CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure & problems with the stereo backlight failing. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 90,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure has been a huge problem for the Accord & several other Honda models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accord as a class action lawsuit settlement, but owners of other Accord model years with transmission problems are out of luck.
The stereo backlight problem has been an issue since these Accords were only a few years old. Honda eventually issued a recall which covered the repair for 7 years/100k miles, which was nice while it lasted but now that period is over. Honda initially was replacing the entire radio ($800) but eventually began replacing just the PCB which at ~$300 is much cheaper. That sounds like a deal, but keep in mind we're talking about a backlight bulb that costs $2 to fix in most other cars.
Anyone else notice that the heater for the feet area SUCKS?
I mentioned it to the car salesman and he said the typical "I don't notice anything wrong". SHAME ON YOU! There definitely is a problem there HONDA.
Also - car is VERY comfy for long trips but errand hopping - OMG it kills my back and I can't tell you how many times I've banged my head on the door frame. I should have rented this car for at least a week before I bought it. It would make a wonderful long-distance comfort vehicle. Prefer our Matrix for errands (sits higher and firmer - easier to get in and out of compared to bucket type seats).
Lastly, the leather on Driver's seat (probably all of the seats) is of poor quality. It's showing unusually high wear from getting in and out of the seat. I'll never purchase leather again in any vehicle (even treating the leather did not prevent this problem).
When the heat is turned on there is no hot air coming out of the left vent on the driver's side. There is only cold air coming out. I was told that it was the vent motor control. I paid to have it checked and it costed $83.00. I was told what it was and told to bring it back to be fixed. The part was order which was the vent motor control. After having it fixed. There was still no hot air coming out of the vent. I paid $266.00. I carried the car back and I let them know I was still having the same problem. They worked on it and later told me it could not be fixed. It is hard for me to believe that it can not be fixed. I am going to get a second opinion.
- Mae R.,
Lumberton, NC/US, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Anyone else notice that the heater for the feet area SUCKS?
I mentioned it to the car salesman and he said the typical "I don't notice anything wrong". SHAME ON YOU! There definitely is a problem there HONDA.
Also - car is VERY comfy for long trips but errand hopping - OMG it kills my back and I can't tell you how many times I've banged my head on the door frame. I should have rented this car for at least a week before I bought it. It would make a wonderful long-distance comfort vehicle. Prefer our Matrix for errands (sits higher and firmer - easier to get in and out of compared to bucket type seats).
Lastly, the leather on Driver's seat (probably all of the seats) is of poor quality. It's showing unusually high wear from getting in and out of the seat. I'll never purchase leather again in any vehicle (even treating the leather did not prevent this problem).
- 03accordowner, Saint Peters, MO, US