MyCarTSB

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2003 Honda Accord — Known Issues & Recalls

24 Recalls2010 Owner Complaints13 Categories Affected
2010
Total Complaints
24
Open Recalls
157
Crashes
19
Fires
156
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2008 to Dec 2019

The most reported issue is power train problems (812 complaints). 157 complaints involved crashes. 19 involved fires.

Open Safety Recalls (24)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jun 2019

NHTSA Campaign: 19V182000

Component: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Oct 2019

NHTSA Campaign: 19E068000

Component: 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.

Fix: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 19V499000

Component: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 19V501000

Component: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 18V268000

Component: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 17V220000

Component: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any Takata inflator used in the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF0.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 15V320000

Component: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Apr 2014

NHTSA Campaign: 14V700000

Component: AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

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 vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 15V370000

Component: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 14V353000

Component: AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

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 vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Nov 2008

NHTSA Campaign: 08E050000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jul 2009

NHTSA Campaign: 09E012000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 12V222000

Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.

Risk: If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Aug 2006

NHTSA Campaign: 06E038000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
May 2010

NHTSA Campaign: 10V364000

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

Risk: REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTED TO THE PARK POSITION CAN ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE ORIGINAL INTERLOCK PIN AND LEVER WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW, DESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 06E023000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Nov 2009

NHTSA Campaign: 09E025000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 07E004000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN TYC HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/NS 20-6361-00 AND 20-6362-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2006 HONDA ACCORD PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PHOTMETRIC WERE MISALIGNED WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: MISALIGNMENT OF THE LIGHTS DEMINISHES FRONTAL ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: GENERA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT GENERA AT 714-522-6688.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 06E064000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Nov 2008

NHTSA Campaign: 08V169000

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

HONDA IS RECALLING 351,000 MY 2003 ACCORD VEHICLES. IF WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE MOTOR TO VENT WARM AIR DURING NORMAL OPERATION, IT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING. THIS CAN CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING.

Risk: IF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILS, IT WILL CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION. IF NO SIGNS OF CORROSION ARE PRESENT, A COVER WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE WIPER MOTOR TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR HOUSING. IF SIGNS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE OBSERVED ON THE WIPER MOTOR, THE MOTOR WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 07E031000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 317-1131L-AS, 317-1131R-AS, 317-1131L-US, AND 317-1131R-US, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION A SLIGHT DISTORTION OF THE BEZEL CHANGED THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE TURN SIGNAL. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 06E025000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 06E032000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN EAGLE EYES AND SONAR HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON 1988-2005 HONDA CIVIC, 1990-2005 HONDA ACCORD, AND 1990-2001 ACURA INTEGRA PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: TOM MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF NONCOMPLIANT LIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOM MOTORSPORT AT 626-968-4007.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 04V176000

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Risk: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Fix: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 2010)

Air Bags5 issues
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2025

While your car was idling in the driveway with the heater and defroster running, the driver's side airbag suddenly deployed on its own without any collision or impact. This is a serious safety concern, as airbags should only activate during a crash. You'll need to have a Honda dealership inspect the airbag system to determine what caused the unexpected deployment and repair or replace the faulty components.

NHTSA #: 11705226
criticalAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2025

Your 2003 Honda Accord was hit by another vehicle, and your driver's side curtain airbag deployed but didn't extend far enough down the window — it only dropped 12-18 inches — so your head struck the side window when you were thrown forward. You suffered a bump, head pain, and headaches from the impact. The owner believes this inadequate airbag coverage was a safety defect that could have caused more serious injuries at highway speeds.

NHTSA #: 11635240
criticalAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: May 2023

Your 2003 Honda Accord experienced a sudden violent pull to the right while driving, causing you to lose control and crash into a wall. The driver's side airbag failed to deploy during the crash, though the passenger airbag did deploy; you sustained facial and back injuries as a result. This airbag deployment failure is a serious safety defect that should be investigated by Honda or a qualified mechanic to determine why the driver's airbag did not protect you in a crash.

NHTSA #: 11522899
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2023

While driving at 70 mph, both your front and side curtain airbags deployed suddenly even though your car wasn't in a crash or hit anything. The driver sustained a small cut on the arm from the deployment. The cause of this unexpected deployment hasn't been identified yet. Your dealer has been notified and can diagnose the airbag system to determine why the sensors or control module triggered deployment without an actual impact.

NHTSA #: 11511721
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2023

Your driver's side front airbag deployed unexpectedly while you were starting the vehicle and opening the trunk, even though there was no crash or impact. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident. The airbag system may need to be inspected and repaired to prevent future unintended deployments.

NHTSA #: 11509496
Steering2 issues
criticalSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2023

Your car's power steering line has cracked and is leaking fluid into the engine compartment and onto the ground. This loss of steering fluid can make it difficult to steer your vehicle, which creates a serious safety risk while driving. Your Honda Accord was subject to a recall specifically for this issue. The repair will involve replacing the cracked power steering line.

NHTSA #: 11506918
highSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2023

Your car's steering system may not be functioning properly. This could affect your ability to control the vehicle safely and should be inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

NHTSA #: 11506826
Electrical System2 issues
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2025

Your car shut off on its own while you were sitting in it with the engine running, and you saw smoke coming from under the hood. A technician found that your battery terminals were burned and damaged, along with a wire near the engine. The diagnostic scan didn't reveal a clear cause. The issue will likely require replacing the damaged battery terminals, battery cables, and the burned wire to restore proper electrical connections.

NHTSA #: 11691819
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

You discovered that your 2003 Honda Accord's odometer reading was significantly lower at purchase than what was later found during registration—showing 156,000 miles when bought but actually having 337,000 miles. This appears to be odometer fraud on a private sale. You may want to consult with your local consumer protection agency or an attorney about your options for recourse.

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NHTSA #: 11690002
Power Train2 issues
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2023

Your transmission isn't shifting into the correct gears when you drive at various speeds, and the engine is revving abnormally. Sometimes restarting the car temporarily fixes the problem, but it keeps happening. When trying to move from a complete stop, the transmission sometimes refuses to shift into the gear you selected, and no warning light appears on your dashboard. The dealer couldn't diagnose or repair the issue even after the vehicle was towed in.

NHTSA #: 11559725
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2023

Your transmission is making a humming or whining sound and producing a burning smell. You may also notice the transmission slipping between gears, meaning it's not engaging properly. This could indicate transmission fluid breakdown or internal wear that needs prompt attention to prevent further damage.

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NHTSA #: 11517867
Steering,power Train,electrical System1 issue
criticalSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

Your 2003 Honda Accord is experiencing multiple serious problems: the ignition key is stuck and won't remove, the transmission won't shift into Drive, Park, or Reverse (with a flashing Drive indicator), the power steering is hard to engage and keeps failing without warning lights, and the engine hesitates and shakes when accelerating. These issues suggest problems with the ignition switch, transmission shifter mechanism, power steering system, and engine/transmission response. Repairs would likely involve replacing the ignition switch, having the transmission and shifter linkage inspected and repaired, servicing the power steering system, and diagnosing the engine hesitation through a full transmission and engine scan.

NHTSA #: 11688957
Air Bags,seat Belts1 issue
criticalAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
Filed: Oct 2024

While driving at highway speeds (60-70 MPH), your car's front airbags suddenly deployed on both the driver and passenger sides without any collision or impact. After you pulled over, a second stage of airbags deployed, along with the seat belt airbags. The airbag and seat belt warning lights came on after this happened. No one was injured, but this is a serious safety concern that needs immediate diagnosis at a Honda dealer to determine why the airbag system activated unexpectedly.

NHTSA #: 11617725
Visibility,air Bags1 issue
criticalVISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2024

While driving on the highway at 70 MPH, a rock or debris cracked your windshield. About 15-20 minutes later, your side airbags deployed without warning, followed seconds later by your steering wheel and front airbags—all without any impact or accident. You sustained a chemical burn from the airbag deployment. The dealer couldn't identify why the airbags deployed unexpectedly, though the insurance company suspects a seat belt pre-tensioner failure. This likely requires professional diagnosis and potential replacement of the airbag system components and seat belt tensioner.

NHTSA #: 11610830
Structure1 issue
criticalSTRUCTURE
CrashFiled: May 2023

Your car's rear subframe has corroded and rusted at one of the attachment points where the rear suspension arms bolt on, making it unsafe. This corrosion compromises the structural integrity at a critical connection point that supports your rear suspension. A similar issue has been reported on other Honda vehicles. Fixing this will likely require replacing or reinforcing the damaged subframe section and re-bolting the suspension components.

NHTSA #: 11519764
Power Train,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes1 issue
criticalPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Feb 2023

After your valve cover gaskets were replaced, your TCS (traction control) and brake warning lights came on and wouldn't turn off. Even after replacing the brake pedal switch, the lights returned within minutes along with a new warning indicator. Two days later, your vehicle lost traction at 50 mph, your brakes failed completely, and you couldn't steer or brake to correct the fishtail, causing a crash. The issue likely stems from how the recent repair affected your brake and traction control systems.

NHTSA #: 11508419
Electrical System,service Brakes1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2026

Your brakes occasionally seize up unexpectedly without any obvious cause, and mechanics have had difficulty diagnosing the issue. As a result, your brake warning light stays on constantly. The problem may involve the brake system's electrical or hydraulic components that control brake function.

NHTSA #: 11719786
Steering,power Train,service Brakes1 issue
highSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2024

Your car's tie rods and brakes may need inspection or replacement. These components are critical for steering control and stopping ability, so you should have them checked by a mechanic as soon as possible to ensure safe operation.

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NHTSA #: 11601643
Suspension,power Train,engine1 issue
highSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2023

You may experience premature failure or wear of the front left and right axles on your 2003 Honda Accord. According to this complaint, Honda has not adequately addressed this design issue despite it affecting many vehicles, particularly in salt-belt states. The fix would likely involve inspection and replacement of the front axle assemblies.

NHTSA #: 11533529
Steering,electrical System1 issue
highSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2023

Your car's ignition key won't turn in the lock, and both the key and steering column are getting hot to the touch. You're also noticing a burning smell coming from the steering area that's been getting worse since February 2023. This combination of symptoms suggests an electrical or mechanical problem in the steering column that needs professional diagnosis.

NHTSA #: 11525074

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