Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
One day just like that I was driving home from work and I came to a red light so after coming to a complete stop the light turned green my car was on in drive and I accelerated and the car just wouldn't move. Got it towed and I got check engine light codes and it was p0401 and p0108 so I cleaned the EGR valve and bought a new map sensor and installed it. The car had a new battery, the transmission oil was full and with no visible black color or smell, the car started but would not get into gear and just wouldn't move. Called a specialist mechanic and he brought his tool to check the whole computer part of the car wich is the next best thing to towing it to a transmission shop, the result came back inconclusive with almost certain transmission failure. After corona a lost of vehicle and job I am judt about to sell it as is cut my losses and maybe buy a bicycle for now. …
96 Honda Accord lx 2.2l transmission failure at 79,758 miles. A rebuilt transmission was installed on 11/28/08 due to transmission constantly slipping and actually leaving my 23 yr old son, away at school stranded in the middle of the expressway. I have read online that many Honda Accord owners have had transmission problems as well. I would also like to note that American Honda never contacted us ref to the emissions warranty being extended to 14 years or 150,000 miles [bulletin 98-081 http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/recall/fr33394.htm ]. We found out ourselves while on the internet last month doing research on Honda transmissions. The rebuilt transmission replaced 11/28/08 failed us again when our son was returning to orlando. We had to go and tow the car back to miami for additional transmission repairs. This time it was due to a torque converter failure.
Electrical problems, with door lock actuators and SRS systems wheel alignment brake problems, transmission problems yes , parts were replaced, repaired but I still have the same problems, after spending thousands of dollars.
While driving on the nj turnpike, automatic transmission unexpectedly slipped into neutral (slipped from d4 to neutral). Engine revved to red line before I pulled over. Just narrowly missed getting into an accident.
While stopped at a traffice light, the oil pressure light started flashing. I immediately pulled into the nearest business I thought would have a mechanic, which was a quick oil change type place. Oil was pouring from my engine. Seals and belts had to be replaced, including the timing belt so the repair was over $500. However, my car was still leaking oil (which it had never done before). Soon after I received Honda's balancer shaft seal recall info in the mail. The problem described seemed to be precisely what happened to me. I took my car to an authorized Honda dealer to have the repair inspected and to have the oil leak checked out. I left with another $250 bill and the mechanic felt that my problem had not been the balancer shaft seal because the mechanic at the quick change place incorrectly listed a part replaced as an oil seal on the invoice. …
My transmission went out at 35,000 miles they replaced it at no charge. Now at 46,000 miles the engine check light keeps coming on and ive taken it to the dealerships about 4 times they cant find anything wrong with it but I know its the transmission again because the car idles all the time like its going to die out on me and it has died out on me it runs crappy this is my first car and I paid alot for it hondas are supposed to be reliable and this one sure aint! They canged a computer part of the emissions control they said thats why the light comes on but I took it home and a week later it came back on. So Monday they are going to take the transmission out and check if its burnt out or something like that and if it is they are going to replace it again!!
I have had my car for 10 months with repeated trips to the dealer and numerous calls to the point of purchase, with no results, I have been given the run-a-round to many times to count. I have a 1996 Honda Accord and it has a head gasket problem and the engine is having to be rebuilt. The head gasket and engine are badly water damaged and warped, and it is costing me in excess of $2,400.00 to get it repaired. I was told that repairs were made to my car but never received a work order proving that said work was actually done. I am trying to seek protection under the lemon law so any help you can give me in that effort would be greatly appreciated!
Starting in sept. Of 2001 my vehicle would not change from 3rd to 4th gear. The engine light came on, took it to a local mechanic. After checking it with his computer he found no problem, reset the check engine light. He researched the vehicle and told me that Honda was having problems with transmissions when it was humid!?!?! So I thought that I would see if it continued to do this when it cooled off. It has and it has gotten to the point that every morning it will not change gears until I have driven approximately 1/2 mile, stop and go again. Even then sometimes it doesn't change.
Transmission had developed a grinding noise. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they said could not find where the noise was coming from. Dealer stated that it had been a manufacturer's defect. Dealership stated transmission needed to be replaced, however Honda is not willing to cover any of the cost to replace it, vehicle has low mileage to be experiencing transmission problems.
Defective balancer shaft seal broke loose, causing an engine replacement because of immediate oil loss w/no warning indicators. Just had oil change and transmission oil flush a month ago. Honda needs to reimburse costs of total repair due to defective item. Never received recall notice either.
Transmission complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Honda Accord, 6% of the model year's 472 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Honda Accord transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1996 Honda Accord, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Honda Accord transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.