2003 Honda Accord Airbags Problems

The vehicle was rear-ended on I-5 in Seattle Washington. The impact drove the subject car into the car in front of it. The front passenger airbag deployed (no occupant). The front driver airbag did not deploy, resulting in the driver hitting their nose and forehead on the steering wheel. The driver sustained relatively minor nose bruising and possibly a mild concussion. (Note, airbag recall had been performed on this vehicle)

NHTSA ID

11746949

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an unusual sound and the front passenger's side air bag deployed. In addition, the contact stated that the front windshield cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed SRS control unit. The contact was informed that the SRS control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11740104

Incident

May 22, 2026

Mileage

108,000 mi

I brought my vehicle to a Honda dealership for a safety recall repair (airbag/SRS related). After the repair, the SRS warning light appeared on my dashboard, indicating a potential safety issue with the airbag system. This issue was not present before the recall repair. It appeared shortly after the dealership completed the service. I contacted the dealership multiple times, but they have not responded or provided any assistance. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag system may not function properly in the event of an accident. I believe the recall repair was performed improperly, creating a new safety risk. I am requesting an investigation into this issue.

NHTSA ID

11729508

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

Car was idling in our driveway with the defroster and heater on to melt the ice from the front windshield. After about 20 minutes the Side Airbag on the Drivers side exploded. I do believe this should be a Free Repair by a Honda Dealership as it is obviously a manufacturing defect. Your website indicates” O unrepaired defects”,(for the VIN) but we are not the original owners so we have no idea if it was ever addressed. It appears your website only goes back 15 years It is a 2003 Honda Accord and is now 22 years old.I would like some guidance, before contacting Honda. Thank You for your consideration in this matter.

NHTSA ID

11705226

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

My 2003 Honda Accord Coupe was struck by an SUV/crossover, after the other driver ran a red light, and I tried, but was unable to avoid the accident. My car was stuck at or in front of my driver's side front wheel. My car was totaled by my insurance company, and "no fault" was decided by both insurance companies because they and the police were unable determine who was at fault. My driver's seat and side curtain airbags deployed, and the front passenger airbag deployed. Although, I did not have a passenger. The driver's side curtain airbag did not come down far enough (only about 12-18 inches) to protect my head, and I hit my head on the glass of my driver's side window. I had a bump on and pain on the side of my head, along with headaches. I'm fine now. I believe my injuries could have been far worse had I been driving at a higher speed, on a highway or interstate. Given the faulty airbag deployment, I believe the 2003 Honda Accord Coupe should be added to the airbag recall list in place for other vehicles. As I recall, the airbag recall includes other Honda vehicles and other companies' vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11635240

Incident

Dec 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the driver's and passenger's side front air bags deployed without warning or impact. The contact pulled over, and the second stage of the air bags deployed. The seat belt air bags also deployed. The air bag and seat belt warning lights illuminated after the failure. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was referred to the local dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 259,725.

NHTSA ID

11617725

Incident

Sep 28, 2024

Mileage

259,725 mi

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH on Interstate 64 East, traveling through a construction zone, an unknown vehicle passed him and asphalt flew in the air, striking and cracking the front windshield. After fifteen to twenty minutes, the side air bags deployed. Then, a few seconds later, the steering wheel and front air bags deployed without impact or warning. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an unknown abnormal alarm that was engaged. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact disconnected the battery. The contact sustained a chemical burn to the left arm, but medical attention was not provided. There was no fire, crash, or police report filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The insurance company determined that the seat pre-tensioner failed to lock up. The failure mileage was approximately 86,822.

NHTSA ID

11610830

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

86,822 mi

The contact owned a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that her vehicle had previously been repaired under unknown recalls for her driver's and passenger's airbags. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and violently pulled to the right, causing her to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a wall. The driver's side air bag did not deploy; however, the passenger air bag did deploy. The contact sustained injuries to her face and back. The contact received medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11522899

Incident

Apr 22, 2023

Mileage

118,000 mi

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 contact indicated that during the incident the vehicle was not crashed and did not make contact with any object or structure to cause the air bags to deploy. The driver sustained a small laceration to the left arm during the air bag deployment which did not require medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the incident. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11511721

Incident

Mar 12, 2023

Mileage

170,000 mi

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact opened the trunk to the vehicle; the contact exited the vehicle and the front driver’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact. There was no injury from the erroneous deployment. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 253,000.

NHTSA ID

11509496

Incident

Feb 28, 2023

Mileage

253,000 mi

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument panel had been replaced, and that the warning light appeared soon after the replacement. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V182000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA ID

11503145

Incident

Jul 1, 2016

Mileage

54,000 mi

According to what I read in the news, Honda Accords 2001-2003 should be recalled for airbag repair. I think Honda may have neglected to recall my car when it should have. I have attempted to ask Honda about this and they are non-responsive.

NHTSA ID

11496803

Incident

Dec 9, 2022

The contact owned a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V182000 (Air Bags) and 19V501000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as the vehicle was totaled. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

NHTSA ID

11469054

Incident

Jun 13, 2022

My son is an approved seatbelt claimant in the Takata Bankruptcy class action suit. (#4842) He became a paraplegic when his 2003 Honda Accord rolled once after encountering a road surface change from asphalt to gravel. His seatbelt pre-tensor failed as did his airbags. His T-13 L-1 spinal cord injury is conducive to seat belt failure. . A bone spur from his vertebre broke off and went into his spinal cord. By the time our head cleared from the whole ordeal, we were one month out of the statue of limitations. (which is 2 years in the state of Colorado) Shortly thereafter we received a card in the mail informing us of the Takata class action suit. We were glad we still had an avenue for an injury claim. Fast forward 4+ years and we have recently found out that the 33 approved Takata seatbelt claimants have $1,140,000 to share amongst themselves. Some claimants lost loved ones from the faulty seatbelt sensors and seatbelt malfunctions. Based on this current fund amount, Lee will likely only receive between 20,000 to 40,000 for his injury. Very little for the inability to walk, go to the bathroom, loss of sexual function and having to deal with consistent nerve pain. I recently became aware of the ZF-TRW Class action complaint and realize the parameters of the nonfunctioning airbag and seatbelt pre-tensor fit the parameters of my sons accident. The Honda Accord 2014-2015 vehicles are listed as having problematic ZF-TRW parts. My sons 2003 Honda Accords ACU was replaced in January/February of 2015. I suspect that the part was replaced with the same ACU used in the new 2014-2015 Honda Accords. Takata seat belt class action suit settlement does not preclude anyone from collecting compensation for injury from another source. My son should have walked away from this accident.

NHTSA ID

11457528

Incident

Oct 10, 2015

The airbag light is on and has been over on since last year. The electrical system has issues and if the vehicle is left sitting for 2 days without any movement the car will die and you will be forced to jump the vehicle the battery has been replaced and so has the alternator. When In motion the vehicle will stall and the gears won’t switch, the car is an automatic.

NHTSA ID

11435300

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

2003 HONDA ACCORD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE HAVE BEEN AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RECALL REPAIRS PERTAINING TO THE AIRBAG.

NHTSA ID

11425817

Incident

Jul 21, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED AFTER DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE. DURING THE FAILURE, THERE WAS NO OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER AN AIR BAG RECALL. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER CANNON HONDA LOCATED AT 2057 N FRONTAGE RD, VICKSBURG, MS 39180 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11415940

Incident

May 1, 2021

Mileage

180,000 mi

ME LLEG UNA CARTA QUE LAS BOLSAS DE AIRE ESTN DEFECTUOSAS EN STE MODELO

NHTSA ID

11387953

Incident

Nov 10, 2020

SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONTINUOUSLY. INDEPEND SHOP SAYS ERROR CODE IS FOR DRIVER FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH SENSOR. HONDA DEALERS SAYS SENSOR IS NOT PART OF LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR SEAT BELTS, EVEN THOUGH SENSOR IS FULLY INTEGRATE WITH SEAT BELT LATCH, AND PART OF THE VITAL SAFETY SYSTEM. INDEPENDENT SHOP IS RELUCTANT TO REPAIR FOR LIABILITY AND HONDA DEALER WANT HUGE PAYMENT FOR SIMPLE REPAIR. IT IS UNFAIR AND UNETHICAL FOR DEALER AND MANUFACTURER TO NOT HONOR THERE PRINTED WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID

11376193

Incident

Nov 20, 2020

Mileage

135,650 mi

CAR WON'T START EVEN WITH THE KEY IN IT. DIDN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOW ON. PRIOR TO BRINGING THE CAR TO HONDA ACCORD DEALER FOR THE OTHER RECALLS NONE OF THIS WAS A PROBLEM. NOW MY CAR MAKES A SOUND WHILE I'M DRIVING LIKE A RATTLE SOUND ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEING ON. THE OTHER DAY I STARTED THE CAR AND ONLY THE LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING ELSE TURNS ON BUT THE CAR ENGINE WON'T START. IT'S PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM NOW THAT I BROUGHT IT TO THEM FOR RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY DRIVEN TO WORK AND BACK FROM THE TIME I TOOK IT TO THEM. THEN I HEN I TRIED TO DRIVE IT AGAIN THE CAR WOULDN'T START, AND AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. I TOOK IT TO THEM AND THEY WORKED ON 4 THINGS ACCORDING TO THE RECALL HOWEVER MORE THINGS SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM AND THEY DIDN'T DO ALL THAT. *TR

NHTSA ID

11323952

Incident

Apr 17, 2020

Mileage

121,000 mi

WAS DRIVING WITH MY SON HIT A POTHOLE AND DRIVER SEAT POTHOLE BLEW.

NHTSA ID

11317343

Incident

Feb 22, 2020

Mileage

95,000 mi

AFTER TAKING CAR INTO CROWN SOUTHPOINT HONDA IN DURHAM, NC ON SEPT. 30 2019 FOR A RECALL ON AIRBAG AND COUPE PAB INSPECTION,NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. 17024. NOW I'M BEING TOLD I WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SEPT. 2019 WITH 68,000 ORIGINAL MILES, INSPECTED AT WASP AUTOMOTIVE AND HAS NO MECHANICAL OR ELECTRIC ISSUES. SO WHATEVER THE DEALER DID CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11299333

Incident

Nov 11, 2019

Mileage

69,000 mi

MY AIRBAGS WERE RECALLED TWICE, THEN THE SENSOR. NOW MY TRANSMISSION WEN AT 82,000 MILES. WHEN HONDA DISAGNOSED THE CAR BEFORE FIXING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR, THE CODE 61.10 CAME UP - MY AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUALLY GOES ON AND OFF. HONDAY REFUSES TO FIX THE SEATBLET ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. I ALREADY HAD FIVE NECK SURGERIES FORM MY 1990 LEXUS 250 ES THE MOST DANGEROUS OF ALL AIRBAGS. HONDA REFUSES TO REPAIR THE SEAT BEAT THAT IS AFFECTING THE AIRBAG AND AIRBAG LIGHTS. HELP

NHTSA ID

11299141

Incident

Jan 8, 2020

Mileage

84,000 mi

HAVE A FAULTY AIRBAG INFLATOR THAT WAS ORIGINALLY RECALLED BY HONDA,AND HONDA EL CERRITO CA, PUT THE NEW REMEDY AIRBAG INFLATOR MY HONDA ON 3/18/2016,HONDA HAS AGAIN RECALLED MY AIRBAG INFLATOR THAT WAS REMEDIED TO REPLACE MY PRECIOUS MANUFACTURED INFLATOR,I SHARED TODAY THAT MY AIRBAG SENSOR DASH INDICATOR IS TURNING ON AND OFF, MY AIRBAG SYSTEM HAS BEEN OPERATED ON BY HONDA EL CERRITO TWICE BY RECALL ON THE SAME INFLATORS ,TODAY WILL BE THE 3RD,HONDA EL CERRITO WAS CHARGING ME TO CHECK MY AIRBAG SYSTEM EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE OPERATING ON A RECALL ON MY REMDIED INFLATOR PLACED ON 3/19/2019,MY AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT SAFE,HONDA EL CERRITO DIDN'T WANT TO CHECK MY AIRBAG SYSTEM SENSOR TO MAKE SURE IT'S NOT THE RECALLED INFLATORS AFFECTING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM

NHTSA ID

11290347

Incident

Dec 20, 2019

SIDE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT BEING IN A CAR ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID

11287699

Incident

Dec 7, 2019

Mileage

245,000 mi