1999 Honda Accord EX V6 from North America - Comments

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES PURCHASE THE 1998-2002 HONDA ACCORD 3.0 V6!

The stories are true. My transmission failed the first time at just over 120,000 miles. Going 70mph down the freeway the computer suddenly drops the transmission into D1 with no warning, and I nearly lost control of the vehicle and narrowly missed a major accident. 2nd gear and the torque converter had to be replaced along with all the transmission electronics. (Cost: $2,600)

Honda of America wouldn't assist with any of the cost, based on the fact that I was the 2nd owner of the vehicle. This kind of customer service is unacceptable, especially since there is currently a civil-action lawsuit underway regarding this particular drive train. (J30A1)

Link#1 - Lawsuit info:

http://www.acuraworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24415

It is also in the Honda Odyssey, though I don't know what years.

The second failure occurred at 150,000 miles. Same failure, same equipment. I had a third party warranty on the new transmission, so this one will be free. No thanks to Honda. As soon as I get it back out of the shop, I am selling this vehicle and will never buy another Honda. I honestly thought Honda was a better company than this.

I am not the only one... Here is a link to a forum with a tracker of individuals with the same type of failure.

Link#2 - Official J30 Dead transmission thread:

http://www.v6performance.net/forums/showthread.php?t=63785

Aside from the absurd design flaw in the transmission, the car is very nice. Comfortable leather interior, good HP when running, good handling. Too bad one system flaw destroys this car.

Honda isn't as good as many make them out to be. They have quite a few current class action lawsuits against them.

Hey, it could have been worse! You could have brought a Ford Explorer or Taurus - then you'd have engine, transmission and tyre lawsuits to go through!

My '99 Honda Accord (I am the original owner) is the worst car I've ever owned and this includes the '64 Corvair that burned oil, only ran on 3 of it's 4 cylinders and actually had the engine fall out at one point. The litany of my Accord problems includes a failed transmission at just under 30,000 miles; and now, unbelievably, at 115,000 miles the replacement Honda re-manufactured transmission needs to be replaced! This gives the Honda transmissions in my Accord an average life span of just over 70,000 miles.

Add to this the continued problems with the erratic gas gauge (s) - plural since fuel gauges (meter assembly or sending units) have been replaced at 15,000; 21,600; 25,000; 38,400; and a fuel gauge combination unit at 88,000 miles. Then finally, in a completely over-the-top melt down at 89,300 miles (apparently triggered by my request to have the non-functioning low fuel light fixed) resulting in a week long stay at the dealership with both a multiplex control unit and a dash cluster fuel unit being replaced.

The alternator was replaced at 95,000 miles - picture driving over the busiest, longest bridge in your region (that would be the Tappen Zee in NYS) and having every indicator on your dashboard light up. I could see that all of my doors were not actually open, etc. but nerve-wracking none-the-less and requiring immediate attention 100 or so miles from home.

And yes, I've had every recommended service performed at every recommended interval. I kept hoping that each problem would be the last and then I'd be home free, but a 2nd transmission? This is the last straw. My choices are to come up with $3000 to replace the replacement transmission or look for another car. I'm asking Honda Motor Co. to show some good will in light of the unreasonable, costly and time consuming problems I've had with my current accord and help with bringing down the cost of a new Honda. I've yet to receive a response, but it is the holidays.

If they decide not to help me out, this will be my last Honda, but it won't be last time that I share my Honda experiences with others.

Loved my 99 Accord LX until like all of you here, transmission started slipping at about 100k. Mechanics did not advise me to change fluid and I can only hope if I get another one of this vintage (all I can afford since I only got $1400 for this one) that it lasts the 150 k it should. Manuals do not say if you drive in severe conditions (carrying a lot of stuff, city (aka stop and go traffic), up mountain roads TO CHANGE THE TRANNY FLUID EVERY 12K! Yes, 12K not 30k! Fluid has to be red /or at least pink! I didn't believe these sites until I went on them myself and here I am. I'm also considering a Subaru or Nissan whose trannies seem to last forever.