Automatic Transmission problems of the 2003 Honda Accord - part 1

2003 Honda Accord. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle repairs and seeks reimbursement. The consumer stated within the past year, the timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump, transmission, heater valve, transmission mounts, power steering pump, dash and steering links were all replaced.

Vehicle transmission shifted from ~3rd-4th gear while driving at a constant 40 miles per hour in traffic to 1st gear causing very rapid DE acceleration (sufficient to cause items on rear deck to fly forward, seat belts to lock, and driver to hit steering wheel) and causing other drivers to brake to avoid collision. Dry pavement prevented loss of control. Action by trailing drivers (spacing and braking) prevented collision. Following incident, transmission remained locked in first gear. Transmission first locked into first gear (as above) on August 18, 2012. On August 21, 2012 the dealer returned the vehicle after asserted the transmission had not failed and required only flushing and changing transmission fluid (transmission fluid had been flushed and changed in 2010 as scheduled maintenance less than 12,000 miles of this failure). Dealer charged more than $250 for this service and stated vehicle was fully repaired. Second dangerous failure occurred within 5 miles. Honda dealer refused to refund the cost of work resulting from faulty diagnosis which placed a dangerous functioning transmission back into use. Transmission recalled in 2004 and modified by dealer pursuant to transmission lubrication problems. Honda dealer provided all state inspections and periodic maintenance. Honda north America refused to replace defective and dangerously functioning transmission. The dealer has agreed to replace the transmission with a re-manufactured transmission for $2500. The owner believes this failure is related to the previous recall. Vehicle has only been used for light duty, has never been used for towing, and all scheduled maintenance has been performed by dealer. The mode of failure was very dangerous. A recall should be considered and transmissions with this mode of failure replaced by manufacturer. Investigation is requested.

Driving on the highway in traffic, my 2003 Honda Accord v6 suddenly dropped into first gear suddenly slowing my travel from 55 mph to 35 mph. I narrowly avoided being hit by the vehicle behind me by turning off onto the shoulder. The Accord then downshifted and continued to jump suddenly between second and third gears. The Accord showed no dashboard indications that something was wrong but continued to drive changing gears sporadically. My car was taken to a local Honda dealer where I was told the transmission needed to be replaced entirely but would cost more than the vehicle was worth.

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The vehicle was previously included in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission) and was repaired. After the repairs, the contact was driving approximately 45 mph when the tcs and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician stated the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

I was turning left into a store parking lot when my car unexpectedly downshifts violently causing my car to hesitate before it ever took off, leaving me setting in the middle of the road with a car headed right towards mine, lucky for me the car was able to slow down enough to swerve to avoid plowing into my car and the side of the vehicle my 3 year old daughter was setting at! now my car jerks extremely violently when driving randomly down the road at any given time. Took the car to my mechanic, transmission is shot, needs replacement immediately, too bad I am a student and single mom who does not have the kind of money to get this replaced. Only good thing that I can say about my almost accident was that no one was hurt, this time. Too scared to drive car anywhere else. Count my blessings since I did make it home, not without driving 25 mph in slow lane of interstate with emergency flashers on!.

My 2003 Honda Accord has just reached 95k. I was acceratimg to get onto interstate 81 when the car lost almost all power and rpm dial went down. The car the jerked violently forward, the rpm dial jumped up, and the car sped up. I had a friend in the car, and she joked that I was trying to kill her! I , of course, I didnt cause the car to do this! a few weeks went by and I was driving on i481 south when the vehicle lost most of its power. I coulnd't do anything but try to get it to the next gear. As I did this, it violently jerked again, sending the shocked person in the car behind me to speed up, just to get around me! I was so scared, that I pulled over, and had my fiance come and drive the car to our mechanic. He could only go about 35-40mph on the highway the rest of the way, if not, it jerked on him as well. Upon parking at the mechanics, he couldnt get it in reverse. After two different certified mechanics scratched their head about my car,I had my transmission fluid changed. It did nothing to fix it. I am picking up the car from a Honda dealership, who have told me that the only fix is a new/rebuilt transmission at the price of $3800! there are no diagnostic codes that are being read, and no lights on the dashboard come on, except for traction control once in a while. This car is worthless to me! I cannot believe that Honda will do nothing for us, and that there hasnt been a recall for this problem. We need to keep complaining to them! I believe that as more of this make aon model gets into having higher mileage on them, the more compalints they will have! I will keep on complaining about this until something is done! I urge others to do the same. Hopefully, nobody gets hurt or killed in the process of them doing nothing in the meantime!.

Failure of transmission. Was driving 70mph on highway and took the off ramp to go home. I stopped at the red light near home and proceeded to go on the green light. The car would not go over 40mph and would not accelerate like usual. At the next red light I could not go over 5mph. Engine light came on. Transmission shift light flashed green. I barely got home. Dealership said the transmission died with only 79k miles on it. There was no previous indication that the transmission was going bad.

All was normal when suddenly my transmission lost its gear. The rev count went all the way up and my car wasn't moving. The only way the car will slip back into gear is I turn off the car and start it back up. Then it still loses gear randomly~.

I just bought a used 2003 Honda Accord ex v6. The transmission seems to have problem. The second gear does not shift smoothly.

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating further. The vehicle resumed normal acceleration after a brief hesitation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, and the contact was waiting to be informed if the vehicle was or was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 78,400.

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). After the repairs while driving 30-40 mph, the vehicle would not respond to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 84,000.

My 2003 Honda Accord began lurching violently as I was driving on the highway. I was slammed into the seatbelt and narrowly avoided an accident. I've found hundreds of other complaints online for the same problem. It appears Honda knows there is a defective transmission in these cars but have done nothing about it.

The vehicle jerked violently and than would not accelerate safely. The vehicle was not safe to operate and I was almost rear ended because the car dropped from 75 to 35 in just a few seconds.

The automatic transmission on my wifes 2003 Honda Accord failed on 6-17-11 and nearly caused an accident. The transmission downshifted on its own and the car rapidly decelerated on the interstate with traffic approaching from the rear that had to change lanes to avoid collision. Numerous similar reports are noted online. This is an apparent known problem that Honda will not address. The dealer quoted costs in excess of 3500. 00 to replace the transmission. The car has 150,000 miles and a transmision failure may be expected. The biggest issue is the incredible risks that passengers are exposed to when the violent failure occurs. I.

The transmission on my 2003 Honda Accord ex completely is shot now. When I try to speed up my car will go into first gear and then I have to put my foot down on the gas pedal for it to actually go and skip and move into third gear. I have contacted Honda to try and get the problem addressed with them and they politely said that they cant compensate me at all because the problem had already been addressed back in 2009 its is now 2011 and the same problem with the transmission is now occuring again.

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. While driving 30 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle would shift gears independently and become resistant to acceleration. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where they inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 69,000. Updated 07/20/11.

After an incident where the car could only accelerate to 30 miles per hour, it was fixed by the Honda dealer (throttle repairs), then I had repeated incidents of gears shifting accidentally, one time gear shifted into neutral when I was at a stop sign. I would try to accelerate and the car would jerk and eventually go into gear. I took car back to dealer 4 times to get it repaired and they said nothing was wrong. Finally, at 5 pm on a major freeway the car started jerking and jolting violently and I had to get off and call a tow truck. Went to nearest Honda dealer and they duplicated the problem and said I need a new transmission and american Honda is going to pay 50% of the replacement cost, still very expensive. .

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that when trying to accelerate it wouldn't exceed 40 mph and the vehicle would jerk violently. The dealer was contacted, advised her that there were no recalls and to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 77,000.

Driving down sunrise high way in new york, when all of a sudden my 2003 v6 ex Honda Accord down shifts from 5th to 1st. Then it started to violently shake forward or back. I almost got hit by the passing surrounding cars while trying to maintain control. Upon further inspection it turns out to be the transmission has went. The car just turned over 90,000 miles on it.

May 3rd, I was driving approx 70 mph when all of a sudden, my car felt like someone slammed on the brakes and I went flying forward. It happened 2 more times, then later, I couldn't go in reverse. I researched it and was shocked to find out this is an ongoing issue with the 2003 Honda Accord ex v6 model. Honda isn't calling it a recall because no one has been hurt yet. The next day I was in bad pain due to the jolts and seatbelt marks from them restraining me. I called american Honda and started a claim. I asked what if I need a new transmission. He said 'no problem, you're now with american Honda. ' I took it in and my trransmission failed on the way there too. While waiting the vip director came up to me telling me I'm a vip customer having bought Hondas for 22 years . Shortly thereafter the svc manager came and told me yes, the transmission was gone and american Honda agreed to pay $900 out of the $4300 bill. I asked what about the known issues Honda has with this year and model? he said all they offered was $900. The vip manager told me he would never put $3400 in a sinking ship. I said 'sinking ship?' he said 'well it does have 89k miles on it. ' I said 'it's a Honda. . . That's why I paid big bucks for a Honda because they are supposed to go for a long time. ' when I called Honda America, they said I wasn't the owner. I said I am. I bought it 4 years and bring it brandon Honda for all my work. They still had the previous owner listed. . . After 4 years! I never receieved recalls because it went to the previous owner. The svc manager himself changed it that day to show me as the owner. All the times I'd gone to brandon Honda and and bought it at crown Honda and they never put me as the owner, 4 years ago? incompetence. Like Toyota knew they had a brake problem but did nothing about till someone died.

2003 Honda Accord with only 53,000 miles. While driving on the highway approximately 55mph I attempted to change the line when my car suddenly and abruptly decelerated causing drivers behind me to brake rapidly and this almost lead to an accident. I was in the car with my wife and 4. 5 years old son. It was a horrible experience. Next day I took my car to a dealer just to find out that I am going to need another transmission and the cost is $4600. American Honda offered 35 % discount but the problem with this is than independent garages quoted repair between $2300- $2900 so in reality it was not real discount. There is definitely something wrong with this year model transmission and judging by so many complains (and more is posted every day) about the same issue I am surprise that NHTSA is not doing anything about that. I hope that agency is not waiting till someone get badly injured or cause others serious trouble. I am the lucky on, it cost me a money but I am well and alive. In may there was a recall from Hyundai and based on what I found on NHTSA website there was a lot less complains about transmission problem and NHTSA reacted : quoted� Hyundai is recalling 6,169 santa fes because a defective transmission may cause "loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash," According to the nhtsa� unquoted. I would like to know what rules NHTSA used to differentiate transmission problem. In one case may increase risk of crush but in other not.

2003 Honda Accord. Consumer states instead of replacing a defective transmission, the dealer installed an oil jet kit. The consumer stated he continues to experience problems with the transmission where it goes out of second gear while driving in traffic. The consumer was informed the vehicle needed a tranasmission.

Driving 65 mph on the highway then all of a sudden my 2003 Honda Accord shifts violently into first gear. Could of caused a major accident. Called Honda USA and they said they are unaware of any issues with the 2003 Honda Accord. Does someone need to be killed in or by a 2003 Honda Accord before someone takes action!!.

Currently own a 2003 Honda with which I have made repairs too the transmissions system several times. In recent months ive notice as I traveling at higher speeds on the highway the car downshift making it unsafe when traffice flow is heavy. Ive also had instances of stalling at take off which causes traffic issues when im stopped at a red light.

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact was driving 45 mph when the vehicle suddenly decelerated independently. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it had shifted into neutral abnormally. The contact shut the vehicle off and once restarted, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to a local mechanic for diagnostic testing which located the failure at the transmission. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the transmission and the manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a second diagnostic test. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission) but the vehicle was not included due to the recall only effecting v6 engine models. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 94,500. The VIN was not available. Updated 05/05/lj.

2003 Honda accourd down shifts at highway speeds making it nearly impossible to control. Have not taken it in account no way to get there or car to drive. Transmission problem working on having it fixed.

4/13/11 driving on a main route, with morning flow of traffic my car revved as if moving but just stopped moving forward, then would kick back into forward motion, traffic behind, to the right and in front of, no shoulder to pull over - I had 2miles to reach work. Had it towed for inspection, stated the transmission was done asked if the recall had been taken care of. I've never received a recall other than recently-ignition issues. He forwarded me a copy of the recall - had it towed to o'donnell Honda, place of purchase and all scheduled and wanted service since purchase in 2003. They agreed the transmission needed to be replaced. I faxed to them a copy of a recall noting "all" 2003 Honda Accords needed a 2nd gear replacement. I was told, my VIN was not included in the list. I was later told that the 2nd gear was replaced, ? 04 or 05 but no document history other than Honda's was there. I have all of my records and nothing includes that replacement. O'donnell Honda will not replace the transmission at their cost and well, those things happen. . . What I was told about the transmission going. My car is in mint condition, always taken care of minimal needs and at 81,000 also had experience with the same dealer, my daughters Honda si v-tech, a true lemon and them not standing behind the cars they sell. Our family has purchased three cars from them, brand new, serviced by them but they seem to be loosing their standards.

My 2003 Honda Accord with 71,000 miles on it just experienced a complete and total failure of it's transmission. The car is not covered by any remaining warranty's, but it's clear that this failure was common in this make/model of car.

My 2003 Honda Accord v6 began having problems shifting gears while driving after just ~65,000 miles. I took it to the dealership for inspection and needed to have the transmission replaced. After telling the dealership I read about multiple problems with these Accords, they contacted the "district manager" who offered to cover 50% of the replacement cost. Needless to say I am not very happy with Honda.

1. Normal driving conditions. I attempted to accelerate and when the transmission down-shifted to second gear it didn't engage and the engine revved to the limiter before I was able to let off the gas. When I let off the transmission engaged a higher gear and I was able to continue. Later when I tried to accelerate away from a stoplight the car wouldn't engage second gear again and just coasted to a stop no matter what I did. 2. The failure occurs as soon as the car warms, but occasionally it will engage suddenly and slow the car dramatically if I am travelling at a higher rate of speed. I was almost hit when this occurred once. 3. The dealership wants to replace the transmission with a "re-manufactured" Honda transmission for $3500.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the transmission stopped responding and the vehicle stalled as a result. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 99,216 and the current mileage was 103,000. Sm.

I was driving in morning traffic when I tried to excelerate my Accord begun to jolt and almost caused me to be rear ended by a huge cement truck. I was able to turm my car off and on again which allowed me to pull off the freeway. I bought my Honda because I thought it would live up to the Honda name for quality, but I was horridly wrong. My tourgue converted failed causing catastrophic damage to my transmission. I like others was left stranded on the side if the road, holding keys to a now broken 2003 Honda Accord ex and a huge repair bill. I tried calling Honda USA but my issue and request fell on deaf ears. Im completely taken back by Honda as a company after this and will never buy one of their products again!.

Making turn to an on-ramp the rpm's in my 2003,v6 Honda Accord with automatic transmission increased to 6000-7000, after making the turn I lost all drive power and pulled to the side of the road. I stopped the car, turned off the engine and found nothing obvious under the hood. After restarting the car, it would not move in either forward or reverse. Had the car towed to Honda dealer, diagnosis was a blown transmission. It will cost $3500 to have the transmission replaced with a rebuilt transmission. Car mileage is approximately 105,000.

Was driving my 2003 Honda Accord at 45mph. Suddenly the transmission changed gears from 4th to lilke 1st gear, felt like I hit a brick wall or someone hit me hard. It was very shocking and scary. Took the car to the dealer. They said it needs a new transmission.

Driving car on freeway when it lost transmission, engine still running but no power to the car. Managed to coast to a safe stop; lower gears still functioning then. Drove in d2 to mechanic, lower gears now do not work reliably -- as soon as it gets hot it locks up. Transmission has to be completely rebuilt or replaced. Recall repiar was previously According to dealer records but does not seem to have worked.