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.
Black trim near the back doors is rusting. It's bubbling up and is rusting from inside the door. i.e. the rust is creeping up from inside the door to where it's visible beside the window. Also, I'm finding solid pieces of rusted metal that are falling through to the bottom drain holes on the inside of the door.
Very annoying! Bought the Honda for its great reputation. Was telling everyone what great quality Honda has.......then trim on windows starts bubbling and coming off--very tacky looking. Oh well I assumed an isolated production problem. Had the trim changed, then changed again, then changed again. How can you have a problem like this and not correct the issue. According to service dept. Honda had not done anything to correct the problem-thus the repaeated problem. Very disappointing.
I have a Honda accord ex coupe V6 and the black trim around my window is puckering and coming off. It started 2 years ago, and now I have 76k miles, but I have the extended 100k warranty. Is there a recall on this, or how can I have my dealership pay for the repairs?
- Pamela T.,
Campbell, CA, US
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Black trim near the back doors is rusting. It's bubbling up and is rusting from inside the door. i.e. the rust is creeping up from inside the door to where it's visible beside the window. Also, I'm finding solid pieces of rusted metal that are falling through to the bottom drain holes on the inside of the door.
- tuzo, Toronto, ON, Canada