Well, the transmission flush didn't work --and it had been less than 100 miles since the flush -- and the gear slipping continued. I checked the transmission fluid, and it was not even registering on the dip stick-- once again, where did it go. So I took it back to the dealer, popped the hood, had them check the fluid... they saw the same - and the slipping was now intermittent. I am happy to report though, that Honda, since I had the recall work done when I was notified (or close to it) is replacing the tranny with a rebuilt one at no cost to me . (except the $300 for the original diagnosis, and tranny flush and the need to rent a car for a weekend trip for $100). Obviously this model year tranny is an issue, and growing - kudos to Honda for stepping up to fix -- there was no yelling, threatening to go to the arbitration board, or ranting (not to say that there wasn't going to be if they didn't replace) ... but I have all my work done through the same dealer so they have a history of everything done to the car. With that said... a poorly engineered transmission, or quality problems with this batch of tranny's is inexcusable for any car.

While driving on the highway (70mph) at night, in the passing lane, 40 miles from home - the transmission clunks and drops to a lower gear and the engine revs to 5000+ RPMS and drops speed as if I slammed on the brakes. Besides almost being rear ended, I pull over, and the car will not shift to a higher gear - forcing me to go 35- 40 mph on the freeway, at night with the emergency flashers on. We get home, reverse no longer works and I take the car to the Honda dealer. Now this car had the recall done (they did not replace the tranny, did the other fix) and has 93000 highway miles on it. Dealer now states that the tranny is fine, there was very little transmission fluid in it. I ask "where did it go" , I just had the oil changed there 3000 miles ago, and you are supposed to check all that... they see no leaks, I have seen no fluid... and they have no answer - just that it is shifting and working fine now. This car also had a rear main seal leak a year ago that required the transmission to be removed - that Honda split the cost on repair 50-50. Based on other reports here, I think that there is an issue with the 2003 Accord transmission, or just a surprise at 80-90K miles for others as they approach what should be the half life of a Honda product. I have lost confidence in this car -- if you can't get the transmission right all the other things are pretty minor- I think its time for a return to the American car companies... they have taken their lumps, it now could be Honda's turn.

My Accord has been slipping out of gear for about 6 months. When it first started happening, it was rare and I took it to the dealership. They said they couldn't look at it unless I could recreate it. In the last few weeks, it has been happening much more often so I took it to a local transmission shop (I really didn't think it would be a serious problem). They told me the 3rd gear was almost completely shot and I needed a new transmission. I'm hoping Honda will cover it, I am taking it back to the dealership next week. The first time I had it at the dealership I had 80,200 miles on the car and they said the transmission warranty covered up to 80,000 miles.