2003 Honda Accord. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle repairs and seeks reimbursement. The consumer stated within the past year, the timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump, transmission, heater valve, transmission mounts, power steering pump, dash and steering links were all replaced.

- Ottumwa, IA, USA

Recently the back light on the radio/HVAC/clock panel went out. After checking all fuses it was determined not to be a blown fuse. Service advisor/mechanic informed me that it would cost between $200-$400 to fix and that the radio unit needed to be replaced. This led me to conduct my own research and was surprised and disappointed to find that this has been and continues to be a common problem on newer models of Honda Accord ('03 and newer). I also learned from numerous other owners that they'd received the runaround from the car dealership service departments. However, several indicated that after making numerous calls to Honda of America the company agreed to pay for the repair. It appears to be a wiring problem, which could, in my opinion, lead to more serious problems. As a single parent I purchased the Honda for my daughter, who attends college some 700 miles away from home and requires a safe and reliable vehicle. Since Honda of America is aware of the problem they really should issue a recall to owners.

- Powder Springs, GA, USA

The lights on the stereo and the center of the dashboard went out and would not come back on. Unable to see the control switches for the ac/heater which was dangerous during night driving. The stereo worked - but it is completely dark - no lights. I called Honda on 2 occasions about it ( case# : N032006-03-08-00025) and explained the situation to them and even reported that there was a service bulletin for a known problem with the 2003 Honda Accord ( bulletin : 04-027 ). however, the Honda representatives were not particularly helpful and would not acknowledge the validity of the service bulletin. Also, they did not want to admit that there is a known problem with the 2003 Accord and back lights on the dashboard. I took the car to a Honda dealership in woodstock and they eventually replaced the complete stereo with a re-furbished one which solved the problem (at no charge) - initially the dealership did not want to acknowledge that there was a known problem which caused the back lights on the dashboard to go out. Luckily, the car was still under warranty, I found many similar complaints on the internet where it ended up costing the owners between $400 - $800.

- Woodstock, GA, USA

The back lighting on my radio clock has stopped working.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

The illumination (back light) behind the climate control and audio system has gone out making it impossible to select the defrost controls which makes cold weather driving near impossible. Also, climate control inside the vechicle is almost impossible during the day and impossible during the night. Pulling off to the side of the freeway to adjust the controls (with the aid of a flashlight) poses it's own set of dangers.

- Santa Clara, CA, USA

The need to dim instrument panel lighting or reset trip odometers requires reaching behind steering wheel. Doing this while driving poses an steering interference hazard. Why not locate these controls in a more safe area?

- Kirtland, OH, USA