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2003 Honda Accord transmission complaints

Page 10 of 32: complaints 251 to 280 of 924, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed Feb 14, 2012 · Transmission · 164,000 miles · GA

Transmission is slipping between 1st and 2nd gears and after car is warm transmission hesitates from dead start. I have looked online only to find out that there are hundreds of complaints and this is definitely a safety concern, the federal safety agency is failing it seems in their responsibility to address this recurring malfunction, I only hope that the death as a result of this situation that finally causes a recall is not one of my family members.

Filed Jan 26, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · FL

Transmission problems.

Filed Jan 23, 2012 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · IL

The car would not accelerate beyond 10 MPH but occasionally jerking forward as the car struggled to shift gears. I was on a road with a speed limit of 35 MPH, and fortunately I was able to move the car into a nearby parking lot where the car completely stalled. I shut off the engine after briefly smelling a burning smell. I was able to start the car again and take side roads to get home. We took the car in for servicing and were told it was an issue with the speed sensor. $259 and two days later we were driving along a local highway with a speed limit of 40 MPH when the car again jerked through gears and barely moving. Snow was falling, and visibility was limited. With hazard lights on, several cars came within feet of rear-ending us as the roads were slick and we were not able to fully get into the median. Again, a burning smell prompted us to shut off the engine. About 20 minutes later we were able to start the car and drive it down the median at about 5 MPH as the engine continued to jerk through gears.

Filed Jan 13, 2012 · Steering, Transmission · 52,000 miles · FL

My 2003 honda accord had a transmission failure at 52,000 miles. Car also diagnosed with power steering rack failure. Car has been serviced exclusively at the dealership where it was purchased. All maintenance done at recommended intervals. Service department has been given carte blanche to repair/replace any part over the last 8 years. This should not happen. Very disappointing.

Filed Jan 3, 2012 · Transmission · 158,064 miles · MN

While driving at highway speeds, my 2003 honda accord slammed into a lower gear causing the car to almost come to a stop instantly. The car behind me had to slam on the breaks and swerve onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. The car will no longer shift into reverse or any gear higher than 2nd.

Filed Jan 2, 2012 · Transmission · WA

In early october of 2010 our 2003 honda accord ex v6 was driving at about 40 MPH, suddenly, it downshifted in the middle of traffic, almost coming to a complete stop, and the car was almost rear-ended. When looked at bythe local honda dealership the tech said the transmission was fine. A few weeks later the car did it again only at higher speed this time. The car has been parked for over a year because we are afraid to drive it, and we do not know whether to invest the money to fix it, or if it is defect from the factory. I found the information for this website on the following thread: http://www.carcomplaints.com/honda/accord/2003/transmission/unintended_downshift.shtml.

Filed Dec 31, 2011 · Transmission · 122,013 miles · MD

I have to replace the transmission on my honda accord. I was on my way to work when the car just started shifting into neutral during acceleration after every stop. I was almost hit in the rear at one point. Terrifying!!!! I purchased the car in 2004 from pohanka honda in temple hills, md. The same dealership has been responsible for servicing my vehicle since the purchase. I purchased a honda for the dependability, my car has not reached it's 10th birthday and I'm faced with a huge cost to replace the transmission.

Filed Dec 31, 2011 · Transmission · 141,000 miles · CO

The transmission periodically fails to shift properly and failed to propel the car suddenly on the interstate in heavy traffic at high speed. Was forced to the side of the road in a very unsafe manner. This transmission is a safety hazard and of faulty manufacture as a transmission should last the life of a vehicle 300k or be replaced by the manufacturer.

Filed Dec 30, 2011 · Transmission · 160,223 miles · MA

The car wont shift out of first gear. Mechanic says torque converter is broken. This seems to be a problem with this car.

Filed Dec 28, 2011 · Transmission · 114,000 miles · IN

The transmission has been slipping on and off for 2 weeks until last night, when it failed completely. I noticed it shift into a lower gear when I let my foot off the gas, and then it would not engage any gears. I had it towed to a nearby transmission shop who confirmed that the transmission had failed and would need to be replaced. Failure happened at 8 years and 114,000 miles.

Filed Dec 27, 2011 · Transmission · 700,000 miles · WA

When driving the car it would rev up but not go anywhere. Honda dealer said it needed a whole new transmission.

Filed Dec 27, 2011 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · MD

Transmission issue between 2nd and 3rd gear. Burnt atf 1 week after replacement. Serviced at 40k, 65k and 92k miles.

Filed Dec 27, 2011 · Transmission · 120,176 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda accord. The contact was driving 50 MPH and heard an abnormal noise from the transmission. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who advised to the contact that they were unable to diagnose a failure within the transmission. The transmission was flushed and an oil change was performed. The failure persisted after the repairs, accompanied by an abnormal jerking motion. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 120,176.

Filed Dec 22, 2011 · Transmission · 77,420 miles · CA

I have a 2003 accord 4 door ex with a v6 and automatic. I was driving along on the freeway at freeway speeds when suddenly the transmission seemed to have slipped out of gear and then re-engaged back into gear violently. Thankfully, traffic was light and I was able to limp off the freeway and onto a parking lot safely. After I came to a stop at the parking lot, I noticed the engine symbol along with the tcs and ABS lights were illuminated. After the stop I had put the gear selector into neutral and found I had no forward or reverse in any selector positions afterward. Prior to the incident, the car was operating fine with no pre- indication of transmission problem. After a few minutes, I was able to get the car back into gear and proceeded slowly along city streets returning home. The transmission would shift erratically in and out of gear and then finally I was stuck in first gear with no up shifts. Dtc p0747 was stored. I replaced 9 quarts of atf-dw-1) and a filter (fk399) by myself. Honda shop service manual gave procedure for an oil strainer (honda 25420-p7w-003), which is not accessible. A small filter element that can be replaced without disassembly of the transmission for access listed in the honda illustrated parts breakdown as ( 25450-ray-003) and is available through honda or an auto parts store such as o'reilly (fk399). I believe that the clean atf helped free up a sticking clutch pressure solenoid valve when the vehicle reached operating temperature and the PCM activates the solenoid.

Filed Dec 22, 2011 · Transmission · 137,241 miles · CA

Transmission failed going over bay bridge into san francisco. No warning and no way to engage any gear. Near death experience for entire family.

Filed Dec 20, 2011 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · OH

I was driving through a construction zone when suddenly the gears downshift on me. I tried to accelerate a little but it increases the RPM in the current gear but does not shift. I try again and it shifts up. A few seconds later it repeats - the car downshifts suddenly with a jerking motion and I have difficulty accelerating. I am about to have a baby but now that this happened I would not trust this car with the life of my precious little one. I cannot believe that a complete recall has not been made yet! A recall needs to be made for the safety of our family and for those on the road. I trusted honda but now I cannot. The government needs to step in and take action as this is a serious issue for many americans.

Filed Dec 19, 2011 · Transmission · 90,490 miles · CA

My 2003 accord ex v6 completely failed this week at 90,490 miles. I was driving on the freeway at 65mph and the transmission went out with no prior indication of any problem and no warning lights. I was lucky and was able to safely coast off the freeway to a parking lot. There was a honda transmission oil jet kit recall for this vehicle. I had that taken care of on 10/18/04 at 15,555 miles. I had my transmission fluid changed again at 30,570 miles on 2/20/06. Had transmission replaced at honda dealer on 12/17/11 after this incident. They wanted $4,000 but they gave me $1,400 off as a "good will" gesture, so I paid $2,600. The dealer said there has been no history of transmission problems with my vehicle. After doing some research, sounds like honda had major transmission issues that year. I have seen numerous complaints posted online.

Filed Dec 16, 2011 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · NC

I was driving to work today and my car suddenly downshifted into 1st gear when I was running about 45 miles per hour. It began jerking and after pulling over it would not go into reverse. If I was on the freeway this could have caused a serious accident. This is a major complaint with 2003 honda accord owners. Something needs to be done.

Filed Dec 16, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 102,000 miles · NC

I was driving to work today and my car began to downshift into 1st gear when I was running about 45 miles per hour. It began jerking and after pulling over it would not go into reverse. If I had been on the freeway, this could have caused a serious accident. This is a major complaint with 2003 honda accord owners. Something needs to be done.

Filed Dec 14, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 95,000 miles · AZ

While driving at a constant speed, the engine suddenly started accelerating and then decelerating in quick succession causing the car to jerk back and forth uncontrollably. As I attempted to come to a stop on the side of the road, the car continued to accelerate/decelerate. Honda dealership diagnosis is transmission failure. Cost of repair is $3800. The car was just at the dealership in october for service and there were no issues then.

Filed Dec 5, 2011 · Brakes, Transmission · 76,095 miles · NY

Since july 2011 , my 2003 honda accord lx v6 experienced sluggish in the transmission. Sometime, suddenly, my car felt like someone slammed on the brakes causing me to jerking forward. It happened a few more times, then in september 2011, I brought the car in the dealer for the transmission service. I told the dealer service advisor about the symptom, after the dealer flushed the transmission fluid, then told me that the car sometime sluggish, replaced the fluid will fixed this.the problem got worse, more noise, jerking when the car automatically shifting, in november , the traction control system engaged, and the engine check light were illuminated.the car was slow to move. Brought the car to the dealer again on 11/14/2011, the dealer told me that the car "needs linear shift solenoid and brake light switch, parts had to be ordered, and the car can be drive !!! I drove the car home, it was so bad that I had to let the car sit waiting for parts. On 11/29/2011, the dealer replaced the linear shift solenoid and the brake light switch, then told me that the problem was fixed. Got the car home, the next day , I only drove about 5 miles, the noise and all the symptoms came back. I had to brought the car back to the dealer again. This time, they consulted with the honda company technical service. After several days, the dealer told me that honda technical service determine that the power train (transmission) is causing the problem; I need a transmission replacement, and it cost $3900.00. Called honda customer service to register a complain about honda service. This definitely need a recall.

Filed Dec 5, 2011 · Acceleration, Transmission · 63,000 miles · NV

Same problem as everyone else vibration at speeds above 50 miles an hour. Car roughly changes gears at weird times has almost caused a few accidents. I bought car this year from honda dealer when we noticed it we took it back dealer couldn't feel anything. The longer I wait the worse it's getting I'm scared I'm gonna get hit.

Filed Dec 1, 2011 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · MA

I purchased a 2003 honda accord new along with an extended warranty of 72 months 75,000 miles. In 2004 with 19,000 miles my vehicle was subject to a recall for the transmission. The "required" fix was made and I was told this should solve any problems. Two weeks ago with 75,300 miles, my transmission went. The dealer charged $3600 (not including port charges) to have this repair made. I was told that "third" gear failed. The repair originally made was for "second" gear. Since this was out of warranty and not part of the recall, I was responsible for complete payment. After contacting honda of america, I was told they would pick up half the cost. It appears I am not alone in this situation. This is a very dangerous situation. When the transmission failed (with no prior notice), I was driving in light traffic, and was able to get out of the way of other vehicles. Had this failed earlier in the day, I would have been in a serious accident.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda accord. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently shift out of gears while driving at any speed followed by an abnormal increase in rpms. In april 2005, the dealer replaced the jet fuel kit to correct the failure but had since recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. The current and the failure mileages were 90,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Transmission · 261,420 miles · FL

After exiting the interstate after a 3-hour drive the car violently down shifted to the point the car behind me almost rear ended me. It then had trouble shifting into second and third gear and finally locking into second gear. I was able to get to where I was going through busy city streets. It was nerve wracking. If this happens on the interstate... Engine light came on and the green light on the d indicator of the shifter started to blink on and off. I understand this is an engineering flaw in the transmission cooling design.

Filed Nov 25, 2011 · Transmission · 151,000 miles · MA

Pulling out of my driveway, heard a loud "thunk" and then sounds like I am dragging something. Not able to engage the transmission in any drive gears, reverse or park.

Filed Nov 22, 2011 · Transmission · 99,000 miles · NJ

This started as a slight slip on the 2-3 shift in my car. I have now lost 3rd gear. My car has observed all recalls on the transmission to date, and I know I am not the only one with this issue.

Filed Nov 21, 2011 · Acceleration, Engine · 76,000 miles · CA

My transmission failed while driving on my way to work the morning of nov. 16th with no warning whatsoever. Luckily I was not in an accident due to the fact I was unable to control the car because the RPM's were all over the place and the vehicle would only rev but not go any further. Therefore I immediately had to pull over in fear of causing an accident. I have researched the past few days how many other 2003 honda accord owners have had the same problem with their transmissions and there should really be a recall done by honda. The transmission should not be going out at 76,000 miles. My car is currently being repaired at an independent transmission shop with an estimated cost of around $3400. I hope to recover some of that cost from honda but further action needs to happen to ensure more people with similar year vehicles do not have to experience this as well.

Filed Nov 20, 2011 · Transmission · 95,934 miles · NC

2003 honda accord v6, 95934 miles; while driving at 55mph the transmission downshifted to first and the front tires locked up, twice!; dangerous - this is very dangerous and could have killed me; currently the transmission has no reverse and the car is un-drivable; honda needs to be held accountable due to all the complaints that have been reported with the same incident; looks as if it will cost $3500.00 to replace the transmission.

Filed Nov 11, 2011 · Transmission · 113,803 miles · OR

This complaint is for a 2003 honda accord sedan, v6 engine with automatic transmission. When passing a car on a two lane road, in the middle of the pass the transmission started to slip as if it had slipped into neutral and the rpms shot up to redline and I could no longer accelerate. I was fortunate to have space to back off and narrowly avoided a head-on collision. The car was undriveable requiring towing. End result was that the transmission had to be rebuilt due to failed or defective parts. This is a serious failure which could have caused injury or death and I believe warrants a safety investigation. I have since read of numerous failures just like mine. My failure was not for lack of maintenance.

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