8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$320
Average Mileage:
118,500 miles
Total Complaints:
87 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (67 reports)
  2. new ignition switch (4 reports)
  3. replaced ignition switch (electrical portion only) (3 reports)
  4. dealership replaced ignition switch (2 reports)
  5. i had a problem with my car stalling (2 reports)
  6. it was the bad ignition switch which needs replacement (2 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #27

Jun 032009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,458 miles

Same problem as usual. This time I had driven about 5 miles and was traveling at 40 mph with the AC on when the immobilizer system light came on and the engine disengaged. I put it in neutral and restarted the engine while coasting. It's a good thing the engine restarted because this was a narrow road with no shoulder. Please see my previous complaints.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #26

May 312009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,420 miles

This is the 10th complaint I've filed on this site, documenting about 14 similar incidents so far. I've also filed an NHTSA complaint, of which there were already at least 23 others. I'm ready to get my Congressman involved to put pressure on the NHTSA to do something. I urge everyone with this problem to do the same.

On this occasion I had driven about 2 miles when the immobilizer system light came on at about 50 mph. The engine did not die this time but disengaged (i.e. dropped to 0 RPMs). When I shifted into neutral and then back into drive, the light went off and normal driving resumed. Usually the engine dies and I have to restart it while coasting. My immobilizer system light had only come on one other time, after which I immediately began using a new key in case the chip in the old one was going bad. So a bad key can't be the problem and my ignition has already been replaced under recall. If this really is an ignition problem, which the warning light indicated, Honda's recall did nothing to solve the problem. In reviewing other complaints, I notice that many others have purchased new keys and/or had their ignition switches replaced to no avail.

My local Honda dealer acted as if this is an unusual problem. And, while they have no problem charging me for analysis, they have been unable to diagnose the problem. When I discovered all these complaints on the internet, I printed them and offered to send copies to the Honda dealer via voice mail. I asked for a return call from the service writer I have been dealing with, but after 4 days I have still not been contacted. Perhaps the dealership is afraid to get involved.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #25

May 302009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,218 miles

This time the car died without warning while braking to a stop. I had driven approximately 6 miles when the incident occurred. See my multitude of prior complaints.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #24

May 282009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This time I backed out my garage and started up the driveway. When I pressed the accelerator, the engine promptly died, which has never happened since I bought the car. I shifted to Park and restarted the engine, which promptly died again. I started the car for the third time and gave it extra gas. This time it kept running. I revved the engine for a few seconds and drove away. So far I have added complaints on 4/20/09, 5/15/09, 5/18/09, 5/19/09, 5/20/09, 5/22/09, 5/25/09 and 5/27/09. In these cases the car was moving (fast, medium or slow) or coming to a stop when it died. I could easily have been injured or killed in a couple of these cases. I'm not sure how many others are experiencing this problem, but there are 15 similar complaints for 1998 model Accords. The dealers don't know what to do about this, but Honda needs to look into it. I may refer to the NTSB.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #23

May 272009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This time there is a slightly new twist to my problem. I had driven about a mile from my home and was traveling on a surface street at 45 mph. Suddenly the immobilizer system indicator light came on (page 55 in your owner's manual) and the engine seemed to shut down. I shifted into neutral while still moving and tried to restart the engine, but it grinded as if still running. After a couple of seconds, the light went off and the car began running normally. The owner's manual says this light comes on when you have inserted an improperly coded ignition key. However, as indicated in a previous complaint, the Honda dealer says I do not have an ignition problem. In fact, my ignition has already been replaced under warranty-recall. Just in case the chip in my key was going bad, I switched to my spare Honda key (it came with the car, it's not a cheap immitation). However, the car continues to die unexpectedly so I'm guessing that's not my problem either. See my previous complaints on 4/20/09, 5/15/09, 5/18/09, 5/19/09, 5/20/09, 5/22/09 & 5/25/09.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #22

May 192009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This time the car died while pulling into the turning lane for accessing a freeway on-ramp. There was a break in traffic so I should have turned left across traffic onto the on-ramp, but instead the car died. I am lucky not to have been rear-ended by the car on my tail, who anticipated that I would make my turn and that he/she would follow. After coming to a stop, I put the car in neutral and restarted it. I pulled onto the freeway at the next opportunity. See my previous complaints on 4/20/09, 5/15/09 & 5/18/09.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #21

May 152009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This time the car died while trying to merge into heavy freeway traffic. This situation almost caused an accident, but thanks to alert drivers behind me I was able to shift into neutral and restart the car while coasting before being rear-ended. See my previous complaints dated 4/20/09 and 5/13/09.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #20

May 132009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

My car began dying while driving on 4/20/09 (see previous complaint). This happened at various speeds under various conditions until I took it to the Honda dealer for evaluation on 5/6/09. They could not diagnose a specific problem but recommended fuel cleaner in case the fuel system was dirty. This has done nothing to resolve the problem. On 5/13/09, the car died at freeway speeds while going up a slight incline. I shifted into neutral and restarted the car while moving.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #19

May 182009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This time the car died while trying to pull out of my subdivision onto a busy street. I had just started the car and had driven maybe two blocks down a 60% grade to the intersection. Because this intersection is unusually busy, I planned to come to a "rolling stop" and then pull on out if there was a break in traffic. However, the engine died and I was barely able to stop before ending up in the intersection with no control over the vehicle. I could easily have been injured or killed in this situation. Since Honda can't seem to fix my problem, I have learned to creep up to intersections to avoid loss of control at a critical time. See my previous complaints on 4/20/09 & 5/15/09.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #18

May 222009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This time I drove to my daughter's house, about 10 miles. I parked the car for about 2 hours, so the engine was warm (not cold or hot). I backed out of the driveway and drove about 100 feet. I was going about 25 mph when the engine just died with no warning as usual. I shifted into neutral and restarted the motor. See my previous complaints on 4/20/09, 5/15/09, 5/18/09, 5/19/09 & 5/20/09.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #17

May 202009

Accord EX V$

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

This time the car died while trying to pull out of the Wal-Mart parking lot. When I pulled up to the exit, the car just quit, as usual with no warning. I shifted into neutral and restarted the engine so I could pull out before the cars behind me got more upset. See my previous complaints on 4/20/09, 5/15/09, 5/18/09 & 5/19/09.

- Ken W., Louisville, TN, US

problem #16

May 052009

Accord DL 4 Cy

  • Manual transmission
  • 119,540 miles

Someone has to have a solution out there!? Anyone? The Honda dealer we use doesn't have any idea but they are willing to troubleshoot at $150/hr with no guarantees. I have read one of the technical manuals that are very detailed and feel like this is so over my head. I'm Stuck. Any ideas?

- snakedoc, Beaverton, OR, US

problem #15

Apr 012009

Accord EX V Tec

  • Manual transmission
  • 160,000 miles

My honda stalls randomly, while driving on the freeway at 65MPH, or at a stop sometimes it will not start. I have changed the ignition switch and have had a diagnostic done, the diagnostic says that car needs a new catalytic converter. My step dad, who is a mechanic, says that the stalling is totally unrelated to the catalytic converter. I took the car to a Honda mechanic He suggested a new key, got the new key - car did not stall for over 2 months. I thought my problems were solved (I was relieved). yesterday the car stalled on me 3 times: once at a stop, while I was driving down the road at 45MPH, and after I stopped to put gas in. I tried to restart and it wouldn't start ( the RPM's drop to zero and the car stalls all the lights on the panel turns on says the doors are open, trunk open, check engine light turns on the green key light blinks, battery, oil light and brake light turn on) but the radio stays on and the air conditioner stays on. Each time this happens it takes about 5 minuets before the car will start back up. The car has a new battery and the alternator is about 2 years old. Each time the car stalls I have to push it out of the way of traffic to the side of the road or if on the freeway, put the car in neutral and coast to the side of the Freeway. My 9 year old son is terrified to go anywhere in this car and my husband and I are frustrated. I fear for my safety and especially the safety of my son. Does any one have any idea what could be the reason for the stalling??? Called Honda headquarters they don't know what the problem is and say that my car does not have any recalls on it. They told me to try the ignition switch at my own cost which I did and car still stalls. Can anyone give me any other suggestions.

- kbelangeri, Sun City, CA, US

problem #14

Aug 152008

Accord LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

I had the same problem that several others have had with stalling. This ended up being an ignition problem that was covered under a recall notice that I had failed to follow-up on.

- gagirl52, Gray, GA, US

problem #13

Apr 012005

Accord 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I have had many of the same issues that are listed on the CarComplaints.com website regarding stalling of my 1999 Honda Accord. For 4 to 5 years, my Accord has stalled for no apparent reason or would not start up right away after sitting a few minutes when the engine was warm. I had taken my Honda to several places for checkups, I have replaced the battery and a sensor several times before a diagnostic check indicated that I likely had an ignition switch problem. That repair company referred me to my Honda Dealership where I purchased the vehicle new and the dealer could not duplicate the problem.

Yesterday my wife had the car on the city of Memphis's busiest street when it stalled with her in the center lane without any warning by the indicator lights. She called me frantic, telling me that almost every car passing her nearly hit her. I called the police to help get traffic control to help her. She as a few others have indicated could not get the car to shift gears to neutral while stalled. Finally after sitting 10 minutes she was able to start the car. If this would have happened and my wife was rear ended with my 19 month old daughter in the car, I would have likely gone nuts on Honda. Instead this morning I took the car into the dealer who kept the car running for a while when they were able to get the car to stall (or so they say). The dealer switched out the ignition switch at a cost of $300 on top of the $75 diagnostic at the dealer one month ago and a $49 diagnostic at a small service station not to mention the sensors that were switched out that did not solve the problem.

I have already filed a complaint with Honda indicating that this problem is a life safety issue which they should replace free of charge. If this happens again I will likely see a lawyer; I just pray that my family is not injured or worse. This morning the dealer indicated that the problem could also be the main relay but since they were supposedly able to duplicate the problem they replaced only the ignition switch.

Please let me know if anyone else is involved in litigation to get this problem resolved and also receive reimbursement for any work related to the problem. Thanks.

Scott - Memphis, TN

- Scott H., Memphis, TN, US

problem #12

Aug 082008

Accord EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

Car first began stalling randomly, once every three weeks or so. Took car to local mechanic and was told that car needed a tune-up. New spark plugs distributor cap and about $250 later got the car back and the same problems. Next the check engine light came on. Took the car to Napa and found out the post catalytic converter O2 sensor was bad. Replaced that myself for $101 and cleared the check engine light. Thought i cured the problem and 2 weeks later I'm driving in rush hour traffic down busy freeway and the car stalls again. Luckily, there is an onramp area I can pull over to. Took about 5 minutes of trying to start the car before it finally starts. Frustrated, I go home and Google 1999 Honda accord engine stalls and find out that Honda had a recall in 2002 with the ignition switch. Turns out it can get too much current and short out. Well, after entering my vin number into Honda's website I find out the recalled problem was fixed already. I drove to a Honda dealership and purchased a new ignition switch and replaced it myself in an hour for $52 plus tax. This was about 4 weeks ago and no problems yet.

- Brad B., Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #11

Dec 272005

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

After stalling several times on the road,

we checked the internet and found there was an NHTSA

recall for this.

Problem: The electrically coded key becomes worn,

losing contact with the ignition switch.

Solution: A new key and/or switch free from Honda.

- James T., Ventura, CA, US

problem #10

Feb 052009

Accord LX 4-cyl Vtech

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

I'm having the same problem. I'll put the keys in the ignition, turn the key (but not start the car). The lights come on, flicker, go out, then come back on.

Also for some reason, occasionally when I'm driving, the car will jerk, slow down, and the RPM suddenly drops. I've never had the car stall out when I'm driving it, except for a time when I parked and it dropped out. Has ANYONE found a solution to this?

Update from Jun 6, 2009: As posted before, I was having the same problem as everyone else. Took it by a mechanic and I had the intake manifold checked and cleaned. While checking, I mentioned the lights flickering to the mechanic, and he tested the ignition. He knew immediately the switch had gone bad (misaligned, was the world he used). Went by the local Honda dealership, bought an OEM Honda Genuine ignition switch (electrical part only) for about $70.00. Took it back to the mechanic, they had it fixed in 30 minutes and for about $65.00. Haven't had any problems since.

I did NOT have the original ignition, it had been replaced in the 2002 recall. Be sure to call your car's dealer and find out if its had the ignition replaced. If not, you might be eligible for a new one.

- Walker E., Rome, GA, US

problem #9

Jan 012009

Accord EX 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,000 miles

Car stalls randomly. It will start then struggle to stay running. I will be driving down the highway and it all gauges will shutoff and car semi-stalls then continues running like everything is normal. Also there is a clicking noise that goes on while in park and gets much worse when I put it in drive. I don't know if these problems are related or not. My car has probably stalled at least 30 times. I'm pretty surprised that my car still runs normal with a problem such as this. Alternator, battery, and starter are all pretty new. Any ideas? I feel if I keep driving, I'm going to wreck my car unexpectedly.

Update from Jul 15, 2009: Its definitely the ignition switch like the other fella said. The added bonus here is that you may be able to get it fixed for free. There was a recall for 97-00 models for the ignition switch. So call your dealership and find out if it has already been replaced or not. If it has and its faulting again, then you have to pay for it because they will only replace recall parts one time.

- Ben J., Austin, TX, US

problem #8

Aug 012008

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,000 miles

I am still trying to research what is causing the stalling on this car while I am driving. I have taken it to the dealership I bought it from, they could no duplicate the problem. I have take it to a Honda dealership shop so they can check it. There was a recall on the ignition switch and that was replaced, but that did not fix the stalling issues I am continuing have. I have replaced, spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap, the ignition coil was replaced and I am still having stalling issues. The only thing that I haven't done yet is to check and test the PGM-FI main relay. I am so frustrated there has to be a fix to this problem! I don't drive it often due to it stalling out of me on the highway going 75MPH and I work 45 miles from home. I can be in the city and it will stall out on me. When I do take it out I have to make sure I am near a shoulder or inner turning lanes just in case the vehicle decides to stall out on me and this concern is very stressful.....

- Tammy A., Rio Rancho, NM, US

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