2003 Honda Accord LX from North America - Comments

Brakes changed at 50K

windshield wiper motor at 60K

Belt at 43K

drivers side window motor at 60K

blower motor controller at 50K

HVAC/radio display at 55K

oxygen sensor at 45K.

This is the third accord my family has had, and I have to say it has been the worst of all of them. I had an 88 that was flawless up to 160K. Traded that on a 98 that I still own with 170K on it. Very few problems with that car.

The 2003 I bought to replace a Ford Focus that I was getting sick of repairing. Had I known the troubles the new accord was going to give me, I would have kept the Ford.

The car was somewhat perfect for 40K miles. I had to take it in for a recall and to fix a creaking passenger window, but that was it. The last year, however, it's been in the shop 5 times to get this and that replaced. First was the check engine light, which required the O2 sensor to be replaced. Next the HVAC went out. The controller motor for the blower was toast. Had to wait a week for the part to come in. This was in Feb, and as the car had no heat or defroster, it sat in the driveway for the week. About 2 months after we got it back, the entire radio/HVAC display quit. Found the recall online and they replaced it for free. Next the wipers went out, of course during a rainstorm. I had to sit in a parking lot for 30 minutes until the rain died down, then drove right to the dealer, who took it right in and glady charged me $350 for a new wiper motor. I was livid. Now the passenger side window (the one that was making a racket when new) has started falling out of it's track. I don't know how much more I can take.

Driving-wise I prefer this accord over the 98 for long trips; the ride is better and gas mileage is a good 34-36mpg each time. I just can't take sitting here wondering what's going to break next. I think it's time for a change. Funny that I'm keeping the 98 with over twice the mileage and dumping an 03. Honda's aren't what they once were.

I would take the Accord over the Focus. My friends Focus's rear hatch opened on the freeway because of faulty parts.

Hello all. Original poster here with a followup. Problems have just hit dangerous levels. The ABS light has started to come on and off sporadically, which doesn't really bother me too much in itself. What does is the fact that the ABS is starting to come on for no reason, during which time the brakes are pretty much non-existent. Think of driving in snow no matter what condition the road is in. It's kinda scary when your moving at 45mph with rush hour traffic on a road full of stoplights.

I have to plan ahead before I hit each intersection, which sometimes still doesn't help and I end up furiously pumping the brake pedal, then yanking on the e-brake. Twice I've had to swerve off the road to avoid hitting vehicles in front of me. Dealer says no fault codes are in the system, the sensors are all working fine, and are blaming my driving on it. HA! Oh this makes perfect sense: after driving the for 20 years, I've developed this little problem where I like to wait until the last minute to stop at a stoplight. Really gets the adrenaline going. Yeah.

I've since pulled the ABS relay, and I'm dumping this death trap for a new Nissan Altima this week.