Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

brandloyal1 · May 2003

I have had my 2003 EX V6 sedan for about a month now and love it.

I have noticed 2 things and i am curious if other owners have experienced the same.

First, I have noticed at night or when the headlights are on, that the glove box light can be seen through a minor gap between the door and the dash. Not sure if this light is supposed to be on when the door is closed. The glove box door does not rattle or squeak and the fit looks okay.

Second, at times I have noticed that when starting the car and pulling out of a parking spot, a sort of quick rubbing or vibration is felt right below the floorboards. It only lasts a second and kind of feels as if the car just passed over something and rubbed the underbody. I checked under the car and noticed nothing sticking out or rubbing. I'm wondering if this could have something to do with the brake pad scenarios other owners have referred to in the past however, my brakes don't make any loud sounds or clunks.

Thanks to anyone who has insight on this.

auburn63 · May 2003

1st..The light no longer has a switch so it is on as long as the headlights are on. The reason you are seeing it at night is because you are probably missing a foam strip that goes across the top of the glove box opening on the dash side. Check another car and you may be able to see what I am saying.

2nd...That sounds as if you are hearing and feeling the ABS self check and presurizing. This happens first roll forward on occasions..

tgozdalski1 · May 2003

I just had replaced timing and balance shaft belts, and the water pump on my 2000 accord lx 5 speed. Total cost $290. The mileage at service was 105,245 miles. All parts changed seemed to be stil in a great condition. My mechanic charged me for 3 hr of labour, and parts. I change oil myself at every 6,000 miles and use mobil1 synthetic. I have zero problems to report on my accord since it was new.
Tom in Texas

brandloyal1 · May 2003

Thanks for your response. I have the foam strip you are describing on the dash side of the glovebox. The gap that the light is appearing through is just below that strip almost as if that strip should have been moved a tad lower. I'll ask Honda service to remedy this.

My previous 2000 Accord made ABS check noises upon first roll but the '03 seems different somehow. I will ask Honda service about this too.

I appreciate your input!

bribaby · May 2003

In my 03 EX-L I have an intermittent squeak somewhere in the rear deck area. I thought it was around the passenger side rear speaker, so I took the speaker out but the noise persisted. I now think it is in the center seat belt mechanism, but I can't seem to get access to that. I notice my brother has this same noise on his '98 LX. Honda seems unable or unwilling to rectify past mistakes, the sunroof rattle is another good example that has been going on for years. Anyway, if someone knows what this noise is I would sure like to know.

blane · May 2003

bribaby:

Have you checked to see if the seatback is securely latched in the up position? Do you have the squeak when the seatback is folded forward?

mikek37 · May 2003

Good Morning Fellow Honda Owners.

Hopefully a few of you were able to get away from the awful NY weather this past memorial day weekend.

Here is my problem, I own the 2003 accord, but there is a problem that has been poking its ugly head lately.

A creaking sound is resonating from the plastic/rubber weather stripping, the piece where the window it selfs forms a seals with the door.

When I lower the windows a tad, the noise disappears because the weather stripping isnt in contact with the window.

The nose happens mostly when a twisting motion is applied to the ca ( Entering/Exiting driveways) and when going over bumps.

Thanks in advance for your help.

maxhonda99 · May 2003

mikek37,

Lube the seals with some lubricant. My 2K Accord does that also, and I use some silicone based lubricant every few months.

atlantabenny · May 2003

Adding to maxhonda99's comment, someone else on the board had the dealer securing the driver's side mirror wires to permanently remove the noise. Seems that the mirror assembly is the noise's source, with the glass conducting it.

hmurphy · May 2003

I have the same glovebox issue, with the gap at the top that lets a strip of light out of the glovebox at night. I can't see it from the driver's seat, but it bugs my husband. It seems silly to have the glovebox light on whenever the headlights are on.

If your dealer has a fix for this, please let me know. I may just remove the bulb otherwise. There are enough other lights in the car to see in the glovebox at night anyway.

hmurphy · May 2003

The rear windows on my new Accord are extremely noisy when going up or down. The operating noise in much harsher than it is for the front windows. Is this normal? They work properly but the sound is like fingers on a chalkboard. It's obviously not a critical problem, just an annoyance.

hondalady44 · May 2003

Just wondering if anyone can help me out? I have a 97 accord that just started squeaking (at the front of the car) in the last few weeks. It almost sounds like a brake sensor indicator. I had all the brakes checked and they're fine. I don't hear it at fast speeds or in reverse. The mechanic said it was brake dust. I also don't hear it when it rains or after the car is washed. Any ideas???

4ztc524 · May 2003

I'm approaching 5000 miles in my 03 EX I4 AT. Referring to the manual I see that the original oil should not be changed until the first regularly scheduled change, which for normal conditions would be at 10000 miles. I have noticed that many posters are changing their oil much sooner, despite what the manual says. Any comments on why Honda is recommending the original oil be retained until 10000 miles?

Thanks, Bob

mikek37 · May 2003

Atlanta Berry and MaxHonda, thanks for the tips. I cleaned the seals around each door frame ( Used Meguiars Trim Detailer to remove the old wax), then sprayed some Silicone Spray on those puppies. Worked like a charm. Hopefully it will last. It seems without the silicone, the door seals are quite squeaky, maybe its because the plastic is so darn hard, maybe this will go away with time so I dont have to constantly reapply the silicone. Thanks guys!

Bob,

Change every 5K if you want, thats what Im going to do . Honestly, I would go for the 10K if I was so anal about certain aspects of my car. Lets be honest, engines of today will outlast and outlive those of the past. The oils of today are vastly superior, enough to last even 10k miles. But as fo cheap insurance, stick to 5k. As for the break in period, You can change anytime after 5k.

heymista · May 2003

I've been a lifelong Honda fan for many years. I have had a 87 Accord, 92 Acura Vigor and my wife drives 2001 Honda Odyssey. My current car is a 2002 Acura TL-S. I have been very surprised at numerous issues with both serious repairs (transmission) and minor annoying stuff (noises and squeaks) with my TLS. I am considering ditching my car for an efficient Honda Accord EX. I am concerned that the Ohio Plant has issues due to my problems with my TL-S. I would appreciate any thoughts you owners might have about the Ohio Plant and problems you feel are quality control issues. I am also considering a TSX since it is made in Japan.

mikek37 · May 2003

People tend to believe JAPAN=BETTER US=WORSE.

I recall hearing that almost 60 percent of all Honda products are manufactured in the US.

bodble2 · May 2003

I think where there's smoke there's fire. Of course, there are exceptions in everything.

03honda · May 2003

http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003028 (Originally Post #10331 by emale in the Honda Accord board). Just because 60% of Hondas are made here, doesn't mean they are of better quality than the 40% made in Japan.

volvowner · May 2003

and hard to dispute on the typical basis that JD Power weighs trivial complaints the same as major failures. Makes me glad I just happened to get a Japan-built I4 EX-L delivered. I have had no problems beyond a couple of annoying dashboard/roofline squeaks, which may even be dissipating on their own (unless I'm just getting used to them).

I agree with the earlier poster that the dependability of this car is confirmed by the trivial level of most (not all) of the "problems" discussed on this board.

treoster · May 2003

Known issues with cars coming out of the Ohio plant...I wish Honda would fess and treat thier customers right:

- Defective paint jobs/curing (Honda denies/won't respond/doesn't car - "just repaint" is their answer, which isn't quite the same as a factory baked finish...)

- Excessive squeaks and rattles, often do to missing or poorly installed trim (these get fixed, but it can oftens takes days and weeks and multiple visits of your time)

- Starting problems. Intermittent and very annoying.

I do not hear this as much with the cars coming out of the Japan plant. I have a top of the line Accord (Ohio), and have had more issues than my friends mid-level Accord (Japan).

The car goes from A to B w/o blowing up, so I guess I should be happy, but when you pay a premium, you should get better quality.

eped · May 2003

I have the same problem as mikek37 with a creaking noise somewhere in the upper front window area. I have siliconed everything in sight with no luck. It's driving me crazy. Any help?

peter85 · May 2003

My 03 Honda Accord drifts to the left when I hold the wheel straight. Does anyone else have this problem? It has been doing it since I bought it new.

freezeepop · May 2003

My Graphite Pearl (Gray) EX-L is 4 days old and someone already decided to hit it with something (a shopping cart?) in a parking lot. It seems to be a very small dent but the paint has flaked off about the size of a peanut, exposing the metal (not the primer) underneath. I had a Civic before and although I had me fair share of dings I never had the paint just flake off at the site exposing the metal underneath. My Civic did have a clear coat finish added by the dealership.

My question is whether or not this is normal or should I go to the dealership? What kind of paint finish is on the '03 coming out of the factory? (I thought that most Car Manufacturers were clear coating anyway). I was actually going to get this car clear coated as well until I read that it might not be needed. Now I just feel like I'd be sealing in this blemish.

I'm going to go to my insurance company to see what they think but what are my options that don't require me to have all sorts of tools.

treoster · May 2003

I too have the Graphite Pearl, and there is an issue with the paint. Defective curing process or something to that effect. Go to the dealer and if they won't help, HOnda Cust. Svc., which may or may not help after several months.

Paint should never flake off and expose the metal. Primer, maybe, but not metal. (at least not on any moderm vehicle.

isellhondas · June 2003

If a car gets hit and dented, of course the paint can peel off in that area!

The make of car and color of paint has nothing to do with this!

freezeepop · June 2003

Well a dent is one thing and a ding is another. The ding itself is the size of a pin head. My concern is not that the car will get these kind of dings but how it handles it. A pin head ding that turns into a peanut size paint removal all the way down to the metal is another. Looking at it again today I noticed the paint is bubbled around the flaked of part to the size of a dime. Again down to the metal removing the primer as well. I would have assumed that a factory painted car would have baked the primer right into the metal and could hardly be separated. By your name it indicates that you sell Hondas so perhaps you are defending your livelihood but is this a problem with the paint or not? As I said, I've never had this happen to any of my cars before and as the car is only 4 days old am I to expect it to look great on the inside but a flaking peeling mess from the outside? Is this perhaps a Honda Theft Deterrent Device?

bkfulbright · June 2003

My wife has a 99 4 cyl. Accord EX with an annoying gas pedal that wants to stick after the car has sat for as little as 5-10 mins. After the first initial sticking it is fine. I have tried everything I know to do, mostly trying to spray the moving parts with WD-40. It has not worked at all and I am curious if anyone else has had this problem and would know what I could try.

mikek37 · June 2003

I know my creaking was from the door molding. Have you recently waxed your car. Maybe the wax residue has accumulated on the rubbery material that protects water from entering your car. Try to clean that well, attempt the silicone again. If that doesnt work, bring it to the dealer and ask him to check out the A- Pillar ( Mohawk ) Clip that may be the culprit. Good luck.

PS: THe molding I am talking about is the one that is attached to the upper part of the door and is exposed when the door is closed.

blane · June 2003

freezeepop:

I'm sure that we are all sympathetic that you have a problem with your new vehicle's finish. As you indicated, it happened in a parking lot and you are only guessing that it may have been caused by a shopping cart. Whatever collided with (or was deliberately struck against) your car caused the damage severe enough to get down to the metal. I am having difficulty understanding how you can consider the manufacturer of the vehicle to be at fault in this instance.

By the way, your comments about clearcoat on top of the paint are probably not a factor in such an accident. You may have a tough time convincing your dealer that you have a warrany claim. Accidents happen.

mikek37 · June 2003

Good point. Things happen, cars arent perfect, especially when rocks, other car doors, the misc shopping cart or any other type of objects strikes our paints surface. I have had my car for 6 months, I have two m,arginally large chips, both on the lower part of my hood, each the size of a nail head. I didnt run back to the dealer blaming it on the paint. THings happen, rocks get kicked up and the paint will chip. Its not fair to blame Honda.

alcan · June 2003

Remove the air ducting to the throttle body, hold the throttle plate open, liberally spray in air intake cleaner, scrub with an old toothbrush, and you should be good to go.

freezeepop · June 2003

Thanks for your opinion. What I am interested in finding out is whether or not there are actually any issues with the paint.

I completely agree that Honda is not responsible for any little ding that happens to scratch, mar or even flake the paint. I've had Honda cars in my family for 20 years and as I mentioned before have had my fair share of dings. Never once did I ever consider taking my car to the dealership to try and get a warranty claim. I don't happen to be that type of person

The thing that surprises me is what has happened in this instance. The way the paint has flaked at the site and the surrounding area (I'm pretty sure it was accidental ... the dent itself is tiny). I have not seen this happen before. Several of my friends who have seen it have thought it was odd.

As it is now I am going to my insurance simply because I need to do something. Yes something I will pay for if this is the way modern paint is supposed to perform. I'm afraid to wash the car in the area of the ding as there doesn't appear to be anything to prevent the spreading of flaking (anything that would touch the area around the flaking would most likely lift the paint).

I am at this point not holding Honda responsible (I love my new car by the way). If this kind of wear and tear is expected then I will live with it but I'm trying to establish if there is a problem. It could very well be a problem with just the panel as a ding elsewhere on the car looks normal (and no I don't plan on bringing it up).

gregoryc1 · June 2003

The "throttle body" needs to be cleaned. Your dealer can perform this service for you easily. Have a nice day. ------Greg

jonesok1 · June 2003

If you haven't figured it out, the noise is probably coming from the front bad weld in the A-frame. Honda has issued a TSB. The cure: they take it to a body shop, and weld a steel bar(s) under the driver's side floorboard to keep the body from flexing. My cure: a replacement vehicle.

treoster · June 2003

Do you have a copy of the TSB, or somewhere I can find it?

Thanks.

mgaccord · June 2003

I to am experiencing this popping noise. Does someone have a number or a copy of this TSB?? I know a guy who works at Honda customer service and had him look through all 128 of the TSBs that have been issued for the 03 Accord...nothing.

So, we need to know the title or number of this TSB. Otherwise, we could be dealing with another urban myth---

kpasta · June 2003

Brandloyal1 has perfectly described the "problem" I've been having with my '03 EX V6 sedan.

Usually when the car is cold, when I first pull forward after backing out of my spot, I feel/hear a rubbing vibration (almost a soft grinding noise) as soon as I start accelerating. It does feel like I might have driven over something but I know that's not the problem. It only lasts a second at most and never comes back for the duration of the trip.

For a while, I thought it might be a rough, initial transition from first to second gear. But auburn63's suggestion about the ABS self check might be the source of this noise.

Brandloyal1, have you had it checked out yet? I plan on taking it in within the next week for peace of mind.

ian2 · June 2003

That's indeed the ABS self check. My 98 Civic does the same thing and so does the 03 Accord, but the noise on the Accord is much less. Nothing to be worried about.

lugwrench · June 2003

For those that are interested:

http://home.attbi.com/%7Ebernhard36/honda-ad.html

steve_on · June 2003

Anyone driving a '91 Accord SE, care to compare notes on how the transmission works.

Mine appears to work like a 5 speed (!) at times when accelerating hard, going from ~30 mph up to 70 or so. Shifts through the gears fine, goes into 4th gear with a RPM of around 3200, after 3 4 seconds it drops down by 200 to 300 RPM like the torque convertor is finally locking up.

Comparisons to how other Hondas operate are appreciated or tips on how to fix this, if it's a problem. Or advice to start saving for a new transmission....LOL.

brandloyal1 · June 2003

The problem I described was not a popping noise. It was as I descibed in earlier posts and repeated by others as a quick vibration under the floorboard. A popping sound to me sounds more serious.

Lets not panic here. The quick vibration I have experienced, most likely came from an ABS system self check or something and I felt it after I was leaving the gym one morning. I used to hear something like this in my 2000 EX V6 but this seems a little more pronounced. I think I have felt it a few times since that incident but I honestly can't remember. If there was some serious defect such as an improper weld of the frame, I think symptoms would worsen and become more pronounced or cause other symptoms as the car breaks in especially the way I push the car. I currently have 1000 miles on the car and the first time I felt this vibration there were 60 miles on the odometer.

Before I run to the dealer (I'm brandloyal because owning a Honda means that there should be no unscheduled visits as in my previous Hondas) I want to make sure that this isn't something normal so I'm not wasting my time. I will call Honda service to see what they say just in case though since there was the mention of a bulletin but I'm not worried at this point.

I drive this car alot and feel very safe in it so lets just take a deep breath and enjoy breaking our new cars in!

vcuan · June 2003

I own a 1992 Accord EX-4 Auto. It has 150,000 miles. It was running great. Always been taken care of by the dealer's service shop. My daughter was using it as her car was in the body shop. While she had it, she went on a 100 mile trip. Somewhere along those 100 miles, the car overheated. She never noticed the temp gauge moving up. She arrived safely at her friend's house and after a few minutes left with a friend to a store. Within a few minutes, she says a Red light came on and the car died. When they looked inside the hood it was apparent she had lost coolant. Next morning they put more coolant and drove it to a mechanic. Again a light came on and it died in the doorsteps of the mechanic. Mechanic put a new(rebuilt) radiator, thermostat, hoses, & belts. Car has not overheated in ensuing 200 miles. I now have the car back. However I noticed that the car lost a quart of oil. Can the oil cook if car overheats? I took it quickly to the dealer and the mechanic says I have a rear main seal ($500), an oil pan gasket leak ($200), a bad positive battery cable ($150), and I am due for the 150K service ($400). I feel the car running ok. Only thing that I feel it is much more noisier than before. I don't see any big leaks on my garage floor and it hasn't lost any oil in the last 150 miles. I know with the aluminum engines , overheating is very serious. Is there any check that can be done to see if my engine is damaged(warped)? Would the two leaks be attributed to the overheating? I really don't want to purhase a new car as I love my 92. I was hoping to have it at least another 2 years. But not sure if putting $1500 is wise if there is possible engine troubles lurking ahead. Also I may be due for new tires.

brandloyal1 · June 2003

I called 2 different Honda service reps today about this mystery quick vibration under the floorboard of my '03 EX V6. I explained that this is occasionally noticed when I pull away from my parking space in the morning and asked if they had heard of this from other owners or if there was a service bulletin.

There were no bulletins on this and no complaints. They both said that it could be the ABS system winding up as it should be or that it could be the front brake pads settling into place.

Both reps said that they could check it during the first oil change to see if it was a normal occurance or maybe a heat shield needed placement adjusting.

Anyone else?

ian2 · June 2003

You can always pull the ABS fuse and see if the vibration occurs again to be really sure.

auerbach · June 2003

This may sound strange - but I am wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to switch the LX manual seat to an LX power seat? During my two test drives I found the seat to be comfortable, but after a month of ownership I am experiencing a fair amount of discomfort.
I think the LX power seat with its numerous adjustments might be the solution.

I contacted (via email) a Honda parts dealer that said it can be swapped but Honda doesn't sell an entire seat - just components. I know it may be expensive - but if it makes the care perfect (in my mind) it is worth every penny.

If anyone can shed any light on this - it would greatly be appreciated.

03lxv6 · June 2003

Hello,

I notice that my 03 LX V6 AT has a noise coming from the right front side (don't know if it is outside or inside the car) when I make a large or quick left turn, especially when I make a U-turn. The sound is more like a pressed spring suddenly gets released and teng there it goes!

Anybody knows anything about this? Just had 1.5K miles on it.

Thanks.

bkfulbright · June 2003

Thanks alcan for the advice on my sticking gas pedal. I cleaned the throttle body with a toothbrush and some air intake cleaner and presto, no more sticking.

alcan · June 2003

You're welcome. Taking the time to post back is appreciated.

davegod75 · June 2003

2 week old graphite pearl 3x-v6 here.

On both my vanity mirror the material is coming loose where the mirror sorta curve to fit the roofline.

Is the material supposed to loose there or is this a problem? Is so is anyone else having this problem?

auburn63 · June 2003

The battery cable could have been the reason the car was dying out and the overheat sounds as if it has been repaired. So far no collateral damage seems to have surfaced as a result of the overheat other than you did say something about it sounds louder? How so? Knocking, ticking, exhaust kind of loud? As for the oil leaks unless they are dripping on the ground and leaving puddles behind I don't put a whole lot of importance to oil seepage. Check the level often and change it regularly and save the money for a while. If money is a issue break down the 150k service to a oil change($20,00), trans fluid($40.00) change, spark plugs, cap and rotor.(50.00-70) other than those and a tire rotation the rest is inspections of things and sounds as if that has already been done.Good luck

Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

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