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 already had 5 neck surgeries from the 1990 Lexus 250ES when airbag exploded point blank while at a red light due to a broken headlight triggering sensor. No tether was n airbag
NOW, my 2 airbags were recalled in my 2003 Honda Accord LX with only 84,000 miles. The passenger sensor is now also being replaced at present. While my car was in for the transmission that totally failed, Honda did a diagnostic that also showed code 61.10. The airbag light continually goes on for driver's side. Honda refuses to replace the seatbelt that communicates to airbag.
OF NOTE: my driver side seat belt does not fit snug and does not go back into holder. With the code 61.10 also showing in diagnostics, I fear that the communication between airbag and seatbelt sensor can cause me grave harm especially due to my dangerous hight of 5 feet ( drivers 5'4" and shorter are out of position occupants just like children, not safe with from airbags). Please help
Despite the real possibility of harm and liability...Honda does not care and refuses to replace the shoulder belt. When I asked for the technical manual for the SRS and seaT BELT RELATIONSHIP with sensors, American Honda refused to respond and the Honda repair in Yonkers refuses to replace or repair unless the belt totally cannot buckle.
The airbag malfunction light comes on during some, but not all, engine runs and stays on until engine shutdown. If it does not come on during engine startup, it will come on when the seat belt is unbuckled, and remain on, even after the seat belt is unbuckled.
Though I would rather the airbag system be disarmed, I am concerned that the light may come on during the annual safety inspection and cause my car to fail the inspection.
This is just one of the many issues I have had to deal with since buying this total piece of junk. When I bought it used it looked very nice and had around 74,000 miles on it. Now, about 5 years later, I've had to pay around $7000.00 in repairs in total. I have had problems with the following:
1. Replaced transmission
2. Replaced central computer module
3. Replaced all brakes, drums and calipers
4. Replaced the AC pump
5. Replaced the power steering pump
6. The driver's side door window switch for the driver's window does not work
7. The clear coat on the paint is coming off even though I washed it regularly and it looks horrible
8. When I switch ventilation to the floor only it still mostly blows out of the defrost
9. The passenger side airbag light remains on
10. The front edge of the hood, front edge of the trunk lid and around the tire wells it has started to rust and bubble out.
Before I bought this car I did a lot of research and even Consumer Reports annual used vehicle buying guide reported that it is a low maintenance, reliable car that it is. They didn't even mention the transmission recall. So I don't trust Honda or Consumer Reports anymore.
I can't afford to go without my car as I have been told it will take several days to track down the problem , If it can be found. and that it is common in all of the 2003 Accords.
- jawebb,
Garden Grove, CA, US
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Air bag light comes on occasionally and if that is off, then the check engine light (P0141) comes on. They may stay on for a day or so and be off for a week than be back on. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars at the dealer for something that may or may occur. Probably never buy a Honda again.
SRS Airbag light comes on and stays on occasionally. While there is an 10yr/150,000 mile extended warranty of this system for previous years, my 2003 accord is not covered and this repair could cost up to $800 if the OPDS system needs to be replaced. This is a documented problem for previous years, and the fact that I'm also having a similar problem leads me to believe that they have on corrected it. Do not buy a Honda if you don't want to spend $800 to fix a defective product. Very disappointed. NEVER buying a Honda again!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I already had 5 neck surgeries from the 1990 Lexus 250ES when airbag exploded point blank while at a red light due to a broken headlight triggering sensor. No tether was n airbag
NOW, my 2 airbags were recalled in my 2003 Honda Accord LX with only 84,000 miles. The passenger sensor is now also being replaced at present. While my car was in for the transmission that totally failed, Honda did a diagnostic that also showed code 61.10. The airbag light continually goes on for driver's side. Honda refuses to replace the seatbelt that communicates to airbag.
OF NOTE: my driver side seat belt does not fit snug and does not go back into holder. With the code 61.10 also showing in diagnostics, I fear that the communication between airbag and seatbelt sensor can cause me grave harm especially due to my dangerous hight of 5 feet ( drivers 5'4" and shorter are out of position occupants just like children, not safe with from airbags). Please help
Despite the real possibility of harm and liability...Honda does not care and refuses to replace the shoulder belt. When I asked for the technical manual for the SRS and seaT BELT RELATIONSHIP with sensors, American Honda refused to respond and the Honda repair in Yonkers refuses to replace or repair unless the belt totally cannot buckle.
- Sherry B., Yonkers, NY, US