9.2
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,422.00
Average Mileage:
83,357 miles
Total Complaints:
200 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace entire transmission (122 reports)
- not sure (28 reports)
- i would like a recall and money returned. (13 reports)
- Honda to pay cost as this tranny was a previous recall (11 reports)
- Honda paid most of the cost to replace transmission (10 reports)
- rebuild transmission (6 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2003 Honda Accord transmission failure
2009Nov 16
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
How is it that Honda can send out a recall notice in the summer of 2004 for transmission problems and then claim that the problem is fixed by adding an oil jet kit to provide additional lubrication. Now 5 years later I have to have my transmission replaced!
2009May 01
Accord V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Why is Honda doing nothing when so many people are experiencing a transmission problem on the V6 autos? Seriously, you would think they would step up and offer a solution as more and more complaints arise. The car has been good to this point but unless Honda does something for their customers with regard to this matter, I will never buy a Honda again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jun 06
Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 126,000 miles
Well as you may know, Honda Motor Company consistently advertises how reliable their vehicles are and all scheduled maintenance would help to ensure that. Back in 2004, I received a recall letter stating that 2003-04 Accords V6 models are at risk of a transmission failure in the 2nd gear; that all owners should bring their vehicles in the local dealership ASAP for inspection. So I did, no problems supposedly there were no problems found with my transmission, but they install oil jet kit. In 2007, I begin having problems with my vehicle not changing into 2nd and 3nd gear properly. So as always, I scheduled a service diagnostic appointment with my dealership. I was advised that I needed a new throttle body; which would cost me about $500.00 to replace. During that time, I didn’t have that kind of money, so I waited for a few months until I was able to afford to have the repairs done. I called my Honda Dealership to reschedule an appointment. I was told by the Honda advisor, that I should have another diagnostic test done to make sure it was my throttle body. I agreed, but in the back of my mind, something was telling me they really wasn’t sure what was wrong the first time and wanted to assure themselves at my cost of another $40. The Honda Service advisor told that they were wrong a few months back and it wasn’t my throttle body that needed replacing; it was my transmission( test drove and transmission is slipping/flaring in 2nd, 3rd gears and ATF Fluid was burnt) which would cost about $3,500 to replace. At that point, I remembered that back in 2004, I receive a recall notice for a 2003-04 model transmission failures. I spoke with the service ad visor concerning the recall and how it would apply towards my problem. Of course to keep the cost off of Honda, he told me that it was different type of transmission failure; which was not related to the recall. At that point, I requested to speak with the Honda dealership service manager. I explain the issue to him, as well as how the vehicle was only six years old. I had all of my schedule services and maintenance done at their dealership, and plus I paid an additional $1,850 for an extended warranty on top of the $32,750 for the car. He said that the warranty, obliviously had expired and the recall would not apply. He also advised me the only thing Honda Motor Company would do, was to give me a 25% off of the total cost for replacement and Installation of the transmission which would be around $2500. I called Honda Corporate Center they said they could not offer me a Good service repair because of my mileages. At this point, my outlook on Hondas’ has changed indefinitely; I no longer have that reliable confidence in their vehicles. At this point, I would never again make another investment in a Honda Vehicle. I hope People can get together soon and file a big law suit against Honda... They have the attitude now like "we got you money for car, so we don't give a dam what wrong with it now whether or not it was our fault or not"... PLEASE GUYS I THINK IN THIS CASE A LAWSUIT IS NECESSARY....... I see hundreds of people who is having this same problem with the 2003 Honda Accord V6.......
2009Oct 19
Accord EXL 2.4L I4
- Automatic transmission
- 103,769 miles
I was driving my car on the highway at 60mph a week ago and all of sudden while accelerating to pass another car, the RPM simply went up to the redline as if I was in neutral. So I let go of the pedal and kept on driving at the same speed. I tried once more and this time it was fine, the car accelerated and everything was normal. I thought it was a minor "bug" or such that happened. I took my exit and got and after bringing the car to a complete stop, I tried to accelerate off the intersection and the car wouldn't pass the 3rd gear. I drove around in the neighborhood and I couldn't go above 15mph, the transmission kept slipping / working like crap. Next morning I called Honda Canada (my car is out of warranty) and asked them if there was any recalls on my car or any known problems with the transmission (I looked up the problem before calling, and was hoping for a "goodwill deal"). The Honda rep on the phone said there were no recalls whatsoever for my car at the moment and denied that the transmissions were problematic.
Next morning I got in my car, same problem, so what I did is I took it to this independent transmission garage and had them look at my car. Turns out that the mechanic over there was actually doing all the transmission jobs from my local Honda dealer and he knew exactly what the problem was. Apparently he receives a lot of automatic Honda Accord and Civics from the dealer, one or 2 every single week. He did a transmission rebuild for a cost of 1340$ USD (1450$ CDN) and my car is working fine now. I didn't even go to the dealer, knowing they would have charged me much more than that
But seriously, what a piece of crap car that is! I got 167 000km on it and I drive the car like a granny every time. My ex-girlfriend's 1990 Accord had 350 000kms on it and the transmission was fine... I bought this Honda because I wanted a bulletproof car that would be reliable. Turns out it's the less reliable car I've ever owned. Oh and yes my CD player backlight is fried like so many. I should have stayed with Toyota!
2009Oct 11
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I bought my 03 accord used (43,000miles) with an extended warranty. Lucky I got it because at 65,000 miles my gears were slipping and almost blew up my engine from the redlining. I took it to the dealer and they diagnosed the problem. the transmission is slipping. They said that there is recall to install a jet kit in the transmission but if the gear were damaged, they had to replace it. Originally they said that the transmission would fail at about 40,000 miles so mines was expected. Well I got this tranny replaced at 65,000 miles so I was like yes!!! lucky I got that warranty or else I'd have pay over $3,000 because they said my VIN did not qualify for the recall (Bull S**T)!!!
Now I am at 115,000 miles and guess what? 1st and 2nd is slipping or not grabbing. I had a transmission fluid change out in march of '09 and when I pulled out the dip stick out today, it is black. SO THE TRANNY IS ONLY 50,000 MILE. I think we should not pay for this poor quality tranny. this is going to be my second transmission and I am not going to want to expect this every 40-50,000 miles. there has got to be a suit or honda better pay their engineers more to come up with a better one and replace it with nothing out of our pockets. Or better yet convert my car to a manual. I am calling honda corperate today and tell them what going on and tell if i change this transmission its going to be my second in the period of 50,000 miles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 01
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Hate Honda customer service - what service? They know it is a problem with lots of these cars, but they will not admit it and fix it at no cost to customer.
Do they expect me to buy Honda again? they must be dreaming!
2009Sep 12
Accord V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,294 miles
Transmission failed at 60,294. Brilliant Honda in Crystal Lake, IL said I needed a rebuilt replacement and quoted me a price of $3,875. They said it would come with a 12 month/ 12000 mile warranty. I complained and mentioned the class action suit against Honda at Stamell & Schager. The service manager said he will call American Honda to see if they would offer any assistance. Three days later he said Honda said Honda would absorb the cost of the transmission and I only had to pay for labor. This amounted to $1,087. In addition they said Honda extended the warranty on the rebuilt transmission to 36 months or 36,000 miles. I still went ahead and filed a compliant with Stamell & Schager since $1,087 is a lot of money to me and having a transmission fail at 60,000 miles of easy driving is absurd given Honda's reputation.
2009Jul 23
Accord 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I purchased a 2003 Honda Accord from Lynnwood Honda. A couple weeks afterward I noticed my car started shifting hard. Now it is like it is slipping. It is very annoying. I heard a rumor that the manufacturer extended the warranty on these vehicles this year. Is this true? If so, how do I go about getting it replaced at only installation? Please let me know if anyone can find out. My Mother and I purchased the exact same type cars same year and make and model within a two week period and both of us are having the same issues. We both do not have any extended warranty on our vehicles. We purchased them as is.
Shaun Smith
Everett, WA
2009Jul 31
Accord V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
I purchased a used 2003 Honda Accord from a dealership. I did not have any warranty on the car. I wanted a Honda because I heard they run forever and are reliable cars. I purchased as is. The following day after I purchased it I noticed it shifting kind of rough. I didn't think anything about it because I traded in my Mustang Convertible and I thought I just might be pushing the gas a little harder then I should. Well, a week goes by and it gets worse. It got to the point of when I pushed on the gas pedal it would not move and the RPMs would go up. Then I let off the gas and pushed again and it would go forward. I called a transmission shop and they told me that the manufacturer extended the warranties on those make and model of cars for the transmissions. I called the local Honda dealership and he said "Oh, no not the 2003s its the 2001s". You will have to pay approximately 3500 for a new transmission. I don't have that kind of money. I just bought this car. You shouldn't run into this when you just get a car. I don't know what to do. This is ridiculous. I recently lost my job and I don't have any money to pay for this. This is not fair. The model is a 3.0L VTec V6.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jan 15
Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 155,000 miles
At 155,000 miles, I was driving about 60 MPH on highway and suddenly the transmission started to vibrate very roughly, speed immediately dropped. I exited to feeder road, and can never drive the car other than at gear D1 or D2. The engine light went on. It was Saturday night. On Monday, I took the car to GoodSon Honda dealer on north I-45 close to exit FM 1960 in Houston. At the end of the day, they told me that I need to have the solenoid replaced before they can further diagnose. I agreed. Then in the course of 3 days, they ended up telling me that the only option is to replace the transmission and the cost is $2,700 for replacement; however, I had to pay $580 for the solenoid replaced I agreed earlier. So after 4 days my car was kept in the shop (and they did not bother provide free car loan as their advertisement flies all around), they charged me $580 and the state of my car when I drove into the dealer is the same as when I picked it up; that is, I could not drive at any gears except D1, D2.
I then brought my car to AACO transmission. They fixed that and charge me $2,500 for replacing the torque converter and clutches. They said it is "re-condition" or "overhaul" the transmission. I paid extra $300 for 36K warranty.
I then drove for another 15K Ok, then the engine light went on. I brought it back to AACO, and charged me $90 and said the problem is the Engine Throttle body and the steering rack, not the transmission.
I then had the engine throttle body and the steering rack replaced; however, after that, the engine light does not go off. Instead, the TCS lights comes on and off.
On 09/18/2009, I brought the car to John Eagle Honda on 290 close to FM 1960 in Houston. They scanned and gave a quote P0741 Torque Converter Clutch stuck off. The cost is $75. I then brought my car back to AACO transmission; by the way, it is located on Veteran Memorial, between West Rd and HWY 249. The store manager is David. I am upset because the last time I brought my car there when the engine light went on, he told me it was engine throttle body and steering rack and charged me $90. Now the problem is proven to be transmission, but he does not show he wants to stand by the warranty that I paid the extra $300 for.
After, Honda Accord EX V6 2003 is great except the transmission. It sucks.
Also, I now doubt that the mechanics at Honda dealer are skilled or good at all. I think they are mediocre or average people.
If you live in Houston, and if you think about bringing your car to a Honda dealer, consider John Eagle Honda first. That is the only place worth bringing your car to.
In addition, always buy 36K warranty for transmission rebuild.
2009Aug 04
Accord Gold 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Transmission failed at 88,000 and replaced at my Honda dealership for $2600.
Didn't know this was such a common complaint or I would have harassed my dealer for a better price. After I had the transmission replaced my check engine light went on, of course half way to my destination for vacation. It's been in the shop for 3 days and they can't figure out whats wrong. First they said it was the oxygen sensor (already replaced once at 65,000). Now they are checking the computer. What the hell happened to Honda? I've had 7 Honda's and this is the first one with problems. Is this company going downhill?? Looks like I'm buying Toyota's from here on out.
2009Jun 20
Accord EX
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
I was fortunate - but the whole thing still bothers me. I took my car in b/c it wouldn't move forwards or backwards. I was told I needed to replace the transmission - completely. I was IN SHOCK and PISSED OFF. I bought the car new. I paid a little extra to get the extended warranty to get me to 100k miles as opposed to the 60k mile warranty they tried to push on me. (note: it was about $2 a month more - no brainer). I now had 102k miles so I was just over the warranty.
I started to complain - and then the girl looked something up and informed me that because of some class action lawsuit that Honda added an additional 5% to my warranty - so instead of 100k miles, it was now 105k miles and i was sitting there at 102k.
Again - I was relieved - but I'm still concerned that I bought a brand new honda - had all the required maintenance and it only got me 102k miles. I asked what the new warranty was - 12k miles - so now I'm concerned that what they replaced it with will fail after 13k miles.
2009Aug 24
Accord EXL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 19,263 miles
Actually, I just wanted to thank all of the Honda owners who took the time to post this valuable info! I almost bought a 2003 V6 EXL with only 131,000 km. I presently own a VW Golf which had a transmission with a design flaw....a new one cost a ridiculous amount of money and endless grief and headaches as VW offered no support whatsoever. So thank-you for saving me from history potentially repeating itself! Although, to the best of my knowledge, the vehicle in question does not have an issue...YET. I'm not willing to go down that road when there are several more honourable auto manufacturers.
Good luck with your issues and the class action suit. More importantly, keep safe, something apparently is not at all concerned with.
R Mikelsons
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 13
Accord SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 129,000 miles
My wife has a 2003 Honda Accord sedan and called me up one afternoon letting me know her car would rev up, but not go anywhere. Since her Uncle is a mechanic we took it to him and left it for a week. He said it seemed like a transmission problem and wouldn't be cheep. I decided to see about recalls and such on the internet and found this site wth the same complaints. still have yet to get it fixed, b/c of the cost and it only does this every once in a while. I figure I'll just baby it until I get it fixed or trade it in.
2009May 20
Accord 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Honda Accord Transmission went out at 85,000 miles. I filed a complaint against the local dealership that would do absolutely nothing to help. My complaint was filed with the BBB at
http://wynco.bbb.org/
I recommend everyone do the same. BBB does sent a letter to the dealership and expects an answer.
good luck.
Greg
2005Aug 19
Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
That was the first time the transmission went out, and avery green honda stated they contacted american honda, and stated they would take care of the transmission for me. they did and it last about another 2 years and 40000 miles complete failure so I brought it in to concord honda and they stated that avery green used my extented waranty instead of replacing with honda transmission. so they used the same company and exactly 2 years later and alittle over 40000 miles and failed again. i called honda and they would not take any responsibity.
2009Jul 23
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
I was driving on the freeway, going approximately 65 mph when my Honda downshifted into second or third gear. It felt like I hit something or slammed on the brakes. My son and his girlfriend were in the back seat and they both screamed. The car skidded and luckily I was in the right lane and pulled off on to the shoulder and then off of the freeway. I then tried to drive slowly and turn the car around, but it would not go into reverse. My son and his girlfriend had to push me backwards, so I could turn around. My car would then not go past 3rd gear. I drove in 3rd gear with my emergency lights on to a place where I could have my car towed.
My car has been serviced exclusively at the Honda dealer where I purchased it and always early. I have never missed a service and only have 59,000 miles on my vehicle.
I called American Honda when I wasn't satisfied with what the dealer offered me, but American Honda wouldn't do anything more for me. They told me they would give me the warranty transmission price of $2,800.00 and they would pay 30% of it and I would be responsible for the other 70%.
I was a Honda lover. My last Honda Accord went over 200,000 miles. I now feel that I got a bad transmission and American Honda will not stand behind their cars. I am very disapppointed in American Honda.
2008Jul 30
Accord V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,645 miles
Dealer first said it was battery. They replaced that charge $200.
Finally replaced tranny. Dealer paid half. Is there going to be
a class action suit so we can collect towing, charges, car rental?
2009Jul 18
Accord LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
I just bought this Honda Accord 2003 last September, September 9, 2008 to be exact and now I'm having transmission problems what the HELL this is such BULLSHIT !!!!!! It started with a family trip to Disney Land for our daughters birthday we were on the 5 towards L.A. when my car just dropped out of gear I was driving 65 then all of a sudden it was as if I was rear ended the car jolted back I looked in the window no one was there. Then I noiticed my car would not excellerate past 30 miles per hour but my RPMS were going off the chart. We had to get the car towed to Honda now they are telling me I need a new transmission sorry but **** that I looked up all of Hondas recall and sure enough 2003 Accord was there for what transmission failure now they are telling me I need a new transmission and it's going to be 5k yeah rite I'm gonna fight Honda on this because my car was deffective and now they need to fix it!!!!!
2009Jul 02
Accord EX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
Same problem w/ the V6 transmission as so many other - revs way up and "maybe" shifts. Wife called in tears, she was driving down the road and the transmission locked up and car screeched to a halt. Took the car in to Honda dealer and they want $5K to replace the transmission. Repair work is 50% of cars blue book value - yeah, sure. Not sure what I'm going to do now - so much for Honda quality.
Update from Jul 12, 2009: So I drove my Accord out of the local Honda dealers and took it to a decent transmission shop. Diagnosis was that the torque converter had come apart inside the tranny and destroyed both pressure solenoids and covered the other 4 solenoids with clutch fluid. Both of the pressure solenoids had to be replaced but, the other 4 were salvageable. Total out the door for the repair was ~$2,750. That stung given the age/mileage of the car but, far better than the $5K the dealer wanted.
After getting the Accord back I promptly sold it - good riddance to bad rubbish.
2009May 25
Accord LX
- Automatic transmission
- 42,253 miles
Problem - I have had with the 2003 Honda Accord transmission, and Honda Canada is refusing to provide any compensation whatsoever.
Here are the basic points:
Our 2003 Honda Accord experienced major transmission failure on May 25, 2009 while traveling on the 401 highway.
The extended warranty that we took was five years or 100,000 km, whichever came first. (However our vehicle had 68,000 km).
The warranty ended only a few months ago, in December 2008.
We took our car to a local Honda dealership to have our car diagnosed, and they said a new transmission was needed.
Honda quoted a price of $4000 to fix the transmission, (which was out of my price range). We decided to take it to Mr. Transmission which was $2000.
This vehicle had problems since the very early stages. In the first month of ownership, the car would not start one day. One month later, there were further problems: deteriorated 110199 VTEC solenoid seal, AC spool gasket, and O-ring. The Service Manager at the time informed us that it was "due to a manufacturing defect".
One of the customer service reps asked me if I would consider compensation for the transmission alone. I responded that the labor cost was nearly as much as the transmission itself. However, when we spoke with him next, he said he had made a mistake and said that Honda would in fact NOT compensate us.
When I mentioned that the 2003 Honda Accord Transmission found on the Web (Bad cars) was one big issue, the other Rep who accompanied Craig quickly claimed this was just a small percentage. This further frustrated and angered me because he basically explained that I got a substandard product after paying the same amount of money. Hence, this "small percentage" of customers who did not get a reliable and dependable automobile should be compensated for.
I would gladly take a rebuilt transmission as compensation.
We are wondering if anybody able to offer us any advice with this matter
2009Jun 25
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,500 miles
Hello All
First of all, WOW!!! I didn't think I was going to find this many people with the same problem. The only good news that I have is that I can cut and paste from other postings to tell of my own woes.
6/25/09 ( Over 90 degrees) My car (2003 Accord, V6 EX, 109,500 miles) decided not to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear and it would seem to be in between shoot the RPMs all the way up and after 3 or 4 seconds it would shift very rough. I was on the highway and the tires locked up for about 2 seconds and then the car shifted down to 2nd gear and it did not move from that gear. I basically dragged the car home then to a local dealership, where I bought the car. I was driving over there, I would incur similar problems and all of the sudden the check engine, TCS and the TCS triangle light came on and the D (for five on clusters) started flashing.
I can't believe that my extended warranty just expired (9000 miles on one contract and 4000 miles plus time on the original contract) and that my car's transmission is shot! After reading all of this, I will think twice before buying another Honda because I have been consistent with the maintenance and this is what I get.
There seems to be is some sort of recall on this but it will just cover the check up. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V176000
Component: POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1099796
According to the dealer, mine was already checked
I have already called the law firm working and left a message
I encourage everyone to call this number: (212) 566-4356. This is Stamell & Schager Law Firm in NY and someone has already started a class action lawsuit. They said there is a good chance of this becoming a reality considering how many people have already added their name to the list. You must take your car to the dealership first and get a price quote for the repairs before you can add your name to the list.
Also, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1 (888) 327-4236 and report the problem. The more voices that are heard the better!
Here is the number for Honda America: 1 (800) 999-1009 just in case you missed it in the posts below.
THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE ON THE ROAD AND IF YOU FEEL LIKE KILLING YOURSELF AND OTHER PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY JUST IGNORE THIS AND GO PAY $3,600.00 (refurbished) TO HONDA. EVEN IF YOU HAVE A WARRANTY AND WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY CALL THEM AND GET YOU NAME ON THE LIST. I was also offered a 3 year/ 36000 mile warranty after I get it fixed.
AGAIN: CALL (212) 566-4356. This is Stamell & Schager Law Firm in NY AND LET'S DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
On a side note, I have actually have had this car lose control on a slippery road (no apparent reason), which put me into a 360. As I was in the 360, the engine shut off. It was surprising that a normal, manic driving road during rush, that no one was around when this happened. I think God had them stopped at a light somewhere.
I have had two other recalls done: Wiper blades stopped working and radio display went black.
The other problem that I have now is that I cannot always remove the key when I'm done driving. I have to wiggle the shifter to unlock the ignition.
This is for another complaint
2009Jun 23
Accord EX 3.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Hey guys, ok my has the same problem as the 175 complaints before this. firs the car started not shifting to from 2nd to 3rd gear but it would just stay in between shoot the RPMs all the way up and after 3 or 4 seconds it would shift ver rough. the one on 06/23/09 i was switching lanes on the highway and the tires locked up for about 2 seconds and then the car shifted down do 2nd gear and it did not move from that gear. i basically dragged the car home and tried to unplug the battery to see if it was something electronic, took the car for a ride and first it fell like when you shift w/o a clutch with a manual transmission for about 1 minute then the car got stuck in second gear and again it did not move from there. All of the sudden the check engine, TCS and the TCS triangle light came on and the D (for frive on cluster) started flashing and the car was also beeping. i stopped at auto zone on my way home and they scanned and the reading says it has something to do with with a solenoid on the transmission or there is a some sort of short circuit on the transmission.
GUYS, ther is some sort of recall on this but it will just cover the check up. what kind of campany issues a recall just for them to tell you that u need a new transmission and then you are on your own. At this moment the car is at honda dealer to get the check up and i am hoping the transmission does not have to be replaced. i have already called the law firm working on this and they said they will call me back soon.
PEOPLE. PLEASE, PLEASE!! CALL (212) 566-4356. This is Stamell & Schager Law Firm in NY. SO WE CAN ACTUALLY GET A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.
THESE CARS ARE NOT SAFE ON THE ROAD AND IF YOU FEEL LIKE KILLING YOURSELF AND OTHER PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY JUST IGNORE THIS AND GO PAY $3,400.00 TO HONDA. EVEN IF YOU HAVE A WARRANTY AND WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY CALL THEM AND GET YOU NAME ON THE LIST.
i also wanted to add that this will be my last Honda ever, and i also feel bad for all you out there that ignore the problem and think it will not happen to you. THIS WILL HAPPEN SOONER THAN LATER WITH YOUR 2003. This car used to be my baby and it was never abused nor i used to race since my insurance is already high enough.
At this moment im hoping that if it has to be replaced Honda will pay for the whole thing or atleast give me a temporary fix. i will keep the info updated on this issue and feel free to contact me for details by clicking on the post.
AGAIN: CALL (212) 566-4356. This is Stamell & Schager Law Firm in NY AND LET'S DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
Update from Jul 3, 2009: Hello again, so here is the solution to the problem, so the car did need a brand new transmision. i called honda again and they gave my case to a case manager (Joshua). he was very polite about the situation and even called me just to let me know that he was going to handle my case. So today 7/03/09 i called my dealership and SURPRISE!! honda will pay full price for the transmision and the labor. This aproach will def. keep me in the market for a new honda and i do have to apologize if i said anything too rough about the company in my original write up. Right now the car is at the shop getting fixed and hopefully ill get it by the end of next week.
PS. i also have to thank Mike at majestic honda in west warwick RI, for being so nice about the whole issue.
2009Jun 19
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
I can't believe that my extended warranty just expired and that my car's transmission is shot! I will really think twice before buying another Honda because I have been consistent with the maintenance and this is what I get. At this point, I haven't decided what to do but I really need a car to get around.
2009Jun 12
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I own a 2003 honda accord. My problem first started when the car would rev up to a higher rpm but would not accelerate. It would not shift btw gears. It did this randomly for about 3 weeks but then it stopped so i did not worry about it. On Friday June 12th 2009, i was driving on the highway about 65 to 70 mph and the car all of sudden felt like i had slammed on the breaks. It kept doing this on and off, then at one point i had got off the highway and was on a side road that i had to turn around on. I was turning around and was in the middle of the road (it was back dead end road) and was sideways in the middle of the U turn and the car would not reverse. I put it in reverse however it would not go. I was stuck in the middle of a road sideways and could not go anywhere. After trying several times taking it in and out of reverse it finally reversed. I drove it home however it would still skip gears and also jerk so bad that it felt like i was slamming on the breaks. I drove it to the Honda dealership in Oklahoma city - eskridge Honda- and paid 90 for a diagnostics test. THey called me about 45 mins later and informed me that i had transmission failure and would need to replace my transmission and quoted me price of 3400.00!!! My first instinct was "this car is a 2003 Honda"- i cant believe the transmission is already having to be replaced!!! I have kept this car in top notch service getting all the required maintenance checkups/service and oil changes. I immediately went home and got on the computer to see if this was a common issue and to my surprise found that it was a huge common issue with the 2003 Honda accords. IT was the weekend when this occurred. I will be calling Honda corp first thing in the morning (Monday). THis is absolutely absurd for this to happen is such a so called great car "Honda". I am hoping the pay for the replacement and there should be a recall on this! It could have caused a severe accident.
2009May 15
Accord EX Coup 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
Well, even though my problem is EXACTLY the same as every single one listed below on this site, I figured I would document the problem anyway.
I purchased my 2003 Honda Accord V6 coup (automatic transmission) in June of 2008 from the original owner. She had EVERY scheduled maintenance and oil change done at Carmichael Honda, CA (near Sacramento) and had kept meticulous records. She said there had been no problems with the car and after an inspection, the car was deemed to be in perfect condition.
In May of 2009, with approximately 109,000 on the car, I experienced my first gear-slippage when the car was shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. I was stepping on the gas and the RMPs revved up to 6K or 7K but would not go forward. I was on a slight incline and decided to let up on the gas and gently try and accelerate again. Same thing happened so I shifted into neutral, then back into D2 and tried again. After doing this a few times, it finally engaged and I could continue on my way. This happened again the same night and by then I knew something was VERY wrong.
This problem continued for several weeks, occurring more frequently as the days passed. A friend of my Mom's used to work for Honda in Shingle Springs, CA but now works for an independent mechanic. When she told him about the problem my car had been having, he said that this exact problem was VERY common in 2003 Accords and mentioned the recall in 2004. Because he was very knowledgeable and close to home, I took it to him for a diagnostic ($120). Within the day, he called to confirm that the transmission was completely shot and needed to be replaced. This is when I started to look online and found out that the 2003 Accord transmission problems were not merely common, they were an EPIDEMIC!!!
Next, I called Honda in Shingle Springs to see if they had any experience with this type of problem in the '03 Accords. The service rep Casey told me he had never heard of this problem, which I now know was a COMPLETE AND UTTER LIE! He said for him to take any action, I would have to bring it to the dealership and they would have to do their own diagnostic. From there, he said he would contact Honda Corporate and ask for assistance. I will be sure to get the claim number and name of the claim manager so I can contact him or her directly if needed. I would HOPE the dealership will go to bat for me but if not, I will take things into my own hands.
Today, June 10th, I am dropping my car off at the dealership and will have more to report later. I am going to keep this complaint updated as others have before me. It has been very helpful to read what others have written and yes, I read all 173 complaints!!! At this point, I am unwilling to settle for anything less than 100% coverage from Honda despite being out of warranty. In addition, I expect a FREE loaner car while my car is being repaired and I would like a reimbursement for the TWO diagnostics I have to have done. It is very clear that this problem is not due to consumer neglect or lack of maintenance. I have done ALL that could have been done to keep this car in good working condition. And while 110,000 is A LOT it is a mere fraction of the mileage my other Honda have had before a major repair was required.
I encourage everyone to call this number: (212) 566-4356. This is Stamell & Schager Law Firm in NY and someone has already started a class action lawsuit. They said there is a good chance of this becoming a reality considering how many people have already added their name to the list. You must take your car to the dealership first and get a price quote for the repairs before you can add your name to the list.
Also, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1 (888) 327-4236 and report the problem. The more voices that are heard the better!
Here is the number for Honda America: 1 (800) 999-1009 just in case you missed it in the posts below.
Stay tuned for updates
Update from Jun 12, 2009: Today is Friday June 12th, and after many phone calls and hours of debating, pleading, arguing etc., I do have some news to report.
After it was confirmed by my Honda dealership yesterday that my transmission was indeed shot, I was given an estimate of $3,490 to replace it in addition to a laundry list of other repairs that need to be done (supposedly). I had already faxed over all the service records from a different Honda dealership and the service rep said those would be helpful when asking for 'assistance' from Honda. The next day (today), the service rep called to say that Honda would split the cost of the parts and labor 50/50 bringing my total to $1,500. HOWEVER, this agreement was contingent upon the repair of my axles (can't remember exactly what is wrong with them) which would be another $650. Grand total: $2,150. This would include a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty. I told him this wasn't good enough and said I would call him back after I made a few phone calls.
I called Honda America and spoke with a man I could HARDLY understand who was LESS than helpful. He said that the 50/50 split was WAY more than most people were offered and I should be happy. He said there was nothing more he could do and I could take it up with the District Parts and Services Manager if I wanted to press the issue. He advised me not to do so as Honda could rescind their offer at any time. I asked if he had the contact information for this person and he said no, but my dealership would.
I called the dealership back and asked for the number of the District Parts and Services Manager to which they said that is a private number and is never given out. I was then transferred to the Manager of Shingle Springs Honda who I then pleaded my case to. He was aware of my situation but said there was nothing else he could do. I explained that me and the previous owner had done EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER to keep this car in good working condition: frequent oil changes, regular scheduled maintenance and other check ups....what more could be expected??? Was he just saying I had plain old bad luck??? After much reasoning (and perhaps some begging) he said he would call the District Parts and Services Manager one more time and try and negotiate a better deal....but NO PROMISES! I told him that I appreciated the effort and would be waiting ot hear back form him on Monday. He was very agreeable and I hope that he will give it his best shot.
Again, stay tuned for updates....
2009May 17
Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,565 miles
VERY IMPORTANT!!! (read to the end)
After about 6 years of smooth operation (~110,000km). The transmission started causing trouble. Every so often, the transmission would jump to 1st gear. Sometimes, the gear wouldn't shift at all causing the engine to reach high revs. We had to pull over off the highway a few times (very dangerous). Turning the car off and on was a very short term fix.
We called Honda in hopes of a discount for a new transmission (Hondas should last 10+ years). Honda asked how many times we had replaced the transmission fluid during our 110K km. We told them once, but they argued that it should have been replaced TWICE (which I later uncovered from the manual to be a complete lie!). Honda refused to help. What a shame, I thought Honda was supposed to be the only honest and reliable car company. Guess not.
We decided TO HELL WITH HONDA and let the accord roll off a cliff. Just kidding. Sorry, please keep reading. We decided we didn't want to pay 4 grand for a new transmission since 4 grand is about half the current value of the car. Instead, we decided to buy a refurbished transmission off of a totalled 2005 Accord (with the intention of selling the car to an unsuspecting buyer ASAP). Now this is where the shock comes in...I know what you're thinking and no, it doesn't have anything to do with compatibility of the 2005 transmission.
We heard about a very good and cheap car mechanic with a lot of experience. Normally, I wouldn't consider taking a toy car to this guy, let alone a real car. But we really didn't care about the Accord anymore, we just wanted it fixed, sold, and forgotten even if the fix was temporary with duct tape. Okay, are you ready for this? The car mechanic suggested that the problem may not even be the transmission's fault. He told us that the person who replaced our transmission fluid accidentally added about 1 Litre more than he was supposed to. This would explain a lot. Excess transmission fluid really can cause the transmission to slip. It also explains why turning the car off and on again was a short term fix (i.e. the pressure would settle).
Sure enough, after spending about sixty bucks (yup, $60), the transmission feels like new again (knock on wood). I guess we won't be getting rid of this car for a while now.
2009May 27
Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I was shocked to have this kind of a problem with a Honda, which has such a good reputation for reliability. When I called customer service I was certain that they would recognize the issue and offer me a discount due to their obvious design problem. Instead they offered nothing and left me out to dry. I owned several Toyotas before buying a Honda and never experienced this kind of issue. When I pay extra for a car - which I do with Hondas and Toyotas - I expect superior performance. Honda has really disappointed me. Next time around - which will be soon - I'm going back to Toyota.
2009May 25
Accord EX - V6 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,500 miles
We felt a slippage in the transmission on our 2001 Honda Odyssey with 128,000 miles and got a good sale value before it went up. Two days after we sold it and before replacing it (possibly with a 2009 Odyssey - I may be a glutton for punishment) the transmission on my 2003 Accord failed. I started to feel it slipping a couple of weeks ago and still am in disbelief that a reputable and well cared for car has let me down. I cannot believe all the other posts like this one. I looked up the 2003 Camry and saw 4 posts for transmission issues. Since I am in the market for an Odyssey I will try to negotiate a decent cost on repair. I really am not up for buying two new cars at once and unless I am well cared for may have to look at Honda alternatives.
Update from May 26, 2009: The dealership went to bat for me and negotiated some assistance from Honda Corporate. It paid off to be loyal to the dealership and have my service work done there. The warranty on the repair was 3 YEARS 50,000 miles so that was better than the local transmission shop offered as well. They also beat the lowest price I had found on a new Odyssey and I was totally impressed with my test drive. I am bummed the transmission failed on the ACCORD but I have been treated fairly and am pleased that Honda helped me out with the cost of the repair.
2009May 14
Accord EX V6 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 62,500 miles
At first the car started shifting slowly or clunking slightly when shifting into third gear. I figured I'd have the fluid changed as part of the 60000 mile service. Then the problem got worse -- driving in speed up/slow down traffic on a busy street, the front wheels locked up entirely after a downshift into third gear. It released and shifted into gear and I was able to continue driving, but needless to say this was a scary situation -- easily could have resulted in an accident. I took the car into the dealer and they reported that the transmission would require total replacement at a cost of $3600. I found this forum, read some of the posts, and spoke to both the dealer and Honda customer service requesting a good will discount. The most they wanted to do was a 10 % "major service" coupon discount. I shopped around some transmission shops and got some lower quotes, and moved the car away from the dealer. THEN the dealer got in gear, called Honda themselves, and Honda offered to pay 25 % of the cost on the condition that I provide all my service records. $2700 is still more than the estimate I received at the transmission place, so I went that route instead. I guess I'll see how it turns out. I'm disappointed that Honda didn't offer me at least some assistance up front, because a major failure of this type at only 62,000 miles is pretty ridiculous. My impression of this car and of Honda in general has definitely changed as a result.
2007Nov 20
Accord EX
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
The transmission was replaced with a re manufactured transmission from H&A in California. That transmission also gave out 29,000 miles later and now I need another transmission! I also bought this Honda because Hondas are known for their "reliability!" Not again for sure. I am afraid to have the transmission replaced again because it sounds like something else that is causing the transmission to fail.
2009May 15
Accord LX
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I see a lot of people with the same problem and this is awful that a car like honda would have this problem and this is not my first honda at all but now i am really considering with going with another manufacture. i have a 2003 honda accord i bought it new on vacation in florida and drove it home because i fell in love with it so about 5 months after owning it it started making noise. took it to dealer for oil change and so i asked about the noise they said thats nothing, that all honda make that noise. so of course i bought it because i was a new car so i guess it would just go away. no it did not it just stayed until recently when i had it at the dealer and i was talking to one of the honda tech that i have had become friends with and he said that the transmission was going to go he said not now but soon. Yes it did about 2 months later i was driving going About 60 mph on i495 and the car jerked hard and the car slowed down, and so i got off the highway and took the streets and about 3 miles that car stopped. so i parked it turned it off and waited about 5 min and turned it on and it drove about 1 mile until it jerked again the i stopped it and shut the car off then tried it again. but that was it. it would not move and the check engine light turn on and the green D flashed and that was it so i had to call a tow truck to drive me about 4 miles to my house and that was
$ 95.00. so the next day i called honda customer service were i got a rep that took my compliant were a honda rep called me to let me know that i should bring the car in do have it check out so this were im at. will let you know more when i get more information but seriously this problem should be recalled also make a complain with the department on nhtsa.com so that they me this a recall or go to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm
2009Feb 20
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
Same issues already reported, failure of 2nd gear. When I took it to the dealer they said it was a classic issue, they've had others, related to the previous recall, since Honda could have replaced it for free during the recall they would most likely offer a goodwill replacement. According to the tech adviser, he had been successful getting Honda to pay 80% of the cost of replacement. He said he would submit the goodwill request on my behalf and get back to me. The next day he called to say he was right, they would pay 80% and I had to pay 20% but he would have to call back to schedule the replacement when they could get a transmission delivered. When he called back he said he had misread the quote and I would be responsible for 80% and Honda would cover 20%. Since others on this site and other sites have reported more satisfactory service from Honda and since I expected better service I spent nearly 4 weeks trying to talk to managers and others who could get a better deal or at least honor the original price I was quoted. Many excuses later, including the service manager taking a vacation, I was stuck paying the 80% to get the transmission replace. Some of the excuses include, Honda has changed their policy recently... Due to the economy... Their policy is not to do anything after (pick one) 60,000 miles, 80,000 miles, 90,000 miles.
The only slim positive is that they were giving me the "warranty" pricing and it supposedly comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty on the refurbished transmission. However I was not able to get anything in writing regarding the warranty so who knows.
And of course my car is one with the odometer issues so the actual mileage on my car is about 3% less.
This was my first Honda and probably my last and I also don't feel the need to take it to a Honda dealer for service any longer. Spread the word, HONDA NO LONGER STANDS FOR QUALITY AND RELIABILITY.
2009May 16
Accord ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
First reverse went out, then 5 minutes into driving on the highway the highest gear went out, then 3rd. Honda dealer offerd to pay for $700 at first, then I complained more and got it up to $1,300 kicked in. This is at 84,000 miles. This is such a crock. My 1998 Toyota Camry that I just gave to my daughter has over 160,000 with no major problems. What has happened to Honda? Heck, I could have bought a way less expensive car and had less problems? I used to love these things. Our 2002 Odyssey also had the trans out, but at least it made it to 134,000. I hope someone can tell me the class action suit that is going down and a contact.
Thanks for letting me vent.
2009Apr 08
Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
My son owns one of these cars and his transmission suddenly downshifted to a low gear while on the highway. He was traveling at about 60 mph. We looked into the problem on the internet and found way too many complaints for the same issue for this to be an isolated incident. We contacted Honda and got the same run around we see others on this site talk about. Neither the dealer or Honda Motor Co. were aware of any common problems with this transmission. Estimates for repairs ran from $3200.00 to $4500.00. Knowing a little something about automatic transmissions I decided to take on this rebuild myself.
When I was removing this transmission from the car I was somewhat surprised to find there was no external transmission fluid cooler like you find on most other cars with automatic transmissions. After removing the end cover my suspicions were confirmed. The 3rd gear clutch pack was very dark. Upon dis assembly I inspected the frictions and discovered they were deteriorated from operating at a very high temp. When I disassembled the valve body I found a filter screen totally clogged with pieces of the 3rd gear friction plates. The main separator plate was also discolored like it was operating too hot. All other clutch packs showed signs of normal wear. I rebuilt the transmission and installed an aftermarket transmission cooler. The car seems to work fine at the moment but it is really to early to tell if the problems were solved. I don't understand why Honda wouldn't have installed a trans cooler on these cars at the factory or at least during the recall they had on these transmissions a few years ago.
2009May 08
Accord LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
i wont waste my time with the details because if you read one you have read them all. its obvious there's a manufacturers defect with this line of transmission. so while American Honda gives you their standardized spill about your service records on your transmission and the fact that you are out of warranty and its all your fault and they may or may not give you any GOODWILL Assistance . I'm convinced that American Honda has taken the position of their bottom line is more important than our life.
come on people wake up the i truly understand this situation has placed us all in some difficult situations with no vehicle or really pressed to get it fixed. This i know for sure Honda doesn't care about lost of life, expense, inconvenience as a result of their neglect .The only loss they care about is yes you guessed their bottom line. Can you see those top executives in their lavished board rooms smoking a cigars and saying sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me lol.
American Honda doesn't care about independent web sites that have negative complaints about their product what we need to do is expose American Honda and start a class action law suit it is my mission to do just that . No one has to die to get this matter resolved as for me im not going to keep this vehicle repaired or not but i know this American Honda will reap what they have sown. I will keep my fellow brothers and sisters posted united we must stand
Update from May 16, 2009: just an update on the current status of my 03 accord tranmission. its is currently being repaired at a honda dealership after a GOODWILL assistance of 25 % discount I will have a bill of $2,149.00 its about the average. Like many of the other consumers im still not satisfied , so I insist we get the word out on a national level and try to get a signature list of willing class action participants. I have spoken to several lawyers and before they will take the case he/she must see figures to justify the time and expense that it will take for a class action like this. As i said before it is now my mission to be proactive in this matter no one has to die or get hurt before any action is taken unless someone wants to be a sacrificial lamb for the team (just kidding). I have emailed various major tv networks and talk shows that can get the word out nationally if they choose to investagate our situation , such as CNN investagate, oprah show, inside edition, NHTSA, congressman, attorney general and the BBB . The way i see it we pay for american honda negligence now but they will pay us later so i would advise everyone to do the same. One complaint may turn a head but thousand of emails may open their eyes. United we must stand , if anyone has started a class action please post the info.
Update from May 28, 2009: I now have my car fixed now that I have something to ride in I can handle the business at hand. To all whom feel American Honda has willfully put their lives at risk I would advise everyone to call Stamell & Schager law firm
at (212) 566-4356 and have your name added to the list of concerned consumers. If they get enough complaints they can move forward on pursuing a class action. I also recommend that you record all losses incurred as a result of this problem
2009May 14
Accord Honda 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Honda ACCORD 2003 V6-85,000 MILES TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, THEN FAILURE. The PROBLEM is like the many reports on this website regarding HONDA V6 ACCORD TRANSMISSION. My transmission has gone on my 2003 Accord with ONLY 85,000 MILES ON IT. Had the car diagnosed at Markley Motors Honda in Fort Collins Colorado 80527-0520.
I submitted the problem to 'American Honda', and because of the sheer dangerous condition the car displayed today, probably won't drive the car until 'American Honda' DECIDES to do something about this.
I, or my wife, kids could have being killed if we were on a freeway and it locked at acceleration like it did today twice. Warning to others, this is not a simple Honda Transmission problem, it is severe enough where it shakes the entire car.
I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER HONDA ANYTHING, let this be a warning to all regarding HONDA. They HAVE NOT ISSUED a RECALL for this vehicle for THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. The cost to me has being, $98.00 for a diagnostic test. MARKLEY Motors wants $3,413.16 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION.
Update from May 17, 2009: No update yet regarding American Honda's and my discussion. However, I would recommend everyone on this site and elsewhere to flood all information on the Internet related to Honda Sites-Just google Honda, and look for sites that contain leave a comment, and copy or write a new message regarding your 2003 V6 Accord. thanks.
Update from May 19, 2009: Update on the money I have spent waiting for American Honda to respond to their transmission problem with the Accord V6 2003- I have spent $96.00 on diagnostics, and now $170.00 on a rental car. I cannot afford either frankly, and this is getting fairly frustrating.
Update from May 27, 2009: Lets see, after calling American Honda a 1/2 dozen times at least, cannot seem to speak to the 'Case Manager' who is supposedly dealing with Markley Honda in Fort Collins in order to provide some kind of goodwill. Regardless, we are still renting a car, with the price going up every day. This is probably just a way for American Honda to delay long enough, so that I just give up and pay full price.
Update from May 27, 2009: Here is the Honda Motor Company top executives- now if we could only get their email addresses- we could mass email these executives with the carcomplaints from this web site.
Update from May 27, 2009: Just got my phone call from American Honda, a Ron Rubinosf said "Honda has decided not to participate in my transmission problem at this time". He told me that their policy is to follow whatever the District Parts & Service Manager recommends. He said he cannot tell me the name of the "District Parts & Service Manager", so that I cannot contact him.
I mentioned to Mr. Rubinosf, that the result of their decision will be a class action lawsuit, and then the "District Parts & Service Manager" will have to 'legally' provide his name at that time. I also told him that unfortunately, this class action lawsuit will probably happen once someone is killed by the transmission stopping abruptly at freeway speeds.
Needless to say, it is all a scam, they don't want to pay, but assuredly will pay when a death/accident occurs, which will happen sooner or later. This is really unfortunate on several levels- our financial well-being, and our financial health as people that trusted Honda are being abused incredibly.
IF anyone knows the "District Parts & Service Manager" for Northern Colorado, I would appreciate it, if they could provide me with contact information.
Mr. Rubinosf is only a regional case manager, and he dwells in Torrance California.
Update from May 28, 2009: American Honda finally got back to me after 1 1/2 weeks paying for a rental care, and said "Honda's participation is none at this time". This statement came from a 'case manager' and the decision was made by a District parts and service manager. The case manager would not give me the name of the District Manager, in order to discuss the matter any further.
Update from Jun 1, 2009: Here are the Japanese exectutives to contact to get their attention:
Executive Biography:
Contact this company: 800-999-1009
How does the role of contribute to the American Honda Motor executive team? With Hoover's you get up-to-date information on American Honda Motor executives, officers, and board members. Executive biographies usually include recent work history, salary, career progression, and a review of other company affiliations. Salary and bonus are provided for American Honda Motor executives when available.
CALL NOW (866) 281-9168 or register below to learn how you can access all of American Honda Motor's executive information.
American Honda Motor Executives Include
Chairman Koichi Kondo
President Tetsuo Iwamura
Go to this site to send more information to these executives, (Hoover provides free trial)
http://www.hoovers.com/american-honda-motor/--ID__159871,OID__,target__company_executive--/free-co-samples-index.xhtml
Update from Aug 14, 2009: I have reported this to the Better Business Bureau, https://wynco.app.bbb.org/complaint/view/46019657/c/ed9kzc
The first response from Honda Dealership, is directed me to contact American Honda- which I already did, and that achieved the response "won't participate in any refunds". Here is what the dealership in Fort Collins said,
Contact Name and Title: Roger Belisle, GM
Contact Phone: 970-226-2213
Contact Email: rbelisle@markleymotors.com
We submitted this customers concerns to American Honda and they informed us the vehicle was out of warranty and they would not pay for any of the repairs. If he wants to complain directly to American Honda we will be more than happy to provide him with an address or telephone number. I will be out of town until 8/31/09 but will be happy to talk to him when I return.
2009Apr 27
Accord LX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,526 miles
Once a brand name is made, a manufacturer can increase the price, reduce quality or do both. And Honda has chosen the latter. Paid top bucks for a car that thought would last at least 10 years without major problems and in fact I have to sell it to scrap yard after only 6 years. I hope others won't make my mistake though.
2009Apr 25
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
On Friday, 4/24/09, I noticed a couple of abrupt upshifts in my transmission. Then, on Saturday, 4/25/09 (a hot day), the engine would wind to a higher rpm than usual without shifting to the next gear unless I backed off of the throttle a little. It got worse the further I drove it. I took it in to my Honda Dealer who ran a diagnostic ($73.99). This revealed "an internal failure." I was told it would require a transmission replacement, and it may cost as much as $4000.
When I drove it home, I needed to very slowly accelerate from stops, and, at one point, a very fast-traveling pickup truck zoomed up behind me while I was babying my upshifts and just laid down on the horn (as if I had a choice in the matter).
I found out Monday morning (4/27/09) that the cost to replace the transmission would be $3600 and they would try to get the transmission in and installed by Wednesday, 4/29/09. I told him I had bought the car at that dealership and had all my scheduled maintenance's done at that location as well. Also, I had the automatic transmission recall service performed in 2004. I asked if the new transmission would need to have the transmission fluid replaced at 30,000 miles rather than 60,000 miles. He said I had already been getting all my transmission fluid changes done every 30,000 miles. I asked if the new transmission was really "new" or "refurbished." He said the only part of the new transmission that is used is the casing. He said all the internal parts are new. I was told the previous day by the parts rep that it would have a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty.
The service rep was nice enough to offer a car (2009 CRV) for me to drive while my car was at the dealer. Within a half an hour after leaving the dealer, I got a call at work from the service rep and found out that he had gone to bat for me with a call to Honda. He said Honda agreed to pay for a portion of the cost, and my new cost will be $2200 instead of $3600 (a $1400 savings). I thanked him, and, after hanging up the phone, I began thinking that Honda should pay more of the bill than this, since I did everything a customer can possibly be expected to do to properly maintain the car, and the tranny still went out at 93,000 miles. So, I called Honda Customer Service (1-800-999-1009) and spoke with a lady who was polite, but insisted that Honda would not foot more than 20% of the bill, since my car was out of warranty. But, she said since I bought the car new at the dealer and gave them all of my service business, that they (the dealer) may possibly agree to a discount. I called the service rep back, and after he spoke with the service manager, he called me back to say that, of the $1400 discount I was quoted, half came from Honda, and half came from the dealership already. Also, he said it was unusual for the dealer to offer a car to drive while my car was in the shop. When I got home from work, there was a message on my answering machine for me to call the service rep again. I called him and he said he could save me a few dollars by offering me the "Rewards Program" that costs $24.99. He said with the cost of the transmission replacement, it would give me points equal to $80 that I could apply to future services. So, I told him to sign me up.
It is highly frustrating that the Honda Accord EX-V6 would require a complete automatic transmission replacement after only 93,000 miles. It is also frustrating that Honda would not agree to pay for more of the cost. But, the overall $1400 discount, free loaner car, and rewards program offer are very much appreciated. If these things hadn't been provided, I would have been so outraged that I may have decided not to buy a Honda again. But, I really love Honda cars. Even this one has been very reliable until this transmission issue. My hope is that Honda will issue an extension of the Accord V6 automatic transmission warranty to 7 years and 100,000 miles as they did in 2002 for that year and earlier models. Also, depending on how many people have this problem, they may need to issue a recall; or at least send a letter out to customers informing them of this problem and recommend measures to preclude transmission failure.
As a side note, when I got to work and went to a conference call, one of the guys on the call said the same thing happened to him with his 2001 Accord. Also, a couple of friends who own Odysseys have had the problem. So, it looks like Honda needs to address this V6 automatic transmission issue if they haven't already in newer models.
2009Apr 23
Accord LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,900 miles
My complaint is just like every other complaint on this page. My transmission started to have problems shifting from second to third gear, then about a week later it went completely out. I thought Honda's were legendary for reliability. Guess not!
I took it in to our local Honda dealer and they got Honda to do a 50/50 split for parts and labor. I guess that was decent compared to what other have gotten. However I am still furious that the transmission even went out. Then to top it off it is not just me but hundreds of others have had the same problem.
Make sure to call the Lawyer in New York that is referenced further down in the forum. It is ridiculous that for Honda to do anything there will probably have to be some type of tragic accident.
2009Apr 06
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,843 miles
I own one of the many 2003 Accords that experienced transmission failure - due to mileage, Honda agreed to pay only 25% of the total bill - $3,150 for a refurbished one. Well I've had the car back since Saturday - drove it to and from work and now the transmission is slipping AGAIN!!! As I feared - the refurbished one is just a cleaned up version of the same old crappy design and now it's already causing problems!! The thing that ticked me off the most is the arrogance of the dealership to tell me "now on this transmission, you should be sure to replace the fluids every 30,000" - like I didn't do what I was supposed to on the first transmission. I reminded them of the fact that I did replace the fluids at 60,000 and that the manual says 110,000! Grrrrrr....
So I filed a claim with the NTSA and will now be contacting the lawyer listed on this site - this is absolutely ridiculous!!
2009Apr 15
Accord EX 4.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
Well, considering that I bought a Honda based on the fact of their great reputation for being reliable, fuel efficient, and great resale value, I am thoroughly disgusted that after 74, 000 miles I am replacing a transmission. There were no signs or symptoms of transmission failure until as I was driving the transmission slipped to a lower gear, and then the dash "D" light began to blink with the engine light on. Seeing as to how I was on a 65 mile per hour highway, I was extremely upset. When I called Honda after seeing multiple complaints on 2003 transmissions, there was, "Nothing they could provide for me because I did not purchase an extended warranty on the vehicle." This is just not fair.... After seeing these complaints as well, I will again be contacting Honda to try to get reimbursed for this on going fiasco....
2009Mar 25
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
I purchased a 2003 used Honda Accord in October of 2008, and in March of 2009 (owning the car five months) the transmission is shot. Had the oil changed on a Sunday, and all fluids checked, everything looks great! On the following Saturday the car would not go above 25 mph. I had trouble driving the car up a medium sized hill to get through town. I took it to a Honda dealer, the closest one is about 65 miles away down a interstate, with a speed limit of 70. My car would shift past 2nd gear if I took it slow and kept pumping the gas, very bad for the engine, it would rev really high then finally shift on to the 3rd gear with a big jerk. Once we got to the Honda dealer, they checked it out and found that the transmission would need to be replaced with a re manufactured but they did not have one that I could purchase. When I asked about how that would effect the chance of getting a good will warranty to cover any portion of my repairs they said because of this economically hard time Honda is not offering any good will coverage. Besides all I need to do is go to a junk yard and purchase a used transmission because it has most likely already been rebuild.
So I asked so Honda is aware that there is an issue with the transmissions, and was replied no there is not an issue with the transmissions, you are one of the first customers to come in with this problem. BULL SH*T!!! They said my other option since they do not have any available transmissions would be to have it rebuilt but I really didn't need to drive my car because the transmission was in such bad shape.
This is my second Honda Accord, I purchased another because of how reliable the first was. Little did I know that the 2003 Honda's are a piece and Honda does not stand behind them at all!!! I took it to a local dealer on March 30th (there is only one deal in a 80 mile radius that will even work on Honda transmissions, so my choice was very slim) since I had no other choice. He said it would be ready on April 3rd (Friday) or 6th (Monday) Today is the 15th and I still am without a car, and when I called today, now there is also "some kind of electrical problem related to the transmission that he is trying to get worked out"... scary...
In less than one week my transmission fluid had gone from pretty clean and clear to completely burnt, with second and third gears completely wiped out, including the drum which cost more. When I called Honda again to ask about the good will warranty stuff they said they owe me nothing, since I didn't buy the car new and purchase an extended warranty I would need to accept the loss and pay to fix my car since it is not their issue. Especially since I did not get my car repaired at the Honda dealer, they couldn't even consider any assistance, when asking what I was suppose to do since Honda doesn't have any transmissions they said, we do they are just not available for you since you do not have a warranty. They are on hold for customers with a warranty.
I would like to know who still has a warranty on a 2003 car with 90,000 miles... no one. I will NEVER buy another Honda again because they do not stand behind their cars. They know there is an issue with the transmissions on the 2003 Honda Accords and they are doing nothing to fix this problem. There was a class action suit in California for a number of vehicles including the 1999-2002 Accords, because of the exact same issue with the transmissions. I think that Honda customer service is absolutely ridiculous. If they continue to ignore peoples cry for assistance because of the poor economy, they are going to have to foot the bill somewhere and it will be with their new vehicles not selling because they will not stand behind there cars. I have seen many comments that say the same as mine, I will not buy another Honda....
I hope anyone else with these issues has better luck than myself with any assistance from Honda.
2009Feb 09
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
There was a recall on this model and Honda said they serviced said vehicle but exactly what the recall was for : it happened
2009Apr 03
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Very similar to the other posts, my Accord slipped out of gear while driving Friday night. It went back in pretty quickly, and was working intermittently all weekend. The following Wednesday, it gave out completely, and I got it towed to the dealership.
The dealership said that the transmission was shot and needed to be replaced. I was very fortunate that it was covered under the Honda Certified Used warranty for the Powertrain. Marilyn, my service rep at Capital Honda (Lansing, MI) said that it would have an attached 36 month 36,000 mile warranty on the new one, and should be ready in a day or two. I hope that is correct.
From everything I've read on this site, I think I'll be selling the car before the warranty goes.
2009Mar 06
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
So has anyone ever received the so called "good will repair" for replacement of my transmission. I'm living overseas working for the US government. I bought my Accord in the US and had it shipped. Based upon rumors of the "good will repair", I called Honda Customer Service on 6 March. It sounded like if I were still in the US or on active duty military overseas, they might be able to help, but since I'm not, no dice. So, I wrote a letter detailing the problem. Last week, I received a letter from Ron Rubinoff, a regional case manager asking me to call him. I tried several times, leaving a message each time. He never called back. Finally, when I got his answering machine, I punched "zero" and got a person. She managed to track him down. Apparently, Honda doesn't want anything in writing as they won't deny a claim in a letter or via email - they want to tell you on the phone. All he had to say was due to the year and mileage of my vehicle, Honda couldn't do anything. Well, I could have saved about $ 25.00 in international calls had they just mailed that information.
Honda knows very well that there is a black mark on this car. It can cause a severe safety problem. I was lucky, my transmission failed during rush hour. So, at least I was able to slowly drive it home (it wouldn't shift out of 2nd). I had just exited a freeway - I could have been in an accident if the transmission had failed then.
In my letter to Honda, I noted that I would be buying another car upon return to the US this summer in hopes that if they didn't pay for my repair, they might at least offer me a coupon on a new car. Based upon this problem and Honda's lack of acknowledgment of responsibility, this is my first and last Honda.
2009Mar 27
Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
I was driving down a very busy interstate during Friday afternoon rush hour when the engine began revving and the car slowed to 20mph. Nearly got rear ended, side swiped and just missed getting crushed by a semi trying to cross 2 lanes of traffic while "coasting". Got off to the side of the road and turned the car off. Cried a little, I was SCARED! Called my husband who stayed on the phone while I restarted car and much to my relief, made it home with no further incidents. Husband went to dealership and told them about the problem. They recommended a drain and fill but wanted way too much money so he bought the fluid from them and did the drain and fill at home the next day. Test drove alright, slipping a little but nothing like what happened to me that Friday. He drove the car a few days with no issues other than slippage so he called dealer and made an appointment for the following day, Tuesday.
I drove the car to take our son to school that Tuesday morning before the appointment. While traveling about 45mph down a very busy 2 lane "country" road the car jerked hard a couple of times then came to a dead stop. We ended up sideways in the road with cars running off the road around us to keep from hitting us. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. Had the car towed home and called a trusted mechanic who informed us about the recall and the "overall sh@!y tranny Honda put in those year models". Only took one google search to turn up what I'm guessing is thousands of complaints just like ours. Honda Customer Service stated the recall had been completed May 9, 2005. They only cover a recall once ya know. Couldn't tell me where or what was done to the car at that time. Advised me that it wasn't a recall on the transmission but on the "oil cooler jet" and they were usually just checked to make sure they functioned properly. What a complete load of crap! I found the actual recall on NHTSA and read a few of the 194 some odd complaints and decided to call back and request a goodwill repair. Boy, the agent didn't like it when I answered her "what do you want American Honda to do about it" question with "I'm requesting a goodwill repair." She immediately YELLED " A GOODWILL REPAIR, WHAT'S THAT? DID YOU READ THAT OFF SOME BLOG? WHERE DID YOU HEAR THAT TERM? IT'S NOT LAYMANS TERMS SO WHO TOLD YOU TO ASK FOR THAT?" Apparently folks, we are all stupid. She then began grilling me about maintenance records and the mechanics that had serviced my car. Apparently folks, if you ain't a Honda tech you don't know what the hell you are doing.
I wasn't told when I bought my car that it could only be serviced at a Honda dealership.
I'm waiting for the regional case manager to call me back. Meanwhile the car is sitting at the dealership needing a new transmission. We have a 1995 Chevy pickup with 205k miles and we have NEVER had a major issue. Bought a Honda for the "dependability" and nearly got killed. I hope they see things my way and fix their screw up or there's gonna be one more Honda at a wholesale auction. I'll do my part to drive down resale value.
2009Mar 10
Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
I spent a month researching when I bought my Honda (used) 18 months ago. Everyone told me that "Honda's last forever". I had no problems with it (as far as I was concerned) until last month. I did have to replace the brakes on it ($800+), but thought...."brakes wear out, seems reasonable". But, on March 8th - the same thing started happening to me as what all of you are reporting. Slipping transmission, no forward power, let it sit for a few minutes it'll take off again, but then suddenly lose power again. At first it was very, very slight - so I scheduled a service with my regular shop. Before my appointment, the transmission completely failed.
My regular shop told me I needed to replace the transmission (would be re manufactured), at a price of $4,000. I said I'm going to have to shop around at that price. Finally, I took it to a good friends shop (that I also trusted). He was aware that there was an issue with a "shifter module". He said bring it over and we'll see if that's what it is. Nope, it needed the transmission replaced - he said third gear was completely gone. Now we're having a hard time even finding a transmission to even replace it with. He said he might just have to rebuild it. I asked "what will that cost me". He said he wasn't even sure about that because it seems many of the parts have to come from the dealership (higher priced).
So right now I'm just stuck with a car payment and no car. I am going to try this route with both calling Honda and making them be responsible, as well as the attorney's phone number that is given below (please look for both numbers in the posts further down the page). Like everyone here says - maybe if enough of us complain we can get something done about this. I am appalled - this is my first Honda - I bought off their reputation and word of mouth "Honda's are so reliable and last forever", but so far that has not been my experience.
2009Apr 02
Accord EX-L 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,500 miles
Well the transmission went out on me the other day on the way home from work. I had 78,500 miles on my 2003 Honda Accord EXL-V6 at the time of the breakdown. This actually occurred the day before I was to trade this vehicle in for a 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring edition minivan.
I had the vehicle towed to the local Honda dealer in my town and they advised me that the transmission had a internal failure and needed to be replaced. I was told that the repair would cost $ 3,800 to fix. I knew that this transmission had recall work done on it in 2004 and I also had the same transmission recall work done on my 2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type S. With my Acura they extended the warranty on that transmissions to 7 years and 9 months with 109,000 miles. I did not know if the Honda also had the same warranty extension so I called Honda Good Will repair and was advised that they did not have this extended warranty in place as Acura did, even though they are the same company and the transmissions had the same issues.
So I asked the shop manager if he had seen any problems with the 2003 Honda Accord transmissions before and he told me that he has never seen any of these problems before and has not heard anything about them either. This was an obvious lie. Come to find out I have a friend that works at another Honda dealer in the area and he told me that the 2003 Accords have horrible transmission problems. He advised me that Honda had problems with the transmissions when they were built here in the US. Now he told me that the transmissions are once again made in Japan and then shipped here to be assembled. This took care of the problem. This friend told me that he sees Accords come into the shop all the time for transmission problems and that many are on there 2nd or 3rd transmission by the time they get 100,000 miles.
So now I'm faced with a dilemma; do I fix the transmission or just trade it in as is. As is with the broken transmission they want to give me $ 3,000. I'm upset because I know they will put in a transmission for no cost and then turn around and sell this car for at least $ 9,000. I think Honda should recall these transmissions because there is obviously a problem with them. I was told that since it is not a safety hazard it would not be recalled. This is not acceptable. I am so upset at Honda right now I am thinking about purchasing another brand vehicle instead of the Odyssey that I ordered. There has to be a recall on these transmissions soon.
For now I'm waiting for a call back from Good Will repair to see if they will assist me with the repair. I have a feeling that they are not going to do anything as the first person that I spoke with told me that Honda will not be able to assist me as I was out of my warranty period. And I said " No sh*t.... If I was still under warranty I would not be calling you ." They obviously try to cut corners and hire less than average employees as well. Good luck and please do not buy a 2003 Honda Accord.
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2009Nov 17
Accord LX V6
I bought a new 2003 Honda accord off show room floor and spent over 30k on it. The original transmission went out at 48789k miles with no warning lights etc. Honda did replace it at no charge. I have always serviced my car with the dealer and changed fluid at all the required mileages and now 42000k miles later it went again the exact same way it did the first time. I was told that the transmission failed and they found no codes to show why this happened again. This time I have to pay $700 to get replace and that this is more than fair since they owe nothing. Well I feel why should I be on the 3rd transmission on a car I take inpecitable care of. Who can I discuss this with future I have owed many cars with way more than 90k on them and never replaced the transmissions. This year car has had many problems with the tranys so why do I have to feel this is not a manufacturing problem and have to pay anything. Will complaining make them say so sad to bad we wont cover anything. Im not looking a gift horse in the mouth but this really is a problem with this year car so do i just eat it and shut up or speak up if it will do any good? Please someone give me an answer.
Barb R.
Milwaukee, WI, USA
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