Underbody Shield problems of the 1999 Honda Accord

The vehicle is unsafe to drive as the sub frame is rusted due to the air conditioner drain. Engine runs great but the design is flawed.

Upon inspection, the right rear portion of the front sub frame is rusted and disintegrated to a point where the car is not considered safe to operate. The frame section has lost so much material that it flexes when downward pressure is applied to the hub assembly. The left side of the front frame is intact and fully functional showing no similar signs of rust.

The sub-frame is rusted on passengers side corner. Manufacturers defect due to placement of drain for a/c all other sides are ok.

I took my 1999 Honda Accord ex (213,500 miles) to a Honda dealership service center for a front right wheel bearing replacement. Upon the technician removing the tire and working to replace the wheel bearing, it was noted that the front right side of the sub-frame was rotted out and noted the entire sub-frame should be replaced. It was also noted and inspected that the front left (driver) side was not rusting or rotted. The Honda dealership service center explained that it could be a safety hazard and damaging to the vehicle if the sub-frame completely rotted apart.

I was alerted to a potential problem with the subframe of my vehicle that has caused me to park it. The problem is that the rear subframe has rusted to the point that it is broken in three places. The rear subframe is located in the rear part of the engine compartment and supports the engine and front suspension. I was driving this car for an unknown length of time in this condition. I was informed that this is a safety concern and that the car should not be driven. The portion of the subframe that attaches to the sway bar is completely broken loose from the frame. The location of the rust is under the outlet of the air conditioning condensate drain. This is the only location where the sub frame is rusted. The distilled water coming out of the air conditioner is corrosive to metals. In my opinion this is a design defect that could have been repaired using a very modest cost hose, fitting and perhaps a clamp to re-route the condensate drain away from the structural members of the car. Repair of this problem has been quoted at $1600. The car is unsafe to drive. The center for auto safety has requested a recall of these vehicles. Many of these cars are still on the road and tend to be driven up to 200,000 miles. This flaw is not readily detectable and is definitely a safety concern. At a minimum owners should be made aware of the potential problem.

I have a Honda Accord ex and the subframe rotted all the way thought. How is that possible? as I look on the internet I see that it is a common issue on Accords. Is Honda aware of this?.

Upon inspection of vehicle by certified mechanic the subframe(cross member) was found unsafe and rusted out on the passenger side with holes and broken. It was determined a safety issue and failed inspection. Looks like a design flaw that collected water. Expensive part and repair. Honda is not covering it. The rest of the undercarriage and frame was in good condition.