rule?

Has anyone had personal experience with these problems?

bartbikerw · December 2002

My friend bought a new 2003 accord V6 and she also had the CD player break on her with the CD in the player. Honda has replaced the whole unit, but now she is trying to get her CD out of the old one :-).

jason777 · December 2002

I test drove a honda accord EX 4c and I noticed the steering wheel vibrating whistle at the traffic lights!

Not good!

shadowfax2 · December 2002

My new 03 V6 has 1,500 miles on it and so far so good. No starting problems, rattles, vibrations, transmission, electrical or other problems mentioned here. Only time will tell, but so far the car is a dream to drive. Of course, I once owned a Chrysler that was a "dream" for about 2 years before it turned into a nightmare...so I know that we need more time before the verdict on reliability of this car can be known for sure. I hope Honda's track record of reliability will hold up. It was one of the things that sold me.

according2me · December 2002

I've had mine for 2 years now and only had tires, fluids and front pads replaced. The valves were adjusted @50k. I do have a rattle occasionally, but I can live with this. I'm now over 83K and am shooting for 300K without any major repairs. Wish me luck.

xman1035 · December 2002

I was on the ALLDATA(www.alldata.com)web page checking out TSB bulletins on vehicles that I own and vehicles that I may purchase in the very near future. What I found very suspicious was when I went to check Technical Service Bulletins(TSB's)for Honda. A pop-up window came up from AllData that stated:

"The American Honda Motor Company, Inc. has requested ALLDATA restrict access to Acura and Honda repair information by individual consumers. You will unfortunately not be able to register for access to Acura or Honda vehicle repair information, technical service bulletins or recalls."

Why is Honda trying conceal information from Honda/Acura owners and the American consumer?

Go to www.alldata.com and check it our for yourself.

I will not consider buying a Honda or Acura if they are going to restrict information to the consumer.

gee35coupe · December 2002

Honda started doing that years ago. It doesn't really matter in the large picture since few people actually read TSB's. And recall information is on NHTSA's web site. There's no concealing recalls.

There are very few people the lack of TSB's will even matter to. I know I'm not bothered by it since all they are are titles and not the actual text of the TSB anyway.

alcan · December 2002

Honda has also restricted repair and spec info to the aftermarket repair industry, ditto for BMW.

auburn63 · December 2002

There are changes under way that have all automakers giving up info. The debate now is how much will it cost the public. As was said about the TSB's they are not all that important and are not meant for the general public because they are for repair referance only. People get confused because there vehicle falls into a TSB's range and feel they should get the fix when alot of the cars that fall in the ranges don't ever even develope the problem. The know how to fix the vehicle will be available and to some extent already is available for a cost.

jrock80 · December 2002

Did you ever take your car in for service? What did they say/do? I took mine in 4 seperate times for it now, and just this last time they replaced the fuel pump, pressure regulator, and some relay that controls the fuel delivery system. So far the car seems to be ok, I have only had it for 3 days now, but no problems. Hopefully that will be the fix. Let me know what you find or how they fix yours...

xman1035 · December 2002

TSB's are not for the general public? Maybe not, but I have used TSB's (technical service bulletins)to get my car fixed under warranty(free) when the dealer said that no TSB existed. Some of the TSB's will also tell you if the repair is covered under warranty and how long the repair will take. This information makes you an informed consumer and can save you a lot of money especially when it can be done for free.

test007 · December 2002

While cruising on the interstate I can get about 81 mph when tech meter is exactly at 2500 rpm (03 Accord 4 door ex v6 automatic). The road was pretty flat with no hills. Just wondering what other cars speed is at 2500 rpm?

Also what is the best way to get the maximum gas mileage?
2000 rpm at about 65 mph or at 2500 rpm at 82 mph. Do you know if there is linear relationship between rpm, mph, and the rate of gas is burning???

gotribe · December 2002

Per published car reviews, the 03 Accord EX V-6 goes 31,4mph/1000rpm in 5th gear (automatic). So at 2500rpm you should be travelling an actual 78.5mph. Your indicated 82mph suggests about 4 percent speedometer error which is pretty common. That way when we "speed", we're not going so fast! Most typical family sedans nowadays seem to go about 30mph/1000rpm in their top gear. So, like the Accord, 2500rpm is around 75mph, plus or minus. There is a very nearly linear relationship between rpm and mph in any given gear. However, fuel consumption is not linear--I think I remember reading someplace that as speed doubles for example, aeordynamic drag increases by a factor of four. So it takes disproportinately more power and fuel to push the car through the air as speed increases. For you "scientists" out there, did I get that right?

pblevine · December 2002

'Have a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

mr27 · December 2002

On the test drive of a 03 EX 4Cyl Auto, when I braked hard (was traveling around 50), I heard a series of loud thumping sounds. The salesmen told me it was the ABS "hitting the tires" to stop the car - that doesn't seem correct to me -- is this correct -- it seems awfully loud. anyone else experience the issue?

Also, when the car was idling at the light, the steering wheel would vibrate -- a lot - even more than my 10 yr. old Toyota. (I heard someone else mention this issue)

For those owning the 03 Accord, anyone faced these problems?

gee35coupe · December 2002

Engine is like glass. But then again so was my 93 5 speed and I know the auto in that year vibrates very badly at idle.

gregoryc1 · January 2003

We need some advice from people we presently own 2000 to 2003 6cyl automatic Honda Accords. My wife and I are in the process of purchasing a new 2003 Honda Accord. This will be our 4th Honda. Presently, we have two Honda leased vehicles, (a 2000 Accord 4cyl and a 2000 Civic 4cyl). We love these vehicles, and they have been trouble free and very dependable. The Accord's lease is coming due in Feb.(03). We are presently looking to purchase a 2003 loaded Honda Accord with a V6, automatic and all the creature comforts. We have been very happy with the 4 cylinder vehicles, and we have an EXCELLENT dealer, but we have heard and read of some "issues" with the 6 cylinder vehicles in relation to "starting" and the "automatic transmission". Since we are going to own this vehicle, we will be putting a 7 year 100,000 mile o deductable Honda warranty on this vehicle at the time of purchase. All our service, (grease, oil changes & filters), are done at the dealer, because we do not want warranty / maintenance issues when a problems arises. I see from the posting #3967 that there are some starting problems related to a fuel pump, pressure regulator and a relay. In the past, there has been some issues with the 6 cylinder transmission. QUESTION: ---Can anyone out there in the "Land of Honda" share some information and insights into these issue. Thank you in advance for your help. -----Greg

bburton1 · January 2003

The expectations for Honda to deliver a trouble free product are huge and therefore when there are problems-people jump on them. No doubt some people had problems with some prior year V6 trannies. Those appear to have been solved.

Suggest you also reconsider the I4 as Honda has upped the power to 160 I believe. With that many horses IMHO the only conditions that would require the more powerful 6 would be if you live in the mountains or very hilly country or if you do a lot of start and stop driving which requires a lot more hard acceleration. I cruise the freeways in my 97 I4 and it has plenty of power. Would like a bit more torque/HP when coming out of some of the entrance ramps.

Good luck with you decision-but suggest u drive an I4 before selecting the V6.

auburn63 · January 2003

same too you, have a happy new year

accordhonda · January 2003

The following 3 panel lights lit up all at once
1-battery
2-parking brake
3-4 doors and parking brake out light

Any idea on what this could be for a 98 ex v6

gee35coupe · January 2003

It's funny what a bad battery/alternator can make a car do.

mdames · January 2003

I owned a 2000 EX V6 sedan for three years. I recently purchased a 2003 EX V6 Sedan. This new Accord has truly exceeded my expectations. The transmission problems you refer to relate to the previous generation only. There was a tranny problem with the 6 cylinder. It was not widespread, but did affect a number of people. My 2000 had no transmission problems. My new 2003 5 speed transmission is far superior to the older 4 speed. It is much smoother. I have absolutely no complaints with the transmission at all. I also have not had any trouble with starting or anything else mentioned on this website. I have only had to have a rattle fixed. Remember, this forum is "Honda Accord Problems". So, it can appear that there are a lot of problems with the car. But the vast majority (most likely) of owners are not having problems (of any significance) with the car. Also, since you have a good dealer relationship, they'll take care of any issues that may arise. So I wouldn't worry.

I would strongly encourage you to get the new V6. The power is wonderful and very smooth. I continue to enjoy the operation, comfort, and style of the vehicle more each day. Although the 4 cylinder does have very adequate power, there is a noticeable difference in power, quietness, and feel of the V6 over the I4. There are also some options that the V6 has but the I4 does not. Both are good choices, but I prefer the V6. Good Luck.

auburn63 · January 2003

It also could possibly the ignition switch as we have seen a few of them going bad recently as I think there is a recall on them for some models..

bolivar · January 2003

If you are going to buy a 7 year/100,000 mile extended warranty and let a dealer do all the maintenance they can think of to charge you - what are you worrying about???????

You should not have to pay for anything other than the maintenance for 7 years after you buy the car.

I've got a 2002 EX V6, only 5,500 miles, and I've never taken it back to the dealer for anything.

tanveerm · January 2003

Hi all,
Have had my 2002 Accord EX-V6 for 3 months now. Been averaging 18mpg over 2100 miles, with about 75/25 city/highway split. Have a short (15 minutes, 10km) daily commute to work. Noticed my mileage has been consistently dropping from an initial 20mpg the first few weeks. Live in Toronto, so weather is similar to states in the NorthEast and Great Lakes region. No complaints with transmission, engine smoothness, engine start etc. What kind of mileage are other V6 owners getting? I consider the 18mpg too far off the EPA rating of 23mpg for city driving and am concerned. Any thoughts? Thanks.

brwjr · January 2003

Just bought a new 2003 accord ex about three weeks ago and have noticed the trunk carpet being wet near latch area extending towards middle of trunk when it rains. I do plan on contacting the dealership ASAP, but was wondering if anyone else out there has had same problem. Thanks.

gee35coupe · January 2003

Your car is barely warming up in such a short commute. I'll bet this is part of your problem since most cars burn more gas during warmup when they run a little rich.

robr2 · January 2003

...Does Toronto change over to oxygentated fuel in the winter? That can affect gas mileage as well.

gotribe · January 2003

I posted earlier about a "knock" or "creak" coming from the chassis of my '03 Accord Sedan. At first, dealer thought it was brake pads moving around (it wasnt), then thought it was the front sub-frame and replaced it (it wasnt), and then finally lubed the sway bar bushings (problem solved). So, if anyone has a problem like this, encourage the dealer to do the obvious before tearing into the car and shooting in the dark. You'd think they'd know better

tanveerm · January 2003

gee35coupe...thanks for the 2 cents. Yeah I figured the 15 minute commute would hurt my mileage. In fact, most of my driving is short trips of not more than 20km/15 miles. And even though I've got underground parking, the winter warmups still take a good minute of idling.

rob2r...I stick with regular 87 Octane. I've never heard of any change-over to oxygenated fuel here so I'ld probably say no to that question.

gee35coupe · January 2003

Just drive straight off after like 15 seconds or so. It'll help your mileage/emmissions/exhaust system. Unless it like CCOOOLLLDDD just drive off when you start it up but be gentle until up to temp. It's in the owner's manual.

robr2 · January 2003

...most colder climates change to oxygentated fuel in the winter to cut down on emmissions. Some parts of North America are on it year round.

pblevine · January 2003

I have a '98 EX V6 Coupe that was untill very recently a daily commuter. I drove 56 miles daily on a combination of highway and local streets. And I have been getting between 24 and 29 miles per gallon. The variance is (was) due to the amount of traffic and traffic jams encountered during rush hours. Since my car was rated by Honda at 22/27, I consider myself very lucky with this car.

dc_sports_rule · January 2003

My lock cylinder failed on my Accord this morning. Key couldn't even go in due to the freezing temperature outside. Had an appointment for an oil change and state inspection at my local Honda dealership so I felt I was fortunate.
Found out the lock cylinder needed to be replaced at the tune of $140.00 which was ordered. The dealership told me it would take an hour to install. Does this amount sound pretty expensive for a lock?

It is my first problem on my Accord so I guess I cannot really complain. Just like to know about the price!

robr2 · January 2003

...was that the part only or complete?

I could see an hour to 1.5 hours for labor to rekey and install a lock cylinder. Labor rate here in Boston is $75/hr so extrapolate from there.

alkanx · January 2003

Can anyone recommend good Honda dealership for service in Fort Worth TX?

Thanks,
-AL

jrock80 · January 2003

I drive mostly in the city with occasional trips out of town during the weekends. I am averaging about 23 or 24 in town and closer to 28 on the highway. It is consistently cold here (today its only 23). My car is kept overnight in the garage at around 55 degrees. Seems the more miles I put on the car the better it runs and the better mileage I get. I did notice one thing though, the other day my low fuel light came on and the car was pretty close to empty, I filled it up and it only took around 11 gallons. How much fuel is actually left when that light comes on?

dc_sports_rule · January 2003

The $140.00 is for the part as well as the one hour install.

khager · January 2003

I was wondering if anybody else has ran across this problem. I have an 02 Accord 6 Months old with 6100 Miles this morning after sitting in the garage for 4 or 5 days I went to start it and only a whirring noise and every once in a while a hint of normal starting noise with a smell of fuel vapor. At first I thought maybe the battery as it didn't seem as it was turning over normally, so I tried jump starting and battery charger which didn't help at all. I then held the gas pedal to the floor and it finally started, then drove it down to the dealer turned it off in the service bay and of course it restarted and ran normal. The service advisor said it was carbon build up on the valves as a result of oxygenated fuels that we use in our area (DFW Metroplex) and the valves were probably not quite closing all the way and that the engine was not getting enough compression, he stated that he has seen it quite a bit in the last few months he also stated that I need to take it out on the HWY every once in a while and open it up a little. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

Kevin

gw1840 · January 2003

Mine gets slightly more than 28 on high way with premium gas and roughly 21 in city with regular.

auburn63 · January 2003

I have seen 2 03 Accords with trunk leaks and they both were the rear glass. Take a look around the rear deck area real good and see if there are any rubber like material laying around or any signs of scratches on the trim panels. The two I had both looked as if they had been resealed...If not that is still a good place to start..Good luck

masroz · January 2003

Just purchased an 03 EX 4 cyl and love it. However, I too think the engine vibrates more than it should? I traded in a 98 LX 6 cyl so the difference at idle is definitely noticeable. My trunk was wet this morning too, but I'm not sure if it was an isolated experience. We had an ice storm the night before and to melt down the sheet of ice that had completely covered the vehicle, I gently poured some warm water over the rear window and trunk. Maybe the troughs were filled with ice and caused the water to "leak". I'll have to watch for this.

2003accsf · January 2003

When I first was driving the 2003 4-cylinder Accord LX, it vibrated terribly at stop lights. However, after 200 miles or so, it is vibrating much less. Seems the engine has worked in a bit? Who knows.

2002accordse · January 2003

Ever since I bought the car, I've noticed a burning smell and the hood on the driver side being very hot everytime I park the car in my garage.
The smell is really getting to me and I will contact the dealer regarding this.
My car has 6k miles and other cars I previously owned never had this burning smell.
Have any of you encountered this?

I hope you all can help.

Thanks and have a happy new year.

1997montez34 · January 2003

My '03 LX did the same thing. It really smoothed out as I drove it. I have 1000 miles now and it's fine. Must have broken in.

tblazer503 · January 2003

Is it a MT or AT?
I believe on your car, the tranny was still on the driver side... maybe the cooling system for the tranny isn't working properly, and the tranny is overheating... Maybe there isn't enough fluid... Probably shoulda brought this in sooner...

rav10 · January 2003

WOW!! All kinds of problems out there....I am presently returning my leased 2000 Accord V6 and will be jumping into another. Other than an occasional ticking/clicking sound in the dash area (usually lasted several seconds) which didn't bother me enough to address it, I've changed the oil every few thousand k and it's been a sweet drive. Hope these several thousand postings don't scare off any Honda shoppers out there. Obviously that's not the purpose for posting all the horror stories but the uneducated may run far and fast after reading here for a bit....

anonymousposts · January 2003

rav10 ... did you happen to have your cell phone in the cubby under the stereo when you heard the clicking noises? This happened in my 01 V6 coupe and it drove me nuts until I realized it was my cell phone causing it.

moron3 · January 2003

Hello all,

I started to notice the tires of my vehicle don't seem to have enough air from the appearance of the tires starting this winter , especially the front pair. Besides, I kinda can feel the vibration when running over those reflectors on the road. (It used to be smoother.) I then measure the pressure of the tires and I usually get readings around 27. (I then would pump them to around 31). The manual says 30. So I guess it is ok to have the pressure between 27 to 34. I am still uncomfortable with the shape of the tires and the unsmoothness though. Would anybody give me any suggestions on this problem? I ‘d appreciate any input.

Have a happy new year!

Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

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