CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2001 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, & problems with the airbag system (SRS). 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. Transmission failure problems have been a huge problem for Honda Accords & other models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda eventually extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accords as settlement for a class action lawsuit, but that period is over & owners of Accords with transmission problems are out of luck.
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.
The SRS warning light likes to come on due to a defective seat belt sensor -- typically the driver's side. This sensor is covered under Honda's lifetime seat belt warranty, but some dealers charge a $100+ "diagnostic fee" or tell customers the entire SRS unit ($800) is bad. Also make sure your 2001 Accord has been checked for the airbag recall: excessive pressure may cause metal fragments during airbag deployment.
For some reason my heat or A/C doesn't work on the two lowest settings. It worked for years and then suddenly it stopped working. If I turn it on the third or fourth setting (out of 4) it works fine, but for some reason the lower two settings don't work. Its not specifically the A/C or heat...there's just no air being blown, so it seems like the problem is the fan.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
For some reason my heat or A/C doesn't work on the two lowest settings. It worked for years and then suddenly it stopped working. If I turn it on the third or fourth setting (out of 4) it works fine, but for some reason the lower two settings don't work. Its not specifically the A/C or heat...there's just no air being blown, so it seems like the problem is the fan.
- Adam G., Los Angeles, CA, US