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.

9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,710
Average Mileage:
98,000 miles
Total Complaints:
504 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace/rebuild transmission (348 reports)
  2. not sure (72 reports)
  3. Honda to pay cost as this transmission was a previous recall (45 reports)
  4. Honda assisted with replacement cost (25 reports)
  5. class action lawsuit (5 reports)
  6. transmission exchange (4 reports)
2003 Honda Accord transmission problems

transmission problem

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2003 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 15 of 26)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #224

Nov 042009

Accord EX 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 176,000 miles

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

The transmission locks in lower gear when passing gear engaged (intermittent), RPMs jump when engaging transmission (intermittent), severe vibration between 55 and 62 MPH (constant) this is after new tires, balance and alignment (Honda dealership). Apparently Honda only issues one goodwill. This was when they replaced my transmission at 86,000 miles and I paid labor. I realize this is a 7 year old vehicle but the transmission only has about 93,000 miles on it. I am unemployed and trying to put two kids through college. This is my fifth Honda Accord but owner loyalty is of no value. It will be my last Honda! Since the have been made in America the quality has went down anyway. I had issues with the 94 Honda Accord EX.

- Mike A., Walhalla, SC, US

problem #223

Feb 052010

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

Still owe 10k on the car, i didn't purchased the extended warranty now Honda wont fix the problem because its not on the recall list, i went to the Honda it costs thousands to repair, we just don't have the money, this is not right.Per the mechanic my husband spoke with at the Honda this is an every day problem with the 2003 Honda accord transmissions going out. So why no class action law suit or why isn't the better business bureau getting involved.. i have 2 kids and i am broke i cant afford a new transmission i purchased a Honda because of their reputation.. wow and this is what i get!

- Roxanne P., West Palm Beach, F, US

problem #222

Feb 252010

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

This is the second transmission. The first one was covered under warranty, the second wasn't. I didn't think it was a problem the FIRST time, but have had problems thereafter. Honda wouldn't help at all with the second transmission, so paid for it myself. 6 months later, the same problem. The mechanic has had my car for almost a month and can't figure out what the problem is. I don't know what is left to do. This is ridiculous

- Sandra O., Westminster, CA, US

problem #221

Mar 082010

Accord LX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

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

Same story it seems,had recall notice for transmission,inspected,oil jet installed,thumping into gear on deceleration, complained about it, Paid $130.00 a hit for transmission flush,3rd one at 145,000. Then noticed slipping out of second gear,leading to total slippage intermittantly.Then one morning on way to work tranny downshifted at 65 mph leaving me with only first gear and no reverse.

- rapper, Tamarac, FL, US

problem #220

Nov 062009

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I own a 2003 Honda Accord Ex V6 transmission failed cost almost 5k. Bought car in 2004, 13 days before recall on transmission was released, took back to dealership when I got recall notice, said they fixed problem. Was driving on highway, transmission failed (scared me to death). Took to dealership, was laughed at told not covered under warranty, I called American Honda rep told me it was covered, after 45 min wait on phone, rep told me it wasn't covered couldn't help me. I then faxed letter to American Honda, then phoned again spoke to several reps and was told, "new vehicle limited warranty was expired after 3 years/36k miles, in addition to vehicle falling outside of any good will parameters" therefore claim was denied. Filed claim with VHTSA but haven't heard anything. Thinking about writing Takanobu Ito, President of American Honda. His address: 1-1, 2-chome, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokya 107-8556, Japan (will only cost $8 to send from VA) He has been in US promoting vehicles, what about addressing issues with Honda transmission failures. Broke and disgusted about treatment! Any thoughts

- Sabrina E., Hampton, VA, US

problem #219

Jan 302010

Accord EX VL 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

OK, so I'm back...

In Novemeber 2007 I had just passed 43,000 miles. I went on a trip to Gatlinburg with my honey and the tranny started slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear. We made it home uneventfully. In December I replaced the tires and asked the service guy if he happened to notice the tranny slipping. He confirmed my suspicion and thought that it was unusual. I took it to Performance Honda in Fairfield Ohio. After printing out a 1 inch stack of paperwork for all the complaints from this site and placing it on the counter in front of the service manager they did the right thing and replaced my busted tranny with a re-manufactured tranny. Kudos to them! If I'm not mistaken they extended the powertrain warranty to 100K.

Alright, 29,000 miles later (total of 72,000 miles) I'm driving along and I'm noticing the same telltale signs that started it all back in 2007. Rough shifting from 2nd to 3rd on the way up and down. Last night we're headed to my parents in law's home and right before we pulled in the driveway, the car shuts down for no reason...power is still on, just no go...no gas, no pull, nada, just the sound of the radio and me thinking...What the @#$%? and my wife all confused. I've read the stories of this happening to some of you guys doing 60 and 70 miles an hour. Luckily we were only doing about 10 miles an hour.

I'll be calling the dealership tomorrow and seeing what they have to say and see if they'll honor the extended warranty.

BTW, I also went through the recall with the transmission jet thingy...they did not make a big deal about it, just replaced the thing within a day or so.

Last error code on the honda the dealership tried to tell me I had issues with any of 5 different things. I cleared the code (by disconnecting the battery) and went to auto zone as soon as the error code appeared again. Turned out to be the O2 sensor. The dealership wanted $400. I got the O2 sensor for $100 at auto zone and switched it out in 15 minutes myself. I'm not a mechanic or a genius business person but since when was $1200/labor hour a reasonable price to charge a customer? Another O2 sensor went out less than 12 months later...I did the same thing again. It's great to save $600 in overcharged labor costs. All this kinda makes me wonder how much the tranny really costs???

I'm sorry to hear some of you guys are getting the run around and the 50% and 75% goodwill deals. I really think a class action lawsuit is in order for this.

Wish me luck!

- cpaul, Hamilton, OH, US

problem #218

Nov 182009

Accord EX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

60k miles...Transmission failure?! Honda's quality has gone way down--way down.

- Andrew G., Duluth, MN, US

problem #217

Mar 012010

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,576 miles

I never thought I'd be saying horrible things about my precious Honda but ...I guess that's why they say..Never say Never....I was driving along in my car on Sunday with my girls in the back seat when suddenly, it felt as if someone had pressed their foot on top of mine on the gas. We started bucking like we were in a wild horse. My oldest daughter was frightened out of her mind and I was too. I pulled over to catch my breath and put my hazard lights on. After sitting there for a minute, I decided I had better make it home since Honda was closed on Sundays. On my very slow drive home, the car continued to buck and it never shifted gears. It sounded as if we were in 3rd or 4th but I was only going 25mph. Later that night, my brother drove my car and of course, nothing happened. I would learn later that the car had to be warmed up before the problem arose. The next morning, I got up to take my girls to school and myself to work. All was well until I was heading to my second drop off. I managed to get her to daycare and then I slowly drove to Honda, praying the car would be acting crazy long enough for the technician to drive it. Not only was it still acting crazy when I got there... It had totally lost its mind...He got in to drive it and it would not go in reverse. I thought I was going to scream. I knew then, I was going to need a new transmission. That's when I started my dreaded search for recalls or anything that had to do with the transmission. After finding a 2003 Honda Accord recall dealing with the transmission, I called Honda Corp only to be informed that my VIN number was not included in that recall. Hmmm, that sounds strange...I did not find out for sure until the close of the next business day that I needed a transmission. The dealership claimed they did everything in their power to try and save me from having to purchase a new transmission. In the meantime, I am waiting on Honda Corp to return my call so I can get some answers. I finally received a call from a representative who asked me some questions and told me he was going to call the dealership and give me a call back. He called right back and made me an offer to pay $2000 and they pay the balance. WHY?? Do you feel obligated to pay something? Why not all? Now I am hearing a different story about that old recall...My car was a part of it after all and it was repaired. Okay, which is it....? Of course, I have called back requesting more assistance. I cannot afford $2000...I am awaiting another phone call...tick tock...tick tock...

- Pam C., Jackson, TN, US

problem #216

Nov 112009

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,306 miles

I also had transmission failure with my 2003 Honda Accord Coupe. The worst thing about it is that I was driving on a very busy highway when I had no control over the vehicle. My car was going VERY slow and I barely made it to the exit. Its ridiculous that so many people are having this same problem and there is no recall. This is my 2nd Honda and I will never buy another one.

- Kimberly C., Dawson, GA, US

problem #215

Aug 152008

Accord EX-V6 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

I have the typical 2003 Accord transmission problem which started at 42,000 miles with periodic slipping out of gear on low speed shifts. I was told then it was not covered by my local Honda Dealership as is was beyond my 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.

Over the last 1 1/2 years the problem worsened so now it shifts out of gear every time, which mandates the transmission be replaced as advised by my local Honda Dealer. They offered to pay 1/2 of the $3,378 new transmission price, which I reluctantly accepted. My Accord now has 58,000 miles

I initially went to Westbrook Honda in CT and was quoted $4,000 and they (Honda) would 1/2. I obviously went with the lower quote which I received from Cardinal Honda in Groton, CT.

Westbrook Honda's service department were both rude in person and unresponsive to messages. They also gave me a quote handwritten on a slip of paper instead of a computer generated quote. I thought Westbrook Honda in Westbrook, CT was shady in their quoting process and unprofessional service. I filed a complaint with Honda about the Westbrook Dealership.

I don't want to pay my half of the $3,378 transmission repair, especially since I initially reported the problem at 42,000 and now only have 58,000 miles, but I have no other choice.

This is my last Honda. It's sad, as I like the Accord and have had only minor problems before or since the failed transmission.

- woodworkingrich, Pawcatuck, CT, US

problem #214

Jan 302010

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

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

So my transmission just went out over the weekend. Good times. Honda dealership made it sound like a great deal that all I had to pay was $1,700. Lucky me. Like I'm the one who is getting the favor. The ironic part is that it happened at 82,000 miles. The reason I"m in an Accord is that my 2000/2001 Honda Civic transmission failed at 8,000 miles on the way to Las Vegas. Fixed under warranty. Then at 80,000 miles the check engine light came on and 14 miles later off the freeway my engine had caught fire and completely melted. There is obviously a problem they don't seem willing to recall and this will be my last Honda.

- Scott E., Valencia, CA, US

problem #213

Jul 302009

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

OH WHERE DO I BEGIN? MY 2003 HONDA ACCORD HAD 41,000 (YES 41,000) MILES ON IT WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR BEGAN VIOLENTLY JERKING BACK AND FORTH. THE RPM'S WENT UP TO AROUND 6500. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME IN SECOND GEAR. I LIVE IN ATLANTA AND THANK GOD I WORK LATE NIGHTS BECAUSE HAD THIS BEEN NORMAL DRIVING HOURS IT PROBABLY WOULD HAVE CAUSE ME TO CRASH INTO SOMEONE. I CONTACTED BOTH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THE MAIN OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA. AFTER MANY CALLS, MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST AROUND $3600. I SAID I WOULD GO TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. THEY SAID THEY COULD TO IT FOR AROUND $2300. AFTER CALLING MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY WOULD PAY $1000 AND I WOULD PAY $2600. I SAID THAT WAS NOT RIGHT SEEING THAT MY HONDA ONLY HAS 41,000 MILES ON IT!!!!!!!!!

I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR THE DEPENDABILITY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND AM AMAZED THAT THE NHTSA WONT ENFORCE HONDA TO RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT A CHEAP FILTER CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FAIL, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL, CAUSING THE TORQUE CONVERTER TO FAIL, CAUSING AND EXTRA $800 TO REPLACE.

HONDA NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION AND FIX THIS PROBLEM AND GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK. I HAVE WRITTEN MY STATE REPS. TO NO ACTION. SPREAD THE WORD TO OTHER HONDA OWNERS AND LETS BEAT HONDA AND GET WHAT WE PAID FOR!!!!! A RELIABLE CAR

- cardellino, Chamblee, GA, US

problem #212

Dec 162009

Accord EX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,005 miles

All I can say is don't do business @ Scoville-Meno of Oneonta NY. I actually brought my accord to them while it was under warranty and they said there was nothing wrong. Of course it wasn't long before it failed completely. When I complained to the manager Dave Walsh he said, well you didn't buy the vehicle here. I know that doesn't matter they should have honored the warranty anyway. I will never buy a Honda again. Honda motor company told me the same thing they told alot of people that they would do 25% of the cost. That's not good enough, maybe if I hadn't already brought it to Honda under warranty only to get turned away it might be different. I used to love Honda but now have a very bad taste in my mouth about the whole thing. The thing is they're not cheap cars to begin with. If you pay a premium price yopu should get a premium product. Never buy one again.

- Brian M., Cooperstown, NY, US

problem #211

Jan 122010

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,400 miles

I am experiencing the same problem everyone else has. Took the car to Honda and barely made it up the drive way as it slipped out of gear as I entered the dealership. I read a lot of these posts before taking it in and was expecting the worst. Told the service rep everything and he said they would look at it and let me know. They called me and told me the internal bearings were bad and the fluid burnt and the transmission needed replacing and that it would run $4000. Told him that would be impossible and he said they could try for a used one. I said that would still be at least $2000, right? He said yeah and that labor was $1000 by itself. So I asked about a goodwill repair. He said well since you mentioned that let me get with my service manager and see what we can do for you. Got a call the following morning and he said they would submit the request and that all they could ask for is 50% max. I got a call back and they said Honda would only do 20% off. Which I am in no position to afford. And they don't do payment plans so I am stuck now and don't know what to do.

- wayne326, Roseville, CA, US

problem #210

Feb 012009

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Well no need to go into details the transmission failer on the 2003 accord is more of an epidemic. The true failure is on the part of Honda USA. They know this is a problem but they hide behind a 2004 recall that has nothing to do with it. Needless to say if this many people are online screaming about this issue think how many not web savvy folks are out their taking it in the short at their dealership or AAMCO. I encourage everyone to make a stink when they have to pony up the cash to fix their Honda. From my experience there is not much help out there. This is just one of those cases where we are left with no option but to fix our cars.

I will note that the law firm listed below is NOT taking the case:

DO NOT CALL (212) 566-4356. Stamell & Schager Law Firm

Maybe someone else is. Good luck to everyone else that is facing this uphill battle.

- Josh B., Huntington Beach, CA, US

problem #209

Jan 062010

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

'03 Honda Accord EX, my 4th Honda I've owned, and what a waste of money. I bought the car with 78k on it. Being a Honda, I thought nothing of high mileage. Now I am without a car because the tranny went out at 103k. Estimated repair cost $3,200. That's the cheapest estimate!

Honda won't pay any of the repair costs because I don't have service records, from a Honda dealership, for the past 7 years. I've only owned the car for 2 years.

After reading all the complaints here, I am frustrated beyond belief! How would service at a Honda dealership keep the faulty transmission from dying? Humble up, people!!

I will never buy another Honda. Ever.

- Robin E., Cedar Rapids, IA, US

problem #208

Dec 182009

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

I am telling my story as I found the other very stories very helpful & this helped me to decide to pursue a "good will" repair. Total transmission failure at 134 K miles. All service work done according to Honda service advice. I was quoted $3600 for a new transmission. After 1 month of going back & fourth with Honda of America, HOnda agreed to pay 70 % of the repair & I paid 30 % . So far, so good. It is worth pursuing.

Thanks

- Mary K., Reading, MA, US

problem #207

Jan 112010

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

Another Accord v6 transmission failure.The reason I bought a Honda was reliability and durability.This is really frustrating 114k miles and complete transmission failure ae you kidding me. I am definitely not buying another Honda.

- rallis, El Sobrante, CA, US

problem #206

Dec 162009

Accord SX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

My car was making unusual sounds and whenever I took Honda to dealership for oil change and inspection, it was always other issues that they would address but never the sounds. When driving it seemed as if the gears weren't changing properly, took a while before car would go into 2nd and 3rd shift. The gears started slipping, then when driving the car just stop pulling. When pushing the gas, the engine would rev up but it would not go into drive or reverse. When I pulled over and turned car off and back on, it would work for a few more minutes but then the car stop pulling. When I checked the transmission fluid was totally black. After calling Honda for help, they said their service department closed in 10 minutes and basically nothing they could do. I attempted to drive the car a little further to get assistance and car would either jerk (my head forward towards steering wheel) or pull would stop. So I had to have a transmission specialist tow me and when they put the car on the machine to see what the problem was, basically the transmission overheated, slippage of gears...excessive chipping ( discoloration of the fluid was a sign of this), After $2700 and a rebuilt transmission later, I realized that this was also the same problem that the 2004 Recall was supposed to fix. I am not a mechanic but I can't understand how an OIL JET KIT would fix a TRANSMISSION issue, but evidently it didn't work. So I contact Honda's # for recalls and spoke with someone about my complaint. They claim they cannot assist me because the transmission was fixed by another agent. I suggested they contact that agent for ALL of the details including the bad parts...but they wouldn't even buge. I am waiting on Supervisor to call back. I will never get another honda again.

- Tekeya T., Lithia Springs, GA, US

problem #205

Dec 232009

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,000 miles

Count me in for another 2003 Accord V6 Automatic Trans failure - 129,000 miles. Dealer quoted $3700, local shop quoted $2000. Fought with Honda on the phone to no avail. I have three Honda's, this was the first one purchased. So much for Honda reliability - I'll definitely look at domestic cars in the future. Honda just lost my business and many of my friends and neighbors. All were shocked by this incident.

- Kirk W., Holland, MI, US

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