The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there were several mechanical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a failure with the ignition switch, and the key could not be removed from the cylinder, and the shift lever failed to shift into drive(D), park(P), or into reverse(R). The contact stated that while the vehicle was in drive(D), the drive(D) indicator was flashing. Additionally, the contact had been having a failure of the power steering assist. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact was unaware of any warning lights during the power steering failure. The contact stated that the power steering failure was recurring. There was also a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that after being able to shift to drive(D), and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and hesitating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found several recalls related to the failures. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the contact was advised that two previous recall repairs were completed for the air bags and the ignition, but the VIN was no longer under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
2003 Honda Accord transmission problems
924 complaints (47% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 98,076. 20 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 924
- of this car's complaints
- 47%
- typical mileage
- 98,076
- crashes
- 20
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission576
- Automatic transmission: torque converter5
- Manual transmission4
- Driveline2
- Clutch assembly2
- Axle assembly2
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift1
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda Accord transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Honda Accord transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Transmission failure 379Slipping 186Jerking 134Won't shift 100Hesitation 33Harsh shifting 24Whining noise 14Shudder 13
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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 breakage.
- Risk
- Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. The recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the tl and cl vehicles. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 04V176000 · Recall details
What 2003 Honda Accord owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tie rods, brakes
The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift properly; however, the engine revved abnormally. The driver pulled to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed after being restarted on several occasions; however, the failure persisted on other occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
(Please check the attached full complaint letter) I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my experience with the American Honda Motor Company. As a loyal consumer and a law-abiding citizen, I believe it is crucial to address issues that impact consumers and the general public. Since 2013, I have been trying to resolve a critical issue with my brand-new Honda Accord car I bought from Honda. Unfortunately, American Honda company didn’t resolve the issue that affected my car and hundreds of thousands of the same cars’ owners that they sold in NJ and in 22 salt belt states. My argument with the American Honda company is that they have a major design issue with their front left and right axles for Honda Accord cars that have been manufactured since 2003.
Theirs a humming or whining sound and burning odors on the transmission. Slipping on transmission gear.
After car had leaking valve cover gaskets replaced the TCS and BRAKE indicator lights illuminated. Couldn’t reset. All fuses and light bulbs were good. E-brake limit switch OK, brake pedal switch ok but had small crack so REPLACED. TCS, BRAKE light went off then returned within 3 mins now with ( ! ) indicator light illuminated. Made appt with Honda Dealer however 2 days before appt vehicle lost traction at 50 mph brakes went to floor vehicle began to fishtail and driver was unable to correct steering or brake. This lead to a solo vehicle accident off the side of road.
My transmission ffails while deiving causes it to go into limp mode and stops on contact
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission erroneously downshifted into 3rd gear causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed to approximately 25 mph. The contact indicated that the transmission remained stuck in 3rd gear. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 287,000.
I am original owner of this car and it has been serviced regularly. At about 118,000 miles the transmission failed. Was driving on the highway at about 55 MPH and it was like someone slammed on the brakes, hard enough that the tires screeched. It was very terrifying as well as having the potential to be very dangerous. There was no prior indication of any problems. At this time, the car is in the shop having the transmission replaced. From what I understand, the transmission in the 2003 honda accord has been plagued by problems from the onset. I am just very fortunate that nothing serious happened to me when the transmission failed, or I would not be here making this post.
Steering wheel locked key won't turn
Questions about the 2003 Honda Accord transmission
Does the 2003 Honda Accord have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 924 complaints about the transmission of the 2003 Honda Accord, 47% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda Accord transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 98,076 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Honda Accord transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V176000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda Accord have bad transmission?
The Honda Accord model years with the most transmission complaints are 2003 (924 complaints), 2002 (478 complaints) and 2004 (348 complaints).
Other 2003 Honda Accord problems
Airbags 318Brakes 172Engine 146Electrical 142Steering 90Acceleration 81Visibility 75Body 73Lights 56Suspension 31Seat belts 26Seats 24Tires 24Locks 18Fuel system 16Driver assistance 10Wheels 7
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