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.
I own a 2003 Honda Accord and since the day we drove it off the lot in 2003 we have had nothing but problems with the windshield cracking-we've replaced it 4 x's. The last time we had it replaced our mechanic told us it's the frame and it has rotted completely!! My husband and I were gobscmacked! Again, today, my windshield cracked from one side to the next and the roof is starting to leak so much that whenever it rains the seatbelt is soaking wet and there are water stains on the roof of the car! Other than that the car is in mint condition, we've had to replace nothing but the ball joints. It's a damn shame that we are going to have to scrap this car because of the damn frame!.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I own a 2003 Honda Accord and since the day we drove it off the lot in 2003 we have had nothing but problems with the windshield cracking-we've replaced it 4 x's. The last time we had it replaced our mechanic told us it's the frame and it has rotted completely!! My husband and I were gobscmacked! Again, today, my windshield cracked from one side to the next and the roof is starting to leak so much that whenever it rains the seatbelt is soaking wet and there are water stains on the roof of the car! Other than that the car is in mint condition, we've had to replace nothing but the ball joints. It's a damn shame that we are going to have to scrap this car because of the damn frame!.
- Jaime D., Barrie, Ontario, canada