96 of the
2,384 complaints about the 2003 Honda Accord are about the
steering — 4% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
100,000 miles.
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.
Monterey, TN
STEERING
Tie rods, brakes
NHTSA complaint #11601643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesilla Park, NM
STEERING
My key will not go into the ignition. It also starts to get hot. The steering column also starts to get hot. It also periodically smells like something is burning. The dealership wants to charge me $140 to look at it. I don't have the money. I have not been able to have anybody look at it because I don't have the money. This first happened back in February of 2023 but I got worse around June 1, 2023
NHTSA complaint #11525074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerset, NJ
STEERING
There was a recall for this car 2003-2007 Honda Accord 3.0L v6 engine for the Power Steering lines, the line cracked and is spewing fluid all over the engine compartment as well as the ground. This recall was specifically detailed to address this exact issue. My Daughter was almost involved in an accident as the fluid had leaked out the she couldn't steer the car.
NHTSA complaint #11506918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Somerset, NJ
STEERING
Steering
NHTSA complaint #11506826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNew Orleans, LA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, she placed the vehicle in reverse to straighten the vehicle however, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound. The contact was able to turn the steering wheel however, the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated the front passenger’s side wheel was making a clicking sound. The contact stated that the wheel was fractured from the lug. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the wheel was replaced. The contact notified the local dealer of the sound coming from the steering wheel; however, the contact was informed that if the steering was removed, there air bags might not function properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11475951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Babylon, NY
STEERING
Doors locked from inside and cannot get out unless I put my window down. Safety issue. Second time I replaced my door since I was in a car accident a few years ago. Same problem came back again after replacing the door handle it used to work for years at the driver side until recently. Also doors are unable to unlock from the switch.
NHTSA complaint #11474137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chanute, KS
STEERING
Unknown I'm guessing do to the recall on the powersteering hose it has caused the hose to.melt I just bought the car and came across this recall so I'm honestly not sure if the recall has been addressed already or not but I'm addressing it to make sure
NHTSA complaint #11447988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belmont, MA
STEERING
Honda Accord with V6 engine has had two recalls regarding power steering supply hose leak - Service Bulletin 12-066 and Service Bulletin 13 - 012. Recall 13-012 was issued May 14, 2013 (see link to recall here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2012/RCRIT-12V222-9834.pdf) The vehicle record for this VIN shows repair for Recall 13-012 was made April 3, 2013 - a month and a half prior to he issuance of Recall 13-012. Mileage on April 3, 2013 was 27,783. This complaint is being filed with the NHTSA because the same power steering feed hose purportedly replaced April 3, 2013 with an upgraded more heat resident hose is leaking again. This is significant because the original hose lasted 10 years (2003 to 2013) and 27,783 miles while the purportedly upgraded recall replacement hose lasted only 8 years - with present mileage being 66,321. Honda dealer will not provide additional repair stating recall has been satisfied. Clearly power steering leak is continuing to pose a under hood fire safety issue with location over hot catalytic converter. Thank you for allowing this issue to be brought to NHTSA's attention.
NHTSA complaint #11425993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,000 milesMosheim, TN
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT AND A WEEK LATER MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO GEARS AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. IT WILL WORK FOR 5 MIN THEN IT COMPLETELY WON'T GO IN ANY GEAR. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. IT WAS ON THE ROAD ON THE BYPASS AND I STARTED ACTING UP THEN IT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY WHEN I WENT TO GET OFF OF WORK AND WOULDN'T GO IN TO GEAR AT ALL AFTER THAT. SO I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE CAR HAD A RECALL ON MULTIPLE THINGS FOR ME TO LOOK INTO IT BECAUSE IT WAS GONNA COST AROUND 2000 TO FIX EVERYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #11396234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesFlushing, NY
STEERING
I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA FOR A RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE MY CAR INSPECTION INDICATED THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THREE DANGEROUS SAFETY RECALLS. I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD AND A FAMILY TO SUPPORT BUT I AM AFRAID, BECAUSE OF THE FIRE HAZARD THAT ONE OF MY RECALLS CONTAINS, TO EVEN DRIVE THE CAR WITH MY FAMILY IN IT TO FOOD SHOPPING AND WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11352595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 325,000 milesAddison, ME
STEERING
THE CAR HAS AN EXISTING RECALL TO GET THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE REPLACED. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO DARLINGS HONDA OF BANGOR, ME, ON 8/15/2020 AND THEY REFUSED TO DO THE REPAIR BECAUSE WE REFUSED TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS NOT REQUESTED. WE WERE FORCED TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK HOME, ABOUT 100 MILES WITH THE RISK OF THE CAR CATCHING FIRE, FROM THE POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #11349716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
STEERING
SUDDENLY DRIVING IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. I PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN AND I AM STILL NOT ABLE TO TURN MY SHEEN. AT TIMES I CAN'T GET INTO PARKING SPOTS BECAUSE IT'S EXTREMELY HARD. A NUMBER OF MECHANICS TOLD ME I SHOULD TRY DISPUTING WITH THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11349191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,003 milesGriffin, GA
STEERING
HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR POWER STEERING LINE LEAKING GET TO BACK SIDE CAN'T FIGURED OUT HOW TO GET THE PARTS OUT
NHTSA complaint #11281647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
STEERING COLUMN INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING/MAKING TURNS IN RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC. BRAKES MUST BE APPLIED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK THEN RELEASES AND ALLOWS STEERING TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WITHIN THE LAST WEEK. ISSUE NOT RELATED TO POWER STEERING. FLUIDS ADEQUATELY MAINTAINED.
NHTSA complaint #11245151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,152 milesPeoria, AZ
STEERING
POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKING FLUID PRODUCING AN ENGINE FIRE HAZARD BY SPRAYING FLUID ON HOT ENGINE PARTS AND/OR TOTAL FAILURE OF POWER STEERING. THE LEAK OCCURS ANY TIME THE ENGINE IS RUNNING EITHER PARKED OR MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #11231486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CA
STEERING
POWER STEERING HOSE CAME APART WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME DIFFICULT, WHEN I GOT HOME THERE AN EXECUTIVE AMOUNT OF POWER STEERING FLUID UNDER THE CAR ON THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN I INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD, THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD COME APART.
NHTSA complaint #11185583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLakewood, CA
STEERING
POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKING FLUID ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD... RECALL FOR 6 CYL BUT NOT FOR 4 CYL ???
NHTSA complaint #11141095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,202 milesOakland, CA
STEERING
WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. MY FRIEND AND I TRY TO PUSH IT TO THE SIDE BUT THE WHEELS WILL NOT MOVE.
NHTSA complaint #11109671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Enterprise, AL
STEERING
MY AIRBAG LIGHT S COME ON FROM TIME TO TIME AND I AM AWARE THAT SOME VEHICLES ARE UNDER RECALL . ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAG LIGHTS COMING ON WHEN THEY SHOULD NOT. ALSO I MET SOMEONE WHO SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE ALSO BECAUSE MINE IS LEAKING AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT STEPS TO TAKE NEXT.
NHTSA complaint #11099990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesArcadia, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN 3 ACCIDENTS WHERE I FEEL THAT AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, RESULTING IN EXTRA DAMAGES AND INJURY THAT WASNT TREATED
NHTSA complaint #11054296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesBronx, NYCrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, CHEST, AND SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000. UPDATED 09/01/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #11012895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kuna, ID
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL POWER STEERING LEAK
NHTSA complaint #11002364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesLOS Lunas, NM
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I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND I COULD NOT SEE A THING. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH THAT OTHER CARS WENT AROUND ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I CALLED MY LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEIR IS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT TO REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THIS FOR 2003 HONDA ACCORDS NO. Q78 WHEN THE MOTOR GETS WET IT STOPS WORKING BUT FOR SOME REASON IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE VIN NUMBER. ALSO I HAD A LEAK IN MY POWER STEERING AND TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE PUMP AND ENDED UP CHARGING ME $500.00 TO FIX BUT IT IS STILL LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10894846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Pablo, CA
STEERING
2003 HONDA ACCORD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING HOSE UNIT CONTINUES LEAKING FLUID AFTER REPAIRS. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER CHARGED FOR AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10854715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,888 milesAuburn, NY
STEERING
WHEN I WAS AT HONDA DEALER FOR FRONT HOOK LATCH CABLE THAT NEEDED TO LOOK AT BECAUSE IT DID NOT OPEN UNLESS TWO PEOPLE DO THAT. I WENT THERE TO REQUEST FOR IT TO ADJUST BUT THEY ADVISE ME TO REPLACE NEW ONE! THEY SHOULD ADJUST TENSION AS IT IS NOT BROKEN YET. SECOND ITEM, THEY ADVISED IS TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERLING RETURNING LINE DUE TO LEAK AND THE ESTIMATE IS $375! I DENIED THEIR SERVICE UNTIL I CHECKED THE RECALL INFORMATION AT HOME. THE INFORMATION POSTED IN 2012 SAYING THAT A GROUP OF HONDA ACCORD 2003 HAS THIS PART RECALL, HOWEVER MY VIN NBR WAS NOT ON RECALL LIST. I REQUEST YOU TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE I WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE ELSE WITH DEEP KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HONDA AS HE SAID THAT IT IS COMMON THAT HONDA ACCORD 2003 WITH V6 ENGINE HAVING THAT PREMATURE LEAKING. THEREFORE, I BELIEVE MY HOSE IS PREMATURELY LEAK AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THROUGH RECALL IMMEDIATELY. FOR TIME BEING, I DECIDED TO GO TO NON-HONDA REPAIR SHOP AND THEY REPAIR IT FOR NOW, NOT REPLACE FOR NOW. BECAUSE A GROUP OF HONDA ACCORD 2003 WITH THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED IN 2012, I REQUEST YOU TO INVESTIGATE DEMANDING TO HAVE HONDA RECALL MY CAR. IT MADE SOME TYPE OF NOISES. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP AS I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #10808594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesKansas City, MOFire
STEERING
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN. IN AUG 2015, I HAD BEEN NOTICING A WHEEZING, STRAINING SOUND WHEN I TURNED MY CAR WHILE DRIVING. IT BECAME HARDER TO TURN AS WELL. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID, AND IT WAS EMPTY. I GOT THE APPROPRIATE POWER STEERING FLUID SPECIFICALLY FOR HONDAS AND REFILLED IT. IN SEPT 2015, ON MY WAY TO WORK IN THE MORNING, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD. IT IS A 10 MINUTE COMMUTE FOR ME THROUGH THE CITY STREETS. THE SMOKE BEGAN WHEN I WAS OUTSIDE MY WORK AT A STOPLIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO GET INTO THE PARKING LOT WHEN I REALIZED THE UNDERSIDE OF MY HOOD HAD CAUGHT FIRE. (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS) THAT DAY, I GOT IT TO THE MECHANIC, AND HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WERE CRACKS IN THE POWER STEERING AND FLUID WAS EVERYWHERE UNDER MY HOOD, ALL OVER MY ENGINE. DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, I SAW A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, WITH MY EXACT CAR: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# IS: 12V222000; MAY 17, 2012. IT STATES THAT "PROLONGED UNDER HOOD AND POWER STEERING FLUID TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY, RESOLING IN CRACKS AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE. IF THIS OCCURS, POWER STEERING FLUID CAN LEAD ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER, LEADING TO SMOKE AND UNDER HOOD FIRE." WHEN I CALLED INTO HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CONFIRM MY CAR APPLIED TO THIS RECALL, THEY SAID IT DID NOT. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS EXACT PROBLEM CAN EXIST FOR MY CAR, BUT MY CAR NOT BE LISTED AS EFFECTED. REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY SAY, MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR THE SAME REASON HONDA RECALLED 625,762 OTHER VEHICLES FOR POWER STEERING DEFECTS. AS I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THE POWER STEERING, I WAS HOWEVER FORCED TO REPLACE THE BELT THAT IS CLOSEST TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR (SEE PHOTOS), BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN BURNED AND MANGLED. NEARLY $200 JUST FOR THE BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10788672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesRossville, GA
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I NOTICED VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN BACKING UP, AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM SERPENTINE BELT. TOOK IT TO HONDA SERVICE CENTER, AND THEY QUOTED ME $940, AND SAID IT WAS MY TENSIONER AND IDLER PULLEYS AS WELL AS MY ALTERNATOR AND SERPENTINE BELT. I DIDN'T BELIEVE THEM ABOUT THE ALTERNATOR, SO THEY CHARGED ME $50 FOR DIAGNOSIS AND I DROVE BACK HOME. I DECIDED TO CONDUCT THE WORK MYSELF. I REPLACED MY TENSIONER AND IDLER PULLEY, AND NEW SERPENTINE BELT. STEERING VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE, BUT NOT AS MUCH VIBRATION NOISE WAS COMING FROM SERPENTINE BELT AREA. ON MARCH 10, 2015, I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND LOST POWER STEERING DUE TO SERPENTINE BELT COMING OFF PULLEYS. I PUT IT BACK ON, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON APRIL 2, 2015, GOING 45MPH. I AGAIN REPLACED TENSIONER AND IDLER, AND THIS TIME TUGGED AT ALL PULLEYS AFTER USING A STRAIGHTEDGE RULER AGAINST THEM TO CHECK FOR ALIGNMENT. THE 2 MOUNTING BOLTS TO THE POWER STEERING PULLEY/PUMP WERE COMPLETELY LOOSE AND THE WHOLE PUMP WIGGLED WHICH WAS CAUSING MISALIGNMENT OF SERPENTINE BELT AND THROWING IT OFF. I TORQUED THEM DOWN TO SPEC. SERPENTINE BELT NO LONGER IMMEDIATELY RIDES TO THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE TENSIONER PULLEY AND WILL NOT SLIP OFF AGAIN. THERE IS NO MORE VIBRATION IN MY STEERING, AND NO SOUND WHATSOEVER. ALL OF THIS IS IMPORTANT, BECAUSE THE LAST PEOPLE WHO TOUCHED MY POWER STEERING HOSES AND PUMP WAS HONDA, FOR A RECALL, BEFORE ALL THIS TROUBLE BEGAN. IF BOLTS ARE TORQUED PER SPEC, THEY DO NOT RATTLE LOOSE. AND HONDA WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR A NEW ALTERNATOR WHEN THAT WAS NOT THE ISSUE AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10703699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,224 milesFogelsville, PA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A THIRD TIME TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V222000 (STEERING). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,224. DJR
NHTSA complaint #10676628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,500 milesElyria, OH
STEERING
POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AT LOW SPEED OR IDLE.
NHTSA complaint #10668459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.