Vehicles / Honda / Accord / 1999

1999 Honda Accord

1,135 federal complaints (1,345 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 146 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 46 model years of the Honda Accord →
Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
20 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
1,135
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Electrical system
398
Power train
251
Engine & cooling
176
Air bags
74
Body & structure
72
Speed control
51
Brakes
51
Seats
42
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

0 years old: 54 complaints01 years old: 33 complaints2 years old: 51 complaints3 years old: 132 complaints4 years old: 94 complaints5 years old: 111 complaints56 years old: 53 complaints7 years old: 44 complaints8 years old: 38 complaints9 years old: 48 complaints10 years old: 54 complaints1011 years old: 53 complaints12 years old: 42 complaints13 years old: 33 complaints14 years old: 30 complaints15 years old: 31 complaints1516 years old: 29 complaints17 years old: 23 complaints18 years old: 12 complaints19 years old: 5 complaints20+ years old: 45 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,015 of 1,135 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 12 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 24 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 57 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 87 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 102 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 77 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 77 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 66 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 48 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 28 complaints200,000+ miles: 54 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 632 of 1,135 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

398 complaint records3 fire reports8 crash reports
"DEALERWILL NOT HONOR SERVICE ON ANY AFTER MARKET PRODUCT ON THE SWITCH IGNITION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR..."- 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

251 complaint records1 fire report9 crash reports
"TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO GEAR, IT WAS SLOW IN SHIFTING. WHEN EVER THIS HAPPENS, ENGINE WOULD REV UP. *JB..."- 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

176 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TS *NLM..."- 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE05002
opened Jan 2005
closed Feb 2005Electrical SystemIGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK - led to recall 05V025000
THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT COUNTS ARE FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 - 2001 HONDA ACCORD MODELS THAT WERE NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF A RELATED HONDA RECALL ACTION (NHTSA 03V423); THESE VEHICLES WERE INVESTIGATED BY ODI UNDER DEFECT PETITION (DP) 04-006.COMPLAINT...
DP04006
opened Oct 2004
closed Jan 2005Electrical SystemIGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) PRODUCED AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER DATED OCTOBER 14, 2004 WHICH DEFINED THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS MODEL YEAR 1999 - 2001 HONDA ACCORD VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRIOR RECALL ACTION (03V423)...
EA03017
opened Sep 2003
closed Dec 2003Power TrainIGNITION-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 2003Power TrainIGNITION-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 2003SeatsSEAT 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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
20V026000Air BagsHonda (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
05V025000Electrical SystemON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE...Normally free
03V423000Electrical SystemON 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
02V120000Electrical SystemON 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

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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020014
2020-01-17
Airbag178,835Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash.
2005037
2005-02-15
Other11,448On certain vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to PARK.
2003276
2003-11-10
Other43,032On 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
Electrical188,463On 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.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A18070
Aug 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingService 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
EquipmentDealer 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 CoolingHONDA: 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
SuspensionREAR STABILIZER LINK IS BROKEN. *TT
06035
Jun 2006
SuspensionREPLACEABLE BALL JOINTS. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
09012005
Sep 2005
Electrical SystemTROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR DTC P1381. *NM
805
Aug 2005
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1381, CYLINDER SENSOR INTERMITTENT INTERRUPT. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
08012005
Aug 2005
Electrical SystemA 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 SystemIF 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
07012005
Jul 2005
Electrical SystemSPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. HONDA SERVICE NEWS. *TT
05162005
May 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE-CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *SC
405
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemTRANSFERRING ODOMETER MILEAGE AT ODOMETER R&R. *TT
205
Feb 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingTIMESERT 12MM HEAD BOLT THREAD REPAIR KIT. *TT
10012004
Oct 2004
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SOLENOID REPLACEMENT CRITERIA. *TT
09162004
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingOIL FILTER DEFLECTOR. *EH
804
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE) P1279, PGM TESTER SOFTWARE ERROR. *SC
04004
Aug 2004
Electrical SystemROUGH IDLE AT COLD START; MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC P0107 OR P0108. *MJ UPDATE. *TT
00064
Aug 2004
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH WARPED OR DEFORMED WINDSHIELD MOLDING. *TT UPDATE. *TT
98084
Jul 2004
Power TrainCLUTCH PEDAL NOISE. *TT
704
Jul 2004
Electrical SystemPOOR RADIO RECEPTION, SEEK-STOP TEST. *SC
07012004
Jul 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPOOR A/C COOLING DURING HARD ACCELERATION. *EH
05012004
May 2004
EquipmentAUDIO UNIT AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON INTERACTIVE NETWORK. *NM
03088
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemSAFETY RECALL: IGNITION SWITCH KEY INTERLOCK. *TT UPDATE. *TT
404
Apr 2004
EquipmentAUDIO, ANTI-THEFT CODES. HONDA. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
04012004
Apr 2004
Power TrainREPAIRING ATF LEAKS UNDER WARRANTY. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT
04011
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT UPDATE: THROTTLE BODY AIR BLEED SCREW. *TT
022504
Feb 2004
Power TrainUNDER 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 CoolingV6 ENGINE OIL LEAKS. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 01-009, DATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2002. *TT
204
Feb 2004
Power Train2ND TO 5TH OR 3RD TO 5TH GEAR UPSHIFT. *NM
020204
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingBROKEN HEAD BOLT(S). REQUEST FOR PARTS. *TT
02012004
Feb 2004
Electrical SystemCLEAN MODULATOR PUMP MOTOR GROUND FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 51/53. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT
012012003
Dec 2003
Power TrainATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) LEAKS FROM COOLER LINE BANJO BOLT. *SC
03073
Nov 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD) IS STORED. *TT *MJ
11012003
Nov 2003
SuspensionHUMMING OR GROWLING? CHECK THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT
03078
Oct 2003
Service BrakesBRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF. *TT
1003
Oct 2003
Power TrainHUMMING, GROWLING SOUND FROM TRANSMISSION. *TT
98084
Oct 2003
Power TrainA SQUEAK OR GROAN WHEN YOU PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL. *TT
903
Sep 2003
Power TrainHARD TO ENGAGE 1ST GEAR, GRINDS INTO REVERSE. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
03034
Sep 2003
SeatsTHE 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 TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T) WHINE? MAKE SURE IT'S THE A/T BEFORE REPLACING IT. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
00046
Aug 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1164. *TT
030013
Jun 2003
SeatsTHE 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
SeatsTHE 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 CoolingCOOLANT IN THE ENGINE OIL PAN. *TT
060103
Jun 2003
Power TrainGRADE LOGIC CONTROL INFORMATION. *TT
03022
May 2003
EquipmentREMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TT
040103
Apr 2003
EquipmentFACTORY SECURITY SYSTEM DOESN'T ARM. *TT
03022
Mar 2003
EquipmentREMOTE AUDIO CONTROL DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *JB
303
Mar 2003
Electrical SystemTROUBLESHOOTING INTERMITTENT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) OR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT
020103
Feb 2003
Air BagsSRS INDICATOR ON WITH NO SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) SET. *TT *JB
03001
Jan 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1457 - EVAP BYPASS SOLENOID VALVE FAILURE. *TT
010103
Jan 2003
Unknown Or OtherCOMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS THAT THEY CAN'T PROGRAM HOMELINK. *TT *JB
00017
Dec 2002
Interior LightingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0133 STORED. *TT
1202
Dec 2002
Power TrainSTRAINING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) TO DIAGNOSE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. *TT
120102
Dec 2002
Air BagsSRS INDICATOR COMES ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. *TT *JB
1102
Nov 2002
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) OR TCS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 51 AND/OR 53 TROUBLESHOOTING. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
110102
Nov 2002
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) GRUNTS WHEN DOING A SELF-CHECK. *TT
1002
Oct 2002
Service BrakesGRUNT NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER SITTING. HONDA OCTOBER TECH LINE INFORMATION. 2002 PRELUDE ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
100102
Oct 2002
VisibilityBUFFETING NOISE WITH REAR WINDOW(S) OPEN IS NORMAL. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
02040
Jul 2002
Service BrakesSOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE THE ABS INDICATOR IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 81. *TT

Showing 60 of 146 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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.
  5. 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 →