Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Car won't start even with the key in it. Didn't have this problem before, along with the airbag light is now on. Prior to bringing the car to Honda Accord dealer for the other recalls none of this was a problem. Now my car makes a sound while I'm driving like a rattle sound along with the airbag light being on. The other day I started the car and only the lights and everything else turns on but the car engine won't start. It's problem after problem now that I brought it to them for recall. The vehicle was only driven to work and back from the time I took it to them. Then I hen I tried to drive it again the car wouldn't start, and airbag light is on. I took it to them and they worked on 4 things according to the recall however more things seems to be the problem and they didn't do all that.
Takata recall while I was driving home (vehicle in motion) on paseo padre boulevard in fremont california, my airbags on the right side of the vehicle deployed unexpectedly and for no apparent reason. I was not involved in any accident that would trigger airbags to deploy. I believe the airbags deployed because they have some defective parts. I continue trying to resolve the issue with Honda and they ignore me.
The seat will move when stopping or turning, which could be a serious safety issue. I have looked on-line and this is apparently a common problem with this model. Honda will charge to replace the seat rails. According to the on-line commentary's, this is only a temporary fix.
Complaint received via e-mail. I purchased a brand new car, and since then I have been back to the dealership numerous amounts of times for many problems. First problem was my brakes needed to be replaced at 4600 miles, but weren't replaced until 7700 miles 3.5 months later due to back order. Currently, with 17,900 miles the brakes were grinding again. This is my 3rd Honda, and the worse one, yet likely my last. The second problem was that my right rear door was locked for 3 months. The dealer claimed that the problem was due to getting my windows tinted, but they attempted to fix three times, and was told the third time the problem only occurs if the temperature goes below 32 degrees. Since then the temperature has been over 32 degrees. I also have problems with sulfur odor coming from the exhaust, and was told that this was normal problem ,would go away with time. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH on a ramp, the front driver's seat began to slide back and forth. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the springs on the seat failed. The contact was advised to replace the seat assembly. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000. Updated 04/19/12 the consumer stated the storing spring was missing. Updated 05/07/12
Driver's seat moves when turning 4/04-brought to dealer in miami, fl - mounting bolts for drivers seat loose-retorqued 5/04-driver seat moving again 6/04-brought to dealer in miami, fl - installed new seat track 7/05-driver seat moving again- brought to dealer in morrow, ga - dealer can not duplicate seat moving 7/05-called Honda corporate office-took 2 weeks to speak with customer service rep-tells me this is "inherent design with no fix" I do not feel safe driving this car. Please investigate.
The engine emitted a rotten egg smell. The driver heard a grinding noise. The vehicle also had a brake problem. The driver's seat was not stable. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer at least 9 times for multiple problems. Paint on the hood is flaking. Seat is not fixed. The door panel was fixed twice but problem still exists. Consumer confronted dealership about problem with vehicle but consumer was ignored. Consumer called American Honda to report issue with dealer.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH, and the front driver side seat inadvertently moved forward in a jerking motion. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing where they informed her that the seat rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the driver's seat would move forward abnormally braking to a stop and when accelerating, the seat would move backward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was told that the seat would need to be fixed. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 71,000. Updated 06/01/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the driver's front seat was not secured. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000. Updated 06/10/14 the consumer stated the seat moves forward when the brakes are applied. Updated 06/11/2014
Seat complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2003 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Honda Accord, 1% of the model year's 1,987 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › power adjust (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda Accord seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 2003 Honda Accord, though it has 13 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 2003 Honda Accord seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to seats 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.