CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure & problems with the stereo backlight failing. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 90,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure has been a huge problem for the Accord & several other Honda models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accord as a class action lawsuit settlement, but owners of other Accord model years with transmission problems are out of luck.
The stereo backlight problem has been an issue since these Accords were only a few years old. Honda eventually issued a recall which covered the repair for 7 years/100k miles, which was nice while it lasted but now that period is over. Honda initially was replacing the entire radio ($800) but eventually began replacing just the PCB which at ~$300 is much cheaper. That sounds like a deal, but keep in mind we're talking about a backlight bulb that costs $2 to fix in most other cars.
So disappointed - I just got off the phone with American Honda Corporate to complain about the clear coat peeling off. The clear coat is peeling off the roof and trunk. I have seen may Honda Accords with the same issue. They have recalled the Civics, but not the Accords. Since I am so far out of the 3/36 warranty, there is nothing they can do. What happened to customer loyalty? I own 3 Honda's! It looks like my next vehicle may be a Toyota!
I read where there was a class action suit I California staring in 2003 on Hondas. My paint stated fading and was told it was a defect in the clear coat use by Honda. My car has always been garage kept so no reason for the paint to be fading regardless the age of the car which is in very good condition.
My 2003 Accord with only 87k miles has gone from a beautiful car with low miles to a hooptie. The paint looks horrible, the value of the car has dropped significantly due to Honda's inability to manufacture a car that will look as good as it runs. In addition to the Honda, I have a 2003 Dodge Stratus with 200 K+ miles that looks like its straight out of the showroom, I am at a loss as to why Honda would not fix this issue.
Started as two very small areas where the clear coat was disappearing - on top of the rear window and on top of the trunk. Within six months it looks like the car has leprosy! This is my first and probably last, Honda.
I've never had this problem with any other cars that I've owned in over 45 years of driving.
- Gary B.,
New Providence, nj, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
My Accord is a 2003 and has had this clear coat problem for many years. I had the roof redone myself but the paint/clearcoat continues to peel on the front wheel panels, all along the edges, all over the vehicle, and on part of the hood. The dealership never told me it could be covered, and now, the warranty is up. I feel Honda should cover this, because it seems to be a common problem with Honda paint.
Clear coat continuously peels off of the trunk and roof panels. The car was washed and waxed 2-3x a year for ten year and meticulously kept up. Now the car looks horrible and fairly embarrassing. Previously, I had a 1991 Honda Accord EX. It lasted for 300k miles and about 17 years until it was stolen. That car held up much, much better than this one and at the 17 year mark it looked much nicer than this was does after 11 years. No more Hondas for me.
I have a 2003 Honda Accord EX, black and the clear coat is coming off from the top of the roof and the hood of the car. It looks horrible and I believe Honda should repaint it for free.
Update from Dec 31, 2013: The car is kept in a carport and out of the sun. I do not use harsh soaps or waxes when cleaning it.
My clear coat began to splotch in September of 2012. It is now a year later and the roof is nearly white with clear coat damage. I heard from mechanics at my shop that Honda opted to buy cheap clear coat the year my car came out (2003) and I'm supposed to pay for it now for a repaint which, estimated, will be 1,800 for the roof alone. The estimate also mentions that it's only a matter of time before the hood and back panel will need repainting, but that is not included in the estimate.
Update from Sep 18, 2013: This was a shortcut Honda took, but I bought this car because of Honda's reputation for longevity with its cars. I have had Hondas before. I owned a Civic for over 11 years and NEVER had this problem with the paint job. This is unfair and Honda needs to compensate its loyal customers.
Clear coat continues to come off. off the roof, both front and back hoods, fenders. making what was a nice looking car dull and ugly. looks like steal wool was used on it!
I noticed white splotches on the roof and trunk. I can see the clear coat peeling away. I took it to a body shop and they told me it would be 1100 dollars to repaint those parts. I am afraid it is going to start happening to other parts of the car. I have always taken good care of my car and keep it in the garage.
Clearcoat is peeling and getting worse every day. Obviously Im not the only customer with this issue. This makes it easy to never even consider purchasing another Honda. Made sure my friends, family and coworkers see the car and understand the poor Honda quality now.
I have a 2003 Red Honda Accord Coupe, I noticed the paint was turning white on the trunk spoiler roof, I took it to the Bodyshop & they told me it was called clearcoat delamination. The service writer said that there was a problem with the paint, Honda knew about it & there will most likely be a class action lawsuit brought up against Honda. He advised me to contact American Honda & speak with customer service.
I knew someone in a similar situation who had a 2008 Honda Civic Black who had numerous communications with the body shop in her town & she had to jump through hoops before they finally reached an agreement for repairs.
We noticed the paint job on our car starting to peel and fade in spots around the rear driver side door. the car is way to young to be showing wear and tear with the paint job.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
So disappointed - I just got off the phone with American Honda Corporate to complain about the clear coat peeling off. The clear coat is peeling off the roof and trunk. I have seen may Honda Accords with the same issue. They have recalled the Civics, but not the Accords. Since I am so far out of the 3/36 warranty, there is nothing they can do. What happened to customer loyalty? I own 3 Honda's! It looks like my next vehicle may be a Toyota!
- Robert G., Woodstock, GA, US