Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I am the original owner of subject vehicle. The brake switch failed without warning thrice on my 1997 Honda Accord ex wagon [redacted] with 31000 miles; the vehicle has no brake lights after brake switch fails. Previous identical failures were at 22000 miles on 06/18/2002 and 164K miles on 09/29/2000. My dealer says that such a failure is typical after each 100-150K miles on these vehicles. When the brake switch fails, the operator must use the "shift lock release" (slr) to put the car in gear from the park position. Page 105 of the owns manual merely states "if you need to use the shift lock release, it could mean your car is developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer." there is no mention that the car May not have brake lights. …
My 1997 Honda Accord ex with 107,000 miles that I had owned since brand new and had serviced routinely developed an ABS braking problem. My brakes were determined to be OK and the ABS light did not come on, but when I stepped on the brakes they would make a loud and slow "click click" sound, the ABS buzzing sound occurred, the brakes would push up and the car would lurch forward. Dealer replicated the issue and determined that it was likely the modulator needing to be replaced. This seems to be a common issue on here- please look into this!
I recently about 1 1/2 months ago had my brake pads replaced, 2 days ago the ABS and brake light has come on and will not go off, I have done all the checks and everything is fine...estimated repair runs from $900-$1500..I have also noticed several complaints from other Honda owners for the same thing I feel that Honda needs to do a recall and get this issue corrected..it should not be placed on the consumer Honda needs to stand up and take ownership of the fact they have vehicles with defective parts.
Pressed the gas pedal on my car, and the car kept accelerating and the gas pedal got hard I had to put the car in park to stop it from hitting a car in front of me all while the engine kept revving, I then turned of the car and when I turned it on it was still doing the same thing until I pressed on the gas pedal again it went back to normal.
I test drive 1997 Honda Accord and you had to pump the break paddle to slow it down within 4 block radius when returning the garage the service engine light came on the vehicle started vibrating this was last week this month June 2020. They selling the for $1600. The blue book show it worth $800. To 1200. This vehicle serious mechanical issu
1997 Honda Accord ex failed ABS modulator. It seems there are several complaints of this part being a high failure item. Honda just sits back and charges 1300 dollars to replace a safety item. Please Honda make this a recall and start taking care of your customers.
Consumer was in driveway pulling into a parking space when applied the brakes, and vehicle started to accelerate, causing it hit a tree and air bags to deploy. The deployed air bags caused injuries to the driver and the passenger. Dealer notified.
I purchased this 1997 Honda Accord from my mom (she was the only owner) it only had 18,000 miles at the time. Currently the auto has a little more than 40,000 and there is noticable tire wear and the brakes make a strange clicking noise when braking.
I have several complaints: 1) the SRS light came on. The dealer claimed that I needed a new computer at a cost of $900. I researched possible problems on this and other websites and had listed the technical service bulletins that were relevant. The dealer was not so thorough. My research showed that Honda had been having problem with these computers already for several years and done nothing about it. The problem was with a sensor on the passenger side air bag which was malfunctioning in such a way as to leave in doubt whether or not the air bag would deploy. It is ridiculous that consumers have to pay nearly 1,000.00 to fix systemic problems in a safety system that have repeatedly not been addressed. 2) my ABS light started coming on. When starting the engine the pump motor for the ABS system would activate and attempt to pump fluid in the system. …
I spent over $800 in eight months on new rotors and brake pads. The parts replaced were original from the day bought March 1, 1997. Honda of scottsdale, Honda of tempe, and Honda of mesa all have kept required maintenance records. At about 32K miles I asked scottsdale Honda to check a rattling sound. They said I stell had 7500 miles on the brakes. At about 34K I took it to econolube n' tune because I was getting no satisfaction. He charged me $350 and said the rotor could not be turned on his lathe and needed to be replaced. Mary cutbirth, customer relations representative for Honda in colarado [phone]) said try to get the calipers back because they were under the 36K miles warranty. Econolube n' tune threw them away. Honda would not help, at 45K miles Honda of mesa did the maintenance inspection. I took the car back because I heard rattling. They did nothing. …
Brake complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Honda Accord, 8% of the model year's 460 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Honda Accord brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Honda Accord, though it has 3 recalls 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 1997 Honda Accord brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.