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Older Honda Accords

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  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    #9432 of 9451 Rattles by masroz Mar 06, 2003 (6:12 pm) wrote:
    I have a new 03 Accord EX with 4600 miles and have recently developed a bad rattle(s)in the interior. I can't seem to locate it, but it sounds like it's coming from either inside the shift lever console. Has anyone experienced this?
    ===
    Try holding the front center console door (the one below the radio stack). They had to replace mine because of a rattle in that location, which isn't far from yours, caused by a noisy and loose door.
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    After about 1000 miles, my new EXV6Nav now makes a popping sound from the front of the vehicle when stopping or starting when the body flexes. The dealer had the car a week, first replaced a strut, which did nothing at all, then had the car 4 more days while they tried everything they could think of. Said it was fixed, and I test drove the car, and it was-for about 30 miles, then it started right back up again.

    Does anyone have a clue what this is, or has anyone else had this problem with a solution?

    Not a happy camper. Nothing worse than having a new car with an annoying defect the dealer can't figure out how to fix.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    There could be a number of causes, from bad bushings to stripped bolts.

    My personal experience involved a stripped bolt securing either the strut or a-arm. It's one of those ironic 75-cent part defects that had the technician replacing a couple of more expensive parts.

    The 30-mile fix was probably the result of silicone lubricant being sprayed all over the suspension, which happened to lubricate the defective/loose part, then drying out as you drove.

    The car probably needs a fresh set of eyes and hands to pinpoint the defect. Maybe you should take the car in another day at another hour with a different attending technician.
  • 03honda03honda Member Posts: 96
    Does anybody know when Honda will be offering the 2.9% or any of the lower rates again? Also, what is the current rate for 60 months, is it 4.9% or 4.49%? Thanks!
  • gotribegotribe Member Posts: 101
    Your noise sounds very similar to mine, but for your sake I hope its not. I had a popping/creaking noise coming from the front chassis of my 03 EX V6. After 5 or 6 attempts to fix it, including replacing the front subframe, the dealer called in a Honda engineer, and HE could not figure out the problem. After fighting with Honda Customer Service for over a month, they finally agreed to replace my vehicle. If your problem is the same as mine, I advise you to quickly get the dealer's service mgr and the regional mgr involved, and have them work on your behalf with Honda.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    These seems like a common dilemma with the New Accord: popping sounds and rattles. Toyota had that with the new Camry in 2001-2002. I haven't heard anybody complain about rattles with the new 6 and Altima. Honda and Toyota's are not known for rattling. What is going on here? Could it be 1st year bugs?
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    There are barely enough out there to have problems yet. The Accord sells that many Accords in a week. Heck they sold 5500 Elements last month. Even with a 1% defect rate there are gona be quite a few problems when you sell cars at that rate.
  • wsc2wsc2 Member Posts: 4
    Yes, Akal50, I've had just about every generation in the last 20 years, and I never noticed the problem until I bought the 2003. I didn't realize until browsing this forum that it might have to do with building a more crash resistant body, which may be a plus. However, it is a nagging problem for me, and for others too I would guess from the messages here regardless of how minor it may be for you.
  • maritomarito Member Posts: 3
    I am also interested in a new Accord. Does anyone know of a special incentive or financing deal coming up. I missed the 3.9% APR deal they had in January. I live in Atlanta. Thanks.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Dinu
  • richm4richm4 Member Posts: 169
    My local dealer never seems to have any Redondo Red EX-V6's in stock, although he has plenty of silver ones. Is this because the red is not a popular color so they don't order many of them, or is it becuase the red is a very popular color that sells out quickly?
  • ray_h71ray_h71 Member Posts: 212
    Improperly torqued brake caliper mounting bolts

    Check the front stabilizer bar bushing bracket mounting bolts and stabilizer links where they connect to the front suspension lower control arms, as well as the links' associated ball joints (might not have been assembled or lubed properly during manufacture).

    These issues can affect any car make. However, with a new model intro, things like this can crop up as initial teething troubles.
  • ray_h71ray_h71 Member Posts: 212
    "My local dealer never seems to have any Redondo Red EX-V6's in stock, although he has plenty of silver ones. Is this because the red is not a popular color so they don't order many of them, or is it becuase the red is a very popular color that sells out quickly?"

    Yes.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    Redondo red is not a rare color, at least not in my area. I saw at least three last night. Silver is the most popular color, but you knew that.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    "Thank you for pointing out a useless fact in the Accord room G35!"

    Actually it's quite useful to put the previous comment about defects in perspective. The Mazda6 has not sold 5% of the total number of 03 Accords on the road so far. I know it hurts for a true Mazdaite to hear that the Mazda6 is selling less than the black sheep Element but hey da trufe is in da numbas.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Yeah that's fine.

    But we are discussing the Accord here so maybe we can try to keep to the subject.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    I respect your opinion and your very knowledgeable. The 6 has only been out for 3 months. Stop bragging on the Element. The Element is for people who have no taste what so ever in cars. How come every post I see I hear about rattling? The rattling issue was a big problem in the Camry's first year. People on these boards keep on taking their cars back to dealerships because of the rattling problem. I do label it as an ongoing problem with the new Accord.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Actually , if the worst thing I can say about my accord is that it is exhibiting a simple rattle ( which I fixed myself) then I think I chose a pretty damn good car.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    And in that time has sold less than the vehicle for "people who have no taste what so ever in cars" has in one month.

    That was my point. I don't know how to make it any simpler than that. The Mazda since it's introduction has sold 5% of the total 03 Honda Accord sales. There are hardly enough examples of the Mazda6 to compare number of complaints with the Accord or the Camry for that matter.

    My Accord has been perfect so far. Actually it's not mine any more. Anony has taken it from me. So it's been perfect for her in the last 4500 miles. I got rid of our 02 Civic for a 1995 Lexus GS300 so I'm fine though.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    "The Element is for people who have no taste what so ever in cars"

    let me stipulate that i'm not in the market for a element. but a more intelligent statement would be: "the element is for people who have tastes far different than mine".
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    ACCORD, please folks.
  • tunefultuneful Member Posts: 35
    Took my 2nd test drive of Accord 4-cyl auto and 1st drive of the 6-cyl. As I remembered (#9210), the steering wheel vibration on the 4 was pronounced, and, to me, way unacceptable at idle, especially when the a/c is on. I watched my hands and arms shaking like I had some kind of neurological affliction. I have driven some 4-cyl economy cars that had a smoother idle. This is neither an old nor cheap car.
    I found this vibe *greatly* improved in the V6. Consequently, that is the only one I am considering (vs. some other brands). However, I do not feel I really need a V6. It disappoints me that I would have to get one in the Accord to be personally satisfied in this area. (I know V6 would have a plus in power - but debit in mileage and price)
    Disappointed Honda only offers a black interior with silver exterior. There are a million silver cars on the road IMO. I like their green paint, but that yellowy beige interior (it is not "ivory") is a turnoff and I won't do grey :-)
    Found Mazda6 is an exciting car to drive IMO and better on the vibe :-) but sporty suspension and Mazda's harder seats didn't feel good to me.
    Still shopping! Edmunds.com is an excellent resource.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    To penetrate the US car market, Honda bargain-priced the Accord a long time ago. Accords got into people's hands, they liked them, and spread the word - helped along by clever Honda advertising. Today, Honda finds itself a market leader commanding premium prices for its cars.

    There's little argument that the Mazda6 is an excellent car, outstanding even to some. But is corporate Mazda's way of making the car a success the right one ?

    They're premium-pricing the car even if it's essentially a brand re-launch. Car buffs know it's different from the 626 but does the the rest of the car buying public know that ? Point is, if Mazda wants to sell out its production capacity, it needs to motivate a part of the Accord/Camry/Altima fan base to try the 6. And we know price is a major decision criterion in this segment.

    Instead, the starting price of the base 6 (in Atlanta) is about $1k higher than the Accord LX, or $2k higher than the Camry LE.

    At the current rate of Mazda6 sales, it might sell just over 30,000 units this year - annualized based on Jan & Feb 03 sales. With a worldwide target of 200k units, it should sell about 70k in the US this year.

    Why this commentary in a Honda Accord forum ? Accord buyers will benefit from the Mazda6's success - the competition will rationalize the prices, and maybe even minimize the flavor of the month, rattles.

    For car sales stats, visit this link:
       
    http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsedan.asp
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    Unfortunately for me, it sounds like your symptoms are just like mine. Was yours popping when stopping, turning, or taking off from a stop? I'm now on my third trip back to the dealer, who is in denial that anything is wrong (says he can't hear it, while his tech sitting in front seat says he can). And to make matters worse, it isn't consistent, so in a 5 mile test drive it may no do it at all, but then five minutes later, do it every time you stop or turn.

    I may need your help in convincing our local manager that others have had this problem without resolution short of replacement. What dealer were you using so I can refer my service manager to their regional rep?

    This is very disapointing for a Honda. I never thought a new Honda would have a problem they can't or don't know how to fix. The good old days of defect free Japanese brand cars must be over-at least it is for me.
  • pj23pj23 Member Posts: 158
    No, Honda did not "cheap out" on the side curtains - the curtain covers the entire area from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. But it comes out of the roof, not the A-pillar.
  • cwd200xcwd200x Member Posts: 8
    This is my first time driving a car (2003 Accord) with a moonroof. I have noticed and located a wind noisy coming from moonroof even when it was totally closed. The noisy is noticeable (but minor) even with a speed of 20 mile . Is this normal or the rubber sealer of my new Accord moonroof has defects? Thanks.
  • gotribegotribe Member Posts: 101
    Believe me, I feel your pain. This has been a very frustrating experience for me, finally culminating in vehicle replacement. My problem became noticeable at about 3000 miles--at first intermittent, then pretty constant. The noise occurred when starting or stopping. The dealer did their best to try to solve the problem--new sub-frame, extensive lubing of chassis, etc. etc. Luckily, there was no debate that the noise was there--everyone heard it. I suggest you start the process by calling Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009. You will give your report to a person that will then pass it along to your "Case Manager" who is supposed to call you back n 3-5 biz days. They didnt call me back for a month which ticked me off big time. There is also a Tech Line that your dealer should call, that knows ths problem exists--I cant imagine your car and mine are the only ones that have it. My suggestion is to keep impeccable records of every person you talk to, names, dates, etc. so that you can document what's going on. I think that helped me convince Honda that I was not going to "go away" with my problem. My car has been returned to Marysville for them to figure out what the problem really is. Luckily for me (and perhaps for you ultimately) the car is now theirs. Good Luck and keep us posted.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    You shouldnt hear any wind noise. My guess is the seal that wraps around the perimeter of the window. Have Honda check it out, that is most likely the problem.
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    Yep, that's it exactly. Sounds just like mine. Hopefully, it will go from intermittent to constant. My biggest fear is that it won't do it for the dealer, but only for me,and they will just deny there's a problem. And it's a real pain as I live about 100 miles to the dealer round trip. I sure don't look forward to this at all.
    Would you mind letting me know the dealer that serviced yours in case they deny a problem exists?
    Thanks.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Sorry to hear about everyone who is experiencing a popping noise on their 03 Honda. On a lighter note, does anyone have their 03 accord windows tinted. The question I have is, since the FM/AM antenna is incorporated into the window, will tinting it hinder its signal. I live on Long Island in Nassau County, anyone know of a reputable tint company. Thanks
  • gotribegotribe Member Posts: 101
    Given the distance from your dealer, perhaps you can convince him to give you a loaner car. My dealer in Cleveland is Jay Honda and they have been very supportive through this. And they did provide me a loaner car. They were also the ones that suggested I contact Honda Customer Service when they could not diagnose/fix the car. Of course, your problem could be different than mine, but it sure sounds the same. I'd call it sort of a "creak" noise. You might also want to begin checking the Lemon Law rules in your state to see how many times a dealer has to correct a problem before the car must be replaced. In Ohio, a dealer has 3 chances to fix the same problem, with a problem being defined as something that affects the safety or value of the car. This is a tough one because its hard to tell if its a safety issue or not, because it cant even be diagnosed! Its sort of in a gray area.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    I'm not saying the Accord's a bad car. The Accords is a good car even though I'm not happy with the current body style. I'm sure Honda will sell loads of them for years to come. I'm just pointing out everybody is complaning about rattles like the Ford Focus's recalls: lots of them. I know rattles are not as big as the Focus's problems were when they hit the streets.

    As far as the Mazda 6 is concerned Mazda messed up because of option packages and not having the right trim levels on dealer lots. Of course thats Mazda's fault. I do think the 6 will probably sell 35,000-45,000 units in its first year. Dissapointing but in the next few years hopefully sales will pick up like the 99+ Protege sales picked up: 2000-present.
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    It sounds the same-a pop or creaking noise, sometimes when turning, but always when the body flexes. In my state, it 4 strikes over 4 months, but you have to submit to arbitration if the manufacturer so elects.

    Back to the dealer tomorrow, and then I'll call customer support. Tomorrow is the 4th visit.

    I'll keep you posted
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Radio works fine. Just as well as it did going down to Florida where we had it done.
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    What percentage tint did you get, what kind and how does it look in regards to the rear window with the dot matrix pattern around the edges. Thanks
  • mikek37mikek37 Member Posts: 411
    Did they have to remove the windows too ?
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    Had my other car tinted at Rogers Stereo in freeport they did a great job.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    mike: We have 35% front/20% rear. The dot matrix pattern around the edge isn't very visible any more. We aren't sure what brand it is but it's titanium tint. We've had several cars done at the same shop (Pelican Car Wash in Clearwater, FL) and have experienced no bubbling or fading. Tint in Florida is WAAAY cheaper than it is here in Atlanta.

    They do not remove the windows.
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    Well, the fourth visit didn't go too well. The svr mgr said he needed 24 hours to arrange for a loaner and wouldn't give me one. His position was that the sound was a "design issue" and can't be fixed and just to live with it, and that Honda would under no circumstances buy back the car with this issue, and that I could just "sell it myself" if I didn't like the noise. He further said to leave the car would be a waste of time as they have done everything they can do and have nothing else to try. The regional rep will be here for one day only and he was supposed to give him a message to call me but he wouldn't contact him nor arrange for a meeting. I'm calling customer service next to set up the case.

    I'm not going away either. IF ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE HAS OR HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM (creaking or popping sound when starting/stopping/turning in 2003 EXV6), PLEASE RESPOND.

    Thanks!
  • mike2741mike2741 Member Posts: 21
    Well here I go, I left my Japan '03EX4 with 1,500 miles with the dealer. He said he could not find the noise, but he did hear it. The dealer gave me a rental car to use today. I'll know something this tomorrow. Keep you updated...Mike
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    Mike,

    Is the popping noise happening when you stop/start/turn (or when body flexes)?
  • bburton1bburton1 Member Posts: 395
    On my ancient 97 accord-it happens only in cold weather-as some others have said-appears to be flexing of the windshield against the cold and inflexible rubber like material sealing the windshield. If I spend say an hour on the road in really cold weather and get the windshield warm by using the defroster-popping stops.

    This "problem" is kinda like the steering wheel vibrating during the idle of the I4 accord-didn't realize it was a problem till I read about it here-then i realized-hey mine vibrates at idle-particularly when cold. Maybe honda should investigate using window sealing systems that are more flexible at colder temps if that indeed is the trouble. Wonder what some type of lube would do that is compatible with the sealing material. Take care cause some of the silicone containing lubricants cause types of rubber to expand dramatically-found this out when some friends tried to soften the seals on the vac coffee pots-made the seals useless. Be a pricey mistake given the cost of replacing windshields.

    good luck
  • mike2741mike2741 Member Posts: 21
    It will occur when I go over a speed bump, or stop at a red light, and then it does it when it take off, and when I turn in my drive way. The red light thing is most annoying.
  • coolhandluke2coolhandluke2 Member Posts: 6
    Dealer just advised me they found oil in the coolant. We all know these systems aren't supposed to be mixing, 03LX 5 spd 12K. Any one else heard of this problem, sounds like a gasket let go. Any thoughts?
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    That's it all right. Sounds just like what I'm hearing. This is coming from down under the front, not at the windshield level. Let us know what you find out, please. Maybe SOME dealer can figure out what is causing this very annoying and unacceptable popping sound.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Sounds like you're getting a new headgasket.
  • amingaming Member Posts: 119
    My dad had that happen on his 97' Camry. It was only 1-2 years old at that time. If I remember correctly it was a major repair job.

    Good luck...
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    At a very low mileage too. It's really not that big a deal. A little more involved than a timing belt on these engines.
  • pj23pj23 Member Posts: 158
    I think if my dealer treated me like that, I'd report them to Honda and the BBB immediately. And escalate the complaint as far as I had to in order to get satisfaction with both my car and their attitude.
  • jonesok1jonesok1 Member Posts: 97
    Well, it wasn't bad enough to do that, but unlike the other case I got the feeling he wasn't too interested in supporting me with Honda, so it looks like it will be up to me and the district mgr. Honda Customer Service was at least sympathetic to the problem. Time will tell how sympathetic they will be as the case slowly progresses, though. The hassle is now having to convince the district mgr and go through the same motions I've done four times already.
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