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FaultScore report

2003 Honda Accord problems

Owners have filed 2,384 complaints about the 2003 Honda Accord with NHTSA between 2002 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 33 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Honda Accord All 2003 cars

FaultScore 81/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Honda Accord.

How this is worked out

The numbers

2,384

Complaints

189

Crashes reported

Fires reported

152

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

88,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

20%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.

Complaint volume — 100: Against the median year of the Honda Accord. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79: 15.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 35: 20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2003 compares with every other Honda Accord

Click any bar to open that year's report.

3 2 8 26 7 25 19 63 131 102 114 229 242 249 222 476 673 579 546 1,429 1,345 1,506 1,161 1,267 2,384 1,307 880 541 700 1,855 859 703 358 508 1,892 1,439 825 822 771 2,923 1,074 558 340 376 153 213 115 5

79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 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 26

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2003 Honda Accord

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Transmission & Drivetrain 933 39.1%

20 crashes, 3 fires · median 98,063 mi

Airbags 321 13.5%

91 crashes, 2 fires · median 90,000 mi

Brakes 192 8.1%

17 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,000 mi

Electrical System 148 6.2%

8 crashes, 6 fires · median 66,500 mi

Engine & Cooling 147 6.2%

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 99,000 mi

Steering 96 4.0%

6 crashes, 4 fires · median 100,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 82 3.4%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 64,500 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 81 3.4%

18 crashes, 1 fires · median 89,000 mi

Body & Structure 74 3.1%

5 crashes, 1 fires · median 50,000 mi

Lights 59 2.5%

Median failure at 65,700 miles

Equipment & Accessories 52 2.2%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 48,500 mi

Other & Unspecified 42 1.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 78,500 mi

Suspension 31 1.3%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

Seat Belts 26 1.1%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 62,000 mi

Seats 24 1.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 72,922 mi

Tires 24 1.0%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,818 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 18 0.8%

Median failure at 48,545 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 16 0.7%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 63,000 mi

Stability & Traction Control 10 0.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 93,000 mi

Wheels 7 0.3%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,000 mi

Child Seats 1 0.0%

Median failure at 3,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Transmission 576 72.5%

Rotor 63 7.9%

Frontal 34 4.3%

Body 31 3.9%

Side/Window 25 3.1%

Ignition 23 2.9%

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 22 2.8%

Pads 20 2.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 85 4.5%

1,000 – 9,999 miles 135 7.1%

10,000 – 24,999 miles 111 5.9%

25,000 – 49,999 miles 148 7.8%

50,000 – 74,999 miles 258 13.6%

75,000 – 99,999 miles 412 21.8%

100,000 – 149,999 miles 535 28.3%

150,000+ miles 208 11.0%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2003 Honda Accord 2-DR. w/SAB — Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.

Frontal crash test of a 2003 Honda Accord 4-DR. w/SAB — Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.

Configuration	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2003 Honda Accord 2-DR. w/SAB	—	—	—	—
2003 Honda Accord 4-DR. w/SAB	—	—	—	—
2003 Honda Accord 4-DR.	—	—	—	—
2003 Honda Accord 2-DR.	—	—	—	—

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2002 peak 41 Jun 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Honda Accord

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

2 investigations are still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

EA15001 Opened 24 Feb 2015 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...

PE14016 Opened 11 Jun 2014 Closed 2 Mar 2015 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA09001 Opened 5 Jan 2009 Closed 14 Oct 2010 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Ignition Shift Interlock

On August 4, 2010, American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a ignition interlock defect in approximately 384,220 model year (MY) 2003 Honda Accord and Civic and MY 2003 and 2004 Honda Element vehicles with automatic transmissions (Recall 10V-364).In a September 22, 2010 supplemental DIR, Honda expanded the scope of the recall population based on manufacturing and complaint data.The total population for the complete recall is approximately 551,498 vehicles.The information listed in this closing report refers only to the subject vehicles, MY...

RQ08006 Opened 8 Sep 2008 Closed 5 Jan 2009 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

IGNITION PARK-SHIFT INTERLOCK

ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FAILURES OF THE IGNITION PARK-SHIFT INTERLOCK THAT ALLOWED THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION BEING SHIFTED TO PARK IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 HONDA ACCORD VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.ELEVEN OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE FAILURE OF THE INTERLOCK RESULTED IN A ROLLAWAY CRASH.ONE OWNER ALLEGED THAT SHE WAS ALMOST INTO HER HOUSE WHEN SHE NOTICED THE CAR ROLLING OUT OF THE GARAGE AND DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND THAT WHEN SHE TRIED TO STOP THE CAR IT ALMOST RAN OVER HER, BEFORE CRASHING INTO A CABLE...

Recalls on the 2003 Honda Accord

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

19E068000 10 Oct 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

Risk: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.

19V499000 27 Jun 2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

19V501000 27 Jun 2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

19V182000 6 Mar 2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

18V268000 26 Apr 2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

17V220000 30 Mar 2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Honda Accord Coupe vehicles, equipped with a four-cylinder engine. If the passenger frontal air bag module has been replaced, such as after a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, the replacement air bag module may include a Takata air bag inflator. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

15V370000 15 Jun 2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.

15V320000 28 May 2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019323 28 Jun 2019 222,662 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This is a new recall campaign that includes vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced under a previous recall or had a replacement airbag installed. The previous recall provided an interim (short-term) repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with the final repair parts provided in this recall. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver and/or passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.

Recall 2019117 7 Mar 2019 83,977 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.

Recall 2017186 30 Mar 2017 3,180 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain two-door vehicles equipped with four-cylinder engines that had the passenger’s frontal airbag replaced in the past, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger side frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the passenger's frontal airbag module, and will replace it if necessary. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

Recall 2015261 15 Jun 2015 235,711 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflator. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844

Recall 2015225 27 May 2015 704,770 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844

Recall 2014567 15 Dec 2014 704,770 units in Canada

Airbag

Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>

Recall 2014242 20 Jun 2014 168,968 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2013111. Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844

Recall 2012326 28 Sep 2012 29,947 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, due to prolonged exposure to high heat, the power steering hose could crack and leak power steering fluid. Fluid leaking onto a hot surface could cause smoke and could potentially result in an underhood fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the power steering hose.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Filed 27 Jun 2026 Seattle, WA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The vehicle was rear-ended on I-5 in Seattle Washington. The impact drove the subject car into the car in front of it. The front passenger airbag deployed (no occupant). The front driver airbag did not deploy, resulting in the driver hitting their nose and forehead on the steering wheel. The driver sustained relatively minor nose bruising and possibly a mild concussion. (Note, airbag recall had been performed on this vehicle)

NHTSA complaint #11746949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 10 Jan 2025 Morgantown, WV Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

My 2003 Honda Accord Coupe was struck by an SUV/crossover, after the other driver ran a red light, and I tried, but was unable to avoid the accident. My car was stuck at or in front of my driver's side front wheel. My car was totaled by my insurance company, and "no fault" was decided by both insurance companies because they and the police were unable determine who was at fault. My driver's seat and side curtain airbags deployed, and the front passenger airbag deployed. Although, I did not have a passenger. The driver's side curtain airbag did not come down far enough (only about 12-18 inches) to protect my head, and I hit my head on the glass of my driver's side window. I had a bump on and pain on the side of my head, along with headaches. I'm fine now. I believe my injuries could have been far worse had I been driving at a higher speed, on a highway or interstate. Given the faulty airbag deployment, I believe the 2003 Honda Accord Coupe should be added to the airbag recall list in place for other vehicles. As I recall, the airbag recall includes other Honda vehicles and other companies' vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11635240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 Aug 2024 at 86,822 miles Richmond, VA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH on Interstate 64 East, traveling through a construction zone, an unknown vehicle passed him and asphalt flew in the air, striking and cracking the front windshield. After fifteen to twenty minutes, the side air bags deployed. Then, a few seconds later, the steering wheel and front air bags deployed without impact or warning. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an unknown abnormal alarm that was engaged. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact disconnected the battery. The contact sustained a chemical burn to the left arm, but medical attention was not provided. There was no fire, crash, or police report filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The insurance company determined that the seat pre-tensioner failed to lock up. The failure mileage was approximately 86,822.

NHTSA complaint #11610830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 Aug 2024 at 86,822 miles Richmond, VA 1 injured

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

NHTSA complaint #11610830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 19 May 2023 at 118,000 miles Syracuse, NY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that her vehicle had previously been repaired under unknown recalls for her driver's and passenger's airbags. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and violently pulled to the right, causing her to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a wall. The driver's side air bag did not deploy; however, the passenger air bag did deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her face and back. The contact received medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA complaint #11522899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 1 May 2023 Cortez, CO Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear sub frame allowed for rear suspension arms to be bolted to. One of the locations where those arms have ways to be attached to is no longer safe to do so because of corrosion and rust. I noticed there was a recent safety concern for a generation of Honda CRV having a similar, or indeed the same complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11519764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Filed 27 Jun 2026 Seattle, WA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

NHTSA complaint #11746949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 May 2026 at 108,000 miles Allen, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an unusual sound and the front passenger's side air bag deployed. In addition, the contact stated that the front windshield cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed SRS control unit. The contact was informed that the SRS control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11740104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 6 Apr 2026 EL Monte, CA

AIR BAGS

I brought my vehicle to a Honda dealership for a safety recall repair (airbag/SRS related). After the repair, the SRS warning light appeared on my dashboard, indicating a potential safety issue with the airbag system. This issue was not present before the recall repair. It appeared shortly after the dealership completed the service. I contacted the dealership multiple times, but they have not responded or provided any assistance. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag system may not function properly in the event of an accident. I believe the recall repair was performed improperly, creating a new safety risk. I am requesting an investigation into this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11729508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 6 Apr 2026 EL Monte, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA complaint #11729508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 6 Apr 2026 EL Monte, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA complaint #11729508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 23 Feb 2026 Dallas, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My break starts seizing up for no reason just out of the blue and a mechanics can't seem to find them problem, which led to my brake light constantly being on.

NHTSA complaint #11719786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 23 Feb 2026 Dallas, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

My break starts seizing up for no reason just out of the blue and a mechanics can't seem to find them problem, which led to my brake light constantly being on.

NHTSA complaint #11719786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 15 Dec 2025 Kennett Square, PA

AIR BAGS

Car was idling in our driveway with the defroster and heater on to melt the ice from the front windshield. After about 20 minutes the Side Airbag on the Drivers side exploded. I do believe this should be a Free Repair by a Honda Dealership as it is obviously a manufacturing defect. Your website indicates” O unrepaired defects”,(for the VIN) but we are not the original owners so we have no idea if it was ever addressed. It appears your website only goes back 15 years It is a 2003 Honda Accord and is now 22 years old.I would like some guidance, before contacting Honda. Thank You for your consideration in this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11705226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 7 Oct 2025 at 238,000 miles Medford, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact started the vehicle, and the vehicle shut off independently. The “Maintenance Required” message was displayed. The contact stated there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle, and several minutes later, the smoke dissipated. The contact stated that a technician from the Auto Care Department at Walmart inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the positive and negative battery terminals were burned and damaged, as well as a wire near the engine. The technician from Walmart used a diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle however, the result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 238,000.

NHTSA complaint #11691819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 Sep 2025 at 337,000 miles Lawrenceville, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 156,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 337,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Sep 2025 at 230,000 miles Poughkeepsie, NY

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there were several mechanical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a failure with the ignition switch, and the key could not be removed from the cylinder, and the shift lever failed to shift into drive(D), park(P), or into reverse(R). The contact stated that while the vehicle was in drive(D), the drive(D) indicator was flashing. Additionally, the contact had been having a failure of the power steering assist. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact was unaware of any warning lights during the power steering failure. The contact stated that the power steering failure was recurring. There was also a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that after being able to shift to drive(D), and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and hesitating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found several recalls related to the failures. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the contact was advised that two previous recall repairs were completed for the air bags and the ignition, but the VIN was no longer under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

NHTSA complaint #11688957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Sep 2025 at 230,000 miles Poughkeepsie, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

NHTSA complaint #11688957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Sep 2025 at 230,000 miles Poughkeepsie, NY

STEERING

NHTSA complaint #11688957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 10 Jan 2025 Morgantown, WV Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

NHTSA complaint #11635240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 2 Oct 2024 at 259,725 miles Monrovia, MD

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the driver's and passenger's side front air bags deployed without warning or impact. The contact pulled over, and the second stage of the air bags deployed. The seat belt air bags also deployed. The air bag and seat belt warning lights illuminated after the failure. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was referred to the local dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 259,725.

NHTSA complaint #11617725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 2 Oct 2024 at 259,725 miles Monrovia, MD

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

NHTSA complaint #11617725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 Aug 2024 at 86,822 miles Richmond, VA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

NHTSA complaint #11610830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 26 Aug 2024 at 86,822 miles Richmond, VA 1 injured

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

NHTSA complaint #11610830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 Jul 2024 Monterey, TN

POWER TRAIN

Tie rods, brakes

NHTSA complaint #11601643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 Jul 2024 Monterey, TN

STEERING

Tie rods, brakes

NHTSA complaint #11601643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 Jul 2024 Monterey, TN

SERVICE BRAKES

Tie rods, brakes

NHTSA complaint #11601643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 12 Dec 2023 La Mesa, NM

POWER TRAIN

The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift properly; however, the engine revved abnormally. The driver pulled to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle responded as needed after being restarted on several occasions; however, the failure persisted on other occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the recall repair was performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11559725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 20 Jul 2023 Murphy, TX

POWER TRAIN

(Please check the attached full complaint letter) I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my experience with the American Honda Motor Company. As a loyal consumer and a law-abiding citizen, I believe it is crucial to address issues that impact consumers and the general public. Since 2013, I have been trying to resolve a critical issue with my brand-new Honda Accord car I bought from Honda. Unfortunately, American Honda company didn’t resolve the issue that affected my car and hundreds of thousands of the same cars’ owners that they sold in NJ and in 22 salt belt states. My argument with the American Honda company is that they have a major design issue with their front left and right axles for Honda Accord cars that have been manufactured since 2003.