Wrench.Pro

2003 Honda Accord Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2003 Honda Accord has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission failure and erratic shifting.” 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 2003 Honda Accord.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission failure and erratic shifting

POWER TRAIN

31 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2025-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559725
“The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission erroneously downshifted into 3rd gear causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed to approximately 25 mph. The contact indicated that the transmission remained”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430767
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 70 MPH AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO LOCK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP ON THE FREEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937630

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering hose fluid leak

STEERING

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2023-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506918
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425993
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11185583

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper motor failure while driving in rain

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2019-09

“WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING. DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 5 IN SEATTLE. DARK AND RAINY, WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING. CAR ALREADY HAD A RECALL TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. BUT STILL IT HAPPENED. FAILED RECALL. HAD TO REPLACE MOTOR FOR WINDSHIELD AT DEALERSHIP. I HAVE THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10939719
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894846

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light with unresolved recall status

AIR BAGS

50 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2026-04

“TAKATA RECALL - CAR NOT ON RECALL LIST BUT DASH AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY. HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE FOR OVER 2 YEARS WITH LIGHT ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062283
“TAKATA RECALL - DRIVER'S SIDE WAS COMPLETED AT LIA HONDA, ALBANY NY ON 12/16/15. PASSENGER SIDE WAS NOT FIXED - "UNABLE TO DO RECALL. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. CUSTOMER IS AWARE..." FIXING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR TO OPEN IS NOT A VIABLE OPTION - TOO COSTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894315
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED HONDA CITY CHICAGO (4950 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11171659

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag failure to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

19 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2026-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY TWO SEPARATE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL DUE TO THE IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11040392
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SWERVED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11035781
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10930235

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag deployment without impact or warning

AIR BAGS

17 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2024-10

“The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH both the driver-side and passenger-side air bags were erroneously deployed. Moments later both the driver-side and passenger-side curtain air bags erroneously deployed. The”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11511721
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND SEAT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FIESTA HONDA (91000 SAN PEDRO AVENUE, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78216, (210) 546-0250) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120985
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT 866-483-4579 AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11012903

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2020-08

“EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 1 QUART ALMOST EVERY 300 MILES. THERE ARE A LOT OF FORUMS ONLINE WITH MANY PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE THAT EXPLAIN OIL CONTROL RINGS ON THE 2.4L ENGINES GO BAD AROUND 80K MILES. THIS AFFECTS THE 2003-2007 MODELS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11351485
“OIL CONSUMPTION MY CAR IS BURNING OIL 3-4 QTS EVERY 600 MILES . HONDA SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND THIS IS NORMAL. BUNCH OF CRAP !”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10870798

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)

819 crashes 1990–2024

How the 819 occupant deaths break down

616

driver deaths

202

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

819

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2002 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.

158

complaints mentioning a crash

19

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 2003 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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