CarComplaints.com Notes: 1997 is the last model year in the 5th generation of Accord. Which means it's also the last model year before problems like widespread transmission failure, subframe rust and peeling paint took over.

Does the 1997 have problems? Sure it does. Any car this old will. Some owners say their engine started to cut out around 147,000 miles. That's still not bad, and getting to 200,000+ miles isn't out of the question.

Does anyone believe a newer Accord will reach 200,000 miles?

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,833 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Honda Accord transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Honda Accord Owner Comments

problem #3

Jul 102006

Accord 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am having an issue with my automatic transmission on my 1997 Honda Accord ex coupe. I had my transmission serviced recently and apparently the code P0740 came up which is related to the torque converter. With many hours or research and speaking with american Honda there is an issue with all the automatic transmissions on Honda 1997 and newer. This problem results in the transmission needing replacement. The clutch slips and takes shards of metal off leading to a clog in the filter. The problem will cause total transmission failure at any time. When I called american Honda they were unwilling to help me with this issue. They stated that it was a known issue but there was nothing that they would do for me. My only option now is to spend $3000 to replace the transmission which seems unfair since the car is in otherwise fantastic shape.

- Citrus Heights, CA, USA

problem #2

Jul 282003

Accord 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,500 miles
Transmission on my 1997 Honda Accord LX V4 failed prematurely at 58000 miles, and Honda refused to help in any way, even though they had history of such problems, and even had an extended warranty for such problems on newer Honda and Acura branded vehicles.the reason for refusal was that they didn't provide goodwill assistance to vehicles more than 5 years old.but the bottom line was that I have maintained this vehicle well so this was a manufecturing defect, and there was certain quality and durability that was expected from any product, and the manufecturer should be held liable for any product that failed, even if it happend outside of warranty. The fact that they provided 7 years/100000 miles extended warranty on newer vehicles, set up a precedent, that was that they expected a defect free transmission to last at least that long. Also alarming is the way in which failure occured. On 7/27/03, Sunday the "check engine" light showed up, I decided to take the car to my mechanic right away, and so on Monday morning I couldn't even get out to the main road from my development and the car just lost the gear. This happened without any warning sign, and the incident could have turned fatal, if the failure occured at freeway traffic and speeds.

- Laurence Hbr, NJ, USA

problem #1

Jul 101997

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was driving vehicle into a parking lot when bumper hit the pole that posts handicap signs, very slightly dented the bumper of vehicle. Also both air bags deployed. Consumer was wearing seat belt. Also burned her right arm and broke her glasses. Consumer stated there was also a problem with the torque converter and catalytic converter.

- Yorkers, NY, USA

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