2003 Honda Accord Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Caution

Ranks 24th of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,987; 84 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 44.4; 428,812 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.6×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 913; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 13
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2002 Accord 2004 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2003 Honda Accord?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2003 Honda Accord is 60 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 24th of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (867 of 1,987 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and the screen and audio. 913 of the 1,987 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 13 recalls. For comparison, the 2004 scores 65.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

About 1.6 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Transmission: failure or loss of drive867 complaints
Brakes: vibration or shudder162 complaints

How the 2003 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.8×	−14
Everyday problems	1.2×	−5
Problems in the last two years	2.2×	−12
Recalls	2.9×	−9
Score		60

What Owners Report

We read all 1,987 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Transmission: failure or loss of drive
867 complaints (44%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and slipping. 668 of these 867 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 15 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 54 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 99,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
162 complaints (8%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and damage. 31 of these 162 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 11 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 45 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
96 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and unusual noises. 4 of these 96 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
90 complaints (5%)
A leak, pulling or wandering and loss of steering control. 12 of these 90 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
86 complaints (4%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 86 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
73 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 21 of these 73 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
47 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 12 of these 47 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
44 complaints (2%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and partial unexpected activation. 8 of these 44 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
44 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and problems that come and go. 19 of these 44 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
40 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 25 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 11 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: the car rolling away
39 complaints (2%)
The car rolling away, not releasing and sticking or stiffness. 16 of these 39 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
31 complaints (2%)
Peeling, damage and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Seat belts: the system not working when needed
28 complaints (1%)
The system not working when needed, a feature that stopped working and a failure. 4 of these 28 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Torque converter: failure or loss of drive
26 complaints (1%)
Failure or loss of drive, stalling and harsh or delayed shifts. 8 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
24 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, loose seat and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.

Show 70 more problems

Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
23 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and early wear. 6 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a bad smell
22 complaints (1%)
A bad smell, a failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. 2 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
22 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Engine: sudden acceleration
21 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration, unusual noises and stalling. 5 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
21 complaints (1%)
A loss of power, violent lurching and forceful deceleration. 19 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 116,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
21 complaints (1%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 11 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
20 complaints (1%)
A bad smell. 3 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Interior trim: unusual noises
20 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises, damage and a feature that stopped working. 5 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
17 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 15 of these 17 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. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
17 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away, sticking or stiffness and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
ABS: loss of braking
13 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of braking, a failure and unusual noises. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
12 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, sticking or stiffness and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Headlights: works on and off
12 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
10 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering, a failure and early wear. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
10 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, not opening or unlocking and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
9 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
9 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 104,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and rust or corrosion. 5 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Engine mounts failure
9 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 130,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
9 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
9 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, a failure and a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
8 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
8 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 143,000 miles.
Control backlighting: stopped working
8 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
8 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
8 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
12V battery failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Exterior trim: damage
7 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, bubbling and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
Smoke or a burning smell, fumes and a bad smell. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
7 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, wrong readings and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Side window glass: unusual noises
7 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Throttle body: a loss of power
7 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power, sticking or stiffness and a failure. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Windshield: unusual noises
7 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, damage and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Frame or structure failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, unusual noises and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Doors: unusual noises
6 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Key fob: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Cruise control: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and sudden acceleration. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Rollaway (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Sunroof failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, unusual noises and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
A/C: vibration or shudder
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
A/C compressor: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
4 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness, vibration or shudder and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
4 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch: sticking or stiffness
4 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness, a leak and unusual noises. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
4 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 129,000 miles.
Airbag sensor: warning lights
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and warning lights. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 139,000 miles.
Cooling system failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak.
Serpentine belt: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear, a failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart.
Struts or shocks: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Timing belt failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear, a failure that needed a new part and slipping. Median mileage when it started: about 99,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Climate controls: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Control arm bushings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Engine sensors or computer failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Exterior lights failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working.
Horn: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Body panels: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Electrical system (part not stated) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure.
Throttle (part not stated): hesitation
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Windshield washer nozzle: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.

Reported Once (90)

Show the 90 problems reported once

EVAP system failure
Alternator or charging failure
Ball joints and control arms failure
Battery drain: draining the battery
Brake power assist: loss of braking
Coil spring failure
Control module (unspecified): damage
Engine air intake: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine failure: failure or loss of drive
Engine overheating
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel pump failure
Heater: stopped working
Hood latch: not opening or unlocking
Oil drain plug: damage
A/C coils failure
A/C drain: stopped working
A/C hose: a leak
ABS wiring harness: a fire
PCS valve failure
Accelerator cable: sticking or stiffness
Belt tensioner failure
Brake drum failure
Brake drums: vibration or shudder
Brake light switch failure
Brake noise insulator pads: unusual noises
Brake pedal switch: shattering or cracking
Brake sensor failure
Center console illumination: stopped working
Center console overheating
Child safety seat buckle and harness: not closing or latching
Clock spring: works on and off
Crankshaft pulley failure
Differential failure
Door check or hinge failure
Door fire (cause not stated)
Driver seat event (unclear) (cause not stated)
Electrical power supply: stopped working
Electronic load detector: works on and off
Engine gasket: a leak
Fire (cause not stated)
Firewall insulation
Gasoline connection failure
Hazard and turn signal switch: stopped working
Heat shield (cause not stated)
Heater valve failure
Interior dome light: stopped working
Interior illumination: stopped working
Interior lighting: stopped working
Interlock (cause not stated)
Odor (cause not stated)
Oil leak (cause not stated)
Oil pump seal: a leak
Park sensor failure
Powertrain (part not stated) failure
Rear main oil seal failure
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Seat heater: overheating
Seat heater indicator light: stopped working
Side airbag sensor: deployment with no crash
Suspension (part not stated) failure
Throttle body or plate: sticking or stiffness
Throttle modulator
Timing belt tensioner guide failure
Tire valve stem: a leak
Transmission mounts failure
Trunk hinges: rust or corrosion
Trunk latch: rust or corrosion
Trunk lid support: stopped working
Trunk release: stopped working
Trunk support rod: parts breaking or coming apart
Underhood fire (cause not stated)
Unspecified problem (cause not stated)
Valve cover failure
Vehicle lurch (cause not stated)
Wheel lug nuts: incorrect fitment
Wheel speed sensor: warning lights
Windshield washer: stopped working
Oxygen sensor failure
Parking brake: loss of braking
Phone and navigation: works on and off
Piston rings: unusual noises
Remote start: stopped working
Starter failure
Transmission computer failure
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Valve train: damage
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheel bearings: unusual noises
Wheel rim: parts breaking or coming apart

How the 2003 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 7th generation, 2003 to 2007, 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
2008	Good	73	0.75×	34.2	8	Brakes: early wear
2007	Good	76	0.36×	11.6	9	Steering: a leak
2006	Good	75	0.37×	12.0	12	Steering: a leak
2005	Good	71	0.57×	17.1	15	Airbag warning light
2004	Caution	65	0.85×	24.3	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2003 This year	Caution	60	1.6×	44.4	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2002	Good	72	0.80×	23.3	5	Transmission: slipping

See every Accord year

2003 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
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V220000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2017. By the third quarter of 2018, 23% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 7 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V700000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 4, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V353000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
NHTSA 12V222000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 17, 2012.
Electrical system: ignition
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V364000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2010.
Visibility: motor
If the circuit breaker fails, it will cause the windshield wiper motor to become inoperative, which can increase the likelihood of a crash in certain conditions.
NHTSA 08V169000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 11, 2008.
Power train: automatic transmission
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
NHTSA 04V176000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 15, 2004.

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.

Customer support programHonda 20-010
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-015
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-047Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-065Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on October 31, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Ignition key removal outside Park in 2002-2003 Accords
Led to a recall
NHTSA's recall query looked at 16 complaints that 2002-2003 Accords with automatic transmissions let the key come out when not in Park. Eleven described rollaway crashes. Earlier recalls 03V-423 and 05V-025 did not cover all these cars. NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA09-001. Its record links recall 10V-364.
NHTSA RQ08006 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 8, 2008 to Jan 5, 2009
Ignition interlock lever deforming in 2003 Accords
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered 2003 Accords with automatic transmissions. The ignition switch interlock lever could deform. The key could then come out when the car was not in Park, so it might roll away. Honda recalled about 551,498 vehicles under recall 10V-364, including 2003 Civics and 2003-2004 Elements. NHTSA closed the case in October 2010.
NHTSA EA09001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 5, 2009 to Oct 14, 2010
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2003 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 2003 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

2-door and 4-door, all with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seatNot rated

Rear seatNot rated

RolloverNot rated

4-door

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

2-door

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2003 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 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V501000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 17V220000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 13 recalls and which are still open.

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.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
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.

Transmission
Brakes
Screen and audio
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

All Accord Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.