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1997 Honda Accord electrical problems

96 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 144,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
96
of this car's complaints
21%
typical mileage
144,000
crashes
2
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    32
  • Ignition
    16
  • Wiring: front underhood
    4
  • Wiring
    4
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    3
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    2
  • Ignition: module
    2
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Honda Accord electrical problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
Risk
Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began june 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.

Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported September 22, 1998 · 967,771 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sedan, coupe and wagon passenger vehicles except the dx model and models with v6 engines. The factory installed air conditioner wire harness was improperly routed allowing some wires to rub against each other, eventually causing a short circuit.
Risk
The short circuit canpossibly cause the underhood wireing to overheat and smoke, causing a fire in the engine compartment. A short circuit can also result in a blown fuse or dead battery.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper routing of these wires. Any harness improperly routed will be inspected for damage and the routing will be corrected. If any insulation is worn through and the copper wires are exposed, the harness will be replaced. Dealers will also install plastic tubing to protect the harness.

Recall number 98V231000 · Recall details

What 1997 Honda Accord owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 7, 2023 · Electrical · 200,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 1997 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to slow down, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality however, the failure became a persistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. However, the contact stated that the battery, carburetor, and alternator were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 02V120000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · OH · fire

While driving car speed starts to fall soon there is no pedal at all and smoke and fire come from underneath dashboard transmission hesitates to shift now currently un safe to drive.

Filed Jun 14, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

I test drive 1997 honda accord and you had to pump the break paddle to slow it down within 4 block radius when returning the garage the service engine light came on the vehicle started vibrating this was last week this month june 2020. They selling the for $1600. The blue book show it worth $800. To 1200. This vehicle serious mechanical issu

Filed Aug 7, 2018 · Electrical · 131,377 miles · KS

I am hearing electrical sparking sound when I turn ignition switch to start position. The car starts only after several attempts. Car was stationary.

Filed Aug 7, 2018 · Electrical · 131,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 honda accord. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start when prompted. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system) as the source of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2018 · Electrical · WA

The car dies while driving, sometimes in motion, sometimes stopped in traffic. The mechanic said it is the ignition switch. This was the subject of a recall previously in 2002. I can't tell if my car was listed or repaired then.

Filed Feb 7, 2017 · Electrical · 234,000 miles · TN · fire

My car spontaneously blew up on monday. Hadn't driven it in over 2 hours. Believe it falls under recall number 98v231000. No check engine lights and regularly maintenanced.

Filed Mar 16, 2016 · Electrical · 201,300 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Honda dealership replaced ignition switch. The original ignition switch was replaced in the 2002 recall. The replacement switch was replaced in 2016 after exhibiting the same symptoms that LED to the original recall: silent stall. The faulty switch LED to a stall at a stop light and when the light turned green I was rear ended as I was attempting to restart the car. I had to reach out to honda asking them to verify the problem and replace at no charge.

Filed Feb 8, 2016 · Electrical · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 honda accord. After starting the vehicle, it stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was not aware if the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 3, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 230,000 miles · TN

This car randomly shuts down as I am driving have taken it to numerous places and nothing is found. Shut down 6 times in a row last time with my child in the car on a dark highway cold and raining. Very dangerous!!! The inside lights flash on and off all of the time mostly turning curves, wasting battery. Noise in the front wheels/tires/axles like something is waiting to break off as you are driving. Overheated last year for no apparent reason costing ton of money. I have replaced the compressor twice and still the air conditioner doesn't cool. I leave the "air" button on to keep the fans running so it doesn't overheat as I'm driving. Not to mention in the summer it is blowing out heat and all the windows do not roll down. This car is a mess and I will never purchase another honda. Thanks-

Questions about the 1997 Honda Accord electrical

Does the 1997 Honda Accord have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 96 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Honda Accord, 21% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Honda Accord electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 144,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Honda Accord electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 02V120000, 98V231000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda Accord have the most electrical problems?

The Honda Accord model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (417 complaints), 1999 (388 complaints) and 2014 (378 complaints).

Other 1997 Honda Accord problems

Airbags 113Engine 58Acceleration 38Brakes 37Transmission 33Suspension 28Seat belts 23Tires 15Visibility 13Body 12Steering 11Fuel system 6Lights 4Seats 4Wheels 3Locks 1

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