I am new to this forum and to Honda !
Just bought my first 03 Accord LX 4cyl AT 40,000 miles. I have read alot about how bad the 03 Accord AT is, should I be worried? I checked by running the VIN on the honda website and the recall for the AT from Honda was done on the car. I still plan on taking to the my local Honda dealer and having the fuild and filter replaced.

Thanks for the help !

I wouldn't be too worried. The prev gen had more probs. There was a guy on here who got 238k on his 03 4cyl before trading it in. He was on the orig trans. He was doing mostly hwy miles which helps alot and changing the atf on a regular basis. What color is your atf?

Thanks for the reply and sorry about the double post wasn't sure if it was in the right area. I will check the color and reply back

The only "recall" on the 4 bangers was a no reverse under certain conditions.....

Then I am not sure what this is about, It does list the 2003 accord

Then I am not sure what this is about, It does list the 2003 accord

Although it doesn't say so explicitly (I wonder why?), the answer is that it's about models with 6-cylinder engines.


RFT!!!
Dave Kelsen
--
"The legitimate powers of government extend only to such acts as are injurious to others." -- Thomas Jefferson

If your VIN is on it, then you must have a V6.....:dunno:

I know this posting is a bit old but someone suggested to me somewhere to sign up for Honda OwnerLink
from there I see that it shows my car as being a part of a recall for the tranny


Here is the press release it has.

American Honda Expands Voluntary Transmission Recall to Certain Honda and Acura Automobiles

Torrance, Calif. 06/29/2004 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that it will expand its existing voluntary recall of light truck models for a potential transmission defect to include certain Honda and Acura passenger cars. The voluntary action involves approximately 499,000 Honda and Acura passenger vehicles with V6 engines and 5-speed automatic transmissions. Affected models include certain 2003 and early 2004 model Accord V6 sedans and coupes, 2000-2003 and early 2004 Acura TL sedans, and 2001-2003 Acura CL coupes.

The company has found only one confirmed instance of a transmission failure related to this defect in its passenger cars, with no accidents or injuries. "We are acting out of an abundance of caution to ensure that this doesn't become an issue for our customers,'" said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The situation is created by insufficient lubrication of the transmission's secondary shaft second gear that can occur under certain driving conditions. Prolonged operation under these conditions can lead to heat build-up and under certain circumstances may eventually result in chipped or broken gear teeth or breakage of the gear. In the event of a chipped or broken tooth, the owner will likely experience abnormal noise from the transmission and seek repairs. In rare instances, this condition may lead to gear breakage and possible locking of the vehicle's transmission, creating a potential safety hazard.

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted via mail and will be asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda or Acura dealer to be repaired free of charge. Customer mailings will begin in late July. In most cases, the repair involves a simple gear inspection, which is accomplished without removing or disassembling the transmission, and a modification to increase the flow of transmission fluid to the affected gear. If there is any indication of damage to the gear, the dealer will replace the complete transmission assembly. Customers concerned about the condition of their vehicle may visit Honda's Ownerlink website at www.ahm-ownerlink.com. Customers may also contact their local Honda or Acura dealer or call Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238.

Editor's note: This information is being released in conjunction with an announcement concerning a related recall action for Honda models in Japan.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a copy of the letter that was sent out to the owners of Accords I am assuming (people that bought theirs new)
Summer 2004



Safety Recall: Accord V6 Automatic Transmission Second Gear Inspection

Dear Accord Owner:


This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice?
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2003-04 Accord V6 vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Certain operating conditions can result in heat buildup in the transmission second gear set and may lead to gear tooth chipping. In very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up, and a crash could occur without warning.

What should you do?
Call any authorized Honda dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. For vehicles with less than 15,000 miles, the dealer will install an oil jet kit to provide additional lubrication to the gears. For vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the affected gear for heat discoloration, which indicates possible damage. If heat discoloration exists, the dealer will replace the transmission. If heat discoloration is not found, the dealer will install an oil jet kit. This work will be done free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle all day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling the inspection and installing the oil jet kit. If transmission replacement is needed, the work will take more than one day.

Who to contact if you experience problems.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Honda dealer, you may write to:


American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590

Or call the toll-free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

What to do if you feel this notice is in error.
Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2003-04 Accord involved in this campaign. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records.

If you paid to have the transmission replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Refer to the attached instructions for eligibility requirements and the reimbursement procedure.

Lessor Information.
Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within 10 days.

If you have questions.
If you have any questions about this notice, or need assistance with contacting a Honda dealer, please call Honda Automobile Customer Service at (800) 999-1009, and select menu option #2.

We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may cause you.

Sincerely,

American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

Honda Automobile Division