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].
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] |
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:
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.
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:
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].
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:
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.
The final years of the sixth-generation Accord (1999-2002) share similar transmission vulnerabilities to the 2003-2004 models[6]. These model years experienced:
Transmission slipping and jerking in the 2002 model cost an average of $2,400 to repair at approximately 95,000 miles[1].
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] |
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:
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.
Understanding recurring issues across generations helps identify what to inspect when shopping:
Given the known issues with certain model years, used Accord buyers should:
For information on protecting your investment, see our guides on lemon law protections and what happens when a car is totaled.
Despite the problematic years highlighted above, the Honda Accord remains one of the most reliable midsize sedans available:
Earlier generations before 1998 are widely considered practically indestructible, with numerous reports of 2.0-liter engines exceeding 300,000 miles[6].
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