CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2001 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, subframe rust, & problems with the airbag system (SRS). We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 100,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure problems have been a huge problem for Honda Accords & other models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda eventually extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accords as settlement for a class action lawsuit, but that period is over & owners of Accords with transmission problems are out of luck.
Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000.
The SRS warning light likes to come on due to a defective seat belt sensor -- typically the driver's side. This sensor is covered under Honda's lifetime seat belt warranty, but some dealers charge a $100+ "diagnostic fee" or tell customers the entire SRS unit ($800) is bad. Also make sure your 2001 Accord has been checked for the airbag recall: excessive pressure may cause metal fragments during airbag deployment.
First let me bring a universal law to your attention. Dealers do not like warranty work, it is difficult for them to gouge. I am a veteran of many decades of "warranty service" with multiple cars and I find them all pretty much the same (agencies and independents), very adept at dodging or bungling the work. Having said that, I had a shift point problem with my 01 Honda accord V6 automatic, fortunately something else occurred at the same time, (hydraulic engine mount failure), yes they have two hydraulic and two standard mounts, the hydraulic mounts help dampen engine vibration at idle. In any case I had one of the hydraulic engine mounts replaced and the shift points went back to normal (it put the engine back in the proper position). However, I had to identify the problem myself (got a song and dance from the agencies) and I went to an independent repair facility to have the work done. The cost was $458.00 and my cost was $173.00 ($73.00 more than my deductible). In closing, I am meticulous about oil changes and flush transmissions every 30K miles as a matter of routine. I have found that the service facilities (both dealership and independent) do not always do what they are paid for so many problems are caused that the manufacturer is blamed for. A bit of advise is to become familiar with your machine and double check everything, especially routine service, it is a lot of trouble to monitor their work but a car is a very expensive item and many are retired early because of bogus service.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
First let me bring a universal law to your attention. Dealers do not like warranty work, it is difficult for them to gouge. I am a veteran of many decades of "warranty service" with multiple cars and I find them all pretty much the same (agencies and independents), very adept at dodging or bungling the work. Having said that, I had a shift point problem with my 01 Honda accord V6 automatic, fortunately something else occurred at the same time, (hydraulic engine mount failure), yes they have two hydraulic and two standard mounts, the hydraulic mounts help dampen engine vibration at idle. In any case I had one of the hydraulic engine mounts replaced and the shift points went back to normal (it put the engine back in the proper position). However, I had to identify the problem myself (got a song and dance from the agencies) and I went to an independent repair facility to have the work done. The cost was $458.00 and my cost was $173.00 ($73.00 more than my deductible). In closing, I am meticulous about oil changes and flush transmissions every 30K miles as a matter of routine. I have found that the service facilities (both dealership and independent) do not always do what they are paid for so many problems are caused that the manufacturer is blamed for. A bit of advise is to become familiar with your machine and double check everything, especially routine service, it is a lot of trouble to monitor their work but a car is a very expensive item and many are retired early because of bogus service.
- Gene P., Ridgecrest, CA, US