Check a VIN

2003 Honda Accord brakes complaints

Page 5 of 7: complaints 101 to 130 of 172, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Honda Accord brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Brakes · 21,500 miles · MD

At high speed, severe steering wheel shake when brake pedal depressed. Also, loud grinding sound with limited braking ability. Progressively got worse from new until 21,500 miles where almost couldn't stop. Abs and tcs lights also came on. Dealer said honda has issued a bulletin to replace with a less aggressive updated pad and had to order wheel monitoring sensor to fix light indicator problem. Dealer had to cut rotor to install new pads.

Filed May 7, 2004 · Brakes · MD

Purchased car new in nov 2002 from college park honda in maryland. Took car to honda of bowie for second oil change and tire rotation at 6349 miles on may 10,2003. Returned car to honda of bowie 7 days later for vibration in steering wheel while driving above 40 mi per hour. Dealership balanced front tires at no charge. Returned car to honda of bowie on june28, 2003 with 8287 miles for steering wheel vibration when braking. I was told the front rotors were slightly warped and dealer resurfaced rotors free of charge. Problem reoccurred at around 15,000 miles but did not get car in for service until mileage was 18,003 on april 9, 2004. Took it to college park honda where I purchased and explained the problem. Before looking at car service rep told me it was probably due to my driving habits (lots of stop and go). I have had the same commute for over 10 years and never had this kind of problem before. I said I'd be very unhappy if I had to replace the brakes at 18,000 miles. Service rep said it was very common to replace brakes and rotors at 18,000 miles. I reiterated my unhappiness if I was going to have to pay for the repair. I believed it should be covered under warranty. After inspecting the brakes I was told the front rotors were glazed and the pad were cracked. They resurfaced the rotors (that's twice in 10,000 miles) and replaced the pads under warranty as a "one time courtesy". The problem came back within 7 days of the repair. I have an appointment to take my car back today ( 4 weeks to the day since they worked on it). I believe the rotors are defective or have been resurfaced too much and need to be replaced. I am expecting that they will try to tell me this is somehow my fault and expect me to pay for the repair. I believe from reading all the other complaints which are so similar to mine, that the 2003 honda accords have a brake problem that the company does not want to address.

Filed Apr 30, 2004 · Brakes · MS

The dealer replaced the front brakes at 6,800 miles. At 22,469 miles, dealer indicated to the consumer that she needs to replace the rear brakes at owner's expense.

Filed Apr 22, 2004 · Brakes · 19,000 miles · MO · crash

I purchased my new 2003 honda accord lx coupe in apr 2003. In dec 2003, I took my car in for an oil change and was told that I needed to leave my car there because of the brakes. They replaced the master cylinder. Less than 4 months later, while in rush hour traffic, the brakes failed as my foot nearly went completely to the floor. I shifted the gears down and was able to stop the car that way, no accident. I took my car back to the dealership service dept (it was a thursday). The next day they called me and said they couldn't find anything wrong. I insisted that something was wrong. When I went to pick up the car, I was told by the service repair person that the mechanic decided to probe further due to my insistance and he subsequently found air bubbles in the brake fluid. They bled my brakes. That following monday, something else went wrong. At the time I believed the problem to be the brakes, but now I am not so sure. While pulling into a parking space at my apartment, it felt as though the brakes slipped. My foot was on the brake pedal, but it did not stop; it almost seemed as though the car sped up a little, while my foot went to the floor. In a panic, I took my foot off the brake and pressed it again. I heard the tires squeal, but by that point it was too late. I ended up hitting a pole. State farm had my car evaluated to determine if there was a problem with the brakes that could have caused the accident. I took it to the same dealership shop, but only under the condition that the state farm inspector check the car with them. Thirty minutes into the inspection the state farm inspector left and my car was subsequently left for approx 1-1/2 hours soley with the dealership . At the end of the 2-hour inspection, I was told no problems with my brakes. I now drive my car fearfully, hoping that nothing else will go wrong.

Filed Apr 22, 2004 · Body, Brakes · CO

1.front brakes grind for the first 1-2 stops after sitting overnight or 1-2 hours. 2. Rattle or creaking sound in the drivers side window and b column, unresolved after 3 trys by the dealer to fix.only present while driving on mildly coarse road surface.

Filed Apr 14, 2004 · Brakes · 13,000 miles · LA

03 accord lx brake rotors warped. When stopping there is a vibration in the steering and brake pedal. Brake pads also squeek and make grinding noise. Will bring to dealer for assessment

Filed Apr 6, 2004 · Brakes · 26,250 miles · CA

While traveling at highway speed the brakes suddenly engaged. The engine power decreased and the electronic traction control system illuminated on the dash.

Filed Mar 26, 2004 · Brakes · 50 miles · MA · crash

Since purchasing my brand new 2003 honda accord in june 2003, there has been a severe grinding and vibration coming from the brakes. I have gone back and forth to the dealer (herb chambers, burlington, ma) 4 times for the problem. First they ground the rotors (the car was only 2 months old). The problem still occured and I brought it back a week later and the "supposedly" replaced the rotors and pads but they refused to let me see the old parts when I requested them. Problem has been getting worse and we brought it back again twice in february and the dealer insists there is nothing wrong with the brakes. They only drove it 1 -2 miles each time. The problem is intermittent and the car must be driven all the time as my family does. I already had a minor accident when the brakes did not stop at all at only 5 MPH. I wrote honda applying the massachusetts lemon law and they ignored it. I received nothing in writing of their findings. I went to an independent brake specialist who looked at the brakes and said he didn't think they were replaced - only turned. I then went to another honda dealer who says that honda is well aware of the brake problem (severe grinding and vibration) and are doing nothing about it. A customer service rep named mark keeps calling us but for a week, every time we call him back, we get his voice mail and he never calls us. The problem still exists. The car is a lemon and the federal safety agency website shows many others experiencing the same problem. Honda won't do anything unless someone gets killed. They need to acknowledge the problem. I have complained to the bbb in massachusetts as well as the attorney general's office. I have also placed calls to the three local media stations and my attorney.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Body, Brakes · 5,076 miles · VA

The engine emitted a rotten egg smell. The driver heard a grinding noise. The vehicle also had a brake problem. The driver's seat was not stable. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer at least 9 times for multiple problems. *nm paint on the hood is flaking. Seat is not fixed. The door panel was fixed twice but problem still exists. Consumer confronted dealership about problem with vehicle but consumer was ignored. Consumer called american honda to report issue with dealer.

Filed Mar 10, 2004 · Brakes · PA

Consumer purchased vehicle brand new, and when he drove it brakes overheated and vehicle vibrated. Brake rotors were warped. Took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that this vehicle had a different type of brakes, and they needed to be specially ordered. It took a long time to get this particular kind of brakes. Then, mechanic drove vehicle , but was not able to find anything wrong. Consumer had his vehicle back, and the problem with the brakes became worse. Consumer maintained that honda knew about these brakes and were not doing anything about them.

Filed Mar 9, 2004 · Brakes · KS

While driving in inclement weather conditions and when depressing the brakes pedal is delayed in braking, which results in extended stopping distance.

Filed Feb 22, 2004 · Brakes · 2,500 miles · SC

Defective rotors on 2003 honda accord v6 sedan. Immediately after buying the car, the front brakes vibrated. I thought it might go away. Dealer inspected and "cut the rotors". Defect was not corrected and got very bad such that whole car now vibrates. Dealer failed to recognize and replace defective honda rotors, which he should have done when car was taken to him for this service. I have now had to try to find a private mechanic who will get suitable rotors and repair the brake system. All rotor manufacturers have stated that the failed rotors cannot be "fixed" by cutting them. They must be replaced or the defect will occur over and over with time. Honda and the dealership have refused to replace them and did not replace them when first reported.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Brakes · TX

My 2003 accord had warped rotors after only 6 months. Then at 15k my brakes started squealing and grinding. I took it to dealer and they said my front pads were almost gone. Blamed my driving style and city traffic. I've owned an accord and acura integra prior to this car and they both were on original pads at 45kmiles. I think honda screwed up somewhere with this new model.

Filed Feb 13, 2004 · Brakes · 15,601 miles · TX

2003 honda accord coupe ex v6 mt w/nav. Experienced brake pedal pulsations and steering wheel shaking when braking. Front rotors have been resurfaced twice, at 7000 and again at 15600. This looks like a recurrent problem in the new generation accord's. Must be faulty brake/rotor design.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Brakes · 3,000 miles · CA

My 2003 accord makes a clunking noise when accelerating from a cold start, accelerating from a stoplight, accelerating after turning a corner, and accelerating, and on the freeway when passing another vehicle. After several repair attempts, my local service department diagnosed this as being caused by the ABS system and that I should consider it a normal characteristic of the automobile until a fix is found by honda. Most recently, the ABS, the tcs, and the brake light came on. Service department stated that it was a false code and that there was no problem with the ABS system.

Filed Feb 4, 2004 · Brakes · OR

When applying the brakes front end shimmied intermittently.

Filed Jan 26, 2004 · Brakes · FL · crash · 2 injuries

I have had my vehicle serviced for brake issues on 3 separate occasions. Brakes were replaced, drums & rotors replaced and still have issues. I wrecked my vehicle because brakes failed to hold. Honda claims that there is nothing wrong with my brakes and that service was done for customer. Satisfaction. After the wreck, I picked up the car from the body shop, brakes remain an issue.

Filed Jan 21, 2004 · Brakes · 12,849 miles · NC

The braking system on some 2003 honda accords are defective. I brought a demo honda accord ex in feb '03 with around 4500 miles at purchase and has over 40000 now. 05/02/03 12,849 miles. I took my car back to the dealership (leith honda in raleigh) complaining of vibrations in the steering wheel when braking. I was told it it was caused by high speed braking and to change my driving habits. Since it was a demo vehicle, the dealership resurfaced the rotors free of charge. 6/17 17,775 miles. I took the car back to the dealership with the same complaint.again, the technican said it was caused by high speed braking. The service advisor went on to tell me that this would be the last time it would be fixed free of charge. My rotors were resurfaced again. By late september, the car began having strong vibrations when braking. The condition had gotten progressively worse but I knew I didnt have the money to pay for the car itself and this brake problem. I called the honda dealership back and requested to speak with the service manager. It was at this time that I found out honda (tech line) was aware of the problem and that it would be fixed free of charge until a solution was in place. 10/08 30,550 miles. Had my rotors replaced (boyd honda in oxford) 12/01 35,995 miles. Took my car in for service for another matter but informed the service advisor, the vibrations were back. I learned a bullentin was posted for the '03 brake pads and they were replaced (boyd honda). 01/09/04 39,226 miles. Returned to the dealership with signs of the problem present when braking after having the new pads put on.

Filed Jan 16, 2004 · Brakes · 5,000 miles · AR

My '03 4d accord, purchased in bentonville,ar, has required replacement or machining of the front brake rotors four times due to warping (resulting in pulsating braking). Each repair has lasted about 5000 miles. I've logged about 400k miles in hondas in the last 14yrs and have never had this problem; accustomed to going at least 150k mi (before trading) with no rotor problems.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · 23,240 miles · CA

On one of my visit to the dealer to complaint about my the brakes on my car I also complained about the fact that my car makes noise when I am driving on surface that should not make my car sound like their doors are not put on correctly. I thought because it was new it was just a new car squeak but when I drive with the radio off I can hear this noise and I can just imagine what it will sound like when the car is not so new. When I drive in any other vehicle I listen for this sound and I don't hear this noise but as usual the dealer cannot find it. I will be taking in my car for the same brake problems again. On 9/12/203. This will be the fourth time. The first time was on nov/6/2002,and they resurface the rotors. The second time was on feb/1/2003, they replace both front disc. The third time may/01/2003, they replace brake pads. The pads are very high and the rotors are thick. There is no sign of warp or roughness that I can feel whem I inspect the brakes and I am some what familiar with brakes.

Filed Jan 9, 2004 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · CA

While driving at any speed and when the brakes were depressed vehicle jerked to one side or the other. Also, there was a grinding sound coming from the front wheels. Dealer repaired the problem free of charge, claiming that old brake pads were updated.

Filed Jan 8, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · 6,000 miles · LA · crash · 1 injury

Abs lights came on while driving. This indicated brake failure on 3 separate occasions. Consumer ran a red light, hit a curb ,and crashed into a building. Upon impact, frontal air bags failed to deploy. Consumer sustained arm and back injuries. Dealership did not locate the cause of the brake failure.

Filed Jan 8, 2004 · Brakes · 5,000 miles · CA

Warped brake rotors. Brake rotors on my 2003 accord ex v-6 warped at about 5,000 miles. I was unaware of this website at the time (about august 2003). The dealer resurfaced the rotors but blamed me for driving too fast on mountainous roads... Seemed a bit rude and presumptuous on their part since I don't drive faster than normal traffic nor on mountain roads. The rotors started exhibiting warping again at about 9,000 miles. This seems like a common complaint and I suspect it may be due to poor selection of material or design of the rotors or brake system.

Filed Dec 29, 2003 · Brakes · CA · crash

While applying the brakes brake pedal went to the floor. This caused the vehicle to skid into a guard rail. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic noticed that both rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion.

Filed Dec 27, 2003 · Brakes · GA

Ongoing problem with faulty brake pads. Causes vibration on high speeds and noises. Company alleges brake pads need to be replaced and pads are on back order. Problems increasing with additional vehicle use.

Filed Dec 24, 2003 · Brakes · 11,265 miles · NJ · crash

Brakes failed to grab when in an emergency breaking situation and the car would not stop which caused me to hit another vehicle. The brakes have been making a gringing noise when applied even prior to this incident. I took it to the dealer and they stated there was a stone between the pads and the rotors. The grinding noise persists.

Filed Dec 23, 2003 · Brakes · 6,000 miles · CA

The vehicle was experiencing a problem with the brakes. First the master cylinder failed, then a grinding noise was heard from in front indicating that the rotors and pads were worn. Please provide any additional information.

Filed Dec 22, 2003 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · 00

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance. Dealer found there was 40% front brakes left and 75% rear brakes left. Brakes must be replaced within the next month.

Filed Dec 17, 2003 · Brakes · 5,150 miles · CA

On june 23, 2003, I took this vehicle to the honda dealership in clovis, california. It had a problem with the vehicle shaking when I applied the brakes and a constant slight vibration in the steering wheel. This was done with the vehicle having 5,150 miles on it. The dealership resurfaced the front rotors. On july 17, 2003, I took this vehicle back to the honda dealership in clovis, california, for the same problem as before. This time I was charged for a balance and rotation which I agreed to. I left the dealership with a slight vibration in the steering wheel and was still experiencing a slight vibration while applying the brakes. This was done with the vehicle having 6, 784 miles on it. On october 17, 2003, I took this vehicle back to the honda dealership in clovis, california, for the same problem as before. This was done with the vehicle having 11,692 miles on it. The dealership resurfaced both the front and rear rotors. The vehicle now has 16,000 miles on it and it needs to go back into the repair shop once again for rotor warping. I feel there is a defect in the braking system with this new 2003 honda accord.

Filed Dec 11, 2003 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · FL

2003 honda accord, been into dealer twice for brake shudder and grinding noise. Rotor was resurfaced, dealer says brake problems are the result of hard braking. Still have problems, not resolved.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2003 Honda Accord?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history