How bad are the 2003 automatic V6 transmissions

[CBXweb]

After reading about the epic stories of failure with the previous generation V6 and other Honda model V6 automatics, I assumed the 03+ were unaffected. I guess not. So are they just as prone to failure as the older models? What year model does the automatic tranny failboat stop?

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[GoLowDrew]

The old 4 spd auto bolted to the V6 was bad. The 5spd auto was bad too, but due to a different problem. CR magazine said it did not improve until 2004.

Then again, it's hard to tell because an 04 generally would have less miles than the older models.

[11:11]

I remember someone saying that they didn't fully rectify the problem until 2006. Don't quote me on that though.

[fightinchunk]

it's an auto...

[BLKFLSH]

Depends on who you ask. I have an 03 V6, and the auto tranny is still going at 70k miles. If it goes out tomorrow though, I will change my mind. Some 03 & 04 V6 trannies are still going at over 100k miles, but some have given up before 50k, so who knows? I hear the problem was fixed sometime during 05 model.

[creator1322]

I'm going to ASSUME that I have the highest mileage 2003 Auto V6 Accord around this site, being I'm around 151,000 miles right now.

Here's my thoughts:

The shift from 2nd INTO 3rd is not pretty. If I'm giving it 50 - 75% throttle, it shifts fairly rough with a slight hesitation and a not so reassuring RPM change.

If I'm under 50%, which is how I always drive, it's fairly comfortable with no apparent issue.

If I go to 100% or W.O.T., it does fine in most all the gears again except in 2nd to 3rd. It doesn't seem to be as noticeable as the first condition, but than again, I rarely and I mean RARELY, push the pedal that far.

I get consistent black metal GUNK on the drain bolt magnet each time I do a drain and fill on the transmission, which is about every 15 - 20k miles.

I'm not confident with the transmission, but I'm also happy that it's lasted this long. I trully believe that if I drove hard on the transmission, I would be telling a different story. I'm more concerned with the car lasting as a whole, transmission intact rather than having to replace or rebuild it.

Personally, I hate having to think about it. If I had to do it all over again, I would pick some other automatic vehicle or just go manual.

If it last me another 50 - 100k miles, I'll be a happy guy.

Hope this helps!

[civiccoupe94]

im driving a 03 accord v6 auto, 83k miles, nothing wrong with it.

[GoLowDrew]

Like any recall or problem, for every 1 that died, there are 1,000 are that fine. That's how it goes.

What is the reason for OPs question?

Are you looking to buy one?

I would not, and avoid it all together. You just spent $8,000 on a car, so you have another $4K for a new transmission if it goes out?

This is not a maintance problem, but rather a design problem. So it does not matter how good the maintance was.

If you already got the car, keep it, and enjoy it. Deal with it when the time comes. It may never. You may be lucky.

My wife's friend got their trans (4spd 01) replace at 110K miles, and it was 100% dealer rape serviced.

Consider a 4 cylinder FTW.

[SurfDan5]

03 accord
98k miles
v6 auto

no issues as of now

[bigrob119]

Creator, you are a lucky 5spd auto owner.

Based on what I read (a LOT) before and after I bought my TL (also afflicted with the bad trannys) the problem was not rectified completely until mid model year '05. There were stopgap measures in place model year '03 but were ineffective and in some cases made the problem worse. I remember reading of '01-'03 TL owners that had gone through 4 and 5 transmissions. O.O

I was fortunate to have purchased my TL that had a very caring and involved owner who was able to get a good transmission installed. Tranny hasn't been an issue for me, just everything else under the hood.

[briq4]

we have an 04 Accord V-6 and it's got 162,000 miles on it, transmission was drained and refilled at about 110,000 miles and still seems fine. Guess it's a hit or miss issue.

[creator1322]

Originally Posted by bigrob119

Creator, you are a lucky 5spd auto owner.

Based on what I read (a LOT) before and after I bought my TL (also afflicted with the bad trannys) the problem was not rectified completely until mid model year '05. There were stopgap measures in place model year '03 but were ineffective and in some cases made the problem worse. I remember reading of '01-'03 TL owners that had gone through 4 and 5 transmissions. O.O

I was fortunate to have purchased my TL that had a very caring and involved owner who was able to get a good transmission installed. Tranny hasn't been an issue for me, just everything else under the hood.

Bigrob:

I feel very lucky. The shifting issue alone has forced me to drive very mildly. I almost never accelerate with much force through any of the first three gears. On occasion I'll utilize vtec on the higher gears to get up to speed and pass someone, but I just don't think the trans has the life in it to push that low end torque.

Oh well, I'll be gentle and make it last as long as possible. 200,000 is my current goal.

[ferio252]

There are a few TSB's associatted with this transmission.

[CBXweb]

Originally Posted by GoLowDrew

Like any recall or problem, for every 1 that died, there are 1,000 are that fine. That's how it goes.

What is the reason for OPs question?

Are you looking to buy one?

I would not, and avoid it all together. You just spent $8,000 on a car, so you have another $4K for a new transmission if it goes out?

This is not a maintance problem, but rather a design problem. So it does not matter how good the maintance was.

If you already got the car, keep it, and enjoy it. Deal with it when the time comes. It may never. You may be lucky.

My wife's friend got their trans (4spd 01) replace at 110K miles, and it was 100% dealer rape serviced.

Consider a 4 cylinder FTW.

I was seeing the '03 go for so cheap, so I was thinking about it. I really like 3.2CL more, but those things kill.

[PiNoY Ep3 SI]

03 Accord V6 auto here 70k miles no issues at all

[GoLowDrew]

Originally Posted by CBXweb

I was seeing the '03 go for so cheap, so I was thinking about it. I really like 3.2CL more, but those things kill.

Interesting. I've been comparing sort of the same thing, and hoping to pick up a TL on the cheap.

Example:

Acura TL vs Maxima SE of the same year(s).

I don't see any market price advantage with the Honda (even with the potential transmission issues). In fact TL-S is still "expensive."

[optikal_fade]

Im glad this thread was created, because im in the market for a new accord, and i have ran across an 03 V6 auto accord. I havent test drove it yet, but what are some signs that i should look out for with the transmission?? Also if i was to buy it, how often would i get the transmission fluid changed?? Also are there any recalls for the transmission??

[GoLowDrew]

Originally Posted by optikal_fade

Also if i was to buy it, how often would i get the transmission fluid changed?? Also are there any recalls for the transmission??

Again, this has nothing to do with service. It's a design issue. Honda extended the warranty on the transmission for the affected models. You can find that info on the web.

Example:
http://world.honda.com/news/2004/c040630.html

[v8killaz]

so anyone actaully know what the design issue is in thew tranny
i know my lude started doing this and i replaced the tranny, the 5th gen auto preludes were known to **** the tranny veyr often. honda reaLLY LET ME DOWN.
but now i stick to older manual cars,
less electronics less ****ups

[BLKFLSH]

Originally Posted by GoLowDrew

Again, this has nothing to do with service. It's a design issue. Honda extended the warranty on the transmission for the affected models. You can find that info on the web.

Example:
http://world.honda.com/news/2004/c040630.html

Honda did not extend the warranty, to my knowledge. The link you posted says nothing about a warranty extension. If you have documented proof, I'd sure like to see it. I also think changing the fluid more often can help the transmission last longer.

[Mr.Chow]

My friend is a master tech at the Van's Honda dealershp in Green Bay and here's what he had to say. Anything pre-03 accord V6 auto is crap, they replace trannys on the prior 03' generation all the time. He hasn't heard of many problems with anything post 03' however of course there are going to be some exceptions, he just didn't have many examples of this generation having tranny problems. My girlfriend was looking for a car recently and we looked at a 01' v6 and once I test drove it I noticed had an issue right away. When you floored the gas on the highway it wouldn't downshift...we then walked right past the 01' and bought the 03' for a few grand more. My girl has had the 03' for about 5k miles, and now with 104k miles its about to go under the knife for a timing belt and the works. I made sure this tranny shifted smooth as silk when she bought it. No issues as of now. We're going to drain the fluid during the service and I'll let you know if we find anything unusual.

[optikal_fade]

Originally Posted by Mr.Chow

My friend is a master tech at the Van's Honda dealershp in Green Bay and here's what he had to say. Anything pre-03 accord V6 auto is crap, they replace trannys on the prior 03' generation all the time. He hasn't heard of many problems with anything post 03' however of course there are going to be some exceptions, he just didn't have many examples of this generation having tranny problems. My girlfriend was looking for a car recently and we looked at a 01' v6 and once I test drove it I noticed had an issue right away. When you floored the gas on the highway it wouldn't downshift...we then walked right past the 01' and bought the 03' for a few grand more. My girl has had the 03' for about 5k miles, and now with 104k miles its about to go under the knife for a timing belt and the works. I made sure this tranny shifted smooth as silk when she bought it. No issues as of now. We're going to drain the fluid during the service and I'll let you know if we find anything unusual.

Hey thanks alot...because i am looking into one this weekend. Its either gonna be between 03 V6 or 05 LX. Any opinions on what i should get??

[optikal_fade]

Originally Posted by BLKFLSH

The link you posted says nothing about a warranty extension. If you have documented proof, I'd sure like to see it.

Took the words right out of my mouth

[GoLowDrew]

Originally Posted by BLKFLSH

Honda did not extend the warranty, to my knowledge. The link you posted says nothing about a warranty extension. If you have documented proof, I'd sure like to see it.

You are right. Accord was left out of the class action lawsuit. The first link show the list of cars affected. When the lawsuit was settled, Honda exteneded to 109K miles on Odyssey and TL. I'm surprise Accord was left out, I had assume it was included.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...0&summary=true


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_TL

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Odyssey