My car started jerking several weeks ago and took it into our trusted auto mechanic and they diagnosed transmission failure. They told me that this happens frequently with this year of honda and to take it to a honda dealer since common knowledge that transmission has defective parts. They also told me to contact honda customer care. The mechanics who work on my car were originally honda certified repair tech's. Did all of that starting on may 24, 2011 and after several weeks of waiting honda said it would cost around $3700 for a rebuilt transmission of which I must pay around $2200. I have appealed again because everyone, including the honda dealership, has admitted it is defective parts. Plus I made some calls to several transmission rebuild outfits and the general consensus it would cost me $2100 for a complete rebuild as well as the information about defective honda transmissions for hondas running from 2001 to 2005. My argument is that honda knows this is a defective transmission, I have provided the proof that this car has been well-maintained throughout its life and that everyone else?s rebuild quotes $2100. They argue that I am not the original owner but one reason we bought the car from the original owner (my mother-in-law) is for honda?s ?well-known? Reliability and how they stand behind their cars.
2003 Honda Accord transmission complaints
Page 13 of 32: complaints 341 to 370 of 924, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Honda 2003 transmission while on a trip from st. Louis to the chicago area 6-23-2011and just north of springfield, il the transmission made a pronounced sound, slipped into neutral, and I had to make an emergency stoppage in heavy highway traffic to the side of the side of interstate 55. Smoke was pouring out from under the hood. I opened the hood and the smoke was emanating from the transmission area. We got towed ($136.00) back to springfield, il and as it was past 6:00 pm we had to leave the car at a local recommended transmission shop. The shop has informed us that the transmission was "burned up" and need to be replaced to the tune of $3,400 for factory rebuilt with 36 month, no mileage limit guarantee. To get transportation to where we were going and back to st. Louis cost almost $300 in rental car fees. This does not count what it will cost to return to springfield, il to retrieve the car once it has been fixed. The transmission service business there said they have repaired another four or five 2003's, and my honda mechanic in st. Louis said he had done four as well. What was normally a four hour plus trip turned into nine hours. The car has 148,215 miles and has been well maintained. This has shaken my confidence in honda. We have owned six honda's in the family, but this is the only v6.
The vehicle jerked violently and than would not accelerate safely. The vehicle was not safe to operate and I was almost rear ended because the car dropped from 75 to 35 in just a few seconds.
The SRS airbag light has come on at least 6 different times requiring a visit to the dealer each time. In each case the problem recurred within a few weeks to a few months for unknown reasons. No collisions were ever involved. No bags ever deployed prematurely. Each time we have taken the car to the honda dealer. The first time they cleared the dtc code and test drove it. That was $90.00 plus tax. The light did not come back on again for some weeks later. We took the car back again on 11/14/2008 for the same problem. They replaced the driver seat belt at no charge under warranty. A month later the light came on again and we took the car back in on 12/12/2008. They cleared the code for another $90.00 plus tax. Back again on 12/03/2009; same problem. This time the blamed it on a seat belt tensioner and repaired under warranty. Back again on 5/31/2010. This time they replaced the drivers side seat buckle again under warranty. And finally back again on 6/20/2011, this time not only having this problem, but they say the transmission needs replacement at a cost of over $4000 plus tax. I've filed a separate complaint for that. I see online that there are a very large number of complaints for the SRS light, the transmission and many other problems. I see that the SRS and transmission problems have caused accidents and injuries. This is a very dangerous vehicle. We are no longer driving it. Please investigate asap.
The 2003 honda accord ex v6 automatic transmission slips out of gear to neutral and then jerks the car and goes back into gear. This happens periodically without warning. The car has 97,258 miles. The honda dealer said the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $4075.22 + taxes and alignment.
2003 accord v6 automatic transmission failure at 120,000 miles. 2004 recall ineffective.
At approximately 56,000 miles, we had to replace the rear main oil seal. At 68,000 miles, we had to replace the fuel pump and as of june 4th, 2011, we were informed that we need to replace the transmission at 78,000 miles. The transmission failed going approximately 70 MPH and proceeded into "limp mode" to 30 MPH. It proceeded to then return instantly to 70 MPH and within 30 seconds repeated the same and as we were trying not to fly off the highway it again repeated this same behavior at which point we pulled off to the side of the highway, which was approximately 2 feet wide, and as traffic, which was thankfully not right on our tail, flew by we were able to drive on the side of the highway for the next 20 miles at approximately 30 miles per hour into the next town. At this point, there wasn't anyone available to look at the vehicle so we left it and rented a vehicle. Our honda would not even go into reverse at this point. We then towed the honda back to our home town and dropped it straight to honda of tri-cities. There they diagnosed that their was a transmission failure and it had to be replaced. They offered to pay half of the cost ($2000.00) but we feel there is a life threatening problem with that transmission and after seeing all of the additional customers of honda's, the years between 1999 and 2003, that have had the same life threatening experiences, we are appalled that the public has not been notified of this. Not just by a check on your transmission but a complete recall. I am very surprised that we were not fatally injured.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). After the repairs while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle would not respond to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 84,000.
My 2003 honda accord began lurching violently as I was driving on the highway. I was slammed into the seatbelt and narrowly avoided an accident. I've found hundreds of other complaints online for the same problem. It appears honda knows there is a defective transmission in these cars but have done nothing about it.
My 2003 honda accord transmission failed at only 84000 miles. The car suddenly decelerated from 65 to 45 miles per hour on the freeway. Luckily it was not rush hour. My 1 year old son was in the car with me. No recalls have been issued even though numerous people have been experiencing this issue with their 2003 accords. Upon inspection, I was told the transmission has a shift malfunction and is stuck in 3rd gear. Needs replacement with cost of $3900. The car is undriveable at this point without repair.
I was driving on maryland route 270 at 60mph when the car violently jolted and wheels locked for a second putting me into a split second skid. Almost had a devastating crash with my family in the car. Apparently the transmission went from 5th gear to 1st gear on its own. Thankfully I made it back home driving about 10mph with the car still jolting back and forth. As I was backing the car into a parking spot the vehicle went in reverse just fine but after pulling forward and attempting to reverse again the car did not back up. When I turned the car off and back on again I was able to move in reverse.
May 3rd, I was driving approx 70 MPH when all of a sudden, my car felt like someone slammed on the brakes and I went flying forward. It happened 2 more times, then later, I couldn't go in reverse. I researched it and was shocked to find out this is an ongoing issue with the 2003 honda accord ex v6 model. Honda isn't calling it a recall because no one has been hurt yet. The next day I was in bad pain due to the jolts and seat belt marks from them restraining me. I called american honda and started a claim. I asked what if I need a new transmission. He said 'no problem, you're now with american honda.' I took it in and my transmission failed on the way there too. While waiting the vip director came up to me telling me I'm a vip customer having bought hondas for 22 years . Shortly thereafter the svc manager came and told me yes, the transmission was gone and american honda agreed to pay $900 out of the $4300 bill. I asked what about the known issues honda has with this year and model? He said all they offered was $900. The vip manager told me he would never put $3400 in a sinking ship. I said 'sinking ship?' he said 'well it does have 89k miles on it.' I said 'it's a honda...that's why I paid big bucks for a honda because they are supposed to go for a long time.' when I called honda america, they said I wasn't the owner. I said I am. I bought it 4 years and bring it brandon honda for all my work. They still had the previous owner listed...after 4 years! I never received recalls because it went to the previous owner. The svc manager himself changed it that day to show me as the owner. All the times I'd gone to brandon honda and bought it at crown honda and they never put me as the owner, 4 years ago? Incompetence. Like toyota knew they had a brake problem but did nothing about it until someone died.
May 3rd, I was driving approx 70 MPH when all of a sudden, my car felt like someone slammed on the brakes and I went flying forward. It happened 2 more times, then later, I couldn't go in reverse. I researched it and was shocked to find out this is an ongoing issue with the 2003 honda accord ex v6 model. Honda isn't calling it a recall because no one has been hurt yet. The next day I was in bad pain due to the jolts and seatbelt marks from them restraining me. I called american honda and started a claim. I asked what if I need a new transmission. He said 'no problem, you're now with american honda.' I took it in and my transmission failed on the way there too. While waiting the vip director came up to me telling me I'm a vip customer having bought hondas for 22 years . Shortly thereafter the svc manager came and told me yes, the transmission was gone and american honda agreed to pay $900 out of the $4300 bill. I asked what about the known issues honda has with this year and model? He said all they offered was $900. The vip manager told me he would never put $3400 in a sinking ship. I said 'sinking ship?' he said 'well it does have 89k miles on it.' I said 'it's a honda...that's why I paid big bucks for a honda because they are supposed to go for a long time.' when I called honda america, they said I wasn't the owner. I said I am. I bought it 4 years and bring it brandon honda for all my work. They still had the previous owner listed...after 4 years! I never received recalls because it went to the previous owner. The svc manager himself changed it that day to show me as the owner. All the times I'd gone to brandon honda and bought it at crown honda and they never put me as the owner, 4 years ago? Incompetence. Like toyota knew they had a brake problem but did nothing about till someone died.
The automatic transmission on my wife's 2003 honda accord failed on 6-17-11 and nearly caused an accident. The transmission downshifted on its own and the car rapidly decelerated on the interstate with traffic approaching from the rear that had to change lanes to avoid collision. Numerous similar reports are noted online. This is an apparent known problem that honda will not address. The dealer quoted costs in excess of 3500.00 to replace the transmission. The car has 150,000 miles and a transmission failure may be expected. The biggest issue is the incredible risks that passengers are exposed to when the violent failure occurs.
Currently own a 2003 honda with which I have made repairs too the transmissions system several times. In recent months I've notice as I traveling at higher speeds on the highway the car downshift making it unsafe when traffic flow is heavy. I've also had instances of stalling at take off which causes traffic issues when im stopped at a red light.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda accord. The contact stated that the transmission failed, causing the vehicle to shift in between gears. He also noticed that the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer performed a diagnostic which confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer reset the check engine light however, the check engine light illuminated again. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The transmission was not replaced. The current and failure mileages were 94,000.
My 2003 honda accord v6 automatic transmission failed at 65,000 miles--car was undrivable and was almost rear ended because I could not accelerate. Had to take car to independent shop and replace transmission for $3100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda accord. While driving 30 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle would shift gears independently and become resistant to acceleration. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where they inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 69,000. Updated 07/20/11 *bf updated 3/01/2012
2003 honda accord with only 53,000 miles. While driving on the highway approximately 55mph I attempted to change the line when my car suddenly and abruptly decelerated causing drivers behind me to brake rapidly and this almost lead to an accident. I was in the car with my wife and 4.5 years old son. It was a horrible experience. Next day I took my car to a dealer just to find out that I am going to need another transmission and the cost is $4600. American honda offered 35 % discount but the problem with this is than independent garages quoted repair between $2300- $2900 so in reality it was not real discount. There is definitely something wrong with this year model transmission and judging by so many complains (and more is posted every day) about the same issue I am surprise that the federal safety agency is not doing anything about that. I hope that agency is not waiting till someone get badly injured or cause others serious trouble. I am the lucky on, it cost me a money but I am well and alive. In may there was a recall from hyundai and based on what I found on the federal safety agency website there was a lot less complains about transmission problem and the federal safety agency reacted : quoted' hyundai is recalling 6,169 santa fes because a defective transmission may cause "loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash," according to the federal safety agency' unquoted. I would like to know what rules the federal safety agency used to differentiate transmission problem. In one case may increase risk of crush but in other not.
When taking off from a complete stop, my daughter's 03 honda accord v6 shifted poorly between the 2nd and 3rd gear. The mileages for the car were less than 132,500 at the time. Honda website listed several recalls for this model, in which the problem stated was one of then. If this problem was corrected under the recall, why was I out of pocket for work never done? My daughter is the second owner of the vehicle.
2003 honda accord, v6. Transmission failed with no warning, while turning left. This could have easily LED to a serious accident. After inspection mechanic states that the failure has all of the typical characteristics of the failure of the 2003 accord transmission. It will cost me 3,800 to repair (with only 94,000 miles on the car and a perfect maintenance record at a honda dealership). But I just feel lucky that we survived. This is a very dangerous failure. There was zero warning of a problem until I was left with the transmission neutral with cars headed at us going 60+ MPH. Thank god the other drivers were paying attention and slammed on the brakes. One oncoming driver went into the ditch.
Automatic transmission second gear failed. Transmission had to be rebuilt at considerable personal expense..
After an incident where the car could only accelerate to 30 miles per hour, it was fixed by the honda dealer (throttle repairs), then I had repeated incidents of gears shifting accidentally, one time gear shifted into neutral when I was at a stop sign. I would try to accelerate and the car would jerk and eventually go into gear. I took car back to dealer 4 times to get it repaired and they said nothing was wrong. Finally, at 5 pm on a major freeway the car started jerking and jolting violently and I had to get off and call a tow truck. Went to nearest honda dealer and they duplicated the problem and said I need a new transmission and american honda is going to pay 50% of the replacement cost, still very expensive..
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda accord. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH the transmission locked. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and shut the vehicle off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact called the dealer regarding the transmission and the dealer stated the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact noticed numerous complaints regarding the transmission for his vehicle and stated this was a serious safety issue that could cause a crash. The failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 06/16/11
2003 honda accord. Consumer states instead of replacing a defective transmission, the dealer installed an oil jet kit. *tgw the consumer stated he continues to experience problems with the transmission where it goes out of second gear while driving in traffic. The consumer was informed the vehicle needed a transmission at a cost of $ 3800. *jb updated 12/21/11.
With no warning my 3rd gear went out in my 2003 honda accord. Very dangerous when a vehicle is behind you and you can't accelerate due to not having a 3rd gear. I came very close to being rear ended but luckily got off to the side of the road. After looking it up online I found many complaints of this happening in the 03 accords, I don't know how many times it has to happen before honda will take ownership but with the cost of replacing the transmission being $3500-$4000 they need to do something. I can't afford to get this fixed!!
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda accord. The contact stated that when trying to accelerate it wouldn't exceed 40 MPH and the vehicle would jerk violently. The dealer was contacted, advised her that there were no recalls and to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 77,000.
Driving down sunrise high way in new york, when all of a sudden my 2003 v6 ex honda accord down shifts from 5th to 1st. Then it started to violently shake forward or back. I almost got hit by the passing surrounding cars while trying to maintain control. Upon further inspection it turns out to be the transmission has went. The car just turned over 90,000 miles on it.
Driving on 495 at night with heavy traffic in a construction zone when the transmission failed. Car started coasting and I could not reengage transmission. I managed to coast to a stop between 2 barrels. Transmission worked after shutting car off and restarting. Failed again after several minutes. Problem was diagnosed as a blown transmission at the dealers. Transmission replaced at my cost minus 25% credit from honda.
2003 honda accord ex. Consumer states problem with transmission *tgw the consumer stated as she was driving, all of a sudden, it felt as though the brakes had been slammed abruptly and she went flying forward. When the consumer arrived home, she realized the vehicle would not go in reverse. After doing some research, she discovered there was an ongoing problem with the make, model and year of her vehicle. Upon diagnosis, it was determined the transmission failed. Honda was willing to pay $2100 of the $4300 bill.
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