Honda Accord / 2003
2003 Honda Accord problems
Owners have filed 2,384 complaints about the 2003 Honda Accord with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 39.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 13.5%.
Complaints2,384
Crashes189
Fires23
Injuries186
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Power train 39.1% · 933
Air bags 13.5% · 321
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.8% · 161
Electrical system 6.2% · 148
Engine and engine cooling 4.0% · 96
Steering 4.0% · 96
Vehicle speed control 3.4% · 81
Structure 3.1% · 74
Severity
Of those complaints, 189 describe a crash, 23 describe a fire, 186 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 36 model years of the Honda Accord in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2018 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 21 in the last three years against 41 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 87,975 miles.
In owners' own words
While merging onto i75 off of square lake rd north of detroit, transmission momentarily failed then engaged with a jolt in a low gear making this normally routine maneuver quite treacherous. Luckily there was no accident or injury. Shortly thereafter transmission underwent complete rebuild at my cost. I have since discovered that this malady is quite common with this model and year at approximately this mileage. Power train · reported at 98,000 miles
Driving my family home from vacation on crowded interstate 287, the car suddenly and without warning rapidly decelerated creating a real hazard for occupants in my car as well as vehicles behind. The fault was a defective transmission that had jumped into 2nd gear on it's own. Furthermore, the cost of repair effectively totals the vehicle. I received no help or even consolation when I contacted american Honda. Power train · reported at 109,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. While driving 60 mph or higher, the vehicle suddenly downshifts to a lower gear. When the failure occurs, the contact is thrown against the steering wheel. The failure could also cause a rear-end crash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure or determine the cause. The manufacturer would not assist. The failure mileage was 131,000. Power train · reported at 131,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…