CarComplaints.com Notes: The 1999 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, engine shuts off while driving, & peeling paint. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.

The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 100,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000.

Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000.

Engine stalling while driving in the 1999 Accord is typically caused by a defective ignition switch -- inexpensive to repair (under $200) but dangerous.

Peeling paint has also been an issue for these Accords. Most of the complaints are with darker paint colors -- especially green & blue.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,460
Average Mileage:
135,100 miles
Total Complaints:
53 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (25 reports)
  2. replace it (11 reports)
  3. estimate to rebuild transmission (6 reports)
  4. transmission had to be rebuilt (6 reports)
  5. keep up on your transmission fluid (2 reports)
  6. issue is on clutch burn due to bad maintenance. replacement (1 reports)
1999 Honda Accord transmission problems

transmission problem

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1999 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #53

Jan 012018

Accord LX 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I first started noticing that the transmission was not shifting smoothly and would rev a litter higher to 3 to 5 k rpm before shifting. This occurrence began in the winter of 2017 and I just thought that it was just because of the cold weather that this was occurring. Also, this would always only happen for the first 5-10 minutes of driving and would go away. Thought out the spring of 2018 and summer of 2018, it kept on happening and just thought it was my battery because it has bad battery positive terminals and would not be powering the car.

Next, the car would have a quiet rattle/knock when slowly accelerating and stopping at slow speed but not when the car was in idle. Then the car would, 5/10 times, not shift when I tried to accelerate from a stop or a yield and then the car would shift really aggressively and the rpm would rise to 3-5 k rpm before shifting and the tires would squeal. The check engine light then came on in the middle of July 2018 and went to get it checked out.

Turns out I am showing code P0700 (Automatic transmission Transaxle System Malfunction) probably what is causing the "knocking" noise and code P0740 (A/T Lockup Clutch System Malfunction) which is most likely the culprit of my car not shifting smoothly.

- Alex L., Lake Stevens, WA, US

problem #52

Apr 102014

Accord LX 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

When I bought this car. There were 107K miles on the car. When the engine hit 112K miles that's when I started noticing the shift changes. When I come to a complete stop the car will jerk. And when I take off the transmission will stall for a second and jolt off. Especially when I'm going up the hill. I went to multiple mechanics and they all came up with the same result. That I needed a new rebuild transmission. The cost of a transmission repair is up to $3000! With that, that would be a down payment towards a new car. And when I found out that I'm not the only one then Honda should really FIX this problem!

- jseveriano, Hammond, IN, US

problem #51

Jun 102015

Accord LX 4.0L Vetch

  • Automatic transmission
  • 301,000 miles

Alright so this is my first car, I've only had it since March. Yes its used but she was running prefect till June, then its started slipping gears and going into over drive. A couple days ago she started overheating so we bypassed the temperature gauge. Usually I could slip it into park run it through the gears and it would work. Now its so bad that I can't get 4th gear or 3rd gear to engage. I really need help please.

- brigman, Gainesville, FL, US

problem #50

Dec 292014

Accord EX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 195,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I just purchased this 1999 Honda Accord Ex Coupe V6 on Dec. 26th 2014. I got the car for my son to use as reliable transportation due to Honda's reputation for making good cars. I paid $1,500 for it and has 195k miles. I wanted this car to last him at least two years. I knew it was an old car sure, but I did not expect to have a problem with a slipping transmission when the car is cold. I took the car on the third day of ownership to a mechanic to have the oil changed and the timing belt/w water pump replaced. He told me that the big problem was the transmission and the power steering hose. He said that the fluid looked brown and smelled bad--it was not worth putting the money into a new transmission due to the cost of around $3,500 (his estimate). My particular car needs work on ball joints, other suspension pieces and the total would come to around $6,000! Unbelievable! I am really looking for a less expensive fix for the transmission just to make the car road worthy-- Heck, I just put $600 worth of new tires on it! The body is pretty clean, but I am just sick over the possible money pit I just purchased. Is there any recourse for someone like me? Or at least point me in the right direction for an affordable transmission rebuild/replacement.

Update from Jan 7, 2015: Well, I called American Honda to inquire about possible compensation for part of the repairs to my cars transmission that will surely fail soon. As expected, they refused to assist, citing the cars age and mileage. I told them that even a goodwill gesture to pay for a portion of the repair would go a long way in raising my opinion of the company's ethos in taking responsibility for a known bad design. I guess I'm going to be a detractor for them as I move forward. I will tell everyone that is willing to listen not to buy a Honda.

- ebarlow, Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #49

Nov 192013

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 254,089 miles

The transmission slips when moving from first to second. It sort of clunks and then whines. I understand this to mean it will soon die all together? I hope not. One believes from the advertising that these cars run forever. It's a 99 Honda Accord.

- pjen, Lexington, KY, US

problem #48

Jan 152014

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,044 miles

American Honda has done tremendous damage to its brand by avoiding taking responsibility for this obvious design fault. Toyota has had its problems, too. Consumers Reports didn't show the transmission to be a problem a few years ago,either.

I will definitely consider other cars when I get my next car. My daughter and her husband own 3 Hondas and I have already told them to watch out because I don't have the confidence I once had in Honda. Whichever PR firm told American Honda to walk away from their 1998-2002 automatic transmission problems knows nothing about customer satisfaction. There are hungrier Asian car companies which want business and will improve their cars to get it.

American management has found a way to ruin Honda. They did the same in the '70's with all the American makes. The guys in the suits are not earning their money and they are not honorable people.

- Solomon T., Lancaster, PA, US

problem #47

Jun 212013

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 202,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My problem began with the transmission slipping when it would get hot. Then it started slamming into gear and downshifting extremely hard. Finally it wouldn't even shift out of low gear until it warmed up. I work in the car business so I'm not completely ignorant when it comes to vehicles and how they are supposed to perform. I contacted a local Honda dealer after doing extensive online research about this problem and learning that the 98-2004 Honda Accords all have the same transmission as well as learning that Honda recalled the 2000-2004 Accords for transmission problems. ( I wasn't happy that they did not include the 98-99 models and know they are fully aware that they have the same problems. It's the SAME transmission!! ) Honda refused to offer any type of assistance but offered to check it out for me for the lovely sum of $125 to start with the estimate going as high as $525 if they had to tear down the transmission. I asked if Honda would offer any type of owner assistance with this problem and the guy I spoke with basically patted me on the head and said there there little lady, your car is way out of warranty. Of course while he's talking down to me I'm thinking "I get that you idiot but I'm the warranty administrator for a GM dealership and I know ALL about manufacturers offering customer assistance or "policy"/"owner goodwill" repairs to owners for known product issues. I finally thanked him for his time, should have thanked him for wasting mine, and decided to contact Honda Customer assistance directly.

Bottom line, Honda knows they have problems with this transmission and aren't willing to do anything about it! I told the customer assistance agent I wasn't asking for them to pay for the entire repair, I would be happy with some assistance. I was told they were not willing to participate. So, I bit the bullet and purchased a rebuilt transmission with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty and had it installed at the Cadillac dealer where I work. It cost me a total of $1516.30 with my employee discount. From all of the research I've done and the different forums I've visited, I know I got out cheap! I'm not ready to purchase a new car, I've loved NOT having a car payment all these years but, if this car will get me through one more year I'll be happy. And then I'll purchase another vehicle that will NOT be a Honda!

I understand that warranties are placed on vehicles for a reason. However, when the issue is a KNOWN product problem, and one that was recalled for that matter, it is just pathetic that a manufacturer refuses to step up to the plate and try to offer some assistance to their customer. They seem to forget that our money spends anywhere and if they do not take care of their customers, someone else WILL!

- tsanderstx, Arlington, TX, US

problem #46

Jun 192010

Accord LX 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,500 miles

This is a common problem with these Accords and Honda JUST DOES NOT CARE!!!

I want to find an aftermarket Tranny to replace the existing. Why rebuild something they don't know how to fix? Love he car....THIS PISSES ME OFF that they take no responsibility in any of these cases!!

- Greg C., Mayville, WI, US

problem #45

Feb 272013

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 209,000 miles

ITS ASHAMED THAT A CAR LOT WOULD ACTUALLY LET A PERSON BUY A VEHICLE KNOWING THAT IT HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.. IM LIKE MANY OF YOU HERE,I ALWAYS THOUGHT HONDAS WERE GREAT CARS UP UNTIL I BOUGHT MY 99 HONDA ACCORD... I HAVE IT LESS THAN A MONTH AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO SLIP...NOW I AM STUCK MAKING PAYMENTS FOR A CAR THAT NEEDS A 2000 DOLLAR REPAIR WHICH I DO NOT HAVE, NOR WILL I HAVE ANYTIME SOON.... I AM ON SS DISABILITY AND LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME AND HAVE A CHILD TO CARE FOR AS WELL AS MANY BILLS........I OWNED A 1982 HONDA ACCORD AND IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST CARS I HAVE EVER HAD...OH WELL,WHAT CAN U DO? GUESS I WILLDRIVE IT TIL IT WONT GO ANYMORE LOL.......................

- Robert B., Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #44

Sep 032012

Accord LX 2.3L 4 cyl Vtec

  • Automatic transmission
  • 164,900 miles

Well, this car ran beautifully until NOW. It's finally got the same BAD problem--transmission failure. Honda could have had a loyal customer. Not only do they lose me as a customer--but I'll share my experience with everyone I know. I could have had many things fixed for the price of a new transmission, $2,400 rebuilt; $4,600 Honda new. So there, HONDA, take you're loyalty rating and stick it! I'm buying a Toyota next time.

- rheal, Shepherdsville, KY, US

problem #43

Feb 242012

Accord ES 2.3L 4cil

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I CALLED A AUTO DEALER IN MIAMI, THE NAME OF THE DEAL IS NEW FUTURE AUTO SALES LOCATED 995 E 25 ST HIALEAH , FL 33013 (305) 835 8855. I ASKED HIM TO SELL ME A PROPER OPERATIONAL CAR AND HE TOLD ME THAT THIS HONDA WAS IN EXCLLENT CONDITION. AFTER JUST 3 DAYS OF ME DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED TO NOT TAKE ANY GEAR JUST THE RPM JUST STARTED TO REAR UP, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I CALLED THE DEALER (NEW FUTURE AUTO SALES) AND HE TOLD ME IT NOT HIS PROBLEM THE CAR SOLD AS IS AND HE IS NOT DOING ANYTHING. I THINK THIS IS VERY POOR AND DIS HONEST OF THEM, I BELIEVE THEY KNEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. IT COULD'NT OF JUST STARTED 3 DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR. IN THOSE THREE DAYS I DROVE THE CAR 3 TIMES ON SHORT DRIVE. THIS IS DUE TO ME HAVING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM SO HURT AND DISAPPOINTED...

- msands, Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

problem #42

Oct 262011

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

OK, my dad bought the car in 2001 and he gave it to me last summer, i don't drive recklessly, nor have i done anything to mess the transmission up. i couldn't afford a new transmission back in October, but now i'm FORCED to fix it in order to get to school and work. this car can go for many more years and i don't understand why my transmission is bad, or is failing on me. i'm SCARED to death to drive it and i have no other means of transportation. i'm basically alone with this car. no one to help pay for it. i thought it was me who messed it up, but I've done NOTHING to mess it up. i Google my car and found this site and now i know it wasn't me.

- ellak, Antioch, TN, US

problem #41

Oct 132009

Accord EX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

This Honda Accord transmission has been giving problems for about four years now . The transmission has been worked on several times . It cost $1400.00 the last time and only lasted just over a year . What's up with these transmissions ? I looked on the internet and see nothing but problems with these transmissions even when rebuilt . I will be spreading the word to stay away from Honda cars period . This should be covered by Honda . Thay have sold a bad transmission . No more Honda's . Thank you

- Roger S., Conway, SC, US

problem #40

Sep 302011

Accord EX 3,0 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

My 17 year old daughter just bought a 99 Accord. After 24 hours the transmissions began to slip going into 2nd gear and when you apply anything more than light throttle in 2nd gear it causes the car to shake violently. 1st, 3rd and 4th gears seem to be ok, but in 2nd the engine RPMs go up with no increase in acceleration. Backing off the throttle generally lets the next gear catch, but if you accelerate with any force at all it begins to shake the entire car so hard you think you are in a washer on spin. I had advised my daughter not to spend so much money on a used car but like so many others I mistakenly believed the lies about Honda reliability and figured at least she would get quality for the extra money. When she told me about the problem I found thousands of instances of this same type of failure documented on the internet along with specific information about the defective outsourced transmissions and to a fine point, the inadequate lubrication of the 2nd gear clutch pack in this faulty transmission. She can't afford to spend an amount equal to the purchase price to get the transmission fixed and the seller won't answer calls. This is the kind of thing that has a long lasting effect. Honda had a chance to get a lifelong buyer at a young age. Instead they are creating an entire family who will not buy their product and will shout from the rooftops to everyone in person and on the internet about the fallacy of Honda quality. Admitting they sold a horrible product and replacing them with something that works would be a start. This really amazes me. Toyota ate a HUGE loss due to people pushing the throttle instead of the brakes in a few instances, but Honda foists this total piece of crap transmission on the world knowing that it is inferior with nary a word. So when someone goes to pull out in traffic and the lousy transmission slips causing people to be killed in a crash, perhaps that multi-million dollar lawsuit will bring the attention they need to act.

- Ron H., lavista, NE, US

problem #39

Aug 212011

Accord EX 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 196,440 miles

well..I'm not really going to complain,.because the previous owner used Dextron 3 as the replacement fluid..and we ALL know that it uses HONDA ATF---so,. what i did was disconnect the trans lines,.blew out with compressed air..re-connected..drained trans,..filled with appropriate fluid--drove 25 miles,.drained fluid,..replaced with Honda ATF,..and continued changing it until i had a nice RED HONDA TRANS FLUID COLOR....and well,.she shifts fine and dandy...it has almost 200,000 miles on it..and unsure of previous owners driving habits etc...umm for what its worth--you cant beat a HONDA...(even though i traded my 99 integra for a 1986.5 Toyota Supra)-always wanted one of those--& yes my Teggy would smoke my supra--my Teggy was not stock-but--Peace out people,. use common sense and don't let inexperienced people under the hood of your Honda-or you will pay for it sooner or later...Bob Fedder (ASE Cert. auto tech)

- moparbob498, Homer City, PA, US

problem #38

Mar 012011

Accord 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,574 miles

Sick of Honda now,.. was a fan of honda till this crap..

Agents know , everybody know the issue but no solution..

I have to pay all my savings to fix it :(.. still no clue where it'll stop...

Update from Sep 27, 2011: Gear Slipping.

issue is on clutch burn due to bad maintenance. replacement will solve and regular servicing when short running in low gears.

Update from Sep 27, 2011: Gear Slipping

- N A., G, Western, Sri Lanka

problem #37

Jan 172011

Accord LX 3

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,000 miles

I loved owning Honda's for the most part, until now. My 99 Accord, well maintained, now has the dreaded tranny problem. With only 141,000 miles it's hard to want to part with it. But with these times, it's harder to drop over 3 grand just to repair a car. I'm thinking of buying a used car at that price.

- Elvin B., Appleton, WI, US

problem #36

Jan 192011

Accord LX 2.3L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,000 miles

I bought the car new in November 1998. My wife liked others, but I decided to buy the Honda because of the reputation. I have kept the car in exceptional care because I always believe you reap what you sow. November 2010, I decided to rotate the tires and had one of the lug nuts cross threaded. With that, I took the vehicle to the dealer to have them replace. While at the dealership, I had them replace the transmission fluid. Now, two months later the car starts shifting hard and whining out before shifting. I take the vehicle back to the dealership to diagnose. They diagnose as being a torque converter error and price fixing it for $4400. Needless to say, I am not happy. Transmission are a known problem for Honda models 1998 - 2004, and they will do nothing about the issue. I do not mind paying some money to get the vehicle fix, after all, I do have 131,000 on the car, but $4400. That is absurd. I will never purchase or recommend another Honda as long as I am alive. I come from a large family and have many friends. I will do my best to bad mouth every possible Honda purchase I can. I have NEVER written a complaint or even commented on a website until today, and I will search Dr. Google to complain about this vehicle where ever I can. Thank you for your patients, and I hope this inspires someone to purchase a different brand.

Update from Feb 1, 2011: Just an update, I contacted American Honda motor company today and spoke with a woman by the name of Tara. I described the situation and she placed me on hold to check on the situation. After coming back on the phone, she said the car was out of warranty and I would have to take car of the problem myself. I explained to her that this was a known problem with that year Honda, and I did not mind paying for some of the repair, but I was not going to pay $4400 for a known problem. She again stated that it was the customers problem and could not help me. I guess the thing that bothers me the most is there was no effort on their part to make matters right with the customer. Again I stress, STAY AWAY FROM HONDA. Honda does not care about their customers.

- srock7, Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #35

Jan 062011

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

Before purchasing my '99 Honda Accord LX, less than a month ago from a private owner; I owned a '99 Nssn Altima. Now that I no longer have the Altima(totaled), I sure do miss it dearly. I test drove the Accord purchased from a private owner and I noticed the gear shifting roughly. The owner's son assured me that Honda typically shift harder and gears up but its normal! Normal he was right about that..! When the car was cold, the shift would not accelerate over 0-20, even though the RPM's went up to 4. I would have to gear down to 0 and let the gear kicked back in to go but as soon as i accelerated to 20 mi. well you get the idea. Now once the car was warm, the gears shifted smoothly. I was told to get a tune-up, check the c-cap(?), and flush the transmission. Trying to be nice but sneaky last Wednesday, my boyfriend took my car to get serviced. The tech went to put my car in reverse and it would not go in reverse. To sum it all up, my car is sitting in my drive way! Honda please help us consumers who trusted your reputation, your name and your brand for our day to day welfare!

- nssngrylky, Bowling Green, KY, US

problem #34

Dec 162010

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175,000 miles

My honda hesitates when taking off. I get scared that someone may hit me from behind. RPM goes very high and I didn't even hit the gas to go.

- Yolanda W., Lafayette, LA, US

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