Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was approximately 134,000. The contact stated that while attempting to resell the vehicle, the contact was informed by an individual interested in purchasing the vehicle that the mileage reported might not be the actual mileage. The contact was advised to check the Carfax Report. While checking the Carfax Report, the contact noticed two potential reports of odometer fraud with the vehicle. The Carfax Report indicated that in 2023, the mileage was reported to be approximately 251,000. The contact had not filed a report with any other agencies.
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the SRS air bag warning light started blinking off and on. The contact related the failure to having had the driver's side air bag replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V320000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated continually. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn, cruise control, and the passenger's side air bag sensor had also failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 405,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle Carfax history report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 156,100; however, the Carfax history report indicated that the mileage was 278,000.
I got off of work early in the morning I get in my 04 Honda Accord and start driving home which only takes about 10minutes, I'm super tired so I go inside and go to sleep rougly around 2 hours, I wake up suddenly to my car alarm going off which I always keep my vehicle locked when Its not visible from me, Anyways I grab my key and click the unlock and lock button but I still hear the alarm going off so I head outside of my home and I see my cars interior on fire and my neighbors already on the phone with 911as he was sitting outside 20 minutes prior, me running frantic back inside for a fire extinguisher first responders we're already there so I run back out the doors are still locked so the first responder climbs on top of my car and kicked the sunroof in and starts using his fire extinguisher which at this point the fire is practically in his face he had to get checked out after …
The honda accord 2004 and close models have an issue with gps control screen that fails to turn on, it keeps getting stocked in one position on which prevents access to air controls as well as gps controls but more important air controls to defog front windshield when in cold weather as driving creating a hazardous condition for the drivers as a potential for accident as the driver attempt to clean windshield but air controls are not accessible on screen, it also controls the radio and maps that are not as important as the air control. Please note that the issue is been present for many years on cars and Honda have not provided a solution just yet as is not a warranty issue instead it will be considered a manufacturers defect that was carried by car owner for the rest of the car life and the challenges presented during the driving on the road unable to access those controls. …
Please note that my 2004 honda accord ex is been having issues with navigation system turning off by itself as we are driving, we purchased the last update cd orange 2014 and caused the car to do that. the screen goes blanc and controls air system as well as radio and navigation operations, honda was contacted in the past and technician stated to wait for honda for a possible repair or update for software that they were looking for a solution but it has not happened. the air control is an important issue since the car will fog out windows as driving in cold weather and been unable to defog due to lack of access to screen controls is dangerous. To better explain the clock display time can not be changed either and it was explained to me to be controlled by gps system but since software is not recognized or updated those issues can not be corrected. …
While driving, the car's engine suddenly shut off, and the brakes were barely responsive, making it extremely difficult to bring the vehicle to a complete stop despite continuously applying the brakes. This was a very serious and frightening safety issue that nearly caused me to crash into another vehicle or an object. I am very concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle and believe it needs to be inspected immediately.
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was difficult to place the key into the ignition, and it was also difficult to remove the key from the ignition. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Another death could be avoided, this car was recalled in 2014 too late for ea domination of the car, and now after speaking with attorneys again the air bars are involved. Our son was so evict rated that there was nothing to do, pronounced dead at the scene . Emt's were helpless, he lost his face and his chest. No protection from this vehicle, pleas notify others. [redacted]
As I was pulling out of my parking spot at the local kmart, in my 2004 Honda Accord ex, I noticed another car backing out also. I applied my brake and put my car from reverse into drive to pull a little ways back into my parking space so I would not get into an accident, when suddenly and without warning (the blink of an eye) my car crashed into another vehicle. In shock, I pressed harder on the brake, but my car continued to accelerate and I could not stop it. I hit two other parked cars before the brakes finally stopped the car. Thank god it stopped as my car was heading toward the kmart store. One 85-year old lady was injured while in her car. The other two cars were empty. A lot of damage to 3 vehicles plus almost $7,000 damage to my Accord. After my car was repaired, I asked the Honda dealership to look at my car and they could find nothing wrong. …
Electrical complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 146 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Honda Accord, 14% of the model year's 1,018 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Honda Accord electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 7 fires and 5 injuries and 1 death to electrical system 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.