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 changelitter closeSUTAB Scam? Consumer Protection 2003failurefeaturedhonda accordtransmission
I bought my Honda 2 years ago used. Its a 2003 Accord EX it had 80,000 miles on it at the time. The reason I bought it over the other cars was because i was under the impression that Honda was a dependable car that gets good gas mileage and all i had to do is take care of it and maintain it, which I have done by the way. The car now has 126,000 miles on it and my transmission went out. which couldn’t come at a better time because I just saved up enough money to replace the tires, timing belt, and the water pump a $700 total. Being in college and working part time you can’t afford to drop $3,500 for a new transmission every time it happens to go out whenever that maybe. So this is what I’m going to do. I am going to get the transmission fixed look for a new car, one that is actually dependable and not full of s**t, sell my Honda and try to get my money back out of it to put towards my new car. I will never buy a Honda again and I will make sure that anyone that I know never buys one because they a non dependable car.
Two days back on my birthday my car reverse gear stopped working. It started giving jerk. I went to a honda dealer today and they said the same thing transmission is gone bad. To replace they want $4158. I called honda america hoping for some help but all in vain. They said to contact the service manger and the regional filed manager. But after seeing all the post I dont think so any action will be taken . May be they will give me some discount. My car has just $64k miles on it . I got my transmission fluied changed by the deals 2 months back. Is there any way or any news from NHTSA ? HONDA SUCKS BIG TIME !!!!
My transmission went out at at 90k miles on my 2003 Honda accd. V6. Got it replaced under warranty. Now I’m at 154k and seems like I’m having issues again. My check engine light came on and 2 mouter mounds cracked. I’m bout to burn dis bitch!!lol.
My story is similar to those of you above–transmission failure, which for me was as at 74K miles. My car was bought new and religiously maintained including a transmission service just months before the failure. Here’s the kicker for me–I’m military serving overseas and trying to find a dealer who would work on my Accord was a nightmare. I finally found a semi-local dealer to do the transmission work which came back at ~ 7,000 euro. Folks, that’s almost $9,000!!! They wouldn’t just fix the transmission, and Honda would only work with me if I ordered a new or fully remanufactured unit–which I did–AND find a cheaper dealer price. I had to have the car towed (again) over 150 miles at a cost of $500 to find a new dealer to do the job. Cost–still almost $7,000. I managed to get Honda to pay 1/2 of the cost. What gets me is my 1/2 is more than most stateside people are paying for the entire replacement. This maintenance nightmare is in addition to failed front wheel bearings, warped rotors, crankcase main bearing seals that went out, failed radio control head light, failed windshield wiper motor, and more. I’ve had more claims on this car than all the vehicles I’ve ever owned combined. I’m still driving the thing until the summer when I can dump it after getting a few miles in return on the transmission. I will NEVER buy another Honda car product again–and this after 5 total Honda’s. Terrible service, terrible reliability, complete disregard for a KNOWN transmission problem, and the list goes on. Epic FAIL!
I own a 2003 honda accord lx-v6 and i have 120,000 miles on the vechile and on 2/14/2011 my transmission failed. i took to one dealer and was told it would take $4000 to repair with a 3/36,000 warranty. i took to another honda dealer and will be charged $2700 to repair. I would never believe that an accord with 120,000 with one owner (me) who never drove that car hard, always took the car in for schedule maintenance to the same honda dealer i bought it from that the transmission would fail. I just had the car painted because the paint Honda uses began to peel off the car, and the tune up and timing belt was changed. sounds like a money pit and Honda should be ashamed of themselves for selling such a bad product.
there needs to be a class action suit about the 2003 honda accord Lx-v6 transmission problems. honda wont even acknowledge this and the highway and public transportation will not go after honda. I bought Honda cause i believe in its reliability and ease of use. what is going on with spending all this money on maintenance and the transmission failed at 120,000. i am not buying another honda.
I am sadly joining this group of very unsatisfied and traumatized owners of 2003 Honda Accords. I was driving on the freeway and slowed down as the traffic slowed ahead. I decelerated from 65mph to a terrifying 35mph in a split second as the car downshifted violently to 1st gear. If it weren’t for my seat belt, I would have slammed my face on the steering wheel or the windshield!!! I was almost rear ended by a semi-truck!!! I immediately pulled of the emergency side of the freeway and turned off the car. I checked the engine bay and under the car and found no apparent damage or leaks. I turned the car back on and proceeded to exit the freeway using the emergency shoulder. I drove the car to the nearest Honda Dealer (Gardena Honda), which was only a mile from where this occurred. The car continually downshifted randomly to first gear so I kept the car at 5mph to prevent it from going to second gear. I drove the car in traffic with the hazard lights on until I got to the dealer. I spoke to the Honda Service Specialist and was informed that the problem was most likely internal transmission and that it probably needed a new one. He quoted me $3500. In shock, I drove my car home (1/2 mile away) with the hazard lights on and going 5mph. I parked the car on the driveway and had been in that position for the past month. I looked around other transmission specialist and they quoted me around $1500 for a complete transmission rebuild with 1-year warranty.
My 2003 Accord’s transmission dowshifted in very violent way while driving on the highway on February 22. We almost had an accident! It was very scary! The local dealer told us that the transmission looks really bad and gave us a quote for $4,480!! Since that day we have been looking for information on the internet regarding this issue and to our surprise, many other owners have the same transmission failure. This is a terrible safety issue!!! We have contacted Honda of America and they are not willing to help us because our car has 107,000 miles and we are the second owners. (That is what they said) We submitted a complaint to NHTSA (Dept of transportation). We joined a group on facebook called HONDA PROBLEMS GROUP. And this week we started sending letters of complaint to Honda of America because we want them to realize that their lack of responsibility and trustworthiness towards their customers can hurt their reputation. I will never buy a Honda again and I am committed to continue my fight through letters, phone calls, complaints and joining groups. Please join the group HONDA Problems Group on facebook!!!
My 04 Honda Accord V6 only has 64,000 miles and after limping into the local Honda Dealership and being told after they had my car for 4 hours that ‘nothing was wrong’ I headed home and almost didn’t make it. The car was losing power (it wasn’t shifting into gear) and when I pressed the eccelerator it let out a very loud whine! I headed right to my local repair garage and the mechanic drove it barely making it back to the shop! It now has a new transmission at the fine tune of $3900. I’ve prepared a letter to Honda and am sending it off tomorrow. My last Honda I had for 11 years without any major problems. To be continued…
My 2003 Honda accord ex coupe v6 transmission just dropped with only about 103,000 miles on it. Was told by Honda dealer ship that since I have not kept all my service records there is nothing they will do.
2004 Accord EX V6 (purchased end of 2003) occasionally hard downshifted while decelerating. Lost top gear at 114,000. Honda wants $3,879 to install a rebuilt transmission. Transmission shops charge around $2,000 to rebuild and install “updates”. My guess is Honda knows there is a problem…
My 2003 EX V6 Accord’s transmission, which I as original owner purchased in late 2002, started slipping yesterday. I have 82 K miles. Unhappy reading about others with the same problems that I have been experiencing. Took it to the dealership this morning, drove around with the technician but we could not reproduce the same condition when it was cool. I would assume the Honda dealership is aware of this problem in this class of car, and sure enough, as soon as the tranny warmed up (~15 miles of driving) I started experiencing the shifting problem. I’ll see if I can make it back, in one piece, to the dealership this evening. Yes, I have taken very good care of this car by performing all recommended service religiously.
03 Odyessy. engine replaced at 90k! now 140k get call from dealer, need to replace trans. Total around 10k. I have kept up on maintanence….. Told him, if this is how honda products work, I will never buy honda product again.
03 Honda Accord V6 Transmission problem!! I am very dissapointed to find out that Honda is not accepting responsiblity for this after so many incendents. A recall definetly shoud be issued. This is putting not only 03 Accord owners at risk but everyone on the road with them! This is a saftey concern! I must say I will join any group of fellow consumers that have had this same problem! I fully intened to write a letter to Honda Automotive Cutomer Service (ACS) at 1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance,CA 90501. I to thought of Honda to be a reliable vechile and did not excpect to have any major repairs. I do regular matiance as required. I am shocked at the cost involved in the repair or replacement of this transmission. Over half of what KBB claims the car is currently worth. (and I thought Hondas were supposed to hold thier value)Then what guarantee or warrenty do I have? None!
Well, here is another one. 2003 V6 ex with 195 km (121,000 miles) and delayed shift from 2 to 3 plus burnt fluid. I have been aware of this problem for some years and have had the fluid changed regularly each year in hopes of avoiding it. This is not the Honda quality that I thought I was paying for. Next purchase will be based on price alone. The Honda name alone is not worth paying any kind of premium for.
I have deliberately rented cars to go out of town in order to keep the miles off of my 2003 Honda Accord V6 EX. I just passed 70,500 miles on my car today and also, today, I realized my transmission is on the way out. I was driving a quick 75-mile trip up the 101 and as I started up a slight hill, the transmission just slipped out. I had the cruise control on and the radio up, which kind of distracted me from looking at the instrument panel. When I noticed that I was loosing speed, I looked down to see that my RPMs were red-lining and I couldn’t get any power from any other gears. I pulled off the road, turned the car off for about five minutes. During that time I smelled a burnt rubber kind of smell, but noted when I turned the engine back on that that car was not over-heating. I was able to shift into gear and finish the drive without problems, but this is the fourth time it has happened now and twice within the past two days. I don’t think I have much longer with this transmission, car or brand. Is there anything I can sign or do to help out with possibly getting a recall for this issue?
I hate to say it, but it looks like I’m joining the ranks. About a month ago, my 2003 v-6 accord (105,00 miles) was having trouble going from second to third gear. I took it into Honda, and they told me that the trans fluid was dark and needed to be changed. Big relief, right?! Wrong!! Over the course of the next few weeks, my car was doing the same thing. Yesterday, I was on the highway in Chicago going about 65mph when out of nowhere my car jerked so hard that my wife and I thought we got rear-ended. I have yet to have an engine light come up on my dash. You would think that something would appear. I haven’t taken my car in yet, but now that I’ve come across this thread, I have a pretty good idea what they will say. I have purchased 6 Hondas, and this is the first time I’ve had something like this happen. Depending on how I’m treated at the dealership, which I am now prepared for the worst, this could be my last Honda vehicle. I’m extremely disappointed. Much like many of you, we bought Hondas for the same reason as you. Not any more!! I will follow up with the NHTSA after I get word from the dealership today.
Looks like I am having the same problem. 90,000 miles. I had the recall “fix” done as well. I am waiting to hear from the dealer. 🙁 I will following up with NHTSA as well. This is ridiculous.
Pete, I filed my complaint with the NHTSA shortly after complaining to Honda. I would recommend making a safety complaint when talking to NHTSA though. I don’t think they’ll issue a recall unless there’s a safety concern. My complaint was that I lost power and not being able to accelerate made changing lanes on a busy freeway extremely dangerous. Good luck.
My problem started last week with the “emission light on”. In reading the manual and followed the instruction, i tighten the gas cap. Light went out after two trips and came back after two days….I replaced the gas cap and still on. My friend did a diagnostic on my car and had this code error “P0741-Torque Converter Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Stuck OFF. I googled this problem and got so many hits in regards to my Honda Accord 2003, and all the issue points to transmission. The mileage on my car is around 95,000. I just don’t want to experience these problems that i read and Honda should be accountable for this issue.
I just bought a used Honda Accord EX V6 about 3 weeks ago with 68,800 miles on it. I am taking it to the dealership tomorrow to have it checked out due to the engine light coming on. I have noticed the transmission isn’t acting right for about 2 wks now and the rpms keep dropping. According to all the post I have found here, my car is having the same problem. I bought this car for the dependability I experienced when I had a 76 Honda Accord Hatchback. I love this car but the problems may land it back in the dealerships lap before the 30 days expire.
2002 Honda Accord EX V6 3.0 current miles 44,000 just received the P0780 code for death of the transmission. I hear the solenoids become clogged because the torque converter is disentigrating within the transmissions then clogging the solenoids. Many people are paying and paying for rebuilt transmissions over and over again. Most do not last, costing more repairing of thousands of $$$$$. My problem started at around 41,000 and Honda in Schaumburg just rang me up a bill for couple of thousand for a rusted bolthole on subframe…which was replaced. Avoiding the transmission problem that had been building up over the 3,000 miles. They should be a large recall my warrenty expired, and my vin isn’t recalled…doesn’t make sense. I am going to put up a big stink…Honda should cover this no matter how many times it happens to fail. This is my first failure on my tranny and I am pissed. I will fight fight and fight this Honda Corp and I hope everybody will team up for class action lawsuite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My car started to stop and go on the expressway. I got off the highway and now noticed my car won’t go reverse. Really!!! My 2003 Honda Accord won’t go reverse!!! I ain’t paying $3 to 4k for this puppy to work.
My daughter’s 2003 Honda Accord Ex 6cyl coupe just did the same thing at 127000 miles. While driving on the highway about 60mph, the transmission suddenly dropped to 1st gear, sliding the front wheels, throwing her violently into the seatbelt, and nearly causing a rear end collision. I then drove the car the next day and it drove fine for a few miles and then suddenly, the same thing happened. It nearly pitched me into a ditch and narrowly escaped an accident. While driving it to a shop slowly, the rpm stayed about 4000 and the transmission remained in ist gear. There was a burning smell. I checked the fluid and it looked like dirty motor oil. The fluid was bright red and clear prior to this problem. The garage says the trans has to be replaced. I plan to call Honda, NHTSA and others. Please, any help would be appreciated.
My 2003 Honda Accord v6 coupe with 179,000 miles just did the exact problem you guys have described. I was doing 60 on the highway then all of a sudden, a violent shift to first gear. This could’ve caused a major accident. I called Honda USA and they told me they are unaware of a transmission issue in the 2003 Honda Accord. My car is at the dealership waiting a diagnostic check. This is unfortunate to see but I really think someone has to get seriously hurt in a 2003 Honda Accord before someone will take action. How could Honda say they are unaware of this issue when all these 2003 Honda Accord owners are expieriencing the same issue???
My 2004 Accord EX failed yesterday on the freeway, dropping from 65 to 20 mph and then zero and getting me almost rear-ended while trying to move to the side of the road. Car had to be towed to the garage and we’ve just been told it needs a new transmission ($3800). A call to the Honda dealership near us resulted in “we’re not aware of any problem with transmission”. Am filing a complaint with safercar.gov.
I have a 2003 Honda Accord V6 that I purchased from a used car dealer. There is no warranty, however, surely they had to know that this was an issue. I have not had the car for one year and can not afford to have a new transmission put into the vehicle. I am going to contact the dealer 1st then NHTSA, SAFErcar.gov and Honda America obviously. This is just rediculous. My faith in honda’s has been broken.
I just bought an 03 Honda Accord from a Ford dealer and they offered me a complementary 3 month/3000 mile warranty. Good thing. It hesitated shifting into drive for about a half second, then would fully engage. After driving 30 miles, it would lurch forward at about 5 miles per hour. It did this several times and then it was like it went into neutral and none of the gears, including reverse, worked. Check engine, TCS and cruise control lights all came on. Tow truck driver said the trans fluid smelled burnt. This happened three days after purchasing with only 65,000 miles. Had it towed to the dealer and they flushed the trans and replaced some filters, reset the 700 code for internal transmission problem and said it was good. I pushed back and now they are sending it to a Honda dealer to get checked out. We shall see…
Our 2003 Honda Accord EX transmission failed at 127000 miles exactly as yours did. While driving at 60mph, it violently downshifted to 1st gear, causing front wheels to slide on pavement. We almost lost control and narrowly escaped a major serious accident. Honda American refuses to assist in any way to repair the unit. I appealed the rejection to a higher authority, but got the same rejection. I filed a complaint on carcomplaints.com. I will file a complaint with the NHTSA. Any other suggestions?
I transmission problem that kept slipping and it had 108k miles. I had to replace the transmission I paid $1700 repairs and Honda paid $1800 for transmission and delivery. That’s not including the cost I had to rent a car for 3 days. If there is a class action lawsuit let me know.
I bought a used 2003 Honda Accord way back. From the beginning I have been asking the dealership, where I get it serviced, why light indicating it is in Drive constantly blinks. Even if I have it in reverse the light is still blinking beside the “D”. The dealership said they didn’t know but not to worry about it. At about 115,000 the transmission began to “slip” it seems to downshift all of a sudden. I haven’t experienced anything that has caused a near accident but should I drive it until it fails or get it replaced now? I don’t want to have an accident while I have my granddaughter in the car.
My 2003 that I bought from my neighbor who had the car religiously service just had the tranny do all that you guys describe! I have to call Honda and by the looks of what everyone is saying I’m going to get screwed!!! This sucks! I just lost my teaching job and now have no car! Fml
http://www.odysseytransmission.com//ProblemCases?msgId=642 Check this out! I’m an Odyssey owner because I believed that they were the safest van and most versatile & reliable. Mine was until I reached 108k miles. I found the above website 2 years ago, and I was hoping I could decide what to do ahead of time should I suddenly find myself in trouble, which I did yesterday. I nearly lost control of the car when I was slowing down to stop at a stop sign. The trans. shifted up and the car lurched forward like a bucking bronco while I was mashing down the brake. My husband and I thankfully had our seat belts on or we would’ve hit the dash. Though I had the brake pedal to the floor the car shifted a second time and I heard and felt a horrible grinding sound. I just missed hitting an suv in front of me. I drove home carefully for a few blocks and I am afraid to drive it at all. A few months earlier the d light was flashing, but because it stopped after I shut off the engine, the dealership didn’t want to see my van when I tried to make an appointment. They told me that since the light went out they didn’t want me to come in, because the sensor “reset itself”. I’ve noticed it shuddering at times, and I took it to another dealer a few weeks ago because of a new whining sound I’ve been hearing when the trans. is shifting. They didn’t take it for a test drive – they didn’t hear the sound. I have always done all of the maintenance, including the ’04 recall, which probably extended the life of the trans. until after my extended warranty expired. I don’t know if I even want to bother with Honda. I’m seriously thinking of rebuilding or if I can afford it, a remanufactured Jasper transmission.
I have a Honda accord lx sedan 2003 and just hit 97,000 miles. I thought I was hearing something when my car wouldn’t go into 3rd gear (guessing because it’s an automatic)…pretty much sounded like I was revving the car in neutral. It’s happened twice since. Once going on the highway at about 65 dropped into neutral as well. Scary! The lights had been coming on in the car & I think I paid Iike 300 months ago to have that fixed. Then the steering pump made a screeching sound. But this tops them all. The Honda guy said hes seen numerous cases in the 2003 v6 model where the transmission goes out. Nice! So now, because I don’t want to sell to an individual my “doesn’t lose it’s value” Honda just went to crap! I was quoted 4200 initially. Then because a good customer, they’ve offered 3500 for the tranmission to be replaced as well as 2 engine mounts. They offer a three year warranty with 36000 miles for that price. I call Honda america to sound a complaint & waiting to hear back from case manager. So upset. I thought I was putting my money into a safe reliable car & now I’m afraid tp drive it or buy another one!!!
Count me in with my 2003 Accord V-6. 127,000 miles. I am pissed seeing so many people with the same issue and Honda not stepping up to the plate. This is my second Accord, and my last Honda product.
My 2003 Accord V6 transmission just went the other day and the Honda dealer I brought it to gave me a cost of $4300 to repair.. I bought the car 3 years ago with 58K on it and the vehicle has 117K when the tranny went.. This is my 2nd Accord and I thought by buying a Honda I wouldn’t have to deal with costly repairs like this.. Boy was I wrong.. I really thing Honda should be held liable for this and should have a recall on this vehicle immediatly. There is certainly a safety concern when a vehicle goes from 55-60 miles on the highway to Neutral or will not shift into 2nd gear..
I also own a 2003 Honda. I took it in for the oil jet kit recall in May of 09, the day after I picked it up the transmission locked up in 2nd gear. Jerking…”fish tailing” etc…took it back and of course it was the transmission. Called Honda of Am because I felt it was the techs fault. But now I see several people had the exact same problem! The total cost to replace was $3700.00, I had to pay $1300 of that. Now 2yrs later, 600 miles short of the warranty, it starts acting up again!! Losing power, shifting hard & check engine light coming on. Its back at the dealership and they say its the “throttle body”……HELP. I do not know what to do & I pick it up this afternoon after them doing a ignition switch recall.
My 2003 transmission started acting funny about a month ago at 74,000 miles.I thought maybe it was a timing thing because it wasn’t very noticeable. Well I know have 75k and the 2nd and 3rd gear/automatic redlines and my mechanic said it’s shot. I drove a measley 75k miles over 8 years and need a new transmission.
To all 2003 Honda Accord Ex-V6 fellows, Damaged transmission Millage : 65630 miles It seems as if this problem is too common. I went to go fix my breaks and after test driving, the mechanic found that there’s a problem in the transmission. He checked the fluid, and found a nasty black fluid with metal chips. Need Tranmission replacement., even though my honda was recalled in 2004 to put oil cool jacket( installed) to prevent this problem. I recommend calling this number, 1-800-999-1009.
I’m experiencing similar issues with my 2003 Accord. My car loses power while driving and when taking off. Of course my warranty is expired so I’m facing a large bill to pay out of pocket.
My wife’s 2003 Honda Accord Ex-V6 is having transmission issues as well. Second gear is slipping intermittantly. RPM’s rev very high with no acceleration. My wife is worried about getting rear ended by another car when the transmission acts up. Car has 117,000 miles. So much for Honda reliability. Local Honda dealer quoted me $4000-5000 for new transmission. Independant shop quoted me $2800-3000.
My wife’s 2003 Honda Accord EX V6 transmission just started hesitating/screwing up at 120,000 miles. Going to call Honda ASAP to see if the recall was ever done and see what my options are.
I’ve been having trouble with my 2003 Accord V6 since July of 2010 when mileage was at about 96k. I tried filing a claim with Honda since a former service manager told me that they have replaced some for free and they know that they have an issue but my regional representative wasn’t helpful at all. I had it replaced at a national chain and it hasn’t been right since. They charged me $3600 and I have had to take it back to them four times becuase it still falls out of gear, especially over speed bumps. This morning on the highway in downtown Atlanta it locked into “safe mode” and I was stuck getting to work in 3rd gear while starting from red lights….. Anyhow, for those of you who have not yet had the work done make sure that you check to see that your repair shop is BBB certified. I wish mine was, instead they have nothing but complaints listed for my shop.
Ditto here, my wife’s 2003 Honda Accord EX V6 experiencing gear slip and is sitting at the dealership. Glad we brought this in right away and not while we are doing 55mph on the highway w/my daughter in the backseat! We had the oil jet kit recall done, but I agree w/most, this was a band-aid job. We bought this car new in 2002 and had it serviced at the original dealership. This car has been trouble from the onset. Everything from the a-pillar and sunroof leaks, rotor warp, traction control module issues, seat motors, stinky exhaust fumes, emission control failures, window actuator failure, numerous recalls, and poor poor dealership service to boot. BEFORE you bring your car in to be serviced, call Honda Corporate (1-800-999-1009). Explain to them that you know these transmissions are defective and are flat out UNSAFE! Obviously, mention that you should not have to pay for a replacement. They will tell you to take the car into the dealership and you should report back to Honda Corp with any future claims. Then at the dealership, mention to your service adviser that you have already lodged a complaint w/corporate, the demeanor changes really fast. My old 1993 Lexus ES300 had 264k miles w/o a drive-train hic-up. This is our first and last Honda brand product! Will report back with a verdict.
I own a 2003 honda accord Ex V6 with 80,000 miles. When I first start to accelerate it wouldn’t go past the 20 mark. No matter how hard you press the gas all you hear is like a vaccume noise like the car wants to go but can’t. Eventually, the car will came to. I almost got into an accident because of it. So, I took it in to the dealership to get inspected. They said nothing was wrong with my car. If nothing is wrong with my car, why is it doing what its doing! A friend of mine said it sounds like a transmisson problem before I went in to the dealers. So, when they said nothing was wrong with my car I had asked did u check the transmission and he said “when they scanned the car nothing was wrong with it.” I ended up talking to a supervisor. He suggested I bring the car back the following week and leave it with them for a couple of days. Left the car like they had ask and not even two hours later honda called and said it the transmission. The car went from nothing is wrong with it to needing a new one. Which is going to run me $4000. My question is I have honda care, shouldn’t that cover the transmission??
Honda 2003 Transmission failure While on a trip from St. Louis to the Chicago area 6-23-2011and just north of Springfield, IL the transmission made a pronounced sound, slipped into neutral, and I had to make an emergency stoppage in heavy highway traffic to the side of the side of Interstate 55 – very dangerous. Smoke was pouring out from under the hood. I opened the hood and the smoke was emanating from the transmission area. We got towed ($136.00) back to Springfield, IL and as it was past 6:00 PM we had to leave the car at a local recommended transmission shop. The shop has informed us that the transmission was “burned up” and need to be replaced to the tune of $3,400 for factory rebuilt with 36 month, no mileage limit guarantee. To get transportation to where we were going and back to St. Louis cost almost $300 in rental car fees. This does not count what it will cost to return to Springfield, IL to retrieve the car once it has been fixed. The transmission service business there said they have repaired another four or five 2003’s, and my Honda mechanic in St. Louis said he had done four as well. The car has 148,215 miles and has been well maintained. This has shaken my confidence in Honda. We have owned six Honda’s in the family, but this is the only V6.