Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While I was taking an exit of the highway (traveling about 30-35 MPH), gradually applying the brakes, the vehicle's brakes all of the sudden were locked up and the car was out of control. It spun around, steering was locked and engine was cut off. Fortunately, there we're no cars behind me and damage was minimal. Only the rear bumper was hit by the guard rail on the ramp. Took the vehicle to the Honda service center. They did not find any fault in the vehicle. However, I have noticed one thing after I got the vehicle back from the shop - fuel efficiency went up. When I purchase the vehicle, it was averaging about 32-33 mpg. But in pass three to four months the average as about 28 mpg. Initially though was that fuel efficiency was low because of warm weather and A/C turned on. Interestingly, the fuel efficiency went up to 32-33 mpg after I got the vehicle back from the shop. …
While driving my car at 60 MPH on cruise control, it suddenly started increasing speed. Then I noticed that the accelerator pedal was pressed to the floor of my car. Then I began to use the brakes to try and control the speed, but they did not function well at all. Finally after struggling in on this rural road, I was able to slow it down, I called 911, then I just used the emergency brake to stop it because I didn't know what else to do. Although this was a terrifying experience, it could have been tragic if had not been in a rural area with very little traffic. Up to that point, this car had been in excellent condition low maintenance and really good car, but that day it was smoking and I thought it would catch fire. Lastly, the repairs cost $696 which is much more than I had ever paid for this car
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the rear driver's side brake seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were performed. Most recently, the contact smelled a burning odor while driving and noticed smoke coming from the rear passenger's side wheel. The contact moved off the roadway and discovered that the rear passenger's side brake had seized. The contact was not able to drive the vehicle until the brakes were allowed to cool. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer where the technician advised that the brake calipers needed replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the rear driver's side brakes seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where repairs unknown to the contact were performed. On a later occasion, the contact was traveling at an unknown speed when he smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke coming from the wheels. The rear brake also seized. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down for several minutes before attempting to drive. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who advised that the calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure would only occur when operating the vehicle in colder weather. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake while traveling downhill, the brake pedal extended all the way to the floor board and the vehicle accelerated forward crashing into a tree. The contact was wearing a seat belt, and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle sustained minor damage. The police were not alerted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem or find anything wrong. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 11/30/2006 -
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. While the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated and the radio failed to function. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake pads, dome light, and multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 252,869.
While driving on the highway in stop and go traffic the brake pedal went to the floor when depressed. When this occurred the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. This resulted in the vehicle rear ending the motorist in front of them. The emergency brake was engaged to stop the vehicle. The vehicle is currently at a body shop, but will be towed to the dealership to have the brakes inspected.
Brake pedal is soft and spongy. Have had brake fluid and master cylinder replaced but air seems to be getting into hydraulic system. Have called attention to Honda service personnel of service bulletin 07_045 but srvice rep disclaim any problem. I am fearful of total brake failure and possible airbag explosive deployment!
The rear passenger brake caliper piston seized. It Will not release I have 2 children and that's our only way of transportation..
I was driving my normal route and coming up on my right turn. The dashboard lights and all interior lights of my car went black and I was unable to steer my car. Within seconds I tried to brake. My pedal went directly to the floor and my brakes never engaged. I had no steering and no brakes going 55mph (forcing me through a red light). I was t-boned by a SUV at 60mph (no skid marks for either of us)- a full impact crash. My side of the car was destroyed, my car sent spinning into and taking out a pole, and then my car spun down an embankment. The next thing I remember is being cut out of my car and then nothing past that. I spent the next 5-6 days at 2 different hospitals. I suffered lung/heart/body trauma (especially due to airbag and seatbelt) and a major concussion. Wherever the airbag hit and seatbelt lay- I'm a rainbow of colors. …
Brake complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Honda Accord, 6% of the model year's 1,018 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Honda Accord brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2004 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 2004 Honda Accord brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 61% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to brakes 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.