2000 Honda Accord Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 11th of 25 Accord years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 1,183
- 73 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 25.7
- 431,538 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.66×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 276
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 8
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2000 Honda Accord?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2000 Honda Accord is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 11th of the 25 Accord years we score.
The most reported problem is airbag warning lights (312 of 1,183 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and the ignition or push-button start. 276 of the 1,183 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 8 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on). For comparison, the 2001 scores 73.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 06-009 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 73
- Fewer problems than the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs
Cons
- Airbag warning light312 complaints
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts151 complaints
- Ignition or push-button start: stopped working79 complaints
How the 2000 Accord Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.54× | −12 |
| Everyday problems | 0.94× | −7 |
| Recalls | 1.8× | −8 |
| Score | 73 |
What Owners Report
We read all 1,183 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Airbag warning light
312 complaints (26%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working. In 36 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 48 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
151 complaints (13%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, failure or loss of drive and slipping. 85 of these 151 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 35 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: stopped working
79 complaints (7%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and stalling. 24 of these 79 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
78 complaints (7%)
Rust or corrosion, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 4 of these 78 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 160,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
52 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and wrong readings. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Seat belts failure
45 complaints (4%)
A failure, not closing or latching and not releasing. 1 of these 45 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
42 complaints (4%)
Loss of braking, early wear and damage. 11 of these 42 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
35 complaints (3%)
A failure, a stored fault code and a feature that stopped working. In 8 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
34 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a failure. 4 of these 34 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
31 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, not closing or latching and damage. 6 of these 31 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
29 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 26 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
28 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a failure. 2 of these 28 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
25 complaints (2%)
Sticking or stiffness. 5 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
21 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 19 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 103,000 miles.
Steering: pulling or wandering
18 complaints (2%)
Pulling or wandering, parts breaking or coming apart and a leak. 2 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Show 62 more problems
Alternator or charging failure
14 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. 5 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
14 complaints (1%)
Stalling, hesitation and rough running or misfires. 7 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.
EGR valve failure
14 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code. 1 of these 14 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
14 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and a leak. 4 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
13 complaints (1%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 11 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
11 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
Shifter or park: stopped working
11 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, not releasing and parts breaking or coming apart. 6 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 134,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
10 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
9 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, not closing or latching and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
9 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 139,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Paint and rust: damage
8 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and paint peeling. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.
Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
8 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 168,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and hesitation. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. All 7 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 134,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Headlights failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, damage and problems that come and go. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
6 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Wheel bearings failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, locking up and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
12V battery failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Exterior lights: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, unusual noises and sticking or stiffness.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking, damage and unusual noises.
ABS: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and unusual noises.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
3 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Cooling system: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Engine failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Fuel system: the car not starting
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting and stalling. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Fuel leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, a failure and rough running or misfires. Median mileage when it started: about 116,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Accelerator pedal or throttle: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Airbag sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Cruise control: sudden acceleration
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Emissions system (part not stated) failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Fire (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Interior lighting: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.
Vehicle alarm: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Oxygen sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and warning lights.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Struts or shocks failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and unusual noises.
A/C: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
EVAP system: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Control module (unspecified) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Defroster: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Hood latch failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and not closing or latching. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Horn: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Mirrors: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and vibration or shudder.
Crankshaft or pulley: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Cylinder head: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and damage. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Loss of traction (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Rollaway (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. Both describe a serious outcome.
Throttle: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Throttle body: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Trunk lid support failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Wheel rim: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and shattering or cracking.
Reported Once (56)
Show the 56 problems reported once
- Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
- Climate controls: overheating
- Cylinder head gasket failure
- Several warning lights at once
- Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
- Engine mounts: unusual noises
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
- Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
- Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
- Key fob: the car not starting
- Oil pressure: warning lights
- A/C tube: a leak
- SRS wiring harness: parts breaking or coming apart
- Accelerator linkage: sticking or stiffness
- Accessory belt tensioner failure
- Accessory drive belts: parts breaking or coming apart
- Airbag impact sensor failure
- Arm (location not stated) (cause not stated)
- Axle shield failure
- Brake light switch: works on and off
- Brake warning sensor: warning lights
- Brake wear indicator: stopped working
- Component (not identified) (cause not stated)
- Cylinder head bolts: parts breaking or coming apart
- Dashboard clock: stopped working
- Differential (location not established): early wear
- Door seal: parts breaking or coming apart
- Doors: unusual noises
- Electrical system (part not stated): works on and off
- Failure (symptom unclear) (cause not stated)
- Fuel injection main relay failure
- Fuel pressure regulator failure
- Fuel tank (damage)
- Fuel tank or fuel lines (damage)
- Instrument lighting dimmer: works on and off
- Rear window glass: stopped working
- Sensor (application not stated): a fire
- Side window glass: unusual noises
- Suspension (part not stated)
- Throttle cable: sticking or stiffness
- Timing belt tensioner: locking up
- Vehicle jack: parts breaking or coming apart
- Wheel lug bolts or nuts: parts breaking or coming apart
- Wheel spindle: early wear
- Window latch: locking up
- Windshield washer: the system acting on its own
- Parking brake
- Piston rings failure
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Timing belt: parts breaking or coming apart
- Torque converter failure
- Valve train: damage
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
- Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
- Windshield wipers: stopped working
How the 2000 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years
The other Accord years of the 6th generation, 2000 to 2002, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Caution | 60 | 1.6× | 44.4 | 13 | Transmission: failure or loss of drive |
| 2002 | Good | 72 | 0.80× | 23.3 | 5 | Transmission: slipping |
| 2001 | Good | 73 | 0.68× | 22.5 | 7 | Airbag warning light |
| 2000 This year | Good | 73 | 0.66× | 25.7 | 8 | Airbag warning light |
2000 Honda Accord Recalls
A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant.
NHTSA 20V026000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 17, 2020. By the third quarter of 2022, 4% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant.
NHTSA 20V027000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 17, 2020. By the third quarter of 2022, 8% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: switch
If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
NHTSA 05V025000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 28, 2005.
Interior lighting
If this occurs, the instrument lights may fail and, at night, the driver may not be able to see the instrument panel gauges, such as the speedometer.
NHTSA 04V256000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 7, 2004.
Air bags: frontal
As a result, the affected air bags may not deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a front seat passenger.
NHTSA 02V080000Issued Mar 14, 2002.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
The rear seat belts will work properly and provide protection in a crash, but the owner may experience difficulty unfastening the belt after the crash.
NHTSA 02V051000Issued Feb 8, 2002.
Show 2 more recalls
Seat belts: buckle assembly
The rear seat belts will work properly and provide protection in a crash, but the owner may experience difficulty unfastening the belt after the crash.
NHTSA 01V380000Issued Dec 13, 2001.
Suspension: lower arm
Vehicle handling and control would be reduced.
NHTSA 00V184000Issued Jul 14, 2000.
Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs
Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.
- Warranty extensionHonda 06-009
Passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)
- The problem:
- The passenger airbag sensor can fail and keep the airbag warning light on.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer repairs the passenger airbag sensor and its control unit for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The airbag warning light must be on with a listed fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
NHTSA Investigations
Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.
Power seat bracket breaking in Accords
Closed without a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in October 2002 after 10 complaints about power seats in 1998-2002 Accords. A bracket holding the seat bottom could break, mostly in 1998 and 1999 cars. No crashes or injuries were reported. Honda offered a free seat reinforcement. NHTSA did not identify a safety defect and closed the case in March 2003.
Oct 2, 2002 to Mar 28, 2003
Worn ignition lock letting key out of Park
Led to a recallNHTSA's engineering analysis covered 1998-2001 Accords. Ignition locks in cars built from 1998 to February 1999 could wear early. The key could then come out when the shifter was not in Park, so the car might roll away. Honda recalled 570,120 vehicles under recall 03V-423, including some Odysseys and Acuras. NHTSA closed the case in December 2003.
Sep 9, 2003 to Dec 17, 2003
Petition on Accord ignition key removal outside Park
ClosedA defect petition asked NHTSA to examine the ignition park interlock in 1999-2001 Accords not covered by earlier recall 03V-423. NHTSA found failure rates similar to those in older recalled Accords, allowing for less time in service. It granted the petition in January 2005 and opened preliminary evaluation PE05-002 to look further.
NHTSA DP04006Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Oct 8, 2004 to Jan 13, 2005
Ignition interlock defect in Accords and Preludes
Led to a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered ignition interlocks in 1999-2002 Accords and 1997-2001 Preludes. Some locks from Honda's Japanese plant could have defective parts. With wear, the key could come out when the car was not in Park, so it might roll away. Honda announced recall 05V-025 in January 2005. NHTSA closed the case in February 2005.
NHTSA PE05002Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 13, 2005 to Feb 2, 2005
Air bag warning light coming on in Accords
Closed without a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at the air bag warning light coming on in 2000-2001 Accords. Moisture or electrical interference could upset the passenger seat occupant sensor. The side air bag would still deploy, but the light could hide other air bag faults. Honda extended the warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles. NHTSA closed the case in March 2006.
NHTSA PE05043Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Aug 12, 2005 to Mar 24, 2006
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2000 Accord no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2000 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.
2-door
4-door with side airbags
4-door
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2000 Accord, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 20V026000
- Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 20V027000
- Electrical system: switch NHTSA 05V025000
- Interior lighting NHTSA 04V256000
- Air bags: frontal NHTSA 02V080000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.
Ask a Honda Dealer
Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- 06-009: passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)
On the Test Drive
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Airbag warning lights
- Transmission
- Ignition or push-button start
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next
