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 1999 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked and inadvertently decelerated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,251.
Travelling on interstate when when front-end of vehicle began to vibrate. Moments after the vibration, the car veered hard right on its own. Unable to regain control of vehicle, as steering wheel seemed as it was "locked" in a hard-right enabling position. This malfunction caused the driver to hit a retaining wall at approx 55mph, causing bodily injury. Inspection revealed a faulty/failed steering knuckle, which had completely failed/snapped. Car considered a total, after incident.
I was driving my mom's 1999 Honda Accord ex v6 home last night around 11:00 pm. As I was approaching the exit and proceeded to decelerate from 65mph, the car violently downshifted several times causing me to lose control of the car. A large tractor-trailer which was behind me was narrowly able to avoid rear-ending (or running me over!) by switching lanes. My life flashed before me as I thought this was the end of my life. Fortunately, I survived, however, I have a nasty case of whiplash. After doing my research, I've found that the transmissions used in the 98-2002 accords v6 have a faulty carrier bearing which brakes and ruins the innerds of the whole transmission. After calling Honda USA, I was told tough luck, and was sarcastically told that if I expected them to pay for replacement, I shouldn't hold my breath. …
Within the first year of owning my Accord v6, my transmission sensor blew out. That was the only thing covered under warranty. I repeatedly expressed concerns to the dealership that there was something with my transmission. It would thump and lurch the car forward or hesitate between gears. Repeatedly they assured me this was normal. Like everyone who buys a Honda, I thought hondas are built to last so maybe this is normal. The fix-it was to flush my systems on numerous occassions. Which by the way, made things worse. I had to manually shift an automatic. Such irony. Now the vehicle only engages 2nd gear. I have been fighting Honda with this for 9 months now.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the rpms increased to 5,000 as the vehicle made a jerking motion and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and the rpms returned to normal, however, the failure recurred. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000. The VIN was not available.
Transmission service on 1999 Honda Accord coupe with 38,000 miles. Trans. Downshifts roughly from second to first. First attempt to fix by dealer July 5, 2003. Problem seemed to improve. Returned to dealer October 2, 2003 when got worse. Dealer replaced motor mounts it said were collapsed; charged me more than $400. Transmission still downshifts roughly on occasion. Request to dealer to refund portion of motor mount cost has received no response as of oct. 22 despite numerous calls and voice mails to customer service rep. Dave kitchen, [phone].
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the RPM revved up and jerked with the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
My three small children and myself were traveling on the interstate in our home town right at city speed limit of 75mph when out of nowhere from the middle lane attempted to get in the right lane to to get off on my exit 4 miles ahead I slowly hit my brakes then the gas and my car would not move I was almost plowed into numerous times and almost caused a few collisions myself since I was not able to move at all l was so scared I was about to die with my kids I was frozen
The vehicle was parked in the driveway which is very steep. The consumers husband had come home and found the vehicle in the woods beside the driveway. The problem could not be duplicated. The emergency brake was engaged and the vehicle appeared to be in park. The consumer requested reimbursement for the deductible and the rental car expense. Also the key was able to be removed while the vehicle was in gear. Recall campaign# 05V025000.
The automatic transmission is slipping a problem with Honda, and the car was getting a state inspection and found out the sub frame was rusted on the passenger side . Will not pass a pennsylvania state inspection this is a problem with 1999 to 2002 accords call Honda they will not help ( 168000 miles on car ).
NHTSA investigations
Ignition-park interlock system
Six of the odi complaints are duplicative of the manufacturer complaints, as well as four of the crashes.the noted injury occurred when a rollaway vehicle that had been inadvertently parked in neutral struck the exiting operator.the warranty claim count shown for other represents incidents where Honda's analysis of claim detail indicates the interlock system malfunctioned.the interlock system utilizes a lever to…
Transmission complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 246 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Honda Accord, 22% of the model year's 1,135 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (188 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Honda Accord transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Honda Accord, though it has 4 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 1999 Honda Accord transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.