CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2004 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 ever 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 replaced 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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
105,842 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.
Vehicle started to loses acceleration all of a sudden; diving normally in traffic then car started to jerk/ and rpms started to get higher before slowing down. Car then stops in traffic and does not accelerate even though shift is engaged in drive. Transmission failure that could have caused accident. Vehicle eventually drove again after turning car off and back on but stalled again/ issue repeated.
My 2004 Honda Accord V6 transmission decided to die on Saturday November the 15th. I was driving on the interstate when I realized the RPM's were going up, but I wasn't getting any acceleration. I pulled over to check my transmission fluid, oil and etc. Everything was good. So I start back on the road trying to make it to my destination. The next thing I know I heard what sounded like a chain breaking off and the car jumped back like I was gearing down really low. I hit my head on the steering wheel and blacked out for a minute. Thankfully I had someone with me and they grabbed the steering wheel and directed us off the interstate. We lifted the hood once again and could smell something burnt. We were able to get it to a mechanic who said the transmission had failed. We had no issues prior to the date the transmission failed. I'm extremely upset by this. The car had been taken care of and maintained regularly. My family is Honda enthusiast and have never had problems. That is why we always bought Honda's, for their reliability. I think Honda needs to make this right and have the transmission fixed. From what I've read this has been a major problem affecting tons and the transmission has been recalled. I thank god I didn't kill or hurt anyone during this ordeal.
Transmission failure while driving. Bought vehicle used in Feb. 2014 from dealer with 97,570mi. At 104,000, transmission failed. Repairs can range from $4500 to $3400, with either a Honda rebuilt transmission or my own being rebuilt. Since Honda was aware of these failures (had a recall before I was an owner) and the dealer that sold me the car was likely also aware, I find these practices totally dishonest and bordering on illegal. I paid almost $10,000 for this vehicle because of low mileage, only to have a major failure 8 months later.
We got a 2004 Honda Accord ex through abc auto 6112 N.Florida ave tampa 33604 Florida.took test drive checked trans fluid which needed to be changed, we figured it was the way the car was built, but we advised the sales man, which advised us he would have "there" shop completely look the car over.which nothing was found. I had trans fluid changed immediately, approx 30 days later checked fluid smelled burnt and again metal shaving were present.and change every 3 months, so no issues would arise.after approx 11months we received a "recall notice for the power steering hose.which was replaced.upon that recall we looked into all recalls on the car to insure safety of the family.the car seemed fine then started "stopping real fast, at any speed" took to Honda dealer they advised us it would be $5000 to repair.upon investigating more we realized their was a recall on this car for the transmission (#04V176000) advised Honda dealer, they stated the mileage was well over 15,000 mi, and a trans fluid cooler was added to satisfy the recall, based on the fact that the owner at that time "didn't notice anything wrong with the vehicle". the car at this time is very unsafe to drive, and not driving properly due to the transmission. Fact is Honda should of checked and replaced the faulty transmission.which instead only added a trans cooler.not what this recall demanded Honda to replace and or repair.
I have transmission problem with my 2004 Honda Accord at 122,000 miles. That's unheard of! I've purchased 3 Honda before this one & never a problem. The torque converter came apart on my transmission & I had to get it rebuilt. The bill was $2200. American Honda said sorry & they couldn't guarantee when a transmission will go out. Really" 122,000 miles" I will not purchase another Honda. I was on the interstate & could have been in a serious accident! all they can say is sorry. I have never been so upset before. To top it all off the dealership wanted to repair it for $4700 or trade my car in for $1000. By the way I wasn't able to get any type of reimbursement for my repair bill.
- Biloxi, MS, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Driving on highway at 55mph. Started to pull a slight hill and was preparing to pass a truck. Vehicle rpms went higher but speed continued to drop off. Ended up coming to a complete stop on a bridge with no shoulder. Had to shut the vehicle off and then restart to get it to go again. Went about 14 miles and it did it again. Took it to dealership. Was serviced last week and had transmission fluid changed as a part of recommended maintenance by Honda dealership. Car in shop now. The loss of power could have had serious repercussions on our safety.
While I were driving locals, I notice a sudden drop in speed and spike in RPM. When I tried to accelerate, only RPM would go up and the car would not shift to higher gear. This happened without any warnings. No engine light. Nothing. If this happened in the freeway, it would have been very serious situation. I also noticed numerous 2003 2004 Honda Accord owners to have similar problems. This is definitely manufacturer's fault. I had to rebuild the transmission which came out to be $1820. This is serious situation.
Vehicle started slowing down all of a sudden then I proceeded to pull over. Once I pulled over turn vehicle off and started vehicle back up it pulled off fine then it was slipping gears. Pulled over again and turned vehicle off same thing and the last time I repeated the vehicle completely blacked out like it was the battery. Vehicle had to be pushed on side of a rural road once I decided to get off of highway. My vehicle was left on side of the road, vandalized, rained in after one window was down once vehicle was disabled.
Felt like the gears stopped engaging and the rpms spiked. Slowed down and got it to reengage but only in 1st or 2nd gear. After pulling over, the gears wouldn't engage at all. Restarted the car but the same slippage and RPM spiking happened again. Dealer wants $5600 to repair. Honda had a limited recall but is reviewing on a case-by-case basis. Have been a loyal Honda customer for nearly 25 years, but am questioning that loyalty now.
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, the check engine and tcs light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact mentioned that the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of recall NHTSA campaign id number: 04V176000 (power train). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,775.
While driving home from work I came to a red light, as I proceeded to hit the gas the car started to jump and would not accelerate. I was hitting the gas the engine would rev and the RPM's were super high but the car would only go about 5 mph with the ending revving really loud. After about a few seconds of hitting the gas and only going 5mph the car would finally jump into gear and go. Every time the car would come to a stop and then have to go again that's when it would happen over and over again. That night we decided to take it for a test drive and that's when the engine light came on and the "D" shift light was blinking and the "tca" light came on. There is seriously something wrong with the car when the day before the car drove like new. We looked up the recalls on online for our vehicle and see that there is one out for the auto transmission. Just weird all the sudden this would happen and there is a recall out in that. Please help!
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission seized without warning and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was restarted and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, who informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 93,610. Updated 03/17/15 updated 08/23/2017
2004 Honda Accord V6 ex (98K) 1st time I was making a right hand turn & as I completed the turn & tried to accelerate there was no power. Engine revved but car did not go anywhere. Crept along to pull over on the side of the road. Waited a few minutes & drove home about 10mph. Luckily I was only 3 blocks from home. Thought maybe it was bad gas or something. Drove fine the next few days. 2nd time I saw my life flash before my eyes as I went to make a left hand turn. As I started my turn, again trans stalled only this time oncoming traffic was coming at me which included a monstrous semi-truck. As cars slammed on their brakes I crept through the intersection to the side of the road. Car towed to my mechanic who has taken care of the car since I bought it brand new in 2004. Mind you I had no security warnings or alerts come up on the dash. I have had no leaks, nothing on the ground where I park. My mechanic took for test ride & had the same thing happen. Unfortunately he does not repair trans. Call Honda after finding multiple complaints & lawsuits on this trans only to be told my VIN # is not included on the recall & there is nothing they can do. Ridiculous that they only include certain VIN #'s when it's the same trans in all these cars. I really love my Accord, extremely disappointed in the way Honda is handling this. I have had no other problems with this car other than the power steering which there was a recall on. Asked to speak to a supervisor at Honda & was told she would review the case & get back to me by end of day Monday. Very unfortunate, we have been through 14 Honda's in my immed family. The only other one that had a problem was my brother's 2003 Honda Accord V6 ex in California. His trans went at 60,000 but was covered under extended warranty. He's at 115K & so far so good. Honda, don't ruin your reputation like GM, admit fault & take responsibility.
I was driving my car for the regular maintenance and all of a sudden the transmission failed and it slowed down immediately. I was lucky enough that I didn't have any vehicle in my back so I could control the car and moved it aside. Otherwise it would have been a disaster as I was driving in one of the busiest roads. Honda should proactively take actions on these kind of defects as its the matter with lives and not about just money.
I was driving the car on the I-15 approaching victorville, ca. The car suddenly lost all power and I had to pull to the side of the road to prevent getting hit from behind. The car stalled once I got it stopped and the warning lights for the engine and transmission came on. The transmission had apparently overheated and spewed all the transmission fluid out onto the road. I called for a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to victorville Honda. They told me that it was too late in the day to look at the vehicle and drove me to a car rental place where I rented a car at my own cost. The next morning they called and informed me that the vehicle needed a new transmission and the cost would be approximately $6000 for them to replace it. I was driving from California to Ohio and could not afford the cost. I had them flush the transmission and refill it and continued on my trip. Approximately one month later the transmission completely failed and I had it replaced at a local shop.
My wife experienced a near accident with a semi-truck on a freeway due to power train failure. During a lane change the car's power and acceleration completely stopped performing for several seconds. She noticed the tachometer indicator revving very high but no power was transferring to the engine for several seconds. It did "kick" back into gear in just enough time to avoid a collision with a semi-truck that was fast approaching from behind. After missing her intended exit she took the next one and realized she was only about a mile from the Honda service center that we have always used. This was on a Saturday, so to confirm the problem we waited until the next Monday to get the news that the transmission had to be replaced for $4,100. Research on the car showed 2 full transmission flushes (~37K & 61K) because of contaminated fluid. Our owner's manual recommends the first service be performed at 120,000 miles. I don't believe this car had any corrections made on the initial recall customer letter from the summer of 2004. If it had, then there would be no reason for the two transmission total flushes and total failure at 85,383 miles. The Honda service dept. Would not negotiate based on previous history so on 02/25/2004 I wrote a letter to american motor Honda company's customer service dept. Stating the facts and requesting a reply. I did receive a letter on 03/20/2004 requesting that I call a certain number within 10 days (actually 2 work days) otherwise they will consider the matter closed. The letter was dated 03/14/2004. I could only reach a voice message from the person who would not return my repeated calls. Honda will not take responsibility for neglected and inferior work. In effect this whole matter reduces the value of our car by more than $4,100. More important, they placed my wife in unnecessary danger on the freeway! please open an investigation.
The car went crazy revving up and down on its own. Driving on the highway, it felt like the car would be applying the brakes on its own only to rev up again but felt like it was on neutral, then the gear would shift abruptly. At the intersection, once the light turned green, the engine would not proceed no matter how light I applied the gas pedal (I didn't want to "drown" it), it felt as if it were in neutral - only to speed up on its own. It felt like the car didn't know whether to speed up or slow down - the gears would jump from one to another on its own. Horrible!
When I was driving on the highways, all of the sudden the car went into neutral and would not accelerate. I tried to pull over to the side of the highway, as I turned the transmission went into gear and causing the car to accelerate to 50mph and hitting the vehicle in front of me. My insurance company fixed my car and then I took the car to the dealer to get the transmission checked out and they said the transmission is working as designed by Honda. I felt confused because it was not working properly and they checked for recalls and found a recall on the transmission which had already been done. They said if I don't feel safe driving with that transmission that I would have to pay 5,000 dollars for a new one. I declined the offer and saw online many people had the same issue as me.
After vehicle was driven for approx 10 minutes the car slowed down and the motor would rev up. Car parked and then tried to drive it again and same thing happened. Car would not go more than a few miles an hour, luckily was able to pull over on side of the road. Car towed to Honda dealer. Was told that the VIN # was not included in the recall. Spoke with Honda corporate and filed a claim. However they continued to say the car was not included in the recall. Dealer noted on invoice that trans slipping in 1-2 gears and slips on 1,2 up shift. Fluid is dark. I had to pay to replace the transmission on a car with only 68,472 miles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- New York, NY, USA