2003 Honda Accord EX V6 5 Speed Automatic from North America - Comments

My accord started using oil at 85K at a rate of 1 qt. every 700-800 miles or so. I switched to synthetic oil per the advice of a mechanic, and after the second oil change, its down to burning a qt every 3000 miles. Been this way for the last 100K, which is fine for me as it's not getting any worse! (200K is right around the corner, woo hoo!) One warning, however: car guys say don't change to synthetic on high mileage engines cause it can cause oil leaks, and while I got lucky, I know there are a few people out there that didn't. So, while I suggest switching to synthetic to see what happens, considering it worked for me, be aware the possibility for oil leaks is present.

I own an Accord 2003 Sedan, V6 V-TEC Auto. I bought it used when it had 30 000k on it and been driving it for 5 years now and had no problems at all. All I do is oil change every 5000k and I heard from one mechanic that it's very important to change spark plugs every 50 000km. I really don't have any problems at all, I don't know what you guys do with your cars when you have all those problems. :-)

My next car will be Honda again but s2000 which is I heard awesome (no problems).

I have an 03 V6 EX. My only issues thus far have been the auto lock motor on the drivers side went out at about 40k.

Haven't noticed it using any oil, but I'm going to check it before leaving work...

To the person only getting 290 per tank; wow I go 450, that's right down to fumes (70 miles after the light comes on).

Anyways, lumber wagon is right and I live in PHX AZ where you'd think the roads are better than most places. Anything we can do before we start to have a trans problem??? Anyone anyone Bueller.

These cars probably do have issues. They're now manufactured in the U. S and do not use the same strict quality controls as are used in Japan.

I have a 2003 EX 4-cylinder, and I just have started having problems getting the 5-speed automatic transmission to shift out of Park and into either Reverse or Drive. The silver button on the left side of the shifter will not depress all the way into the shifter. I sometimes turn off the engine and start again, and then it will shift. Anyone have a similar problem and know what is causing it?

I own a 2003 Accord EX V6 4 door now with 101,000 miles. It usually yields 20 mpg city and over 30 mpg long distance driving. My extended warranty was used several times for replacing motor mounts and the radio/heater control module. At approximately 95,000 miles a chemical reaction appeared within the green paint as a cloudy collection of spots and is spreading across the car. Honda acknowledges the problem but will only provide a small discount on repainting the car if done in their body shop. I figure this problem will cost me at least $4000 in value. Otherwise the car is in very good condition. Others observe such an effect?

I own a 2003 V6 Accord that I bought new. Honda just put a rebuilt transmission in it.

I had bought the extended warranty when I bought the car. I am glad I bought it now! I had 98700 miles on a 100000 warranty; too close for comfort.

The radio has been replaced twice, passenger side belt buckle, automatic trunk switch, wiper motor went out right before the recall.

I haven't had the oil and brake problems that other have, but I have owned four Hondas and I am surprised the transmission went out with so low miles, but it has been a good car that is peppy and fun to drive.

I have a Honda '03, LX V6, with 47K miles. Dealer told me it was time to change the timing belt, hoses, oil seals for $870. The other dealer in town said $750 and an independent I have used off and on for 25 yrs and trust said $450, with after market, of course. Anyway, can someone suggest a fair price?

I am ready to drive from Tucson to Zion National Park in a month, about 550 miles, and don't want to be stranded. Any suggestions?

And, Tucson has extremely hot, dry weather which dries out rubber and plastic, etc. Thanks and happy driving... Vote early and vote often! :-)

Check your owners manual. 47K miles sounds way too soon to change your timing belt no matter where you live. The automakers account for tough conditions in the replacement recommendation.

I have a 2003 Accord Coupe 2.4. My oil consumption issues started after the 2nd scheduled maintenance post extended warranty. The dealer knew I didn't have any oil issues before. They couldn't find any leaks, but then gave me the Honda instructions for oil consumption test. I did my first 1 litre test, and I barely broke 1000KM. This is too bad. I almost want to get rid of my car now before it gets any worse.

I purchased my 03 Accord V6, fully loaded about a yr ago and it had 76,000 miles on it. I have noticed the issue with the navigation light randomly going off although not often. It had the certified warranty on it, but that has expired and now I need a new transmission. I just found out about the recall and they are telling me it already had the recall service done, so there's nothing I can do besides pay the $3500 for a rebuilt transmission, because they no longer make the transmission for the 03 V6. 2nd gear is what is experiencing the issue, again, so I would think that if there's a recall and the remedy did not fix the issue permanently, then Honda would do what they can to accomodate the consumer and back their product. $3500 is not accommodating...

I purchased a used 2003 Accord EX V6 in 2004 with 28K miles.

Radio quit around 40K - replaced by dealer with no cost to me.

Transmission always seemed to shift roughly - it quit at 47K and was replaced by the dealer with no cost to me.

I've had to do the front and rear brakes once - the car now has 94K miles. Just had the front rotors machined - the mechanic says I'll need to replace them on the next brake job.

The car does not have the greatest ride in the world - but given the acceleration, grip, and handling characteristics of this vehicle, I won't complain.

I've put almost 50K on the replacement transmission with no problems at all. I've got no issues with brake or rotor wear. The Honda dealership service department has been great to deal with - they've treated me right. I hope to keep this car a long time.

I bought my 2003 Accord V-6 new and now have 77,000 miles on it. The car is loaded with every option Honda offered at the time. I have had NO problems at all in over 6 years of driving.

Recently we drove the car from Jacksonville, Florida to northeastern Minnesota, a total of 3,400 miles round trip and averaged over 30 MPG. We used no oil, drove at speeds over 70 MPH and enjoyed every minute of it.

We love this car and would buy another without hesitation. I'll bet there are thousands of satisfied Honda owners just like me.

Unfortunately I think only the complainers make comments. Let's hear from those who have had my experience, it's time we stood up for one of the best made cars in the world.

"16th Jul 2009, 08:45

We love this car and would buy another without hesitation. I'll bet there are thousands of satisfied Honda owners just like me.

Unfortunately I think only the complainers make comments. Let's hear from those who have had my experience, it's time we stood up for one of the best made cars in the world."

Why do you feel the need to "stand up" for a car? Are you suggesting that all these people have not had transmission and oil consumption problems? Why can't you accept that there may be a problem with this car? If the same number of people wrote these comments about a Ford, would you use it as evidence that "Ford is junk" but you simply can't accept it when said of a Honda? I don't understand...

Why should I stand up for a car that left me stranded in cold wet weather in the middle of a highway on a long weekend Sunday night (Monday being a holiday) and no cell phone reception in the area!!!

2004 Honda Accord V-6, transmission failed at 22,000 km!! And I baby my cars. I owned a 1994 Dodge Intrepid before the Honda Accord, my first new car. My old Dodge had 455,000 kms before it was rear ended and I never had a problem with it.. OK normal wear and tear as.. tires, brake pads, battery,2 light bulbs!!

So after 1 year of my Accord, I was DOA on the side of the road, wow!! I guess I should have known; my family owned Acura's and Honda's before and usually the head gasket and timing belt fails. 2 were before recommended time to change them. With all the praise Honda gets, I thought it would be a good buy.. NOT!!!

I traded it in for a 2005 Chrysler 300 C with a Hemi and now 4 years later 110,000 km later never had a problem that left me stranded or anything major. A warped rotor at 30,000 km and the dealer changed both front rotors, pads for free!! Wow!!! No issues since.

I guess with the increase of production of Japanese cars Honda/Toyota etc. There are going to be more complaints as before they spent more time building the car, now they just build and ship them out as fast as possible thus increasing the problems, and yes the ones made in Japan have major issues as well.