Honda Accord Problems 2000-2005

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Comments

  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    Honda sent out a letter last summer regarding 3 "product updates". If I remember correctly, they were the charcoal canister, an air intake clamp, and a no-reverse condition that may develop on automatic transmissions. It sounded like nothing urgent, but something to get taken care of at your convenience.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I don't understand something here?

    Just let them fix the car!
  • renglekarengleka Member Posts: 20
    I picked up my accord last Tuesday. It was brought to western PA from Ohio. In Ohio they are required to have the front license plate but here in PA we are not. The car had the plastic piece that the plate would fit onto on the front of the car. I assumed (which i know you should never do) that the piece was attached without having any holes actually being drilled into the front bumper. When I inspected this further today I realized that the center screw was the only one that was actually drilled into the front bumper. I contacted the dealer and complained about this and they offered to repair it. Now I have two questions.

    Now that I have this defective bumper shouldn't it be replaced? Anyone's thoughts on what I should do?

    Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Whoever installed that plate was trying to do the job as quickly as possible by taking a shortcut.

    If it were my car, I wouldn't care assuming it looked OK and it was securly installed.

    But, it's not my car, it's yours and I think it should be fixed to your satisfaction. I think a repair would be sufficient since it's covered anyway.
  • kevitrakevitra Member Posts: 20
    About two weeks ago my wife noticed a whining noise when we were travelling at highway speeds. It only occurs when I accelerate in 4th or 5th gear. I do not have to accelerate hard for it to be noticeable. If I put the car in '3' the whine will go away.

    Lately it has been getting louder. Obviously I am taking it to the dealership, but any ideas what it could be?
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    Would someone please post a link of all TSB's. I can not find fthem anywhere. Not even on NHTSA.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Hmmm...I managed to pull up 15 TSBs on NHTSA for 2004 Honda Accord. Did you start on this page? http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm
  • cjs9099cjs9099 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 V-6 Coupe Accord with rattles in the back panels where the seat belts comes out and in the faux wood panel on my drivers side door. The door panel stops briefly when I roll down the window and roll it right back up. The back side panels can be fixed temporarily with a firm smack with my hand. I've taken my car in twice to be fixed and they've said both times that they took the panels off and reattached them. The rattles are still around. Anyone else have similar rattles in the back panels or in the door (wood trim panel)?
  • austinman7austinman7 Member Posts: 313
    My '04 4 cyl. LX has developed what I would call a whirring noise, medium to high pitch, most noticeable at around 45 mph. I'll be taking it in for its first service in a few weeks and will ask that this be fixed. Only hoping it's not a transmission noise.
  • slskiingslskiing Member Posts: 1
    There is a problem with a seal in the transmission on the 2004 V6 EX. Be sure to have the dealer take a look for you.
  • jmaxejmaxe Member Posts: 198
    What is the consequence of the problem seal? How is it obvious?
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    I had my transmission replaced because they said it had low pressure something or other. It was replaced at 8k. It had a whining sound when accelerating. Now I notice every shift point.
    At 10, 20, 30 and 40mph. When I am accelerating it slightly pulls to the front and then back once it shifts. If I accelerate hard then you really feel the jump. Also when trying to cruise at a little about 40 and I let go of the gas paddle RPMs are at 2000RPM and it stays there and feels like it’s dragging. But if I kind of jerk the gas paddle up to about 3000RPM then it goes down to 1400 or 1500RPM and then it doesn’t feel like its dragging. Also when going down a steep hill RPMs go up to like 3500RPM. I guess it’s supposed to do that but I hate it. I get scared every time. My problem is that when I was getting my tranny replaced I asked the dealer to fix this annoying rattle on the rear right from what sounds like coming from the trunk or underneath the car. After I picked it up there was no paperwork about the rattle and so naturally I asked them and they knew nothing about it. So I complained to US Honda Corp and they told me that the dealer does not want you to come back to him because I was rude. Yes I was upset but I wasn’t rude. So it came down to that that dealer is responsible for this tranny because they replaced it but I can’t complain. US Honda Corp told me to prove first if my tranny is bad at another dealer then they can make them responsible. So now I hate this tranny and don’t have a clue how to proof this. What are your thoughts guys?
  • luvmyaccord5spluvmyaccord5sp Member Posts: 61
    Well I just got back from getting my charcoal canister and breather clamp fixed. They switched my 03 pads to 04 and so far so good! No squeaking outa these. I must say I am impressed with my local Honda shop... they had it all done in just under an hour :)
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    It happened last year and again today.
    It happens only when the outside temp. soars into
    the 90's, and the car stops and goes in the traffic jam. The calipers were replaced last year. The brake fluid level is OK.
    Does anyone know what happened?
    A co-worker says there might be a leak in the master cyclinder.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    It might be time for a master cylinder! Don't take chances with this part.
  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    Tried to send message to your e-mail address and got it returned for fatal errors (false alias). Check your address posted on the message board and let me know what the correct address is and I will try and help out.
  • timmernatortimmernator Member Posts: 12
    I've got the same problem - driver's seat shifts left when making right turn (not all the time).

    Been to the dealer twicw & they've checked the seat, said it was secure, and they drove it but it didn't happen with them.

    I'd like to hear follow-ups on this...
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    I had 3 dealers tell me thats its normal for the seat to shift when braking kind of hard. I have no idea how to proof this now. Maybe you can help me by sending some kind of proof or maybe that same receipt which you got after replacing the seat frame. This would be so helpfull. Please look in my profile for Email address.

    Thanks so much!
  • ken972ken972 Member Posts: 162
    I have the same issue on my 04 ExV6. Seat shifts forward when braking abruptly..and now and then it will go to the side on a hard left turn. One dealer said they couldnt duplicate it..skinny mechanic drove it. Said it may happen because im not skinny..5'7 186lbs..dont think im that fat. I switched to another dealer and will see them on friday about the issue..Ill report back what they say about it. I mentioned it to them before and they said it wouldnt be a problem..would just shim it. Im not sure how they would determine if the seat frame itself has to be replaced.
  • lenixlenix Member Posts: 18
    I am much bigger then that and my dealers felt the problem and said it's normal. No matter who drove it skinny or fat it moves anyway. The problem is once they see that a problem is there and say that's it normal, how can you make them fix it anyway. I tried calling Honda Corp they told me that they can't make them do anything. SO why are they there then? I mean Ken what are you going to do when they tell you that its operating as designed. Then what?
  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    The side movement is different from the forward movement when braking. One is fixed by shims (side movement) and the other either by replacing prematurely worn plastic bushings or in my case the whole seat frame (don't know how they arrive at which is which). The tech that rode with me was skinny (I am over 225) and was able to reproduce effect once I explained conditions (they didn't find it when they test drove by themselves). Had no arguement, but tech did say there is an allowable range of motion and to be sure it isn't seat back, but seat of pants that is moving. I'll try profile e-mail, but it didn't go through earlier.
  • davebdaveb Member Posts: 1
    When I press the center of the airbag cover the horn does not always honk. Has anyone else experienced this problem. Are there any service bulletins out on this issue?
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    I would put a 7 year 100,000 mile extended Honda Warranty on this vehicle. We have a 2003 4 cylinder Accord and a 2004 4 cylinder Civic both with a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty. If your transmission goes after 3 years or 36,000 miles, you will be stuck with a BIG BILL. But if you have the warranty, Honda gets to eat the problem. The cost of the warranty is much less than a transmission, and it cover other components.
  • mwcarlsomwcarlso Member Posts: 85
    The master cylinder is probably leaking internally, which is why the fluid hasn't dropped. This happened to my 87 and 93 Accord, each at about 150k. The part is only about $100 and it is pretty easy to install. Good Luck.
  • mburlesnmburlesn Member Posts: 9
    I am choosing between a Honda Accord EX V6 with Navi and an Acura TL with Navi. The dealer let me take the Honda for the day and while driving around I noticed some things that left a little to be desired from a Honda product.

    The car I am driving has the rear-view mirror upgrade and I noticed that the driver side visor makes contact with the mirror when placed in the down position. This happened several times this afternoon and is quite annoying since I have to reset the mirror everytime. Does this only happen with the mirror upgrade or does standard mirror do this???

    I also noticed that in order to adjust the AC fan you have to choose the AC button and switch to that screen on the navigation display and select your fan speed instead of having a simple switch on the dashboard. This may not seem like a big deal but when you first get into the car the navigation product can take up to a minute or so to get past all the legal disclaimers which leaves you sitting there with no airflow until it finishes. FYI, I live in Texas and it is already HOT here.

    Are there other little issues hiding out there that I am not yet aware of? Please let me add that the missing key cylinder on the passenger side is of no consequence to me but these other items leave me with the feeling that there are some things Honda did not consider while designing. So far, I do not find these kinds of negative perks with the Acura but I am sure it has it's share.

    Any thoughts and comments are appreciated.

    PS If anyone is interested, I have worked the following deals after much deliberation over the past month or so (both are Automatic Transmission):

    2004 Accord EX-V6 with Navi - $26,000 (includes very good money for my trade)

    2004 Acura TL with Navi - $33,700 and OK money for my trade
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    Thanks to all who replied.
    I checked Honda part on line it's about $140, including the reservoir.
    The service manual does not say anything about bleeding the brakes after replacing the master cyclinder. I think I will let the local shop does this if it does not cost too much.
    I plan to retire my 89 pretty soon. So I don't know if I should replace it. The brakes still operate under normal condition.
    Only when the temp is really hot and there is a lot of braking, the brake fluid is getting hot. That's when the pedal starts shinking.
  • wdoranwdoran Member Posts: 31
    I replaced my 90 accord master cylinder. Rebuilt cylinder was $40 exchange at autozone. Cylinder came with bleeding inst & a cylinder bleed kit. Job was simple and took about 1 hour including bleeding the 4 wheels. Pep boys wanted about $170 for complete job, mostly labor.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    "The car I am driving has the rear-view mirror upgrade and I noticed that the driver side visor makes contact with the mirror when placed in the down position. This happened several times this afternoon and is quite annoying since I have to reset the mirror everytime. Does this only happen with the mirror upgrade or does standard mirror do this???"

    I have a 2003 Accord EX V6 with the auto-dimming mirror (I assume that's what you're referring to as the mirror upgrade). I use the driver's side visor all the time, and I've never had a problem with it contacting the mirror. Perhaps some issue with the way it was adjusted on the car you tested?

    I don't believe that the physical size of either the auto-dimming mirror or the visors changed for 2004.
  • teman99teman99 Member Posts: 19
    I have replaced my rear brakes at 17,500 and now need to replace front pads at 32,500. Isn't this way to soon to be replacing pads (front and rear)?
    Also dealer wants to flush out my brake system (fluid) and put new fluid in for $125.00????????
    Someone please help ASAP!
    THANKS IN ADVANCE
  • teman99teman99 Member Posts: 19
    One more question please
    Has anyone had problems with Gas Mileage on 2001 Accord 4 cylinder. In the city i'm averaging way too low --18.5 mpg. Dealer can't find out why and I'm no kid who drive fast around town.
    Thanks
    Any Solutions deeply appreciated
    Teman
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Do you have an extremely short commute and/or doing A LOT of stop and go driving?
  • teman99teman99 Member Posts: 19
    My commute is 5 miles one way and I do average stop and start.
    Not in a major city where you stop at every corner.
    Even Highway mileage is low...23 / 24 mpg
  • patelvijaycpatelvijayc Member Posts: 4
    My 2000 accord remote trunk does not open. Can someone help where the relay is located for replacement.
    Thanks
  • K9LeaderK9Leader Member Posts: 112
    Hi, I'm a regular over on the Subaru Outback forums, and, an occasional on the Toyota Sienna board. I'm looking for a car for my son to drive, and have found a '96 Accord EX coupe. It is in otherwise good condition, the seller has good records and documentation of maintenance and repairs, except that it has very high miles -- 182,000. Seller has put 150,000 miles on it in the five years he has owned it since buying it at 30,000 miles off a lease. He says it is mostly highway commuting as he has an 80-90 mile roundript daily commute. The price he is asking reflects the high mileage, so it is a tempting possibility.

    So, those of you who know these cars, how big a problem is the 182K? It seems awfully high for a 4-cylinder engine, but it is a Honda, and it appears to have been well taken care of and all parts of the seller's story have so far checked out (Carfax, test drive and inspection, records and documentation).

    Thanks for any enlightenment!

    --K9Leader, Newark DE
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Your short commute could be the cause of your poor gas mileage. Do you commute with the AC on? Try taking it on an extended highway run to see if the gas mileage returns to normal.

    If the Accord has been well-maintained 182k isn't the end of the world. I have seens lots of 200,000 mile plus Accords and you wouldn't know if you didn't look at the odometer. If the car still seems solid and he doesn't put a lot of miles on a car and the deal is good enough then go for it.
  • browningmbrowningm Member Posts: 6
    "I also noticed that in order to adjust the AC fan you have to choose the AC button and switch to that screen on the navigation display and select your fan speed instead of having a simple switch on the dashboard. This may not seem like a big deal but when you first get into the car the navigation product can take up to a minute or so to get past all the legal disclaimers which leaves you sitting there with no airflow until it finishes. FYI, I live in Texas and it is already HOT here."

    There is a simple fix to this issue, leave the setting on automatic with the temperature you wish to maintain. The care will adjust the fan speed accordingly as well as adjust several other factors. This part works even when the Navi has not gone through the legal disclaimers. (Honda designed this car with the assumption that Auto climate control would be used and manual as a secondary measure.)
  • ahughes2ahughes2 Member Posts: 14
    My 1991 Accord w/automatic transmission experiences fade in the braking when I have the air conditioning on while in stop and go traffic. The brake pedal needs to be pumped in stop and go traffic with the AC on. If I pump the brake it helps.

    Has anyone else experienced this or know what is causing the reduction in braking capacity with the AC on in stop and go traffic? Otherwise, my brakes work fine without the AC on or with the AC on at continiuos speeds not using the brakes frequently.
  • renglekarengleka Member Posts: 20
    I too have the 2004 accord coupe w/ navi and the upgraded mirror. I have never had a problem with the visor hitting the mirror and when reading your post I wasnt exactly sure what you meant because I have never had this problem.

    I also compared the TL and the accord. I wanted the TL in the worst way but I ended up chosing the accord. I have no regrets whatsoever. Nothing against the TL...(an AMAZING car) but in MY opinion it was not worth the extra money b/c I got most of the things the TL offered and didn't have to pay 8 thousand more (in my area that was the difference). Another thing that I didn't like was that the dealers weren't willing to really deal on the TL but you can get the accord for well under invoice. Sort of makes you feel like you aren't getting ripped off as bad. By the way...did 26k include ttl? I got mine for 25275 plus ttl...so if it didn't i think you can get them down some more...if that did include then you got an amazing deal!! rich
  • dwwalldwwall Member Posts: 5
    I just bought an Accord EXL-NAV today and got home and realized their are no instructions to use the navigation. Does anyone know if this is a separate book than the owner's manual? I have that, but there is nothing in there about navigation. I think I've figured out most everything, but I would still like it just in case I missed something.
  • mburlesnmburlesn Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for the feedback. I did mean that the driver side visor comes into contact with the auto-dimming (upgrade) mirror whenever you put it down. When I took the car back today they were shocked when I showed them and told me that this mirror is larger than the normal mirror??? Have you had problems with the AC fan controls not being on the dash?

    The price is without TTL but is with a very good trade in deal ($1500 more than other dealers in the area). So are you saying you got the V6 EX for that price? I am impressed with your deal making skills. What are do you live in?

    The Acura is VERY hard not to spend the extra money on but it will be a little stretch for us and so we are really leaning towards the Honda. I drove the TL again today and it really is a level up as far as fit, finish and comfort but I am having trouble justifying the value and worth of it.

    Browningm, thanks for the solution for the AC. I had thought I might have to try that or maybe use the voice activated function if that works before the disclaimer.
  • toydrivertoydriver Member Posts: 227
    Need advice.
    Took accord to dealer to get an ESTIMATE on repairing air conditioner which just recently stopped blowing cold air.
    Charged $180 (1 1/2 hrs labor plus coolant) just to get an estimate of $780 to repair. Service mgr. claims the labor cost is typical just to evalutate the CAUSE of the problem.

    Is this a rip off or typical for evaluation of A/C problem??
  • bburton3bburton3 Member Posts: 185
    What did they say was wrong with your ac system? IF the compressor, clutch or other major component must be replaced-they might be correct in their price. Below was my experience with my 97 accord ac system.

    Just had same problem with my 97 accord AC. If the clutch and compressor are still ok-when you turn on the AC-check to see if the clutch engages and then carefully touch the high pressure side of the line going from the compressor to the AC cooler coil in front of the radiator-if that gets warm or a bit hot-then the only problem you have is being low on gas.

    Due to govt regs you have to take it to some repair place that has the machine to pull a vacuum on your ac system and check to see if there are any leaks-if not then they measure the amount of gas evacuated from the system and then charge it to the recommended level-there is a sticker under the hood telling the guy how many ounces.
  • toydrivertoydriver Member Posts: 227
    They found "leaking evaporator".
    Cost to replace - $780
    Cost to estimate the repair - $180
    Why so much labor just to find the leak??
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Shop labor is around 80.00 per hour depending on your location. In order to find the leak they had to charge the system with freon and hunt for the leak. An A/C leak can be nasty to find sometimes.

    So, with 120.00 for labor plus the cost of the freon, it's not out of line in this day and age.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    It's not the AC. My 89 Accord has the same problem. Read my previous post.
    My co-worker told me it's probably the seal in the master cyclinder leaks when the brake fluid is getting too hot.

    I guess we either replace the new master cyclinder or avoid traffic jam when the outside temp soars into the 90's. I choose the latter since I only drive it to work.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    A failing master cylinder is nothing to ignore. It'll only get worse with time.

    These are your BRAKES we are talking about!!
  • machaanmachaan Member Posts: 30
    The title say it all. Is this easy to do?
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    I did this myself a few years ago, and it's very easy. And trust me, Mr. Goodwrench I'm not. ;)

    I don't remember the exact details, but I got this from a newsgroup and I believe it's accurate:

    The clock/flasher assembly pops out as one unit. You can use a screwdriver but be careful not to scratch the dash. I opted for a 1 1/2" wide putty knife. Place tool in bottom middle of the clock/flasher and apply SLIGHT upward pressure and the assembly pops out. (Additional suggestion... put a cloth under the screwdriver/ putty knife when you do this, to avoid marring the dash.) The light is on the right side when viewed from the front, left side viewed from the rear. The round 3/16" diameter plastic head is the bulb. Using a small screwdriver, turn 1/4 turn counter-clockwise to remove. Install new bulb with 1/4 turn clockwise. Turn on ignition switch to check for operation. (Light comes on with ignition switch not headlights.) If everything works, the clock pops right back in.

    Hope this helps!
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    I would not purchase a vehicle over 100,000 miles! You are just looking for a BIG repair bill! I presently own a 2003 Accord with 27,000 + miles on the clock. When this vehicle is 3 years old, it will have somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000 miles on the clock. I have an extended Honda warranty for 7 years / 100,000 miles. Once it gets near 100,000 miles, this vehicle is history, and I change my oil and filter every 3,000 miles. QUESTION: ----What would happen if you purchased this vehicle, and it needed a transmission? Are you willing to put in $3,000 + dollars on a high mileage vehicle? -----Just my opinion.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    A Honda nearing 100,000 miles is far from "history". Even a Honda that has had hit and miss maintenance will last longer than that.

    With decent maintenance they don't get tired until at least 200,000 miles or more. I've seen 350,000 miles, still running fine.

    Still, 180,000 miles is a lot. Even with "all highway miles" it's a whole lot of miles.

    In order for it to be a "good deal" it would have to be at a near giveaway price. One major event wold total the car.
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