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 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. …
After car had leaking valve cover gaskets replaced the TCS and BRAKE indicator lights illuminated. Couldn't reset. All fuses and light bulbs were good. E-brake limit switch OK, brake pedal switch ok but had small crack so REPLACED. TCS, BRAKE light went off then returned within 3 mins now with ( ! ) indicator light illuminated. Made appt with Honda Dealer however 2 days before appt vehicle lost traction at 50 mph brakes went to floor vehicle began to fishtail and driver was unable to correct steering or brake. This lead to a solo vehicle accident off the side of road.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission erroneously downshifted into 3rd gear causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed to approximately 25 mph. The contact indicated that the transmission remained stuck in 3rd gear. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 287,000.
The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift properly; however, the engine revved abnormally. The driver pulled to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed after being restarted on several occasions; however, the failure persisted on other occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the recall repair was performed on the vehicle. …
(Please check the attached full complaint letter) I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my experience with the American Honda Motor Company. As a loyal consumer and a law-abiding citizen, I believe it is crucial to address issues that impact consumers and the general public. Since 2013, I have been trying to resolve a critical issue with my brand-new Honda Accord car I bought from Honda. Unfortunately, American Honda company didn't resolve the issue that affected my car and hundreds of thousands of the same cars' owners that they sold in NJ and in 22 salt belt states. My argument with the American Honda company is that they have a major design issue with their front left and right axles for Honda Accord cars that have been manufactured since 2003.
My transmission ffails while deiving causes it to go into limp mode and stops on contact
I started to use the Honda around 2008 for work. It's mileage was about 25000 miles due to the use of a second family car at the time. I have an extensive record of maintaining my Honda with a local Honda dealership since I purchased an extended warranty that expired in April 2014. On aug 26, 2014 I left my work and entered the freeway ramp at about 30 MPH ready to accelerate and merge with traffic. The car started hesitating and the rpms would race without the car picking up speed. Concerned about the cars behind me and making a very fast decision to move right as fast as I could without getting rear ended, I managed to exit the freeway to a right off ramp. I experienced the same RPM acceleration a week or two prior to this incident, but I thought I had just hit the gas peddle in a strange way while driving. I exited the freeway and drove home. …
The first incident happened when I was slowing down for a stop sign. At about 45 MPH the car suddenly downshifted. The rpms registered approx. 5000 then returned to around 2000. I turned and while accelerating to highway speed, the car downshifted then corrected 3 times. I parked on the shoulder, shut the car off, then on again. I proceeded with no further issues. The next day, feb 26, 2015, the car downshifted at approx. 45 MPH then corrected. Each time the rpms jumped to approx. 5000 before settling back to approx. 2000. This happened a couple more times. Later the same day, I was on the freeway driving on cruise control at approx. 65 MPH when the car downshifted then corrected. This happened again a couple minutes later. I parked on the shoulder, shut the car off, then turned it back on. I did not have another incident driving to my destination. …
My 2003 Honda Accord lx crashed on 10/01/2016 about 18 months after I had my airbag serviced at a local Honda dealer 4/7/2015. When I got my car back from the dealer, the driver door had no power and could not be opened remotely or with the power lock control on the driver door. More importantly, no safety signals came on when the car started. I called the dealer and they told me I had to pay $80 to have it checked; I then called American Honda customer service, who only documented the complaint and took no action to remedy mechanical mistake by Honda dealer. I was driving on a downhill curve on a wet road after a rain. When I saw a slower car ahead of me, I gently applied the brake to maintain a constant following distance. The car drifted to the left toward oncoming traffic. …
Transmission recall- second owner of 2003 Honda Accord. Bought it at 76,000 miles, now at 95,000 miles. I'm night driving at 75mph in the fast lane with a constant flow of traffic including big rigs. Near the end of a construction median which was placed precisely on the left line of the lane, my car jolts backwards as if I slammed on the brakes. Freaked out, I thought maybe I ran something over. Then 2 minutes later my car jolts backwards again like a fast emergency brake. I could feel my body lock against my seatbelt. I safely get to the shoulder and panic as I am an hour from home and I'm in the ghetto. As I pull back on to get off the highway my car is at a constant rev of 5 and making a loud awful machine noise. I try to put it in reverse and it doesn't reverse. I turn it off then try again, it works once then doesn't do anything. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
On some Mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Remedy: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear.
Transmission complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 924 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Honda Accord, 47% of the model year's 1,987 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (576 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda Accord transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-176 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda Accord transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 20 crashes, 3 fires and 16 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.