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2001 Honda Accord Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2001 Honda Accord has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front subframe corrosion from A/C drain placement.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2001 Honda Accord.

Reported to NHTSA

Front subframe corrosion from A/C drain placement

STRUCTURE

33 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2023-10

“The contact owns a 2001 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after the vehicle was inspected, he was informed by the technician that the vehicle had failed due to the subframe had rusted and was corroded and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549215
“SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH UNDERNEATH AIR CONDITION. CAR 18 YEARS OLD BUT HAS ALWAYS BEEN KEPT IN THE GARAGE. ALSO IT HAS ONLY 70580 MILES AND HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA FOR A FEW YEARS, AND USED ONLY 3 MOS. PER YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208060
“THE SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS EXTREMELY RUSTED OUT ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE FRAME MAKING IT HARDER TO NOTICE. THE DRIVERS SIDE IS FINE, BUT UNDER THE AC DRAIN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985467

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission hard shifting or failure

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2024-06

“The automatic transmission is failing. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. It is slipping and sometimes will accelerate extremely slow”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548801
“I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 HONDA ACCORD, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 78800. I PAID $4000 TO HONDA DEALER TO INSTALL A REMANUFACTURED AUTO TRANSMISSION, THE SECOND TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY AT 14600 MILES AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862736
“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD GOING INTO SECOND GEAR. KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH 2001 HONDA V6 TRANSMISSIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925910

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment failure or inflator rupture in a crash

AIR BAGS

28 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2026-08

“The drivers side door was struck during a car accident. The drivers side airbag deployed from the drivers seat but did not inflate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11761057
“WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182536
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND METAL FRAGMENTS DISCHARGED FROM THE AIR BAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10669631

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Delayed part availability for Takata airbag recall

AIR BAGS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2001 Honda Accord. The contact purchased the vehicle and was provided a copy of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS) by the original owner of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670848
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON A NATIONAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10749996
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE REMEDY AND PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233923

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

SRS warning light illumination after airbag recall repair

AIR BAGS

40 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2024-07

“TWO RECALL WERE DONE AND I STILL HAVE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. I BELIVE SOMETHING WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062613
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914822
“THE TAKATA RECALL WAS FIXED IN DEC 2015. THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON CONSTANTLY IN JULY/AUG 2016. CALLED HONDA AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY SERVICE ON THIS ITEM - NOT RELATED TO THE TAKATA RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925921

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key removable without shifting to park

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2021-09

“I am able to turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key without putting the vehicle in park. While this has not resulted in an accident YET, the car did roll down my driveway once”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432819
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA ACCORD. WHEN THE CONTACT'S WIFE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND ALMOST RAN OVER THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11202942
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE THE GEAR LEVER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10714488

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

715 crashes 1990–2024

How the 715 occupant deaths break down

531

driver deaths

183

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

715

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2000 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

146

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2001 Honda Accord reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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