The seventh generation Honda Accord was offered in the DX, LX, and EX models with the option of a V-6 in the LX and EX models. The stock DX, LX, and EX models all included a 160-hp, 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with the option of a 240-hp, 3.0 liter V-6 available in the LX and EX models.
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2003 Honda Accord (Page 1 of 2)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.
CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2003 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure & problems with the stereo backlight failing. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 90,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000. Transmission failure has been a huge problem for the Accord & several other Honda models all through the early 2000s model years. Honda extended the transmission warranty to 93 months/109k miles for the 2000-2001 Accord as a class action lawsuit settlement, but owners of other Accord model years with transmission problems are out of luck.
The stereo backlight problem has been an issue since these Accords were only a few years old. Honda eventually issued a recall which covered the repair for 7 years/100k miles, which was nice while it lasted but now that period is over. Honda initially was replacing the entire radio ($800) but eventually began replacing just the PCB which at ~$300 is much cheaper. That sounds like a deal, but keep in mind we're talking about a backlight bulb that costs $2 to fix in most other cars.
- Typical Repair Cost:
- $550
- Average Mileage:
- 80,000 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 40 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (15 reports)
- problem not fixed (12 reports)
- dealer replaced CD player under warranty (7 reports)
- not covered....but the backlight display was! (2 reports)
- aftermarket, overpriced trunk cd changer (1 reports)
- auto manufacturer goodwill repair (1 reports)
accessories - interior problem
Helpful websites
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2003 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)
problem #40Accord EX V4
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
The CD player stopped working, the cd’s keep ejecting and won’t play. I’ve had the car for 13 years with no major problems. I drive 11/2 - 2 hours to and from work in heavy traffic and my cds were my salvation, now I only have the radio..not the same calming effect. Researched the problem on this site, most had the radio replaced at a ridiculous cost, so I’m not going there. I’ll use my iPhone for music in the car now.
- Angela C., Staten Island, NY, US
problem #39Accord EX 4 .0 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 77,671 miles
My CD player is jammed with cd's. Would not eject. Tadio has to be reset with code. Dealership states motor gone about $750.00 to repair. This is a defect and should be recalled. Everyone who has had this experience with your 2003 Honda, please file complaint.
- Marian H., Greenville, Pacific Islands (US)
Honda Accord Cd Player Replacement
problem #38Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 97,265 miles
Suddenly went to play my CD music and got an ERR then nothing. Radio plays and screen still lights but when I try pushing the CD button nothing happens now. So I now have 6 CD's stuck in this player with no way to get them out.I see by all the other complains this has been a 'B I G ' PROBLEM!!! Because its an '03' I suppose Honda will not do anything. I will probably get an estimate on a repair but not from a dealer that's for sure. I will look on Youtube to see if there is any DIY fixes..
- couplea66ers, West Chester, OH, US
problem #37Accord LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 170,000 miles
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
It's ridiculous that the radio in this car is such a complex unit combined with dual thermostat controls, etc., and yet the problems is so widespread and the dealers have the nerve (HONDA in general) to continue the process of wanting to charge everybody $800+ to fix the issue. If it was a one off scenario, or was a result from teenagers tampering with the unit to install aftermarket stereos, then fine. But, what about the honest hard working middle class people who choose Honda for a reliable car, and these circumstances arise? What then? Why are we punished for such a poorly designed stereo that your well paid engineers designed. Perhaps going with another car will provide a better stereo system? It is ironic that my Honda sales guy is now calling me asking me if we're ready to upgrade our car. I'm actually looking forward to his next phone call.
- Joshua G., Columbus, OH, US
problem #36Accord EX-L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
CD Player clicks and whines every time I start the car. Very annoying!! I cannot live with the car like this. I just talked to someone at a stereo place and to replace, it is estimated to cost upwards of $625 because the whole thing is one piece. They can't even just disconnect the CD player from the power because that would turn off power for the AC/temperature control. BAD DESIGN!! This needs to be recalled!!!
https://protimilro.tistory.com/21. User Guide 101.6 mm 152.4 mm 10 mm Galaxy J3-SM-J320VPP-UG-PO-CVR-4x6-V2.indd All Pages 2/22/16 5:51 PM. User Manual Please read this manual before operating your device and keep it for future reference. Call 1-800-SAMSUNG (726-7864). Intellectual Property All Intellectual Property, as defined below, owned by or which is otherwise the.
- M P., Phoenix, AZ, US
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problem #35Accord LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
This is Radio #4..I have given up and just don't have music in my car.
- Tami L., Chattanooga, TN, US
problem #34Honda Accord Cd Player Repair
Accord EX
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
The CD player stopped working and has a CD stuck in it. It seems that this is a common problem among owners. The prices I was quoted to fix the player are ridiculous and now I have no player. Let our voices be heard..service needs to be covered on these faulty players!!!
- Patricia L., Philadelphia, PA, US
problem #33Accord LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
This is my third radio since owning the car..The reason this one only cost $75.00 was the place I bought it replaced it for free. I had only had it in for 2 weeks..The cost of swapping it out was $75.00.
- Tami L., Chattanooga, TN, US
problem #32Accord LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
This was radio #2 that was replaced..This time not paid for by the Honda.
- Tami L., Chattanooga, TN, US
problem #31Accord LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
Cd player stopped working at very low mileage..Dealership fixed it 1 of the 4 times it has had to be replaced.
- Tami L., Chattanooga, TN, US
problem #30Accord
- 183,000 miles
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
So many owners of Honda Accord's 2003 are complaining about problems with cd that it's is shame for Honda not to give credit for repair. Is that still the case. Until now you were always helpful. Honda, as a loyal customer I am expecting always the best service from you.
Sincerely,
Dragan Lekic
- Dragan L., Chandler, AZ, US
problem #29Accord EX-L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
The 6 disc CD player on my Honda Accord '03 stopped working, it has 6 CDs stuck in it. However, the radio works. I called a couple of dealers and they asked me to keep the car overnite just for letting me know what is the reason for the problem. Hence I never pursued the fix for the problem. The problem is getting to my wife's nerves hence I did some research on getting it fixed and so far it seems quite an expense if I take it to a dealer or to some independent repair shop.
- dhin2pa, Silver Spring, MD, US
problem #28Accord ES
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I purchased this car with 56k miles on it, after a year the light on the cd player/radio (6 disc changer) went out. After that the dealership replaced it but, later my cds (purchased from a store) would get so hot it would literally burn my face after it was ejected. Now i can't insert CDs or take them out. Honda says they can fix the problem for 859.00. The problem is this is a replacement radio!
- apalmer, Alexandria, VA, US
problem #27Accord EX 4 CYL
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
The CD player won't take or eject the cd at all. i tried to to search online to find the fix but most people just suggest to take to radio to dealer to get fix.
- edamame1, Winter Park, FL, US
problem #26Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
6 CD CHANGER/PLAYER & BACKLIGHT WENT OUT. REPLACED WITH RECONDITIONED UNIT. REPLACEMENT CD FAILING NOW.
- hoobdar, Easthampton, MA, US
problem #25Accord EX 3.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
It was the first thing to break after our purchase. Bad design.
- texas coffeeman, Cypress, TX, US
problem #24Accord LX V4
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
Really terrible sound system in the particular model car. Even the speakers are crap.
- michellenfl, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, US
problem #23Accord EX 3.06
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
Literally the same day the Audio-HVAC Display went dark, I had no use of the CD player or radio. Related?
- Terri H., Eustis, FL, US
problem #22Accord EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,360 miles
The CD player issue started many months prior to 10/2011 but was intermittent .It actually stopped working all together in Sept 2011. I had it looked at while having the oil changed in Oct 2011. I have not been able to retrieve any of the 6 cd's in the player.
- papp, Wilmington, DE, US
problem #21Accord EX-L 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 178,000 miles
My CD went out on me over a month ago. Initially I was able to listen to the 4 CDs I had in the player but unable to Eject or Load any others. Now the player doesn't work at all and I get an ERR code. I called Honda Corporation this week and they told me there is no recall on this issue despite me saying I have read many blogs/sites where consumers have complained. She told me they base their recalls on the number of complaints they receive. So please call and complain if you have this issue!!
- Denise B., Newnan, GA, US
Read the next 20 complaints »
20 problems related to radio/tape cd player have been reported for the 2003 Honda Accord. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Honda Accord based on all problems reported for the 2003 Accord.
2003 Honda Accord. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle factory installed radio, components and back light defect issues. Consumer sent additional correspondence. The consumer stated recently, the cd player would not function properly and most importantly, the radio began to malfunction and drain the battery. The radio would flash on and off while both the radio, all components and vehicle were turned off and the key out of the ignition. After sitting overnight, the vehicle would not start the next morning. On two occasions after driving, the consumer shut the vehicle off for five minutes and it would not re-start. The consumer stated the vehicle would stall and it was all because of the defective radio. A mechanic informed the consumer, they had recently come across numerous 2003-2007 vehicle with the exact same problem. They found the problem was due to the way Honda installed and mounted the radio, coupled with the fact that the brains of the radio was defective, therefore draining the battery and causing the radio and back light to fail. The back light worked occasionally and then stopped illuminating.
2003 Honda Accord. Consumer states problems with the audio unit in the vehiclethe consumer stated the audio unit did not produce any sound when it was turned on. It would come on momentarily, only when driving for a few minutes, and then go out again. Also, the serpentine belt was worn due to age.
Stereo backlight died not allowing me to see radio, climate control, etc. This is a known issue with the radio circuit board. Took to authorized Honda dealer and was told of an extendwarranty, but I was not eligible for this warranty. Warranty is for 105,000 miles or 7 years. My mileage was 79k, but the car was 7 years and 4 months old. Car was repaired at my expense. Call Honda customer service but they would not reimburse for the repair. Honda felt that the extended warranty was sufficient.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The lighting on the radio display has failed. She contacted the dealer and the manufacturer and was advised that since her vehicle was over 105,000 miles she was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were 128,514. Updated 2/17/10updated 02/22/10.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the radio display intermittently becomes blank and fails to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that her VIN was not included in the recall. She is responsible for paying $1000 to have the radio repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Hello I have a 2003 Honda Accord. The failure happened to my radio it will not operate. They only thing that works is the time. It was while driving my radio just turned off, never came back on. . . . . . Can you please look into the defect thanks. . .
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. While attempting to pull out of a driveway, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to move. Suddenly, the vehicle shot backwards into the street at 45 mph. She then attempted to place the vehicle into drive once again, but it would not move. Suddenly, the vehicle sped forward. She heard a loud noise, but did not know the origin. The contact attempted to drive home, but the vehicle failed again on a main road with moderate to heavy traffic. She aimed the vehicle toward the nearest curb and restarted the vehicle. Pointed in the direction of a curb, she was able to move the vehicle towards the curb with one jerk. The previous week, the contact noticed the transmission banging into gear when shifting. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission), although the failures were similar. Other failures include the abs sensor light, cd player, air compressor leakage, trunk release not functioning, and the catalytic converter. The vehicle was towed to the dealer as instructed by the manufacturer and a local mechanic also inspected the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 60,446. Updated 07/29/08. Updated 08/05/08.
The back light on the radio unit hvac information clock radio displays all went black and cd changer does not function.
The backlighting on the center console went out. No fuses were blown. Radio and a/c are operation but you cannot see the status. You cannot control the heat or the defroster. Allen bradley kinetix 350 manual. Without knowing the status of this equipment, an accident is almost assured. . Fogged front window.
Since buying my car 2003 Honda Accord ex v6 coupe in 03. I had exhaust problems, radio replacement, park and brake sensor replacement, power outlet wiring problems and the windshield wipers freeze up during heavy rainstorms. This has almost caused a few accidents, but the dealership can find no problem. Last Thursday my car seemed to be hesitating before shifting into either 2nd or 3rd. I couldn't tell for sure. Later that night, the car began to jump into & out of the low gears while starting & stopping at lights. I pulled off the road and the car would not move in reverse (only rev up). After some time, the car jumped into reverse and back into a ditch. After getting back on the road, traveling approx 60 miles per hr, I eased off the accelerator, the car powerfully downshifted to 2nd gear. Had it not been for the seat belt, I believe I would have been injured. My dog was in the car with me & thrown into the dash, then the floor. The tires barked. The car then suddenly up shifted to a higher gear. I made it home that night and drove straight to the dealership the next morning. The car seemed to be doing ok. I arrived and was told to make an apt for next week. Less then 10 miles away the car would no longer shift out of 3rd gear and then would not go in reverse. I drove it back to the dealer. I was told I needed to replace the transmission at my expense, and I was pretty much at fault because I had not completed all my service at Honda. I explained that it was impossible for me to make it to them during their business hours. So, some of my normal oil changes were done at other lube centers. I then asked him about the transmission recall and he said that had nothing to do with my problem. After waiting more than ã‚â½ hr while he cut up with employees, I spoke to the location manager and asked about temporary transportation until I could contact american Honda, and he suggested I buy a new car.
2003 Accord has had a problem with the second gear of the transmission. *****there was a recall for the transmission problem but the service manager told the consumer that the failure would not be covered under recall. The radio screen was blank.
: the contact stated the radio and air conditioner lighted console did not illuminate. A service dealer was consulted, who informed the contact that the radio unit needed to be removed, and during the time of the repair, the vehicle would be considered unsafe to operate.
Took my car in for a regular oil change. Hours later I received a phone call from the service advisor asking me, if I had time so he could talk to me regarding my car. I said, yes and the service advisor from Honda dealership went on to tell me that I needed my transmission fluid changed, brake fluid changed, and my engine coolant changed. The total amount of cost came to $500. 29 which I thought I was being ripped off. The Honda service advisor also went on to tell me that I need to have my front struts replaced because they are bad. I noticed when I would make a right hand turn I would hear a squeaky noise. He confirmed that it was my front struts. I ask the service advisor how long does it normally take for struts to wear out he told me around 80,000-100,000 miles well my 2003 Honda Accord ex only have 48,000 miles on it. I'm assuming that I probably started off with bad struts in the beginning since I had my Honda Accord ex, I have had nothing but problems. Now, that my car is out of warranty I'm hit with a huge fee to get struts replaced on a car which I think was bad in the first place. My Honda Accord ex was originally purchased by me in December of 2002. I have been the only driver of the car. At this time I would never purchase another Honda Accord. I used to have an 2000 Honda Accord ex never had a problem. Since I have had this car there have been recalls on my car. I have had problems with the door latches, inside panel on passenger side coming off. Sunroof rubber coming unglued. I had to have the windshield replaced bad wipers which scratched the windshield up. New radio system. Trouble with the lights for the heated seats, dash board lights went out. Radio lights went out. I was sold a complete lemon. I believe Honda should look into my maintenance record and see all the problems I have had with this car and really consider replacing the struts for me. I do not have an extended warranty it's going to cost me $700.
2003 Honda Accord ex backlit display on 6-cd radio system no longer works. Honda indicates the entire device will have to be replaced at a cost of approx. $900.
The back light went out in center console display (radio, cd player, & a/c displayed there), making the console look like it was turned off. The dealership diagnosed the problem as being caused by the radio and it would need to be replaced. Thankfully my car is still under warranty, therefore the dealership made the repair at no cost to me when the part came in 1 week later. The center console display is now functioning correctly.
Purchased 2003 Accord ex v6 in 5/03. Had a few problems with car after purchase: delay when shifting from reverse to drive (dealership said was normal), muffler sound like it has a leak (dealership could'nt find a problem), noise has gotten worse. My car has been out of warranty since 1/05. Went on vacation in 2/05, when I went to crank the car, put the key in the ignition and turned, all of the lights on dash and radio lit up, turned the key further to crank, once started the dash lights came back on, but the radio lights did'nt. The radio still worked, you just cant see the display. Called the dealership after we got home and they said it sounded like a bulb went out, they would replace it but I would have to pay 80. 00 labor and they could'nt guarantee that was the problem. I took my car to a local automotive repair shop for them to change the bulb, they took out the radio and called the Honda dealership that I called and they told the mechanic there was no bulb in the radio. They put the radio back in and gave me the car back. I bought a new radio and took it back to the repair shop, they put the new radio in and the same problem as before, radio works, no lights. They put the old radio back in. I called the dealership again and this time I explained again about my radio lights, they suggest I contact Honda customer service and follow their suggestions, so I did, and explained the situation to them. They advised me there was a bulletin already on the problem with my radio, that the problem is due to faulty equipment. Told me I should take the car to the dealership, give them the bulletin number, let them diagnose my problem and if it is due to faulty equipment, get an estimate of how much it would cost to fix. Call customer service back and let them know how much the dealership would charge me and ask for goodwill assistance for financing the cost to fix faulty equipment that obviously is an ongoing problem with Honda, not the consumer.
Cd player malfunction, not a mechanical failure, 2003 first model year of the Accord lx makeover, high heat builds up in the dashboard when on the freeway with heater and player on. Cd are very hot. Digital display 'err' or 'busy',this happened at 18,000 miles,(covered by warranty) when driving on vacation in late fall, 2nd fix at 75,000,dealer reduce charge of new installation, at 100,000 miles burned out again, on freeway each week since I owned the car at least 2 hrs. Dealer denial of any responsibility, service-person,acknowledged problem with this model year, but on third visit denied he made such statements. Not a boombox problem, I play mostly classical music, when I do, not from overuse! no computer cd ever played, only commercial cd's played. It still loads and rejects as normal but displays error message, and busy message. Service told me that this is a problem with all 2003 Accords, the problem was fixed in the 2004 model. I would like Honda to assume costs and fix my player. . . . . Please. Cd are not warm, they are very, very hot when placed on to the cheek, at first alarmed about the possibility of a fire, so I emptied out the player and hoped that I would not have to pull over.
Since owning this car January 2003, the following has happened to abs harness caught on fire (car was saved, but Honda refused to give me another car after writing them), radio has gone out, clock gone out, trouble starting vehicle - this is apparently a fuel pressure regulator - tech notice but no recall. The front brakes were silently recalled only if you state your having problems. This car has been one big problem.
Firwall heat. 2003 Honda Accord, bought in sepetember of 2003. In October, on the way home from vacation, (speed 65, car on freeway for at least 5 hours) the cd ejected from the dashboard was so hot that I thought the other cd's in the player would melt, so I ejected them all. Call to dealer service said that similiar complaints had come in but not to worry. June 8, 2003 the lights in radio and lower controls go out. Suburban Honda, is going to replace the radio unit, which I believe burned out from heat, the lower light bulb too, though service said it was working. It was not when I bought the car in. When I suggested the firewall heat problem, I was asked who I had been talking too. I know that there will be other complaints on this subject of this model year.
There is always a high pitch back ground noise (more like humming and hazing sound) coming out from the stereo unit when the volume dial is 01 and up no matter if it is the cd or radio. If I adjust the volume to 00, it is gone. But when the volume is 01 or up, the noise comes back. My dealer also acknowledged this problem on all their 03 Honda Accord in stock. He called american Honda regarding this issue but has not got any response yet.
Other Equipment related problems of the 2003 Honda Accord
| Equipment problems | |
| Radio/tape Cd Player problems | 20 |
| Air Conditioner problems | |
| Adaptive Equipment problems | 1 |
| Anti-theft Devices problems | |
| Carrier/rack problems | 1 |
| Electrical Equipment problems | |
| Owners/service Manual problems | 1 |
| Electrical Jack problems |