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The Honda Accord years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2013, which have the highest complaint rates and most expensive repairs[1]. The 2003 model ranks as the worst overall due to widespread automatic transmission failures costing an average of $2,700 to repair[1]. Despite these problematic years, the Accord maintains a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating overall, ranking first among midsize cars[2].
Honda Accord Years to Avoid
While the Honda Accord enjoys an excellent reliability reputation, certain model years experienced significantly more problems than others. The following years warrant caution when shopping for a used Accord:
| Model Year | Total Complaints | Primary Issue | Avg Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1,703[1] | Transmission failure | $2,700[1] |
| 2008 | 2,495[1] | Premature brake wear | Varies |
| 2004 | 626[1] | Transmission failure | $2,900[1] |
| 2013 | 600[1] | Transmission/vibration | Varies |
| 2002 | 993[1] | Transmission slipping | $2,400[1] |
2003 Honda Accord (Worst Overall)
The 2003 Accord holds the distinction of being the worst model year despite not having the highest raw complaint count[1]. This rating accounts for repair severity, cost, and the mileage at which problems typically appear. The automatic transmission in 2003-2004 Accords proved so problematic that Honda issued a recall affecting over one million vehicles[3].
The transmission issues stemmed from insufficient fluid flow causing excessive heat buildup between gears[3]. This led to:
- Decreased material strength in transmission components
- Chipped gear teeth
- Complete gear failure causing sudden transmission lockup[3]
Transmission failures typically occurred around 98,000 miles, with repair costs averaging $2,700[1]. The severity of this issue—potentially causing complete loss of vehicle control—makes the 2003 model particularly dangerous.
For buyers researching used vehicle mileage expectations, see our guide on how many miles is good for a used car.
2008 Honda Accord (Most Complaints)
The 2008 Accord accumulated 2,495 complaints—the highest of any model year[1]. As a first-year redesign for the eighth generation, this model year suffered from typical new-generation teething problems.
Common 2008 Accord issues include:
- Premature brake wear (most reported problem)[1]
- Excessive oil consumption
- Juddering during acceleration caused by clutch issues[4]
- Starter motor failures
The 2009 model year resolved many of these issues, earning an 81 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power compared to the problematic 2008[5].
2013 Honda Accord
The 2013 Accord marked the beginning of the ninth generation and carried first-year production concerns[6]. With 600 complaints logged, this model year experienced:
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures causing erratic shifting[4]
- Vehicles getting stuck in limp mode
- Vibration issues
- Battery sensor problems[5]
Despite these complaints, the 2013 Accord’s issues proved less severe than the 2003 transmission failures. Many 2013 models have exceeded 200,000 miles[5]. However, first-generation buyers often inherit the burden of working out production problems.
1999-2002 Honda Accord (Sixth Generation)
The final years of the sixth-generation Accord (1999-2002) share similar transmission vulnerabilities to the 2003-2004 models[6]. These model years experienced:
- Failing automatic transmissions
- Shifting issues and harsh engagement
- EGR valve problems
- Motor mount failures causing engine vibrations[6]
Transmission slipping and jerking in the 2002 model cost an average of $2,400 to repair at approximately 95,000 miles[1].
Best Honda Accord Years to Buy
Not all Accords present equal risk. Several model years stand out for reliability:
| Model Year | J.D. Power Score | Why It’s Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | High | Considered most reliable overall[6] |
| 2017 | 82/100[5] | Post-refresh with Honda Sensing standard |
| 2012 | Good | Best of eighth generation[6] |
| 2015 | 83/100[5] | Refined pre-refresh model |
| 2006-2007 | Good | Best of seventh generation[6] |
Why 2016 Stands Out
The 2016 Honda Accord is widely considered the most reliable model year based on the fewest driver complaints[6]. This model year came after Honda had time to refine the ninth generation, resolving issues that plagued the 2013-2014 models. The mid-cycle refresh brought:
- Stiffened chassis for improved handling
- Updated front and rear design
- Larger wheels
- Honda Sensing driver-assist features[5]
2006-2007: Best of Seventh Generation
If shopping for older Accords, the 2006 and 2007 models represent the safest choices from the seventh generation[6]. By this point, Honda had addressed the transmission problems that plagued 2003-2005 models through recalls and design improvements.
For information on vehicle longevity, see how long cars typically last and our guide on accident history considerations.
Common Honda Accord Problems by Generation
Understanding recurring issues across generations helps identify what to inspect when shopping:
Sixth Generation (1998-2002)
- Primary concern: Automatic transmission failure
- Also reported: EGR valve problems, motor mount wear
Seventh Generation (2003-2007)
- Primary concern: Transmission failure (especially 2003-2005)[3]
- Also reported: Power steering issues, airbag recalls
Eighth Generation (2008-2012)
- Primary concern: Premature brake wear, excessive oil consumption
- Also reported: Starter failures, juddering during acceleration[4]
Ninth Generation (2013-2017)
- Primary concern: TCM failures causing erratic shifting[4]
- Also reported: Battery sensor issues, vibration problems
Tenth Generation (2018-Present)
- Primary concern: Infotainment glitches, minor electrical issues
- Also reported: Generally reliable with fewer major complaints[1]
What to Check When Buying a Used Accord
Given the known issues with certain model years, used Accord buyers should:
- Verify transmission service history – Essential for 2003-2005 and 1999-2002 models
- Check for recall completion – The 2003-2004 transmission recall should show as completed
- Inspect brake wear – Particularly on 2008-2010 models
- Test drive for juddering – Acceleration should be smooth without hesitation
- Request pre-purchase inspection – Have a mechanic check for TCM issues on 2013-2017 models
For information on protecting your investment, see our guides on lemon law protections and what happens when a car is totaled.
Honda Accord Reliability Context
Despite the problematic years highlighted above, the Honda Accord remains one of the most reliable midsize sedans available:
- Overall reliability rating: 4.5/5.0 (ranks 1st of 24 midsize cars)[2]
- Average annual repair cost: $400 vs. $526 segment average[2]
- Repair frequency: 0.26 visits per year vs. 0.3 segment average[2]
- Severe repair probability: 9% vs. 12% for all vehicles[2]
Earlier generations before 1998 are widely considered practically indestructible, with numerous reports of 2.0-liter engines exceeding 300,000 miles[6].
Key Takeaways
- Avoid the 2003 Honda Accord—it ranks worst overall due to expensive transmission failures averaging $2,700[1]
- The 2008 Accord has the most complaints (2,495) and should be approached cautiously[1]
- First-year models (2003, 2008, 2013, 2018) typically have more issues than later years in each generation
- The 2016 Accord is considered the most reliable model year[6]
- Overall, the Accord ranks 1st in reliability among 24 midsize cars with $400 average annual repair costs[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable Honda Accord year?
The 2016 Honda Accord is considered the most reliable model year based on the lowest number of driver complaints[6]. Other excellent choices include 2017, 2015, and 2012 model years. These models benefit from mid-generation refinements that resolved early production issues.
Why do 2003-2004 Accords have transmission problems?
Is the 2008 Honda Accord a good car to buy?
The 2008 Accord should be approached with caution due to having the most complaints of any model year (2,495 total)[1]. As a first-year redesign, it experienced brake wear, oil consumption, and starter problems. The 2009 model year resolved many issues and is a safer choice.
References
- CarComplaints.com. (2025). Honda Accord Complaints by Model Year. https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/
- RepairPal. (2025). Honda Accord Reliability Rating. https://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/accord
- Reddit r/autorepair. (2018). 2003 Honda Accord Transmission Issue.
2003 Honda Accord 180K miles transmission issue
byu/HastroX inautorepair - Rohnert Park Transmission. (2025). Honda Accord Transmission Repair Guide. https://rohnertparktransmission.com/vehicles/honda/accord/repair-guide
- TopSpeed. (2024). Ranking The Best Honda Accord Model Years For Reliability. https://www.topspeed.com/best-honda-accord-model-years-reliability/
- REREV. (2024). Best and Worst Honda Accord Years — Which to Avoid. https://rerev.com/articles/honda-accord-years-to-avoid/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
