Honda Accord 2003 EX-V6 Transmission Failure Christian Donner, March 4, 2009December 22, 2013 [Visit the Facebook Group] So we joined the ranks of people who own a 2003 Honda Accord with a broken transmission. As of 3/4/2009, Carcomplaints.com listed close to 200 similar cases, and it is safe to assume that there were many more who have not found that website, but paid the $3500 that it costs to have the transmission replaced. The damage to Honda’s reliability reputation must be devastating already, but no recall has been issued. Initially, we did not feel quite ready to spend this kind of money, either. I thought that maybe a new transmission was not really needed. Given today’s market conditions, $3500 pays the lease for 3 to 4 years for a comparable car, and the Accord has already been costing thousands in repairs over the past 2 years. I was especially frustrated because I suspected there was something wrong with this transmission from day one. The moment of hesitation that we always noticed before the transmission shifted from first to second gear was probably related to the failure (the transmission recall in 2004 was certainly related to the failure, but was designed to minize cost and liability, not to permanently resolve the issue). I had brought the car in after only a few months of driving in 2003 because of the odd characteristics of the transmission, but I was ridiculed and sent home again. Here is a history of related events: 1/3/2003 Purchased the car at a local Honda dealer 7/28/2003 Took the car to another local Honda dealer where a service technician drove it and determined that there was nothing wrong with the transmission (at 11,000 miles) 9/21/2004 Transmission recall, Honda dealer installed oil jet kit, transmission was not replaced 9/30/2008 Transmission service at Honda dealer (at 111,000 miles) 2/13/2009 Transmission failed on I95, shifts into first gear only, no reverse (at 120,000 miles) 3/3/2009 Transmission fluid replaced, old fluid was very dark The car seemed to drive fine when the transmission was cold, but when it warmed up after a few minutes of highway driving, the transmission would down-shift violently into first gear, regardless of the current speed. My wife reported the smell of ‘burnt rubber’ in the car after such a forced down-shift. This seemed to be quite dangerous. Once this happened, the transmission would fail to shift into anything but first gear. Honda apparently lost a class action for the 2000/2001 Accord and other models in 2006. I was unable to find any current class action initiative that includes the 2003 model year. If you are an attorney who is willing to work with me on a class action against Honda USA, please contact me at . If you have similar transmission problems with your 2003 Accord, please contact me as well, or post your complaint on Carcomplaints.com as well so that there is a record of it. Regardless of what you are planning to do, you should file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – they can force a recall if there is a sufficient number of documented issues. 3/22/2009 Update: We had to make a decision and decided to replace the transmission. Our side of the bill: $2200. Honda paid $900. 4/1/2010 Update: The NHTSA website today lists 328 complaints for the 2003 Accord and 188 for the 2003 Odyssey that describe transmission problems. A search does not show a current or past defect investigation for this problem. It is not documented what criteria and process the NHTSA uses to prioritize their work, but safety does not seem to be a factor. Instead, it seems that the NHTSA works on those problems first that pose the smallest financial risks to auto manufacturers. For instance, the February 2010 report lists a defect investigation for the 2003 Accord about a problem with the ignition switch (park/shift interlock). There are 11(!) complaints on file for this type of issue, and yet, the NHTSA chose to investigate it. Replacing an ignition switch is inexpensive, compared to the cost of replacing an automatic transmission. People will die from a failing Accord transmission, or already have. Honda should be prepared for the same disaster that Toyota is going through right now. Apparently, neither authorities nor car manufactures can learn from past mistakes, and since nobody will be held accountable, why should they? 1/8/2011 The New York Times publishes an article about transmission problems on Honda vehicles 11/16/2010 Update: The NHTSA has issued a recall for the 2003 Accord because of the ignition switch problem that I mentioned above. Kind of funny, actually … 5/23/2011 Update: The number of comments added to this blog post every month keeps rising – a sign that the rate of transmission failures is rising? 2/14/2013 Update: It is now clearly visible from the updated chart below that the number of incicents peaked late in 2011 with almost 30 posts per month and has now decreased to mere noise. If you are having this problem as late as 2013, you will be just a blip on Honda’s radar screen. Incidents per month Related Posts:Amazon threatens customer of 26 yearsThe Great Cat Litter Poop OffTyreWiz not working after battery changeComputer Build 2025litter close Consumer Protection 2003failurefeaturedhonda accordtransmission
my transmission died this morning. i called honda have case nimber but they want me talk to dealer, was hoping for goodwill repair i have 114K on my car, you spend kind of money on hinda you expect quality.
My car has 52,114 miles on it. I noticed as soon as I bought the car that it shifted differently between 1st and 2nd gear. I brought it back three times . I met a Honda rep. They said there was nothing wrong. The dealer in Florida says the transmission needs to be replaced. I called American Honda on 4/14/09 and told them my problem. They are considering my case and I wait to here there judgment.
Same problem happened to me two days ago with my 03 accord. 117,000 miles. Stuck in first gear and no reverse.
Oh what a wonderful start to the July 4th weekend when i experienced the same transmission issue on July 3rd. Originally took to local mechanic for original evaluation. Needs new transmission. Honda America wanted it brought to dealer for service. I delivered it last night and hope to hear back soon.(Jul 9 09)
My 2003 V6 Honda Accord with 162,000 miles has begun making a grinding sound. Looks like it’s time to call Honda!
We’ve just bought a used Honda Accord 2003 EX-V6 with 78,000 miles after owning a brand new Honda EX 4-cyl 2004 model. I immediately notice the hesitation of tranny from reverse to first – certainly not smooth like my 2004. Question: Is there anything that can be suggested that be done to circumvent what obviously becomes the replacing of the transmission in its entirety and frankly, after owning 3 Hondas and recommending them, I don’t like the $900 paid by Honda when the problem is obviously well-documented.
Same problem as everyone else, my car is sitting at the dealership and I’m awaiting their call to tell me how much for a new transmission. This is ridiculous, I just logged my formal complaint with the NHTSA. Have many people been successful with Honda contributing to this replacement.
Most 2003 Accords how have well over 100,000 miles. My impression is that Honda does the minimal amount of damage control necessary to avoid a recall. They seem to think that fewer people will try to get money back for a transmission repair as time goes by. They are probably correct about that. You have to be persistent and take what you get.
Jane Turner September 13, 2009 at 6:44 pm My low mileage 2003 Honda Accord is also sitting at the dealership. They are currently replacing my transmission at a cost of $3200.00. Today, I just happened to google 2003 Honda Accord transmission problems and what a surprise. Everybody’s 2003 Honda has a blown transmission. I will be calling customer service on Monday. A recall is in order.
Looks like I am not the only one! My 2003 Honda Accord Ex-V6 is sittiing at the Honda Dealership right now, estimated 3335.00 to fix. I came home and google Honda 2003 Transmission Failure and to my shock I found all you. My Honda has 75,980 miles, and I am sick to my stomach. It almost took my life. While driving down the road my car shifted down to first, almost coming to a stop and the car behind me had to run off the road to not hit me. This is dangerous, something has to happen.
April, Sorry to hear about your transmission. I never drove the car when this happened, but I am sure if you talk to my wife, you are going to get an earful about Honda. As it is with so many things in this country, nothing happens until someone dies, ideally a child. Literally. I think that there is plenty of evidence that a recall is in order for the 2003 Accords. The NHTSA will not act until this is all over the media and someone paid with his life. Sad.
I have always had the same problem with the car stalling a few seconds when I would put it in reverse or drive, Tonight it slipped bad until I got stranded, Shut the car off for 5 minutes and it was back to normal for my short drive home? I will test drive tomorrow to see what it does. Do you guys belive its the transmission or torque converting that is the problem?
Has anyone tried to get a hold of their local news? I am considering doing just that. If there are so many of us, all the research is there. It might work. What about BBB, or consumer affairs?
My tranny went on Monday. I had all the same things happening, slipping into first gear when warm , no reverse. Boch Honda acted like they had never heard of this and tried to tell me I did not maintain the car because the fluid was dirty. They changed it , charged me $200 and sent me on my way, I was nearly killed on the way home because it violetnly downshifted into First gear on the highway. Its back in there now for a new transmission. Luckily I had bought the extended warranty and looks like thdey are going to cover it. This should be a Honda recall.
Just an update…Honda of America said they would pay 25%…that leaves me with 2200.00 to pay. I guess I should just be happy with that, but I am not. I would still love to see a recall, and get my money back! I plan on talking with my local news to broadcast this saftey issue, and maybe push some buttons once my car is fixed. I hope everyone is still pushing this issue hard, we need to prevent a major accident.
My 03 Accord EX-V6 transmission went out at 71,000 miles. Total cost of new trans was $3600. Honda customer service stated that since I paid a portion in cash and remainder in credit card, they are not going to consider the cash portion and may not consider the reimbursement on the cc. They are a joke.
Bought 03 Accord EX V6 in 2004 as certifed pre-preowned at 44K. Noticed the recall on the automatic transmission with service consisting of oil injector kit recall. Had the recall performed. About 85K miles noticed slight 2nd to 3rd gear hiccup. Went in for AT fluid change. No difference. Problem progressively worsened till about 110K miles. Made due by letting off gas between 2nd to 3rd gear so shifting can happen. When 2nd to 3rd gear fails to catch, car feels stuck in Neutral. Adding gas only revs the engine more. Have to bring car to stop and then re-accelerate. Called Honda customer service. They sent me to a Honda dealer to pay them for inspection to tell me that transmission is bad and that it is out of warranty. Then that Honda will not cover any of the cost. I have filed complaint with NTHSB
Well looks like I am a victim of the 2003 transmission issue. After getting married on Oct 17th ’09 my wife and I are traveling back from South Carolina to our home in Florida and the car al of the sudden slammed into a lower gear when I was doing about 70 mph. What a safe car I have! I called a friend of the family that was a master tech for Honda and he explained that Honda did not replace the transmissions when he was there but they installed a jet kit that lubricated the transmission rather than burning it up. I called Honda of Wesley Chapel and spoke with “Johnny” that said he has been working for Honda for 23 years and he has never heard of the issue with the transmissions. Are you kidding me! I have seen more complaints on the internet this morning than I can read in a week. I’m calling Honda and filing a complaint along with everyone else. Hopefully this will get through to someone before someone gets killed.
I just called American Honda and they said they will not be able to help with any of the repair because there are not enough complaints to do any type of recall. She said that just because prople are complining on the internet doesn’t help and that if a person is having issues with their Honjda transmission they need to call and report the issue with them. They can be reached at 1-800-999-1009. If you are having problems with your Honda transmission please call and let it be known. Thanks and good luck!
i have an 03 v6 accord, when it gets warm trans goes out. i was going to work yesterday and it lives no more funeral will be at 12:30 today . we have a few problems – power steering pump, head gasket, front motor mount which were repaired by hand job. we still have brake pedal fade when in heavy traffic, a clunking when put in gear, that took care of itself yesterday, others i just cannot recall at this time we have 87554 miles on our one owner accord. called Honda of America they are very nice people even when saying no way Jose.
2001 Accord with 56K miles on it – just had the tranny go. It is 6 months out of the warranty. Case being reviewed by American Honda and they have told me there are willing to help on the cost, but not the whole thing. My 3rd Honda so that may help as well. AH is calling dealer too. I am at the point of needing to do the timing belt and a few other things so $4500-$5000 for all the repairs probably would have sent me to a new car. If I can get it down to $2000 (tranny, timing belt, bushings, etc.) I would probably keep it and have it done (just did new tires and brakes). Good Luck all…
DMacL, did you check if you are covered under the 2006 class action? http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com/php/login.php
Our 2003 Accord trans went south at 68,000 mi. 3 mo. ago our dealer replaced it free of charge and the new trans is good for 3 years or 130,000. Honda admitted to us there was an issue. Another 03 came in the same day-same problem. Don’t let them push you around-they also included a rental car at no $$ Good luck- I now have a power steering pump howling and the car is out of warranty
Our 2003 is in the shop right now with this exact problem. We purchased it new and had the recall work done in 2004. Dealership called Honda for assistance and Honda said NO. They are quoting me $4,142 to “replace with rebuild transmission”. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with this problem because my husband was hinting it was my driving that caused it! 🙂 We have 101,000 miles on the car and the dealer would not budge on the price. The sales manager told me he would give me $2,000 for it as is. Thanks for nothing. I have always loved my Hondas but I’m not feeling the love right now. I’m supposed to start a new job 30 miles away and I’m stuck at home with no car.
I was notified a few months after purchasing my 2003 honda accord and had the transmission repaired. Now the car has over 117 and it is going out. Does anyone know just how many miles a tranny should have lasted? What about warranties? Does anyone here have one for a tranny? Good luck to all.
Just so you guys know.. Honda sent a “Service Bulletin” to me in ’04 about a possible transmission problem in which they would inspect the transmission, possibly replace a part, or even replace the transmission. The bulletin mentioned the transmission may fail at 100,000 miles if you don’t do this. I was lazy and didn’t get my Honda in until I had about 175k on the odometer… when 2nd gear started slipping. The dealer actually perfomed the bulletin and replaced the transmission at ZERO cost to me. The Honda Regional Service Directors have the authority to authorize this. If you’re stuck paying money for this repair, it’s the dealers fault for not advocating on your behalf, and a Honda Service Director not wanting use up his “Goodwill” budget.
That service bulletin was a recall for installing an oil jet in the transmission that was supposed to address the issue with overheating. At that time the dealers were supposed to check the transmission if the overheating has already caused damage, and only then they would replace the transmission right away. I think that this recall was prompted by a design issue with the 2003 transmissions, but it failed to fix the issue in the long run.
Similar story here. Bought my Accord in May of 2003 and purchased a 7yr 100K mile extended warranty. Had the recall oil jet procedure done in October 2004 at 41K miles. At 97K miles started having transmission problems with car falling out of gear on hills. In the last week, it started taking forever for it to drop into gear when moving from Park to Drive and finally died at 101500 Miles. Had it towed to the dealer and dealer states it needs a new transmission. However, the dealer called Honda Corporate and HondaCare is picking up the entire tab (parts/labor). I assume they are doing this since I purchased the 7yr/100K mile warranty and had the recall work done. Service manager stated that they have been doing transmission replacements on 2003 Accords and 2001 Odyssey’s every week.
We own a 03 Honda Accord v6, tranny went out while driving on hwy. It started shifting by itself from 4th to ist and back and forth it went. Contacted honda and they told us it would be about 3400 to fix. Our car has 120k on it, but didnt expect major problem like this.
My 03 Accord V6 is doing similar things – won’t go from 2nd to 3rd gear. It started Wednesday and took it to the dealer on Thursday. They couldn’t duplicate problem, but when I drove off it did it again. I went back in and the mechanic hopped in for a test drive. He was riding in passenger seat and said that I need a new transmission. he thought I could go for a few months, so I was going to wait since I’m unemployed. I drove it today (Friday) and it did it all three times I drove it. In fact, I was dead at one point where it wound’t go into drive or reverse. Dead in the middle of a busy road! I called American Honda to ask for “Goodwill repair” and I’m waiting to hear back. The dealer said it would be $4600 for a new tranny. That seems way high compared to the quotes I’m seeing on here. I’m in the Dallas area.
Just got the news… I need a new transmission.!!!!! For a week now, I have taken my ’03 Honda Accord V6 to different mechanics and since the engine light was not on they couldn’t tell what was wrong, except by driving it. The codes wouldn’t show up. I would be driving for about 6-8 miles when all of a sudden, BAM! it would hit and the speed would drop from 60 mph to about 20 mph. It would make you feel like you were going through the front windshield. Then it would stay in 2nd or 3rd gear, no changing. It may go in reverse or it may not. It may take off from the stoplight or it may not. You start out driving, thinking there is nothing wrong and a few minutes later you can’t wait to get it parked. It seems like LOTS of other people are having the same problem. I am calling American Honda first thing in the morning. Thank goodness no one has hit me from behind. This problem is very dangerous. Glad to know I am not alone with this matter. I have 154,000 miles- bought it new.
update- American Honda wouldn’t help me with the transmission because of my miles and because I didn’t have my service done at a dealership. I choose to have a local, realible mechanic service my vehicle.
i live in los angeles and i have the same problem with my accord 03 if someone knows about a cheaper price to fix it please let us know
I wish this were not an issue but it is. I have a 2003 accord v6 and it is at the repair shop as i speek with a $3500 transmission replacement needed. Spoke with honda more than once and thay are rude and act like that could care less. This is not only a quality problem but also a safety issue. I have reported them to everything I can think of.
hello you can add the 2004 v6 accord to the long list of other poor souls who almost crashed in their car
’03 EX-V6, failed @ 131,000. Took the car in for ’04 recall. Problem has been brewing for a few months but I couldn’t put my finger on the conditions and was hard to recreate. Failed on my wife the other night, specifically hard shifting between 2nd & 3rd. I believe this is due to improper cooling on the 2nd gear, which was the root of the ’04 recall. Previously had the transmission fluid checked @ 120k, with no sign of problem. Regularly serviced at the local Honda dealer since purchase. Called on Saturday and got the ballpark estimate of 3500 miles from the service shop. Due to these posts I asked them to contact Honda for assistance with the repair. I plan on calling Honda on Monday myself as well.
’03 EX-V6 Transmission failed at 100177 miles 2 days ago. Almost the same story as many on this website. 7yr/100k warranty just expired, only good will from the dealer service department was a price break on parts/labor but still wanted 4K to fix. Will call Honda corporate.
My Honda 2003 V-6 Accord Transmission is going out. I went to the dealer and got qoute $4100.00+ ,I went to another Transmission specialtist and got a qutoe of $2300.00, thanks to the honest repairman he mentioned the vast recall on these models. Now I have to spend my time getting Hond Corp’s attention along with the thousand others getting this fixed-Thanks Honda!
I guess that I am forced to join the club 🙁 My transmission is doing the same thing as of this morning. It is stuck in a low gear and will not go into reverse. It started the violent downshift as I was traveling at 55 MPH; pretty scary…tires squeeling and forcefully slowing down with traffic barrelling down behind me. It seems that the 2003 Accord has many problems…the radio and display has failed in most of the models as well and you are also expected to pay for that. I have been driving hondas for decades and have loved their dependability and affordability…up until now. I dont think that I will ever buy another honda again!!!!! They have avoided their ethical responsibilites; they have not honored the customer with recalls — they are now producing unreliable junk! Between toyota and honda, American made is looking pretty good these days! Any more news on a possible recall?
I guess I joined the club of 2003 Honda Accords with shotty transmissions. On 3/23/2010 my transmission died. Fortunately I was stopped at a red light waiting for the light to change. My car was towed to the local Honda dealership who ran diagnostics and confirmed that my “torque converter was staying engaged,” causing my car to stall out. Here’s the kicker though — at the time of the trans failure, my car only had 80,512 miles AND my extended warranty just ended at 75,000. I called Honda and because I didn’t get my transmission replaced at the dealership, they said that I could write a letter once the work was done and ask for reimbursement. Stay tuned for an update.
same thing just happened to my 2003 accord ex v6 w/140k.. the sad part is that i bought this lovely car from a used car dealership march 3, 2010 as my first vehicle purchase! i noticed the shifting/hesitating problem about a week after i had the car and of course the dealer “didnt notice anything”. about a week after that, i paid $120 to have it looked at by a local honda dealer and was quoted $4500 for a new trans. so now, i’m stuck with a car note and trans repair costs- how lucky am i? hmph.. anyone know if i’d be in the right to call honda and complain since i’m the original owner/purchaser?
Kristine, Depending on where you live, you may have recourse through your state’s lemon law. Check out your attorney general’s website. http://autopedia.com/html/LemonLaw/
Christian, Thanks so much for that info, I’m looking into that now. There are no service lights on in my car however, there is the hesitation problem.. it is extremely annoying.
I had the same problem happen to me on saturday May 8, 2010 just as described. It happend to me on the freeway and I was nearly in a car accident. I saved myself by going into the shoulder line as fast as possible. I looked up the problem and I found this site. This is a honda accord 2003, V-6 with only 47,000 miles! I had my honda sent to the dealership to get it checked out and they charged me for a $150 diagonosis. They gave me a rough estimate of over $3000! What I wish to do is to get a lawyer and sue Honda for a car defect that they do not honor. I coulve died or gotten into a car accident. I have taken care of the car and had the tranny flushed just last year. It is Honda’s fault that a thier car had a defect. If I could get other people’s inquries and or information I wish to use that as well for the benefit of us all. Thanks.
I have a 2003 Accord DX as well and like many of you, my transmission went out on me at 73,065 miles back in December of 2008. Thankfully the Honda dealer here in Omaha went to bat for me with Honda Corp and ended up replacing it with a “Refurb” transmission from Honda at no charge to me. I kind of thought the word “Refurb” sounded concerning, but as a single mother of two children it deffenitly sounded better than “Total due today is $4,300.00………Would that be cash or credit?” Here’s the Kicker………..It has now been a little over a year and 26,000 miles later and it did it AGAIN! Any advice would be great! Kim
I own a 2003 Honda Accord EXL V6. It has been reliable transportation and I made the last payment on the car last week. On the way to a soccer game the car shifted into first and that was it. The dealer says the transmission has to be replaced and it will cost $2,700 for the part and $750 for labor. The car was covered under a Honda extended warantee until three months ago. Honda will not stand behind their product. The Miles on the car are 85,000. I thought this would be solid transportation for at least two more years and now it is JUNK. Why does consumer reports give these cars such high ratings if they just breakdown like this. I service the car regularly and had the transmision fluid changed to preserve the integrity of the car. Does anybody make a product in the automotive segment that is reliable?
MY COMPLAINT TO NHTSA: 2003 Honda Accord EX V6. current mileage 62,000. purchased new, single owner/driver. at approx 60,000 miles began with intermittent shifting failure. It will fail to accelerate when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear. It varies in time when it will re-engage and it has left me in a dangerous situation several times and ther is no warning for this failure. It has been reported numerous times and seems to be a common problem of this year and model. Recently I pulled out onto a roadway and began to accelerate, when the transmission failed to engage when shifting into 3rd gear, enroute trafffic caught up to me and my abrupt failure to accelerate/merge with traffic, caused an accident of several of those vehicles that were approaching with wet road conditions to my vehicle that was abruptly stranded and nonmobile. I was nearly rear ended and had no warning that this failure is going to occur. I believe this to be a serious safety issue and am very concerned. Please advise.