Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there were several mechanical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a failure with the ignition switch, and the key could not be removed from the cylinder, and the shift lever failed to shift into drive(D), park(P), or into reverse(R). The contact stated that while the vehicle was in drive(D), the drive(D) indicator was flashing. Additionally, the contact had been having a failure of the power steering assist. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact was unaware of any warning lights during the power steering failure. The contact stated that the power steering failure was recurring. There was also a failure with the transmission. …
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, she placed the vehicle in reverse to straighten the vehicle however, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound. The contact was able to turn the steering wheel however, the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated the front passenger's side wheel was making a clicking sound. The contact stated that the wheel was fractured from the lug. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the wheel was replaced. The contact notified the local dealer of the sound coming from the steering wheel; however, the contact was informed that if the steering was removed, there air bags might not function properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Honda Accord with V6 engine has had two recalls regarding power steering supply hose leak - Service Bulletin 12-066 and Service Bulletin 13 - 012. Recall 13-012 was issued May 14, 2013 (see link to recall here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2012/RCRIT-12V222-9834.pdf) The vehicle record for this VIN shows repair for Recall 13-012 was made April 3, 2013 - a month and a half prior to he issuance of Recall 13-012. Mileage on April 3, 2013 was 27,783. This complaint is being filed with the NHTSA because the same power steering feed hose purportedly replaced April 3, 2013 with an upgraded more heat resident hose is leaking again. This is significant because the original hose lasted 10 years (2003 to 2013) and 27,783 miles while the purportedly upgraded recall replacement hose lasted only 8 years - with present mileage being 66,321. …
My key will not go into the ignition. It also starts to get hot. The steering column also starts to get hot. It also periodically smells like something is burning. The dealership wants to charge me $140 to look at it. I don't have the money. I have not been able to have anybody look at it because I don't have the money. This first happened back in February of 2023 but I got worse around June 1, 2023
There was a recall for this car 2003-2007 Honda Accord 3.0L v6 engine for the Power Steering lines, the line cracked and is spewing fluid all over the engine compartment as well as the ground. This recall was specifically detailed to address this exact issue. My Daughter was almost involved in an accident as the fluid had leaked out the she couldn't steer the car.
Doors locked from inside and cannot get out unless I put my window down. Safety issue. Second time I replaced my door since I was in a car accident a few years ago. Same problem came back again after replacing the door handle it used to work for years at the driver side until recently. Also doors are unable to unlock from the switch.
Unknown I'm guessing do to the recall on the powersteering hose it has caused the hose to.melt I just bought the car and came across this recall so I'm honestly not sure if the recall has been addressed already or not but I'm addressing it to make sure
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Honda Accord. While driving 50 MPH, the steering locked and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a guardrail. The air bag indicator illuminated and the driver and passenger side air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who deemed the vehicle destroyed. The contact sustained injuries to the head, chest, and shoulder, which required medical attention. A police report was not filed. 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 167,000. Updated 09/01/17
I noticed vibration in steering wheel when backing up, and rattling noise coming from serpentine belt. Took it to Honda service center, and they quoted me $940, and said it was my tensioner and idler pulleys as well as my alternator and serpentine belt. I didn't believe them about the alternator, so they charged me $50 for diagnosis and I drove back home. I decided to conduct the work myself. I replaced my tensioner and idler pulley, and new serpentine belt. Steering vibration was still there, but not as much vibration noise was coming from serpentine belt area. On March 10, 2015, I was driving 35 MPH and lost power steering due to serpentine belt coming off pulleys. I put it back on, and it happened again on April 2, 2015, going 45mph. I again replaced tensioner and idler, and this time tugged at all pulleys after using a straightedge ruler against them to check for alignment. …
I have a 2003 Honda Accord sedan. In aug 2015, I had been noticing a wheezing, straining sound when I turned my car while driving. It became harder to turn as well. I checked the power steering fluid, and it was empty. I got the appropriate power steering fluid specifically for hondas and refilled it. In sept 2015, on my way to work in the morning, I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. It is a 10 minute commute for me through the city streets. The smoke began when I was outside my work at a stoplight. I was able to get into the parking lot when I realized the underside of my hood had caught fire. (see attached photos) that day, I got it to the mechanic, and he told me that there were cracks in the power steering and fluid was everywhere under my hood, all over my engine. …
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy.
Steering complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 90 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Honda Accord, 5% of the model year's 1,987 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda Accord steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-222 (hose, piping, and connections, May 17, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda Accord steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to steering 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.