Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

mikek37 · March 2003

I agree with you. I have difficulty getting comfortable also.

webby1 · March 2003

I have same problem with the seats in the 2002 Accord Coupe...I have no problems with my wife's 2002 Civic seats. The Civic tracks great,( no drifting ) seats are great, idles without any vibrations. The only complain with the Civic are the squeekes and rattles in the dashboard when it is cold.
She refuses to drive the Accord. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the Accord is history as soon as the Acura TSX shows up.

mikek37 · March 2003

I highly doubt that the accord sales level will vanish when the TSX is introduced.

gregoryc1 · March 2003

We have an 8 way power seat in our 2003 Accord. It is very comfortable. Do you have a power seat? We put 200 miles on the vehicle over the weekend. The vehicle is outstanding. We would purchase another Accord in a heartbeat. In fact, when the 2000 Civic lease comes due, we might just purchase another Accord. Honda makes great vehicles. High quality & trouble free. -----Greg

mikek37 · March 2003

I agree. But I think the accord seating positon tends to be a but high. Maybe it is because Im realitively short, 5'9", but I cant seem to get comfortable in reagards to my feet placement.

gee35coupe · March 2003

I could not get comfortable in the EX cloth seats but the EX-L's fit me like a glove. I love driving the car...Whenever I can wrench it from Anony's hands.

jerald · March 2003

Dashboard rattled since day of purchase, and most of the time since. Of course tends not to rattle when in for service, though they did confirm it 4 out of the 5 times it was in. They "adjusted window pillar clips" also added insulation, but to no avail. Rattles seem to fluctuate from driver's side to passenger's side, sometimes both at once, and occasionally seem to resonate from center of dash as well. Sounds like glass tapping metal. Service dept called "Honda engineering" but they had no suggestions. If this is the pillar clip problem, seems they would have found it. We are thinking of taking a loss and trading this thing. It is very unpleasant to drive when it's doing this, which is about 70% of the time. When its temporarily gone (usually for a day or two), it really is a pleasure to drive. Rattles come and go with no apparent relation to temperature. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

volvowner · March 2003

I agree completely with gee35coupe. I'm 6'6" also, and have never sat in a more comfortable seat or one with a better driving position (the telescoping wheel helps as well). My only gripe is that I had to buy the EX-L to get it (leather gets HOT down south!), but the comfort was worth it. In my experience, it's very unusual to get such good side bolstering in a family sedan.

carlos|1 -- One thing I've noticed is that the lumbar support hits me somewhat higher than most, and a bit higher than I'd like. If you're having back problems, you might try minimizing the lumbar support and sticking a folded towel in a better position for a few days, just to see if that improves your situation.

gee35coupe · March 2003

Me too. I would have been just as happy with a regular EX.

mdwjcw · March 2003

I have an EX V-6. I find the seats very comfortable even on a 250 mile round trip. I am 6 ft.

The seats on my former car, an Eagle Vision, were so uncomfortable I kept a small pad on the seat back (hung from the headrest).

Given the variation in body sizes and shapes, as well as preference for firm vs. soft padding, I think it is probably impossible to produce a seat to suit every driver.

gregoryc1 · March 2003

I am 5'11" and when we had the 2000 Accord, I had a problem getting comfortable in the driver's seat. (The car did not have a power seat.) This was one of the main reasons why we did not purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease. In order for me to get comfortable, I had to place a LARGE foam pillow on the back portion of the seat. This supported the center of my back. On the 2003 4 door Accord we have an 8 way power seat. The vehicle is VERY comfortable on long drives. I notice that some people on this board are having trouble with a vibration while at idle with the 2003 4 cyliner engine. I had a slight "on & off" vibration at idle when I first took delivery of this vehicle. I traced the problem down to the fuel injectors, and I solved the problem. New engines need time to "break in", and this includes fuel injectors. The fuel we are using is loaded with alcohol. While this is great as a "cleaner", it is not a lubricant. This means that the fuel injectors, valves, valve stems, valve guides and piston rings are operating without lubrication on the upper end of the combustion chamber. When a fuel injector does not completely close, it dribbles fuel into the combustion chamber. The engine cannot burn a liquid, so that cylinder mis-fires, which translates into a vibration. I use Marvel Mystery Oil as a top cylinder lubricant. (4 ounces to each 10 gallons of fuel). I contacted the company last year, and it is safe for O2 sensors and Cat converters. The engine now has 2200+ miles and there is NO vibration at idle.----Just my opinion. ---Greg

jrock80 · March 2003

It says in the Honda owners manual not to use any kind of additives as they are ineffective and increase the cost of ownership as well as can be harmful to the car. Do any of you use these in your cars with good results? I am just curious, I had used fuel system cleaner before in one of my other cars and didnt notice any differance.

mikek37 · March 2003

They are a waste a money IMHO.

gregoryc1 · March 2003

I use this product in both my land and water vehicles, (2 & 4 cycle engines). I recently turn in a 2000 Honda Accord on a 39 month lease. I used this product from day one. My wife has a 2000 Honda Civic, and I have used this product since we took delivery of the vehicle. The engine runs very smooth, lots of power and acceleration. I am just trying to share some information with people who might be having a "fuel injector problem". Naturally, the choice is up to the individual. I also use this product in the fuel of a 7.4 MerCruiser I/O engine. Marine engines are VERY prone to carbon build up in the upper cyliner area of the engine. It is easier to pour a little MM oil in the fuel tank, than remove "heads" for a valve job. ---Just my opinion. ----Greg

mike2741 · March 2003

Funny update on the noise, I could not take it anymore. I used silicone spray on every joint I could reach under the front suspension. It worked.
It might be a temporary fix, but it's so nice not hearing that popping. When it starts back, I will do each joint individually so I can pinpoint when one it is and then take it back to the dealer tech and show him!...love my Honda

johnnymurph · March 2003

We have driven our Accord for only a month (I know, not very long) and we are well pleased with everything. A lot of posts have been written by second and third time owners of Hondas'. Maybe that is where the problem lies. Use my family for a comparison - we have driven mini-vans since 1987 - believe me, compared to a Voyager, the Accord drives like a dream! Maybe in the future we will see a problem. Hey Honda owners - you are spoiled by having a great vehicle!

gregoryc1 · March 2003

This is our fourth Honda Vehicle. We changed over to Honda in 1997 after we ended our lease on a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, ( THE VEHICLE FROM HELL!!!!!)The vehicle did not have any quality, and the factory representative lacked professionalism. Chrysler doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "customer satisfaction"! To date, we have been very happy with all of our Honda Vehicles. We purchase our vehicles from the same dealer and salesperson. They go out of their way to makes us part of the family. Their service is excellent! ----Just my opinion. ---Greg

druman · March 2003

In driving my '02 Accord EX V6, I've noticed that the AT is definitely different and has more noticable shifting. In reading past posts, it seems this is attributed to the fact that the Accord's AT design is very different than conventional AT design. Does anyone know why Honda chose to use this unique design? Is it inherently better than the conventional one? Do other Hondas/Acuras use this AT design as well?

moolman · March 2003

Here's a link to a petition I started:

http://www.petitiononline.com/03Accord/petition.html

I'm pissed now. Since day one my 2003 Accord does not always start right. It doesn't start smooth but putters or makes some other awkward noise before starting. My dealer even heard the sound but said it was normal and just give it a better crank. This is not normal for any car, we have to resolve this now or we'll have major repair bills later when our warranty runs out.

Please post this on other Honda sites and other V6 owners, we need to get this resolved. Especially since Honda hides TSB bulletins, we'll never know if there is a fix unless we complain.

Alex

isellhondas · March 2003

I've started, literally dozens of 2003 V-6 Accords and have yet to have one not start promptly. I've never heard one "putter" or make an "awkward" sound.

I don't think moolman needs a "petition" to solve his/her problem?

Perhaps a diffeent technician?

according2me · March 2003

trait. One of the things I usually do when shopping is to notice when starting the vehicle if it jumps or stumbles to life.

The last two vehicles I've owned both jumped and continued to do so for as long as I had them. They were/are 4cyl engines. Is this starting issue only with the V6 engines and are you able to duplicate the problem?

There's another thread on this board that is trying to focus on starting issues and I believe there are pros that are monitoring and discussing the issues there.

"Starting or Stalling Problems - All Vehicles" Mar 19, 2003 6:52pm

jrock80 · March 2003

I am glad someone has started an online petition about this problem. I have experienced the same and much worse problems with my '03 EX V6 only to be told that no such thing was happening. Maybe Honda will take action instead of just pretending that the problem doesn't exist. Its very frustrating to get the top-of-the-line Accord and be having such a simple issue as starting be such a large problem. My $2,000 car I traded in for my Accord never exhibited such poor starting behavior (1993 Domestic with 110k).

jonesok1 · March 2003

Honda has now acknowledged that it has determined that some 03 EXV6's have a problem in the design and or manufacture of the area under the A-Pillar that causes a popping/creaking sound when starting,stopping, or turning. The area where this sound comes from is welded and enclosed, and cannot be repaired by any techniques known by the dealer as of this date. Honda admitted this is the same problem as discussed by Gotribe on this board, who got a new vehicle replacement.

If anyone else has experienced this popping or creaking sound from the left pillar, please respond as I am investigating how many others may have or have had this problem.

mikek37 · March 2003

I am experiencing the creaking sound from the A-pillar, also have experienced the starting problems. It can only benefit all of us, if everyone signs that online petition.

isell:Do you even own the 03 accord V6, it seems that you are dismissing our claim in regards to the starting problems we are experiencing.

mikek37 · March 2003

I think its about time Honda took responsibility for this. As of today, I am very disappointed in regards to purchasing the 03 EX-V6 accord. It is my first Honda, and if this problem is not addressed it will be my last unfortunately.

mikek37 · March 2003

http://www.safetyalerts.com/recall/a/02/v00332.htm

jonesok1 · March 2003

I will post a more detailed description of the problem as my case progresses, but Honda's response so far has been quite disapointing. I can't even get anyone from customer service to return my calls, and must admit that Honda's response to this has so far been no response at all, other than an admission that the problem does exist, with no solution at the present time.

gotribe · March 2003

If Honda has admitted to you that the problem is an internal weld, and your car has that problem, then it ought to be replaced. It's certainly unreasonable for them to do anything else--they're not going to hack into a new car to fix a weld, even if that were indeed possible. I had the same problem too, with Honda not calling me back. Keep trying. I ultimately received an apology from Honda about their poor response--which hopefully you'll get too. Of course what you really want is a fix, not an apology.

accord7 · March 2003

Why would the popping sound be only on v-6 cars? Is it because of the airbag in the A-pillar?

lawgirl · March 2003

jonesok1. I also had the creaking problem, but it was fixed. I posted this earlier. According to the dealer, it was the mohawk strip. On the paperwork, they said it was a problem with the "mohawk strip" and the "a-pillar." The difference b/t the two was never explained to me.

moolman · March 2003

I've been complaining for awhile and I've been able to duplicate the problem in front of the dealer. They give excuses from "you need to give a better crank" (I know how to crank a car) "the immobilizer must not engage"

I'm going to wait for about 25 legit signatures on the petition. After I verify each signature is an owner of a 2003 V6 accord, I'm going to file a complaint with the BBB for aribitration, like it says in our warranty booklets. That way I have a stronger case, if I can show them 25 others who have the same problem to the BBB.

Alex

jonesok1 · March 2003

Gotribe, believe it or not, they told me that they were going to use your old car to figure out a fix and so far the only solution is to wait till then as far as Honda is concerned. Needless to say, that won't happen.

This popping sound is not related to the mohawk clip, whatever that is, but rather, it is an internal problem in the area that is just below the windshield, in an area that cannot be accessed because it is in an enclosed by welds, below the windshield and in front of the door. The A frame pillar actually descends into the lower front fender area. The clip problem is well known and wasn't the issue with mine. You cannot see this area unless you strip the car to the chassis. It has nothing to do with the airbag or the pillar that is next to the windshield. And it can't be fixed by the dealer (at least with any current known solution). You are lucky they replaced your vehicle; when I mentioned that, the reply was they needed yours to diagnose the problem and they don't need another one.

Welcome to my nightmare.

hprice7301 · March 2003

I bought a 2003 Honda Accord in Oct. 2002. Had it in the dealer 6 times so far for automatic up and down for driver side window. 1st 2 times there they reprogrammed the windows and that did not work. 3rd time new window switch. 4th time computer that controls the windows in the door did not work. 5th time new window motor and regulator did not work, finally on 6th visit, changed the electric pulsar in the door. Working good for 6 weeks. Now when I open the door with the key pad and get in car, the windows (both) automatically come down by themselves. Going back to Honda tomorrow! Did any one else ever have this kind of problem with their Honda? Other than this my car is in perfect condition. No other problems!

gotribe · March 2003

Very interesting. They told me that they badly wanted to take my car to Marysville, and I told them if they wanted it, they owned it, and owed me a replacement. My car was built in late September so it may have been one of the first to have this problem, but certainly not the last. In fact, there's no guarantee my second one wont have it. This sounds like a mfg. defect pure and simple. If Honda can't figure out how to fix it (and the fix sounds damn difficult) they're going to be replacing lots of cars. Better start checking out how a "material defect" is defined in your state's Lemon Law.

jonesok1 · March 2003

Under our lemon law, if the defect reduces the value, they have to replace or refund. A popping sound that would likely chill any future sale in my opinion would fall under that category. Can you tell me when you first had the problem, how long your dealer tried to fix it, and how long it took Honda to take yours and give you another. My vehicle was produced in Dec/Jan if I recall.

jrock80 · March 2003

My car just started making the sound within the last week or two. I thought it was just me. Maybe someone else should start a petition for that as well. Its amazing that they will, if its actually true, replace someones car just because of that sound, but for those of us who cant get our cars to start they wont even return a phone call. Seems to me that they dont have a fix for either, however, they know about both problems.

gotribe · March 2003

As word of this defect becomes more public, it will no doubt affect the resale of the car, so you ought to have that covered, but it could take some time. My dealer tried to fix it 4 or 5 times, including having techs ride around in the trunk to listen for the noise!! I first noticed the noise at about 3600 miles. The whole process took about 2 months. My dealer (who was great in this by the way) finally was able to engage Honda's Customer Service people in my behalf--they had been ignoring me, despite repeated, angry phone calls. What really got things moving was when an Engineer dispatched by Honda to look at my car couldnt figure out the problem. I've also heard the rumor that the problem is confined to US built Accords, but obviously cant confirm that. I hope for the sake of the brand, that if Honda has a real big problem here that they fess up to it, and treat their customers right. A quality reputation takes years to build, but can be trashed very quickly.

jonesok1 · March 2003

Would you buy a used car that makes this sound? Probably not. The first tech guessed it was the strut and replaced it. If a certified tech thinks something is that seriously wrong with it because of the sound, then what would a prospective buyer think? Would you have bought the car new if it made this sound? Probably not.
This is a serious design or manufacture issue. Suggest you take yours in and start a record.

according2me · March 2003

are no longer immune to first model year jitters. But, unlike domestics, I bet they iron out these problems and the current models will be well regarded in a year or two.

This does however leave an opening for other makes if their products are perceived to be "arriving" in this class of vehicle.

Still Honda/Toyota have great reputations for longevity that will be hard to overcome any time soon. It will take more than vibrations, rattles and pops to unseat them from the throne.

Now if they both would just restyle their cars next year...LOL

I want my low cowls back!!!

bobst · March 2003

In our family, we have had owned six Hondas, all of them excellent. We still have two Accords (97 and 99).

All of these problems with the new Accords have been a real eye-opener for me. If we have to replace one of our cars, I will seriously consider an Altima (our 94 Altima has been great) or a Mazda6.

By the way, we bought our 99 Honda in October 1998, and it has a few creaks in the interior during the winter months. They went away after a little while, and the car has been fine ever since.

rodut · March 2003

If you are interested in my title read till the end ! Because I will first tell you a joke who inspired me !
They say that 4 individuals were driving in the desert. One of them was Bill Gates. Suddenly the car engine dies. The guys are desperate because they don't want to die. The guy no 1 suggests to do something (I forgot what), it doesn't work, then guy no 2 another thing, guy no 3 too and finally it's Bill Gates turn. He thinks a little bit and then it says:
We must reboot the car, so let's close all the Windows, get out of the car, close the doors, lock them, then unlock them, open the doors, get in the car, open the Windows and the car will start. They try it, the procedure takes some time, during this time the engine cools down and it really starts. For the record, you are laughing, right ?

Now to come back to real life, my 2001 5 speed Accord never had any problem of any kind. I am very proud of it and I still admire its beautiful paint. Still the last week I got a rattle from the rear. After reading all these postings I must tell you that I was really worried. But I remembered the joke with Bill Gates. I opened all the windows, closed them and guess what ... the rattle dissapeared. In fact now I realize that Bill suggested first closing them then opening them. Me I did it in the reverse order. After some driving around our neighborhood I understood what happened. If the right-rear window was not perfectly closed (let's say 1 mm gap between the window and the window frame) the window was probably vibrating and still touching the rubber seal. So rattles ! Just for the record, one of my sons (the little one) enjoys a lot playing with the window switch ! With THAT ONE !!!

jerald · March 2003

Good to see the rattle problem is as widespread as it seems to be.. maybe there's hope for a fix? Unfortunately, I'm not optimistic. As I said in earlier post, my rattle is in driver's side "A" pillar area, possibly area below as described in Jonesok1 post, but also in passenger's side, same area. Sounds like metal tapping glass. Comes and goes, mostly there. Rattles alternate, and sometimes occur simultaneously when the center of the dash gets involved probably resonating from left and right. Got a voice message from Honda customer service today, saying that there was no solution, and suggest I keep returning to the dealer to "track it down". Apparently, some Honda representatives haven't acknowledged (or admitted) anything.
Maybe time to trade before news gets widespread. As I said, our family has had several Hondas, but this is the last. Not that Honda cares at all. Very disappointing car, very disappointing customer service. I expected more from Honda.

jrock80 · March 2003

It seems that Honda customer service listens to the dealers but not to their customers. Barely anyone actually gets through to a human with an answer when they call for assistance. Its seems that they never return calls, disregard all customer complaints, and pay people to answer their phones and say "there is no fix, keep taking it to the dealer, we have no knowledge of that" and so on. Just as with the transmission problem they had years back, recent postings indicate that people still haven't been able to obtain a resolution in this matter. Honda needs to focus on its priorities, their customers should always be #1. I think sometimes that when companies get so large anymore that they forget how they got there. Without customers, they don't have a business.

dizzy01 · March 2003

I have a 2003 4 cyl accord LX and continue to hear creaking that sounds like the front windshield is loose, could be something else. I seem to hear when going over bumps, not really during turns. I took it into the dealer after reading through these postings which mentioned tightening the A-pillar. The dealer gave me the car back and said the A-pillar was up to spec and this noise was normal due to body flex. I know this noise is not normal and want to get suggestions from anyone that is also experiencing this. I hope there's an easy fix as the rest of the car is working fine, but this constant noise is very distracting. I am quite sure I'm not the only one experiencing this. Please post your replies or shoot me an email to: icrrl@cs.com

gee35coupe · March 2003

Just as with the transmission problem, just give Honda time to find out what the problem is in the first place. They have shown in the past that they take cusomer satisfaction seriously and that they will correct it. Since there seems to be an issue with some of these early Accords I'm sure Honda is working on it. You have a choice. Give em a little while to find out what's wrong or you can huff and fume and run your blood pressure up and....end up giving them a little time to find out what's wrong.

chikoo · March 2003

now I will have to have to go with the MZ6.....at least it is fun to drive

jrct9454 · March 2003

Try getting the dealer, or do it yourself, to spray some silicone on all of the front suspension bushings, especially where the sway bar connects to the rest of the suspension.

chiggaraccord4 · March 2003

accord 03 owner,

the car has more than 6.5k and did my oil change last week. a little speak will appear, get more than 28mpg, rough idle has gone down to minimal, rotten egg smell is at minimal

it has been raining for 2 days and everytime when opening my trunk, water will get into my trunk.

has anyone encounter this problem?

thanks,
chiggaraccord4

jonesok1 · March 2003

I disagree. Honda CS has mostly ignored my calls, rarely returned any (and when they did, didn't offer any help or solution). They have NO customer support. They have no solution to my problem, and won't even do me the courtesy to tell me what they will, or will not, do about it. It's not a matter of fuming. It a matter of total corporate irresponsibility.

jonesok1 · March 2003

Search under "popping" on this list for further information. If it does it when starting/stopping/turning and over bumps, and is a clear "pop" or creak, it is not "normal" body flexing. It is a manufacturing or design defect that is located in the lower A Frame Pillar, inside an area that cannot be accessed because it is welded shut, and there is no cure at this time. At least one owner vehicle was replaced (see gotribe). If you are lucky, it may be the external clip that is also a problem in the same general area. Honda tech is well aware of both of these problems. Don't let them convince you otherwise.

Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

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