Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,009 of 1,200 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 483 of 1,200 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
319 complaint records3 fire reports9 crash reports
"IGNITION KEY SOMETIMES WON'T COME OUT OF IGNITION WHEN TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK. (NAR) *LA DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *CB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
281 complaint records13 crash reports
"IGNITION KEY SOMETIMES WON'T COME OUT OF IGNITION WHEN TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK. (NAR) *LA DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *CB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
158 complaint records3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03017 opened Sep 2003 | closed Dec 2003 | Power Train | IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK - led to recall 03V423000 SIX OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF HONDA COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS FOUR OF THE CRASHES.THE ONE INJURY OCCURRED WHEN A ROLLAWAY VEHICLE STRUCK THE EXITING OPERATOR WHO HAD INADVERTENTLY PARKED THE VEHICLE IN AN UNSECURED STATE (NOT IN PARK, BRAKE NOT... |
| PE03014 opened Apr 2003 | closed Sep 2003 | Power Train | IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK SYSTEM SIX OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF THE MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS FOUR OF THE CRASHES.THE NOTED INJURY OCCURRED WHEN A ROLLAWAY VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN INADVERTENTLY PARKED IN NEUTRAL STRUCK THE EXITING OPERATOR.THE WARRANTY CLAIM COUNT SHOWN... |
| PE02072 opened Oct 2002 | closed Mar 2003 | Seats | SEAT FRAME BRACKET FAILURE THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON 10 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS IN THE ODI DATABASE ALLEGING THAT THE POWER ASSISTED SEATS WERE FAILING IN CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA ACCORD VEHICLES.FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE 1998-99 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V026000 | Air Bags | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and... | Normally free |
| 03V423000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT... | Normally free |
| 02V120000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. | Normally free |
| 99V069000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. | Normally free |
| 98V018000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED... | Normally free |
| 97V220000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MOUNTING BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020014 2020-01-17 | Airbag | 178,835 | Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. |
| 2003276 2003-11-10 | Other | 43,032 | On certain vehicles, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the off position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to Park. |
| 2002096 2002-05-24 | Electrical | 188,463 | On certain vehicles electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started. |
| 1999101 1999-05-26 | Suspension | 10,190 | On certain vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints may prematurely wear out due to improper finishing of the surface of the spherical portion of the ball joints between the front lower arm and knuckle. |
| 1998024 1998-02-11 | Powertrain | 1,421 | On certain vehicles, an irregularity on the right side of the transmission cover may limit the movement of the parking pawl actuation lever and prevent adequate engagement of the parking gear pawl. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A18070 Aug 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. | |
| ABOM08092018901 Aug 2018 | Equipment | Dealer message - Today, American Honda is notifying dealers of a voluntary noncompliance recall for a small number of Honda vehicles due to an error on the replacement (service part) underhood emissions labels. American Honda previously notified CARB and the EPA for this action. | |
| SB-99-075 Aug 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HONDA: TROUBLESHOOTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P1456 AND P1457. DEALERS ARE TO RUN EVAP FUNCTION TEST TO FIND IF THERE IS A LEAK SO THE VEHICLE CAN BE REPAIRED. *KB | |
| 05021 Nov 2006 | Suspension | REAR STABILIZER LINK IS BROKEN. *TT | |
| 06035 Jun 2006 | Suspension | REPLACEABLE BALL JOINTS. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09012005 Sep 2005 | Electrical System | TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR DTC P1381. *NM | |
| 805 Aug 2005 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1381, CYLINDER SENSOR INTERMITTENT INTERRUPT. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 08012005 Aug 2005 | Electrical System | A SHORT TO GROUND IN THE BLK/YEL ALTERNATOR WIRE COULD CAUSE THE ECM/PCM TO SET CERTAIN DTCS AND INTERMITTENTLY BLOW THE NO. 6 (15A) FUSE IN THE DRIVER'S UNDER-DASH FUSE/RELAY BOX. *TT | |
| 07162005 Jul 2005 | Electrical System | IF THE BLK/YEL WIRE IS SHORTED TO GROUND AT THE REAR OF THE NON ULEV ALTERNATOR, THE ECM/PCM MAY RETAIN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1298, P0141, P0135, P0753 OR P1753 AND THE NUMBER 6 FUSE IN THE DRIVER'S UNDERDASH FUSE/RELAY BOX MAY BLOW INTERMITTENTLY. *TT | |
| 05162005 May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *SC | |
| 205 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TIMESERT 14MM DRAIN PLUG THREAD REPAIR KIT. *TT | |
| 10012004 Oct 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | USE OIL DEFLECTOR WHEN CHANGING OIL FILTER. *EH | |
| 09162004 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL FILTER DEFLECTOR. *EH | |
| 804 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE) P1279, PGM TESTER SOFTWARE ERROR. *SC | |
| 04004 Aug 2004 | Electrical System | ROUGH IDLE AT COLD START; MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC P0107 OR P0108. *MJ UPDATE. *TT | |
| 00064 Aug 2004 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH WARPED OR DEFORMED WINDSHIELD MOLDING. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 98084 Jul 2004 | Power Train | CLUTCH PEDAL NOISE. *TT | |
| 704 Jul 2004 | Electrical System | POOR RADIO RECEPTION, SEEK-STOP TEST. *SC | |
| 07012004 Jul 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POOR A/C COOLING DURING HARD ACCELERATION. *EH | |
| 05012004 May 2004 | Equipment | AUDIO UNIT AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON INTERACTIVE NETWORK. *NM | |
| 03088 Apr 2004 | Electrical System | SAFETY RECALL: IGNITION SWITCH KEY INTERLOCK. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 404 Apr 2004 | Equipment | AUDIO, ANTI-THEFT CODES. HONDA. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 04012004 Apr 2004 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. CHECK FOR SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. HONDA SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT | |
| 04011 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PRODUCT UPDATE: THROTTLE BODY AIR BLEED SCREW. *TT | |
| 022504 Feb 2004 | Power Train | UNDER RAPID DECELERATION, SECONDARY AIRFLOW IS INSUFFICIENT TO ACHIEVE 100% COMBUSTION, AND THE VEHICLE MAY MOMENTARILY EXCEED HYDROCARBON SPECIFICATIONS. CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT. *TT | |
| 01009 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | V6 ENGINE OIL LEAKS. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 01-009, DATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2002. *TT | |
| 204 Feb 2004 | Power Train | 2ND TO 5TH OR 3RD TO 5TH GEAR UPSHIFT. *NM | |
| 020204 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BROKEN HEAD BOLT(S). REQUEST FOR PARTS. *TT | |
| 02012004 Feb 2004 | Electrical System | CLEAN MODULATOR PUMP MOTOR GROUND FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 51/53. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 012012003 Dec 2003 | Power Train | ATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) LEAKS FROM COOLER LINE BANJO BOLT. *SC | |
| 03073 Nov 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD) IS STORED. *TT *MJ | |
| 11012003 Nov 2003 | Suspension | HUMMING OR GROWLING? CHECK THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 102703 Oct 2003 | Power Train | RECALL CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL SALES, SERVICE AND PARTS MANAGERS REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE... | |
| 03078 Oct 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF. *TT | |
| 1003 Oct 2003 | Power Train | HUMMING, GROWLING SOUND FROM TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 98084 Oct 2003 | Power Train | A SQUEAK OR GROAN WHEN YOU PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL. *TT | |
| 903 Sep 2003 | Power Train | HARD TO ENGAGE 1ST GEAR, GRINDS INTO REVERSE. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 03034 Sep 2003 | Seats | THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LINKAGE OF THE 8-WAY POWER DRIVER'S SEAT CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOOSENESS IN THE SEAT-BACK AND THE SEAT CUSHION - PRODUCT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 090103 Sep 2003 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T) WHINE? MAKE SURE IT'S THE A/T BEFORE REPLACING IT. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 00046 Aug 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1164. *TT | |
| 030013 Jun 2003 | Seats | THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LINKAGE OF THE 8-WAY POWER DRIVER'S SEAT CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOOSENESS IN THE SEAT-BACK AND SEAT CUSHION - PARTS INFORMATION BULLETIN. *TT | |
| 03034 Jun 2003 | Seats | THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LINKAGE OF THE 8-WAY POWER DRIVER'S SEAT CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOOSENESS IN THE SEAT-BACK AND THE SEAT CUSHION - PRODUCT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 9971 Jun 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLANT IN THE ENGINE OIL PAN. *TT | |
| 060103 Jun 2003 | Power Train | GRADE LOGIC CONTROL INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 03022 May 2003 | Equipment | REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TT | |
| 040103 Apr 2003 | Equipment | FACTORY SECURITY SYSTEM DOESN'T ARM. *TT | |
| 03022 Mar 2003 | Equipment | REMOTE AUDIO CONTROL DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *JB | |
| 303 Mar 2003 | Electrical System | TROUBLESHOOTING INTERMITTENT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) OR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT | |
| 020103 Feb 2003 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR ON WITH NO SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) SET. *TT *JB | |
| 03001 Jan 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1457 - EVAP BYPASS SOLENOID VALVE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 010103 Jan 2003 | Unknown Or Other | COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS THAT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM HOMELINK. *TT *JB | |
| 00017 Dec 2002 | Interior Lighting | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0133 STORED. *TT | |
| 1202 Dec 2002 | Power Train | STRAINING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) TO DIAGNOSE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 120102 Dec 2002 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR COMES ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. *TT *JB | |
| 1102 Nov 2002 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) OR TCS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 51 AND/OR 53 TROUBLESHOOTING. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 110102 Nov 2002 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) GRUNTS WHEN DOING A SELF-CHECK. *TT | |
| 1002 Oct 2002 | Service Brakes | GRUNT NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER SITTING. HONDA OCTOBER TECH LINE INFORMATION. 2002 PRELUDE ALSO INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 100102 Oct 2002 | Visibility | BUFFETING NOISE WITH REAR WINDOW(S) OPEN IS NORMAL. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 02040 Jul 2002 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE THE ABS INDICATOR IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 81. *TT | |
| 010702 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS ARTICLE APPLIES TO TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS MISSING FOR TIMING BELT TENSIONER BOLT. *TT |
Showing 60 of 168 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Honda Accord →