Honda Accord Transmission Problems

Owners have filed 3,690 complaints about transmission & drivetrain problems with the Honda Accord — 16% of all Accord complaints. The worst model years are 2003 (924), 2002 (478) and 2004 (348). Problems typically start around 87,000 miles. 5 related recalls have been issued.

3,690complaints
2003worst year
87ktypical miles
5related recalls
124crashes
15fires

Transmission complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2618273327624620120947892434811350587036452127110654029331384316148365
Transmission complaints per model year, Honda Accord.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
202555%—
202464%75,000 miles
202333%—
202283%—
2021146%—
2020164%3,000 miles
2019436%52,000 miles
20181387%15,000 miles
2017336%20,000 miles
2016295%30,000 miles
2015407%29,000 miles
2014657%60,000 miles
20131108%18,000 miles
2012277%62,000 miles
2011217%5,000 miles
2010458%66,000 miles
2009365%64,000 miles
2008705%79,000 miles
20075811%89,000 miles
20065012%99,000 miles
200511317%70,000 miles
200434834%100,000 miles
200392447%98,000 miles
200247846%88,000 miles
200120923%85,000 miles
200020117%116,000 miles
199924622%83,000 miles
199827623%86,000 miles
1997337%85,000 miles
1996276%125,000 miles
1995183%147,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Automatic transmission
    1,826
  • Manual transmission
    48
  • Automatic transmission › Torque converter
    25
  • Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    18
  • Clutch assembly
    16
  • Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
    14
  • Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
    11
  • Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
    10

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    2599%
  • 25k–50k
    2077%
  • 50k–75k
    52319%
  • 75k–100k
    69825%
  • 100k–150k
    83930%
  • 150k+
    26810%

What owners report

Subject: Safety Complaint - Loss of Drive Power Prior to Recall Resulting in Crash (2025 Honda Accord Hybrid) I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid (VIN: [redacted]) involved in a crash on [redacted], which we believe is related to a recall issued later in January 2026. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was being driven under normal conditions, below the speed limit, on an empty road. The driver suddenly experienced a loss of control, the vehicle became unresponsive, veered out of its lane, and did not respond to steering correction. The vehicle ultimately collided with an electric pole and was declared a total loss. At the time of the crash, no recall or warning had been issued. We reported the incident to Honda on October 23, 2025 (Case #[redacted]), describing the loss of control and unresponsiveness. …

2025 Accord · Sep 2025 · crash · 2 injuries

I was driving down the highway, and the dash started to flash a message about the vehicle being unsafe to drive, stop driving immediately, call dealer. I was able to stop and then turn left across traffic with limited power; and continued to make my way back to work thinking I could probably get to my parking lot. The dash continued to display warning lights, starting with brake failure, then parking brake failure, and then the whole series of possible failures. I continued to drive about one mile. I shut the power off an powered up twice thinking that might reset the sensors; but they continued to fail. As I continued to drive there was limited power to the throttle, and I eventually coasted through a red light and into my work parking lot where the vehicle shut down entirely, and eventually fully locked up (couldn't start or event put in neutral to push). …

2025 Accord · Apr 2026

In December 2024, I was driving my 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport on a clear, dry day after school when the car just completely lost power out of nowhere. The dashboard went crazy, flashing a bunch of different error messages every few seconds. Because the car wouldn't respond, I ended up in a side-impact crash. I was able to turn on/off the car after putting on my hazards and I was able to drive it normally and drove it towards the side of the ramp. I called my dad and after some time and turning the car on and off, the error messages disappeared and I was able to drive it safely back home. I tried to file an insurance claim (State Farm #51-78K9-28M) back then, but they blamed my driving because the Recall TN2 (Campaign 25V785) hadn't been announced yet. …

2024 Accord · Dec 2024 · crash

The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the instrument cluster lights illuminated. The message "Emissions System Power Reduced - See Dealer" was displayed. An unknown transmission message was displayed. The engine was not working properly. The message "Pull Over and Turn off Vehicle" was displayed. The contact pulled over for 10 minutes, restarted the vehicle, and continued to drive to the residence. The local dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

2024 Accord · 75,000 miles · Jun 2026

While driving my 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, the vehicle suddenly displayed multiple warning messages, including a Check Engine Light, and immediately entered limp mode. Engine power was significantly reduced, making it difficult to accelerate and safely keep up with surrounding traffic. This unexpected loss of power created a potential safety hazard because the vehicle could not respond normally to throttle input. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Honda dealership. The dealer confirmed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2101 and determined that the throttle body assembly had failed. The throttle body assembly and gasket were replaced, and a software update was also performed before the vehicle could be safely driven again. I paid approximately $670.34 for the repair at the Honda dealership. …

2023 Accord · Jul 2026

My 2023 Honda Accord, with about 62,000 miles has a fault transmission, that is claimed a loss and needs to be replaced for almost $8,000. The transmission is currently at the dealership, but might be returned to Honda if a new one is installed. Our safety is being put at risk because if the transmission fails while driving the vehicle will not operate accordingly. The issue has been confirmed by my local Honda dealership, as well as others online confirming same issue with Honda CVT transmissions. The vehicle and transmission has not been inspected by police, manufacture, or insurance yet. There was no warning light. I did start to hear a ticking sound at 57,000 miles. My powertrain warranty is until 60,000. However, I was told by dealer to wait to do recall and regular service at same time. Now, I am passed my warranty 2,000 miles and they do not want to cover damages. …

2023 Accord · May 2025

Different codes started blanking after I got gas June 11, 2026. Soon as I cranked up it started flashing warnings. Emission system, brake system, sport mode doesn't work, cruise control doesn't work, check engine light on, tire pressure light on. I took it to midlands Honda on June 15, 2026. They told me turbocharger and need spark plugs based off mileage. I took it to oreily, they say it only scan the engine light code which is turbocharger. Started a claim with Honda support and they denied me based off my mileage for goodwill credit. Said they contacted dealership and it's not a manufacturer issue so I have to fix it out of pocket. Warranty expired. They kept calling me weekly until August 4, 2026 (when they told me they denied me). On August 12, 2026 my trunk won't open. …

2022 Accord · Jun 2026

While driving my vehicle suddenly would not accelerate above 20 mph and warning lights all over the dash lit up (check engine, abs brake system, adaptive cruise control, vehicle stability, power steering, hill assist, and brake hold). I took it for a diagnostic, it gave a code for cylinder 3 misfire. I got a tune up the next day along with a fuel system cleaning just to be safe. After about 35 miles of driving I had the same issue 2 days after the tune up, this time no warning lights. I took it back to the shop and this time the spark plug in cylinder 4 was bad. I believe I am at the beginning of what many others have complained about with these same symptoms. This problem makes operation of my vehicle unsafe and uncertain, at any time this issue can kick in and now you are limping along at 20 mph while cars zoom all around you. …

2022 Accord · May 2026

Related recalls (5)

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 25V-422 · Jun 19, 2025 · 72,256 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Honda Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission. The affected vehicles were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 20V-769 · Dec 10, 2020 · 235,034 vehicles

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing both the left and right drive shafts, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2021.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA recall 11V-395 · Aug 4, 2011 · 1,512,107 vehicles

Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 accord, 2007-2010 cr-v, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from July 1, 2004, through September 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing May be broken during certain driving styles.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on August 27, 2011.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 04V-176 · Apr 15, 2004 · 1,099,796 vehicles

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.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA recall 98V-018 · Feb 10, 1998 · 33,966 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles (Honda accord sedans manufactured from September 18, 1997 to January 10, 1998; coupes manufactured December 11, December 15, 1997, and January 5, 1998; Acura 2.3cl manufactured October 22, 1997 through January 7, 1998).

Remedy: Dealers will install a collar on the transmission parking pawl to ensure proper movement of the actuation lever.

NHTSA investigations

Ignition-park interlock system

NHTSA investigation PE03014 · opened Apr 15, 2003 · closed Sep 5, 2003

Six of the odi complaints are duplicative of the manufacturer complaints, as well as four of the crashes.the noted injury occurred when a rollaway vehicle that had been inadvertently parked in neutral struck the exiting operator.the warranty claim count shown for other represents incidents where Honda's analysis of claim detail indicates the interlock system malfunctioned.the interlock system utilizes a lever to…

Frequently asked questions

Which Honda Accord years have transmission problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (924), 2002 (478), 2004 (348), 1998 (276) and 1999 (246) model years. Transmission complaints make up 47% of all complaints for the 2003.

Is there a recall for Honda Accord transmission problems?

Yes — 5 recalls, including 25V-422 (driveshaft, Jun 19, 2025); 20V-769 (driveshaft, Dec 10, 2020); 11V-395 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Aug 4, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Honda Accord transmission problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the automatic transmission (1,826 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (48).

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.