Failure with the Honda Accord Transmission is a widespread problem in models made from the early 2000s. The 2003 Honda Accord appears to be the worst year for transmission failure.
Many of the transmission failure complaints are caused by the torque converter failure – the engine will rev up but the car won’t shift into gear or move. In some reports, the torque converter burned up the transmission fluid which ruined the transmission.
Currently there is no recall for the transmission defect, because it is not a safety issue (according to the NHTSA). So far, a class action lawsuit has not been filed.
However Honda has offered some Accord owners out-of-warranty compensation for the transmission repairs. Rather than going through your local dealership, it’s best to contact Honda Customer Service at (800) 999-1009 and ask for a “goodwill repair”.
New News on 2003 HONDA ACCORD With Transmission failure — 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.
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
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. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning recall #04V176000 ยป
I suspect a lot of transmissions fail because of this issue. Cars get sold, people don’t pat attention to the recalls and the next owner of the car, or you may get stuck the need for a transmission for sale because of that. More information on Accord transmissions for sale can be found on our blog or at GotEngines.com, call us @ 866-320-1182.
