Honda Accord 2003–2007 problems by year and mileage
7th generation (North America) · CM4/CM5/CM6 sedan, CM7/CM8 coupe
NHTSA data through 18 October 20264,648 complaints, 3,578 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2003 Honda Accord
Close- Median failure report
- 88,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,987
- Recalls naming this year
- 13
Most reported on the 2003
- Transmission and driveline924 reports · median 98,000 mi
- Airbag system318 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit143 reports · median 12,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Air bags · Steering — hydraulic power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Honda Accord
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,018
- Recalls naming this year
- 13
Most reported on the 2004
- Transmission and driveline348 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Airbag system251 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Electrical system146 reports · median 85,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Air bags · Steering — hydraulic power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Honda Accord
Close- Median failure report
- 76,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 686
- Recalls naming this year
- 15
Most reported on the 2005
- Airbag system226 reports · median 83,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline114 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Electrical system99 reports · median 71,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Air bags · Steering — hydraulic power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Honda Accord
Close- Median failure report
- 77,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 432
- Recalls naming this year
- 12
Most reported on the 2006
- Airbag system130 reports · median 104,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline50 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Steering48 reports · median 96,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Steering — hydraulic power assist · Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Honda Accord
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 525
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2007
- Airbag system160 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Electrical system61 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline58 reports · median 88,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Steering — hydraulic power assist · Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2004; earliest: the 2007, and the 2004 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2003–2007 Honda Accord reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 85,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 152,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,578
- Recalls
- 22
Most reported
- Transmission and driveline32.1% of complaints · median 97,000 mi
- Airbag system23.3% of complaints · median 90,000 mi
- Electrical system10.5% of complaints · median 76,000 mi
Owners filed 4,648 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003–2007 Honda Accord; the transmission and driveline leads with 32.1% of them, and half of the 3,578 that record an odometer reading came by 85,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 44,000 to 120,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2003–2007 Honda Accord last?
On the 2003–2007 Honda Accord, half of the 3,578 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 85,000 miles and 90% by 152,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
418 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 112 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Accord reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Honda Accord 2003–2007 · 3,578 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 275 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 112 complaints (3.1%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 9,000
- 25%
- 44,000
- Median
- 85,000
- 75%
- 120,000
- 90%
- 152,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 275 | 7.7% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 98 | 2.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 91 | 2.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 67 | 1.9% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 80 | 2.2% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 62 | 1.7% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 74 | 2.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 69 | 1.9% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 88 | 2.5% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 90 | 2.5% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 102 | 2.9% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 86 | 2.4% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 116 | 3.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 107 | 3.0% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 115 | 3.2% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 127 | 3.5% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 138 | 3.9% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 144 | 4.0% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 147 | 4.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 133 | 3.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 143 | 4.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 125 | 3.5% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 92 | 2.6% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 111 | 3.1% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 112 | 3.1% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 94 | 2.6% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 99 | 2.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 52 | 1.5% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 81 | 2.3% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 42 | 1.2% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 79 | 2.2% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 30 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 49 | 1.4% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 32 | 0.9% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 20 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 21 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 27 | 0.8% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 16 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 15 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 17 | 0.5% |
| 200,000+ | 112 | 3.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Accord problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Honda Accord 2003–2007
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Hydraulic brake circuit293 reportsmedian 15,000middle half 6,000–33,000
- Throttle and speed control263 reportsmedian 69,000middle half 24,000–114,000
- Body structure197 reportsmedian 73,000middle half 24,000–115,000
- Electrical system490 reportsmedian 76,000middle half 40,000–119,000
- Airbag system1,085 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 52,000–131,000
- Transmission and driveline1,494 reportsmedian 97,000middle half 73,000–122,000
- Steering290 reportsmedian 105,000middle half 58,000–152,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 1,494 | 32.1% | 97,000 | 73,000–122,000 |
| Airbag system | 1,085 | 23.3% | 90,000 | 52,000–131,000 |
| Electrical system | 490 | 10.5% | 76,000 | 40,000–119,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 293 | 6.3% | 15,000 | 6,000–33,000 |
| Steering | 290 | 6.2% | 105,000 | 58,000–152,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 263 | 5.7% | 69,000 | 24,000–114,000 |
| Body structure | 197 | 4.2% | 73,000 | 24,000–115,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 195 | 4.2% | 45,000 | 5,500–89,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 187 | 4.0% | 100,000 | 27,000–136,000 |
| Engine | 162 | 3.5% | 120,000 | 94,000–145,000 |
Known problems with the 2003–2007 Accord
Transmission 2003–2004
V6 5-speed automatic (BAYA) second-gear and countershaft bearing failure causing loss of drive; addressed by NHTSA recall 11V-395 and Honda warranty extensions.
Engine
V6 models with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) show spark plug fouling and elevated oil consumption; the Accord Hybrid's VCM V6 is the first US application.
Airbags 2003–2007
Takata front airbag inflator propellant degradation causing rupture; this generation is in the highest-risk 'Alpha' population for some 2001-2003 Honda inflators.
Before you buy a 2003–2007 Accord: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,578 mileage-tagged complaints, 22 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 22 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission on 2003–2004 V6 automatic cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine.
- Check airbags on 2003–2007 cars.
- Years differ here: from 432 to 1,987 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Accord problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi33% below | At 90k mi54% below | At 120k mi75% below | At 150k mi88% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 73,000–122,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 52,000–131,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 40,000–119,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 6,000–33,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 58,000–152,000 | in window | in window | in window | in window | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 24,000–114,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 24,000–115,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Honda Accord 2003–2007 · 3,578 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 33% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 54% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 75% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 88% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2003–2007 Honda Accord recalls (22)
NHTSA records 22 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (13), the transmission and driveline (2), the electrical system (2) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2019 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at…
Jun 2019 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
Mar 2019 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic…
What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service…
Apr 2018 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsAn incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012…
What can happen. An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda…
Mar 2017 · 2003 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Honda Accord Coupe vehicles, equipped with a four-cylinder engine. If the passenger frontal air bag module has been replaced, such as after a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, the…
What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any Takata inflator used in the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1…
Mar 2016 · 2004–2007 · Air BagsAn air bag module does not meet the advanced air bag requirements can increase the risk of injury or death in…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Accord vehicles manufactured October 1, 2003, to August 17, 2007. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect passenger frontal air bag module that does not comply…
What can happen. An air bag module does not meet the advanced air bag requirements can increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at…
Jun 2015 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
May 2015 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
Nov 2014 · 2003–2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Jun 2014 · 2003–2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer…
May 2012 · 2003–2007 · SteeringIf this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly…
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that…
What can happen. If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free…
Aug 2011 · 2005–2007 · Power TrainThis could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall.
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from july 1, 2004, through september 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing may be broken during certain driving styles.…
What can happen. This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on august 27, 2011. Owners may contact Honda automobile…
Aug 2010 · 2003 · Electrical SystemRemoval of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been…
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 Honda Accord, civic two and four door, and model year 2003-2004 Honda element vehicles. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an…
What can happen. Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a…
The free fix. Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall…
Apr 2008 · 2003 · VisibilityIf the circuit breaker fails, it will cause the windshield wiper motor to become inoperative, which can…
The defect. Honda is recalling 351,000 my 2003 Accord vehicles. If water enters the windshield wiper motor breather port, which is designed to allow the motor to vent warm air during normal operation, it can result in corrosion inside the motor housing. This can cause a…
What can happen. If the circuit breaker fails, it will cause the windshield wiper motor to become inoperative, which can increase the likelihood of a crash in certain conditions.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the windshield wiper motor for signs of corrosion. If no signs of corrosion are present, a cover will be installed over the wiper motor to prevent water from entering the wiper…
Mar 2007 · 2005 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
The defect. On certain vehicles, a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
What can happen. If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge. The recall began on april 2, 2007. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Jan 2007 · 2004–2005 · Air BagsA failure of the sps causes the air bag system to default to full inflation pressure, regardless of the seat…
The defect. On certain vehicles, the seat position sensor (sps) detects the driver's seating position and adjusts the air bag inflation pressure accordingly. The wiring harness for the sps was attached to the seat frame in the wrong location and may have been over…
What can happen. A failure of the sps causes the air bag system to default to full inflation pressure, regardless of the seat position. Full deployment of the driver's air bag can increase the risk of injury for…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the seat position sensor wiring subharness. The recall will begin on or about february 8, 2007. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Jul 2006 · 2006 · EquipmentThe language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the national highway traffic safety administration's (NHTSA) vehicle safety hotline.
What can happen. The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
The free fix. Honda will send a postcard to dealers and owners with the correct NHTSA vehicle safety hotline information and with instructions to insert the card into the "reporting safety defects" section of the…
Nov 2005 · 2006 · TiresIf the bead sealing area is damaged, loss of air could occur while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, the tires could have been damaged when the tires were mounted on the wheels. In certain circumstances, the bead area of the tire may have been damaged.
What can happen. If the bead sealing area is damaged, loss of air could occur while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will remove all four tires and inspect them for bead area damage. If there is damage, a new tire will be installed free of charge. The recall began on december 2, 2005. Owners may contact…
Nov 2005 · 2006 · Air BagsIf the bolts loosen or fall out, the sensor may fail to properly detect a crash, possibly resulting in…
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, on the frontal airbag system where the two external impact sensors is mounted, near the front headlights the front impact sensor bolts were not properly torqued.
What can happen. If the bolts loosen or fall out, the sensor may fail to properly detect a crash, possibly resulting in delayed or non-deployment of the front airbag increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and remove the bumper and retorque the loose bolts. The recall began on november 7, 2005. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 and Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Apr 2005 · 2005 · Electrical SystemIf the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a…
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
What can happen. If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact Honda at 800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Nov 2004 · 2004–2005 · Air BagsA torn air bag may not offer the same level of protection, in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the…
The defect. On certain sedans, a tear in the fabric of the driver's front air bag occurred after apparent contact with the inside surface of the air bag cover during deployment.
What can happen. A torn air bag may not offer the same level of protection, in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
The free fix. Dealers will install a protective fabric flap between the air bag module cover and the inner module. The recall began on november 30, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Apr 2004 · 2003–2004 · Power TrainGear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
The defect. On some MINI vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear…
What can happen. Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 4,648 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 479 (10.3%)
- Fires
- 66
- Injury reports
- 347
- Fatality reports
- 11
Accord problems by model year
The 2003 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,987, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2006 the fewest, 432. A typical year drew about 686.
That makes the 2003 stand out at roughly 2.9 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1,987 | 1,583 | 88,000 | Transmission and driveline (924) | 13 |
| 2004 | 1,018 | 792 | 90,000 | Transmission and driveline (348) | 13 |
| 2005 | 686 | 523 | 76,000 | Airbag system (226) | 15 |
| 2006 | 432 | 309 | 77,000 | Airbag system (130) | 12 |
| 2007 | 525 | 371 | 68,000 | Airbag system (160) | 9 |
What Accord owners reported
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an unusual sound and the front passenger's side air bag deployed. In addition, the contact stated that the front windshield cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a…
2003 · 108,000 miles · Airbag system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was approximately 134,000. The contact stated that while attempting to resell the vehicle, the contact was…
2004 · 251,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact started the vehicle, and the vehicle shut off independently. The “Maintenance Required” message was displayed. The contact stated there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and several minutes…
2003 · 238,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the air bags deployed independently. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer or independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired.…
2004 · 147,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 3,578 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Accord generations
- Accord 1994–1997 333 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Accord 1998–2002 3,201 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Accord 2008–2012 2,461 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Accord 2013–2017 2,431 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Accord 2018–2022 1,052 reports with mileage, most about the engine