Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 bought this car from a private owner about 2 months ago ever since I had it the car shuts off I think it O2 sensor is not working or it's gone the CV joint went out on the right side I had it replaced and it still messed up it's something with the suspension and stuff the front end alignments out real bad it ate up my tires really bad to where it keeps eating up tires every time I put them on here badly real fast too the left side CV joint I believe is about to go out cuz it's knocking the lights are messed up the wiring in this car is bad with the lighting system because the left headlight is out and it won't stay on it blinks on and off the cigarette lighter is not working sometimes this car will not crank it'll turn over and show the lights but it won't crank the radiator fans are not working I don't know what's going on with that and it's a lot of other things I believe that's not …
My car engine some times used to suddenly shut off and stop abruptly, while slowing or braking. At times, it will start right away after cranking the ignition switch, but, some times, required several tries. Abrupt stopping caused extremely dangerous situation, as the drivers behind had to make very hard stops and narrowly missed hitting rear end of my Honda. Since the problem was occurring intermittently, it was very difficult to diagnose and took almost one year. First my mechanic thought it was caused by defective idling speed control relay, then due to bad ignition related relay, which was replaced, but the fault persisted and stalling became more frequent. Actually, the defect was due to worn or defective ignition switch, which use to shut the engine off while slowing or braking. After replacing the ignition switch approximately one year ago, car has never stalled.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30- 35 MPH, the vehicle overheated and smoke was detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact let the vehicle cool down however experienced the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Honda Accord. While reversing, there was a loud metallic noise coming from the hood of the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and the motor mount fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the engine lost power. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was awaiting diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Engine stalled suddenly, without warning, while driving on highway. Since first occurrence it has been happening more frequently, sometimes on the highway and sometimes while stopped at traffic lights. Is very difficult to restart.
Honda recommends replacing timing belt, balancer belt and water pump at 7 years or 105,000 miles on the 1997 Honda Accord. I had the dealer replace them all at 7 years and 36,139 miles, in 2004. The replacement water pump failed prematurely in just over five years and 39,618 miles later. Earlier this year I kept seeing coolant under the car. I had the dealer install new belts and a new water pump. The new pump failed right out of the box spilling coolant on the new belts. So, the dealer removed the new belts, installed another new water pump and then reinstalled the same belts. I don't know how this will affect to the longevity of the new belts. Also, my main concern is that the timing belt is driving the water pump, and the whole assembly is hidden under a cover. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Honda Accord. The contact stated when driving at various speeds, the engine would stall sporadically. No warning lights would illuminate. On occasion, the vehicle would restart immediately and other times, it would not start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was told that his VIN was not covered under any recalls and he would have to pay for the repairs. The dealer advised having a diagnostic performed and also replacing the ignition switch. The manufacturer was contacted and also advised that his VIN was not included in any recall and he would be liable for any repairs. The failure mileage was 126,500.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Honda Accord. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle became hot and the contact noticed smoke emitting from the hood. The vehicle had just been serviced a repair shop where the water pump, thermostat and a gasket were replaced. The vehicle was taken back to another repair shop where the contact was informed that the head gasket, water pump, thermostat and timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was unvailable. The current and failure mileages were unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly stalled. As the vehicle speed decelerated the contact switched the shifter into the neutral position and restarted the engine and the vehicle operated shifted into neutral and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 200,500.
Engine complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Honda Accord, 13% of the model year's 460 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Honda Accord engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 153,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.