2004 Honda Accord Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Honda Accord, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags25020.2%
- Powertrain (other)19215.5%
- Transmission15812.7%
- Electrical14511.7%
- Steering665.3%
- Driver assistance645.2%
- Brakes635.1%
- Engine554.4%
- Visibility473.8%
- Seat belts383.1%
- Body & structure362.9%
- Exterior lighting342.7%
- Interior & seats332.7%
- Suspension201.6%
- Fuel system141.1%
- Tires & wheels131.0%
- Other / unspecified100.8%
- Heating & air conditioning20.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have 22 recalls in my Jerry app and also on here. Have problems when first starting up and shifting just got from a dealer in Ohio. Maybe a year and a half ago my name is Tracy Harney my address is 702 Inverness place ft thomas Ky 41075 also my air bag light is on and my headlights are not very visible at nite wondering if all recalls on vehicle were fixed. Or still open. 8599076824. Leave message if don’t answer if you call.
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the air bags deployed independently. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer or independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's fiancé sustained injuries to the face, left eye, causing her to have a black eye, and her chest and the contact sustained injures to left side of his face and his left hand. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V268000 (AIR BAGS); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 147,486.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have 22 recalls in my Jerry app and also on here. Have problems when first starting up and shifting just got from a dealer in Ohio. Maybe a year and a half ago my name is Tracy Harney my address is 702 Inverness place ft thomas Ky 41075 also my air bag light is on and my headlights are not very visible at nite wondering if all recalls on vehicle were fixed. Or still open. 8599076824. Leave message if don’t answer if you call.
The transmission in my 2004 Honda Accord V6 3.0L is experiencing a serious safety defect. The transmission overheats while driving, begins slipping, and eventually the vehicle will not move at all. When this happens, I lose the ability to accelerate or maintain speed, creating a dangerous situation for me and other drivers. I have to pull over and wait for the transmission to cool before the car will move again. This failure matches the symptoms described in Honda’s prior transmission recall 04V176000 (overheating and gear failure due to lubrication issues). I have contacted Honda about this issue, and they opened Case #16008926, but the problem is ongoing and has not been resolved. The problem is reproducible and happens repeatedly after the transmission warms up. Warning symptoms include overheating and severe slipping before total loss of movement. This is a major safety hazard because the vehicle can suddenly lose power in traffic.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED THE RPM'S ABNORMALLY INCREASED TO 7500 INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK BACK AND FORTH WITH THE SERVICE LIGHT AND ACS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,530.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A WOODEN FENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS FAULTY AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000. ..UPDATED08-30-12 *BF UPDATED 09/07/2012 *JS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was approximately 134,000. The contact stated that while attempting to resell the vehicle, the contact was informed by an individual interested in purchasing the vehicle that the mileage reported might not be the actual mileage. The contact was advised to check the Carfax Report. While checking the Carfax Report, the contact noticed two potential reports of odometer fraud with the vehicle. The Carfax Report indicated that in 2023, the mileage was reported to be approximately 251,000. The contact had not filed a report with any other agencies.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle Carfax history report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 156,100; however, the Carfax history report indicated that the mileage was 278,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have 22 recalls in my Jerry app and also on here. Have problems when first starting up and shifting just got from a dealer in Ohio. Maybe a year and a half ago my name is Tracy Harney my address is 702 Inverness place ft thomas Ky 41075 also my air bag light is on and my headlights are not very visible at nite wondering if all recalls on vehicle were fixed. Or still open. 8599076824. Leave message if don’t answer if you call.
I was driving and the lower ball joints on passenger side broke causing the axle to brake the car lot i got car from said they replaced everything well it happened again and the ball jounts were the same ines that were on there before..Now my rack and opion broke
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the SRS air bag warning light started blinking off and on. The contact related the failure to having had the driver's side air bag replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V320000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated continually. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn, cruise control, and the passenger’s side air bag sensor had also failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 405,000.
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT 60 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, IT SUDDENLY STARTED INCREASING SPEED. THEN I NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR OF MY CAR. THEN I BEGAN TO USE THE BRAKES TO TRY AND CONTROL THE SPEED, BUT THEY DID NOT FUNCTION WELL AT ALL. FINALLY AFTER STRUGGLING IN ON THIS RURAL ROAD, I WAS ABLE TO SLOW IT DOWN, I CALLED 911, THEN I JUST USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. ALTHOUGH THIS WAS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC IF HAD NOT BEEN IN A RURAL AREA WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. UP TO THAT POINT, THIS CAR HAD BEEN IN EXCELLENT CONDITION LOW MAINTENANCE AND REALLY GOOD CAR, BUT THAT DAY IT WAS SMOKING AND I THOUGHT IT WOULD CATCH FIRE. LASTLY, THE REPAIRS COST $696 WHICH IS MUCH MORE THAN I HAD EVER PAID FOR THIS CAR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear passenger brake caliper piston seized. It Will not release I have 2 children and that's our only way of transportation..
DRIVER SEATBELT DOES NOT BUCKLE, PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION WITH BRAKE LIGHT ON, AIR BAG LIGHT ON.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Automatic transmission. Car stalls out coming to/at stop in drive. Idling is way to high and irregular. Potential for crash.
Safety recall for second gear. When driving it has a problem shifting in 2nd and out of 2nd gear
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear window shattered, spontaneously, parked. Mostly 1/4 to 3/8 inch pieces, no impact center or chips anywhere. Cause UNKNOWN. With slight vibration the rear window fell into the car, except around glued edges, also including tiny slivers. While the shattered rear window held, it created a huge blind spot behind car, which is a large safety problem. Also driving could leave a trail of glass on public streets. Rear window was vacuumed up and replaced by Glass America, who also had no idea why it shattered. Vehicle was inspected and passed by Colorado vehicle inspectors on January 31, 2024. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure found on April 13, 2024. Car had not been driven for 10 days, parked.
This is a followup on Incident 11113944. The problem was actually an aftermarket Ipod adapter connected to the car stereo, it was draining the battery even when the car was off. Also, simply driving the car for a while (like to the mechanic) would always make the problem go away, because the battery eventually recharged. After removing the Ipod adapter and replacing the battery again, I have not had the wipers fail in ~3 years. I think Honda should provide some alert if the battery is at insufficient voltage to run the wipers, however.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Mechanic states that driver buckle is causing error message concerning air bag deployment on driver side, says belt buckle should be replaced so connectivity will be re-established, to enable air bag deployment. I would think this would be a safety recall, if this is the case.
UNKNOWN - I have a 2004 Honda Accord which indicates an airbag issue. The seat belt buckles but the light stays on. Many 2004 Accords were in a recall over SRS but my VIN did not show as part of the recall. The dealer says the seat sensor is bad but they are not making the part any longer. What should I do. I guess the maker should replace with a new system.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT WILL NOT RESET THE LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY THE WIND SHIELD WIPERS CONTROL THE WATER WILL NEVER PUMP THE WATER OUT HOWEVER THE PUMP IS GOOD. THE RADIO WORKS HOWEVER YOU CAN NOT SEE THE PANEL AND LIGHTS, THAT INCLUDES THE AIR CONDITIONAL AND HEATER LIGHTS. THE PAIN ON ALL OF MY HONDA'S ARE COMING OFF OR FADING WITH A WHITE COLOR AND SPOTS ALL OVER.
MY CAR GOT INTO A MINOR ACCIDENT A NEIGHBORHOOD. THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SEAT CAME OUT. EVERYONE INCLUDING THE POLICE THOUGHT IT WAS ODD BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ANYONE SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AIRBAG DID NOT COME OUT. AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS OFF EVEN THOUGH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CAME OFF. I HAVE A QUESTION AS TO WHY THAT IS? ALSO MY SEAT BELT BECAME TOO TIGHT AND DOES NOT ALLOW ME ROOM TO MOVES.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SRS LIGHT OF MY CAR COME ON AND GOES OFF ALL THE TIME. SOMETIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING, SUDDENLY WILL TURN ON FOR A WHILE. I USUALLY PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE ENGINEER AND TURN IT ON BACK AND WAIT A FEW. THIS HAPPENS CONSTANTLY, AND I HAVE READ THE MANUAL, THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE FRONT AIR BAGS, AND ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL BOOK CAN BE 'AN ALERT TO A POTENTIAL AIRBAGS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONERS OR THE DRIVER'S SEAT POSITION SENSOR AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S WEIGHT SENSORS' WE HAVE CHECK IT ALL THE TIME AND IT JUST GOES ON ALL THE TIME AS IT COMES OFF ALL THE TIME. I HAVE GOTTEN TO A POINT THAT CONCERNS ME A LOT.
THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL HAS HAD 2 RECALLS REGARDING AFTERMARKET PARTS IN STEERING WHEELS, HOLES IN LEAKING HOSES AND VALVES AND FIRE HAZARDOUS. THE SECOND ONE IS REGARDING LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND VERY POOR VISIBILITY, INCREASING PROBABILITIES OF A CRASH. I HAVE CALLED AMERICAN HONDA TO HONOR THE REPAIRS OF THIS 2 RECALLS AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO DO IT, BECAUSE THE CAR IS ALREADY 14 YEARS OLD. SO I AM DRIVING A FAULTY VEHICLE, AND TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE I AM ALREADY DISABLE FROM 2 CAR ACCIDENTS (AS A PASSENGER) ONE OF THE RECALLS, THE STEERING WHEEL, WAS ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF IN THE PAST, BUT IT STILL PERSIST NOW AS I BOUGHT IT. 2 LEAKING STEERING WHEEL HOSES. AND THE HEAD LIGHTS HAVEN'T BEEN DONE EVER! MY CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A HONDA DEALER SPECIALIST AND AMERICAN HONDA DOES NOT WANT TO ASSUME THE REPAIRS OF THESE 2 RECALLS. AMERICAN HONDA DOES NOT MAKE THEMSELVES RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN FAULTY VEHICLES, PASSED A CERTAIN TIME! WHERE ARE MY RIGHTS??????
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN - I have a 2004 Honda Accord which indicates an airbag issue. The seat belt buckles but the light stays on. Many 2004 Accords were in a recall over SRS but my VIN did not show as part of the recall. The dealer says the seat sensor is bad but they are not making the part any longer. What should I do. I guess the maker should replace with a new system.
CAR SEAT HEATER MADE SEAT START TO BURN
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving and the lower ball joints on passenger side broke causing the axle to brake the car lot i got car from said they replaced everything well it happened again and the ball jounts were the same ines that were on there before..Now my rack and opion broke
FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING INPUT. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION AND WAS AT 90 DEGREES WHILE MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION , THE EVENT OCCURRED RIGHT AFTER A U TURN.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE DIED GOING UP A SMALL HILL FOR NO REASON.... LIKE IT STALLED BUT I HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE... ALSO THE STEREO DOESN'T WORK I THINK IT COULD BE ELECTRICAL OR THE IGNITION SWITCH? SEEN ON YOUTUBE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO. IT STALLS ALMOST AND DOESN'T PROPEL IN FIFTH AT I HAVE TO DOWN SHIFT AND GO BACK TO 5TH AND TEI AGAIN... SOMETIMES IT WORKS OTHER TIMES I TRY 2 OR THREE TIME TO KEEP IT ACCELERATING. THE HILL THING WAS SCARY. WHAT DID IT MEAN?
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TORQUE CONVERTORS FOR 2004 HONDA ACCORDS BUT I CANNOT GET ANYONE TO FIX MY HONDA'S TORQUE CONVERTOR UNDER THE RECALL
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED BRIDGESTONE TIRES (4) APRIL 2009 - REPLACING THE SAME BRAND/TYPE. THEY STARTED OUT NOISY AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY NOISY. THE PRIOR SET DID NOT EXHIBIT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES AND IS FAR WORSE. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE INCIDENT OCCURRING UPON PURCHASE. *TR
SIDE WALL SEPARATION ON GOODYEAR EAGLE RS-A P225/50R17 93V RADIAL TUBLESS 0729 DOT M6YA CMER 3806 #T315763 #T313851 #T315764 GCW74M17MB. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING INPUT. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION AND WAS AT 90 DEGREES WHILE MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION , THE EVENT OCCURRED RIGHT AFTER A U TURN.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY AIRBAGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WANT TO GIVE THIS CAR TO MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER. PLEASE HELP. *JS
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HVAC CONTROLS FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT SINCE THE DEFROST ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000. THE FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
ON 5 DECEMBER 2005 AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 5 MINUTES THERE WAS A LOUD POP THEN THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER CAME ON BY IT SELF CAUSING THE SEAT TO GETTING VERY HOT. THE SEAT HEATER WAS TURN ON THEN OFF. THIS ACTION CAUSE THE HEATER TO GO OFF. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .