9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,540
Average Mileage:
90,150 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. replace transmission (3 reports)
  3. paid for a rebuilt transmission (2 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

problem #10

Feb 122016

Accord SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 230,000 miles

I had this car for a while now and around 99998 miles the second gear went out on my 2002 SE and it was under warranty so dealer covered for a new transmission.

- heater2121, New Lexington, OH, US

problem #9

Apr 012012

Accord LX 2.2L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,264 miles

Very surprised. Did not expect this from a Honda Accord. Subsequently learned that automatic transmission failure was epidemic on 1998-2004 Honda Accords.

- Dave M., Port Moody, BC, Canada

problem #8

Apr 292011

Accord 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A whole new transmission needed on a, 02 Honda Accord with only 80000 miles? Had regular maintenance its whole life-- Come on, Honda. To make it worse it happened when we drove to Las Vegas and had to leave the car there and fly back to get it. I haven't contacted Honda yet but will tomorrow--we bought the car from a dealer (used). It was and still is in impeccable shape. How does a transmission only last 80000 miles--Honda had better make good on this one...

- dspifford, Farmington, UT, US

problem #7

Jul 132010

Accord SE 2.3L 4c

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,000 miles

Transmission is toast. Will not go out of first gear

- dsadberry, Chandler, AZ, US

problem #6

Nov 012008

Accord VP 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,500 miles

this is a Honda transmission replacement done at 31000k now at 46000k its dangerous car suddenly on highway lose power even do was giving it gas as normally done was ablet to get off highway going about 40 miles an hour after car stumble forward help

- jcharbonier, Nyc, NY, US

problem #5

May 172008

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,800 miles

02 Honda Accord EX 4cyl. Purchased this vehicle in October 07, it had 39,000 miles. Seven months and 7,000 miles later, the transmission will not shift into 4th gear. It also makes a loud noise as if the engine is being forced. Brought the car to my mechanic and thought it might be the wheel bearings. Completed the work but the problem remains. Mechanic suggested to take to transmission expert. I feel this is a defective tranny and should be replaced by Honda. I purchased the vehicle based on the reputation of reliability of Honda. It has been anything but reliable. Any suggestions??

- Javier S., Tustin, CA, US

problem #4

Jun 022006

(reported on)

Accord EX

  • 59,780 miles

I agree with many who have these major problems with pretty low miles that Honda is suppose to be a reliable car. I doubt I will have another Honda in my home after this issue.

- Eric M., St. Louis, MO, US

problem #3

Mar 292008

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

So this morning I get into my car to go to work. I start my car, put my seatbelt on, adjusted the radio...all that good stuff. Went to put the car into reverse and the shifter wouldn't even budge. I made sure the brake was pressed in all the way-I tried turning the car off and restarting-NOTHING!!!!! I had to take my husband's truck.Iin the meantime, I'm sitting here reading all of these problems everyone else is having with the same car as mine-I have a pit in my stomach! I'm already broke! I cannot afford to have a transmission replaced for God's sake!

Leading up to this problem, the past few weeks my car has been acting funny. When coming to a stop or taking off from a stop it gets a bit jerky. I honestly thought this was maybe a fuel pump problem.

The car not shifting into gear from park has happened one other time-and that was about 6 weeks ago-I was having brake issues and had thought it was because the break wasn't pushed in enough to release the transmission from park. So I spent $500 in brake repairs and I seemed to have no issues in shifting into gear from park.

I bought this car about 1 year ago, used but 'Honda Certified'. My family is very big on Honda's, I thought I must be the first one who has had a problem! Thanks to this site I have a pretty good idea what I'm in for-maybe I'll just trade it for a different NON-Honda car since I won't be able to afford to pay for this.

- Kyley K., Aurora, CO, US

problem #2

Jul 102007

(reported on)

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

My car wont shift into gear and the brake lights wont come on. It was very annoying

- lorraine70399, Alexandria, VA, US

problem #1

Nov 092007

(reported on)

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

I will never buy another Honda!!!!! I bought a new 2002 Accord and had all the recommended services/oil changes,taking it only to the dealer I bought from and their other service center. Around December 2005 I brought it in to be checked for a noise coming from the driver front wheel. I had the service manager test drive my car and the tech, I took it in 3 times for the same noise and they all kept telling me it was road noise. In October 2007, when I accelerated the engine revved high, but it would not go into gear that happened many times. I had it towed to Honda and they replaced the transmission at 74000 miles, I only had around 45000 miles on the car when this first started. They only covered the transmission and I had to pay for labor. I have filed a complaint with the BBB because I am shocked that Honda knowing they have a problem with their transmissions will not stand behind their product and do the right thing... Also as a customer since 2002 I asked if they would split the labor with me and they refused. I did contact Honda National and that was a big waste of time, they are going to say whatever the dealer wants them too. I had planned on buying the 2008 Accord, but not anymore.... Honda will never receive another penny of my money....

- Mary Ann G., Mesa, AZ, US