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.

9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,990
Average Mileage:
109,950 miles
Total Complaints:
207 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (67 reports)
  2. paid for a new transmission (46 reports)
  3. replace transmission (39 reports)
  4. complete rebuild (15 reports)
  5. honda paid partial "goodwill repair" (15 reports)
  6. fixed with new warranty from transmission specialty shop (9 reports)
2004 Honda Accord transmission problems

transmission problem

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2004 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 7 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #87

Jun 082011

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

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

Honda dealer tried to "sell" us the lame brained idea that it is normal for an Accord's transmission to fail at 123,000 miles! Advised that my 2008 Subaru Outback has 360,000 on the original transmission & engine. Wish I'd known about Honda's transmission problems then--might have negotiated a break on the $4200 quote to drop a new off-the-shelf transmission into the car. On the other hand it would have probably failed too. Ended up with an AAMCO rebuild for $3500. Will sell/trade before that warranty expires. No more Honda's in this family.

- Charles F., Alexandria, VA, US

problem #86

Jul 082011

Accord EX 3.2lV6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

does anybody know ,how to file a suit against honda of america? tranny has gone at 120000 miles.That's not a lot mileage for a Honda.Dealer wants $39000 to fix it.They've had lots of complaints on the tranny at even less mileage than mine.Please help me.

- Fabio D., Mine Hill, NJ, US

problem #85

Jun 102011

Accord L V-6

  • 177,000 miles

Bought car brand new. I first complained about transmission failure on 01/07 (the first complaint in this list). Did it again. Driving from Las Cruces, NM to San Antonio, TX, right after I drove 500 miles, the transmission just died on me in the middle of nowhere (Junction City, TX). Towed car to Gunn HONDA IN San Antonio, even without looking at veh. they wanted between $3000. to $3500. for a new transmission plus oil, taxes, etc. Towed car to Houston, TX where a qualified Honda specialist is repairing the veh, as I write this for ( $1800. to $2300.) Unbelievable! At 37,000. the transm. had to be replaced, see complaint # 1 in this list.

- Pedro A. O., Ft. Myers, FL, US

problem #84

May 132011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

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

Same story as all the rest. Very well maintained 2004 Accord V6 Automatic. At 82,000 miles, the transmission slipped a few times, and then just died. Out of warranty, I called Honda Corp, and they said to bring it to the Dealer for inspection ($120). I did. Like all the other Honda trannys, this had an 'internal mechanical malfunction'. Dealer and corporate said, 'Sorry, out of warranty, $5k please". I pressed asking for some good faith, I mean seriously, I know dozens of friends with similar issues in Odysseys and Acuras with the same transmission era. The 04 Accord Recall did not include mine. Corp. response: "Since you have a non-Honda oil filter (no, not the tranny filter), and used an independent shop for maintenance - we'll give you NOTHING. I'd rather have cash, but it turns out they did give me something:

1. A great reason to never buy another Honda

2. A story to share for any thinking that Honda stands behind their vehicles

3. A reason to post to every Honda website voicing my experience with Corp. and the dealer until such time a recall is in place.

- cuestaview, Atascadero, CA, US

problem #83

May 162011

Accord EX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,125 miles

I bought this 2004 honda to replace my 1998 that had over 180,000 and it is a terrible. What happened to Honda Quality???? this one has 85,000 miles and the transmission started to slip. when i took it to the dealer ship they said that it is the transmission and it needs to be replaced. I will never buy another Honda!!!!!!!

- Linda H., CRAWFORDVILLE, FL, US

problem #82

Jan 032011

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Just when I needed a trustworthy vehicle, as my company closed after 18 years and left me without an income! I come to find out there is a known problem with the Honda transmissions! Can't afford $3200! Church may help in paying! PTL

- TErry M., Fountain Valley, CA, US

problem #81

Feb 232011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

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

The worst problem, that took place in January, was when I was gong 65 mph on the freeway and my car COMPLETLY shut off on me. I was horrified that I would be hit and crashed into, because nothing worked.The only thing that worked were my breaks. I couln't put the emergency lights on or even use my signals, or excelurate. I merged to the shoulder as quickly as possible and just panicked. I almost got hit by a passing vehicle. When I was pulled over to the side, I tried to get my car to do anything but was unsuccessful. I tried turning the car on and off, pressing on the gas pedal, using my emergency lights, but nothing happened. It wasn't until minutes later, when the car had been off for a while, that it started back up. I happened to be right by the Norm Reeves Honda, in Cerritos where the car was actually purchased from, but the service tech refused to help because it was a Sunday. I as so upset that he wouldn't help me, because he saw I was frantic. After this, I was too scared to drive anywhere, so I decided to go home and it shut off again this time on the street. After that, the same problem has gotten even worse. Yesterday, on February 23 2011, my car shut off while I was driving to work on the streets. I called Palmdale's Honda dealership and made an appointment to come in immediately. I explained all the problems I was experiencing with my vehicle to the tech. He chargged over one hundred dollars just to look at the car. But he never even mentioned that this was a reaccuring problem with 2003 and 2004 Honda's. Upon searching online, I found out that Honda had a recall for cars like mine. The tech told me that I needed a new transmission and it would cost $3,500 to fix. So now I have no car, and it's not even paid off. And my car is sitting in my garage, and I can't drive it.

- Lauren C., Palmdale, CA, US

problem #80

Feb 202011

Accord EX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

JUST called Honda. Told me to take it in to a authorized dealer. Wondering what that will cost. Expecting them to confirm what I already know. Bad transmission. This is my second Honda with a transmission to go bad. Last one was the Odysessy . This will be Honda,s last chance to do the right thing by me. If they don't replace this transmission without charging me they will have lost both my husband Robert and I forever as customers.

- Pamala T., Crestwood, KY, US

problem #79

Apr 162011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,825 miles

The car had a few problems going from reverse to drive. I was driving around doing errands and I started to go up a hill homeward and the car started having problems shifting and seemed to go in neutral. I drove it to Honda on Monday and after a $70 diagnostic fee (why wouldn't they know the problem based on the year and model of the car??) was told that there was "total internal clutch failure". This Honda dealership had serviced my car less than 2,000 miles ago and at that time I was told there were no problems. So I am fighting with them to see if Honda will do any goodwill contributions to the repair. I used to love Hondas and always praised their reliability and the fact that they could go forever (my Civic in high school had 400,000 miles). Unless Honda can help me out, I will no longer be a loyal Honda person.

- Kristen S., Longmont, CO, US

problem #78

Feb 172011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

Was driving home and car started to downshift and jerk every time I applied the brakes and would slip when trying to accelerate. Had car towed home and changed the transmission fluid myself the next morning. Car seemed to run fine for a little over a month and problem returned. Was driving on the Florida Turnpike and tried to accelerate around another car, the car shifted into neutral and rev to about 7000rpm. Got to the side of the road, turned off and let rest for a few. When I turned it back on it ran fine. Called the dealer and they said I need to replace transmission without even looking at it (seemed odd.) Talked to Honda Corporate and they got back to me the next day. Asked me what kind of assistance I am looking for. I explained to them that after having these problems with my car I started looking online and found hundreds of these same complaints with my year and model of Honda. Was told they can't just take online chat as fact and again asked what kind of assistance I am looking for. I asked them what they are willing to do for me since it appears that this is a Honda problem and not some fault of mine. They told me that mechanical parts fail and I explained to them that mechanical parts don't fail intermittently from wear. Was told they will get back to me. I will have to say that this is the first Honda I have owned and I bought it used. I don't believe I will ever own another. After looking into the situation, it appears that Honda doesn't really stand behind their products and aren't much of a company. They have the shortest power train warranty on the market. Even their newest vehicles are only warrantied for 60k. Not impressed.

- Joshua T., St. Cloud, FL, US

problem #77

Mar 282011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,500 miles

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

Complete failure, replaced with re manufactured unit at an independent shop.

- raebarney, Merritt Island, FL, US

problem #76

Jan 312011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,300 miles

The transmission on my 2004 Accord went without warning during rush hour on a busy highway (Interstate 84 in the town of Southeast, NY) and I was lucky to be able to pull off to the shoulder. I had to have it transported to Mount Kisco Honda who informs me that the transmission is shot and will have to be replaced at a cost of over $4,000 and it will take more than a week to get the parts and make the repair. I later learned that there was a recall of this Accord model year (2004) for transmission problems that I was never notified of. Very aggravating. I will never buy a Honda again. Building cars with transmission problems is inexcusable and dangerous.

- Ronald B., Scarsdale, NY, US

problem #75

Mar 262011

Accord EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

I noticed that it had started to take a moment to switch from reverse to drive, but did not think too much of it. Then one day, I was driving home and went up a hill and felt the car start to jerk a little. When I reached the top of the hill I had zero acceleration. The engine continued to rev up to 5000 rpm, but the car continued to slow down. I eventually had to pull off, let the car sit for a moment, then drive home going 40 mph with it in 3rd. The transmission fluid had a burning smell when I checked it. I had been looking for a new vehicle anyways, so I just traded it in before the whole transmission blew. I am highly disappointed that this seems to be a common problem with Accords and yet you never hear anything about it. I got a Toyota this time and after this, may never go back to Honda again.

- Amy A., Grand Junction, CO, US

problem #74

Mar 032011

Accord EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,000 miles

My car just suddenly stopped accelerating, seemingly shifted to neutral on its own as it just revved up as I stepped on the gas. I kept thinking, how could this happen to my Honda! They are supposed to be reliable as heck! After getting it towed to a mechanic and getting home, I searched the internet to see if there have been any similar reports of transmission failures on a Honda Accord. It is so bad to find out that there have been many cases. One website, hondaproblems.com, mentioned a recall and class action lawsuits for transmission problems. I go to my local dealer routinely for maintenance and they never mentioned anything about a recall. My hope is to get some help in paying the repair bills as from what I read, it could cost as much as $5000 to get this fixed! And it may soon just break again!

- Jeffrey L., Corona, CA, US

problem #73

Mar 012011

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,657 miles

My first visit to the dealer was unproductive, they did not admit a problem with the transmission and said they would diagnose the problem and get back to me. I went on the web to research any problems other Honda owners had had only to find that that there was a plethora of information on this particular defect and that my car had a recall issued by Honda in 2004 which I was not privy to.

The situation is ongoing and I feel that Honda has deliberately pulled the wool over owners eyes of these vehicles to prevent expensive repairs at their cost.

- Nancy M., Austin, TX, US

problem #72

Mar 052011

Accord LX 3.2L 6cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Honda can't make a car that goes more than 80 thousand miles without a total failure of the transmission? This car had excellent care taken of it, oil changes, fluids always checked, etc. Had trans fluid drained/replaced at about 60k but I did not keep proof. Fluid was clean, not burned, same as now. Car began jerking downshifting, then began revving without acceleration (as when clutch would be pushed in auto trans car). Had to push it to side of road. Each time I turned off for a minute and started it, I could go a bit before it would fail again. Basically I limped home at idle speed. Called Honda, they said I had to bring it in...many miles from me. Also said Honda might make goodwill adjustment, no guarantees. No quotes on cost as they must see it first and THEY MUST DO THE REPAIR. From you website, I know, and from little things I've dealt with this dealership previously, they want top dollar for everything. My opinion is that Honda would fix this problem if I towed it in, charge me at least 150% more than a private shop, then offer me a small goodwill discount. Not for me. Seems the entire scheme is geared to extract money for incompetence. If the trans didn't fail, they'd make no money. But since it was inferior and was their fault, they get to make money. Profit from their inferior product. They seem to have it figured. Why isn't there a 100,000 mile power train warranty like other cars? Because they make money from this "system?" I want Honda to know that their reputation has taken a real hit with me and those I talk to, and many ask my advice. Personally, I don't think I will buy a Honda again. This is the first car I've owner that had a tranny failure, and it was one that was supposedly made to last. Well, this customer's satisfaction lasted about 80k miles and has now departed with the transmission. I think Honda KNEW they had a problem and ignored it, then turned it into a profit thing. Are they that greedy and money-grubbing?

- mortjim, Jupiter, FL, US

problem #71

Feb 252011

Accord Coupe V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

Summary:

NO INDICATION OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ISSUES. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, PRESSED ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WAS ON INNERMOST LANE, HAD TO CROSS 3 INTERSTATE RIGHT LANES DURING COMMUTING HOUR WITH NO ACCELERATION (WAS LIKE DRIVING IN NEUTRAL). ABLE TO GET TO NEXT EXIT. WAS ON A DOWNSLOPE SO ABLE TO COAST DOWN. AT THE BASE OF THE HILL, STOPPED. COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANYMORE, PRESS THE PEDAL IN D AND R AND WOULD NOT MOVE CALLED TOW TRUCK TO TOW ME TO HONDA DEALERSHIP 40 MILES AWAY CONSIDERED AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS IS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH THIS VEHICLE. HONDA SERVICE REPAIR HAD TO REPLACE ALL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARTS. DEALERSHIP REQUESTED HONDA CORP DISTRICT MANAGER TO PAY FOR LABOR AND PARTS. DENIED . OPEN A COMPLAINT CASE WITH HONDA CORP. DENIED AGAIN. WAS A LOYAL CUSTOMER FOR 10 YEARS, 3 ACCORDS AND 1 CIVIC. ALL SERVICING WAS DONE BY HONDA DEALERSHIP

- majfb111, Palm Desert, CA, US

problem #70

Feb 182011

Accord LX 3.2L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,090 miles

k looks like this is a problem with the 04 accord not to happy about it.

was driving on the highway at around 120 km an hour when it started to red line dangerous. lucky no one was killed . than i had to get it towed looks like its going to cost 3600 to 4000 to fix Honda should be paying for this they need to identify they have a problem here theres going to be alot of very upset customers

- kettle, Midland, ON, Canada

problem #69

Jan 032011

Accord LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

You can add the 2004 Honda accord to the transmission rebuild. Just found out mine is costing about 2200. I am just now finding out about all of the transmission failures in the early 2000's models. I hope this transmission will last but I will NOT BUY another Honda. Beware. This problem should have been reported to the buyers.

- Donald C., Wake Forest, NC, US

problem #68

Jan 212011

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,500 miles

I was driving on the freeway at approximately 50MPH, and I decided to speed up a little. I stepped on the gas, the engine increased revolutions, but the car did not speed up. Instead, it down shifted gears, which has the same dangerous effect as stepping on the brakes. The whole situation was scary and dangerous. Since then it's happening more and more. I am sure the transmission is failing. Will take the car to dealer and find out what my options are. Please advise me on what to do.

Thanks, Oscar

- Oscar Q., Bell, CA, US

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