1997 Honda Accord Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1997 Honda Accord Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls30 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Campaign #20V02600017/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Campaign #20V02700017/01/2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Campaign #08E05000011/08/2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Campaign #06E06000029/06/2006

+ 25 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Accord problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Honda Accord has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ignition Distributor Internal Failure (Igniter/Coil) - Stalling and No-Start, Automatic Transmission Slipping / Failure (4-Speed, V6 Worst), Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Accord reliable?

The 1997 Honda Accord has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Ignition Distributor Internal Failure (Igniter/Coil) - Stalling and No-Start and Automatic Transmission Slipping / Failure (4-Speed, V6 Worst) and Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Accord problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Accord issues range from $50 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Ignition Distributor Internal Failure (Igniter/Coil) - Stalling and No-Start, typically costs $120-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1994-2002 Honda Accord Ignition Distributor Internal Failure (Igniter/Coil) - Stalling and No-Start?

Four-cylinder 5th/6th-gen Accords use a cam-driven distributor that houses the ignition coil, igniter (ignition control module/ICM), and pickup inside one unit. The internal igniter and coil are heat-sensitive and commonly break down as the engine warms, causing intermittent misf… Repairs typically run $120-$500. Severity: high.

What is the 1995-1999 Honda Accord Automatic Transmission Slipping / Failure (4-Speed, V6 Worst)?

The Honda 4-speed automatic in the mid-to-late 1990s Accord is prone to slipping and outright failure, typically around/after 100,000 miles. As the internal clutch material wears, debris circulates in the fluid and clogs the shift solenoids, causing harsh or delayed shifts, flari… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage)?

Every 1990s Accord four-cylinder (F22/F23) and the J30 V6 uses a rubber timing belt, and all are INTERFERENCE engines: if the belt snaps or jumps, pistons strike open valves and cause major internal damage (bent valves, often piston/head damage). The four-cylinders also drive a s… Repairs typically run $500-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord PGM-FI Main Relay Failure (Cracked Solder Joints) — Hot No-Start?

The PGM-FI main relay powers the fuel pump and ECU. On these cars the relay's internal printed-circuit-board solder joints develop hairline cracks with age and heat. When the engine bay or cabin gets hot, the board expands and the cracked joints open, cutting power to the fuel pu… Repairs typically run $50-$250. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord Oil Consumption / Blue Smoke on Startup (Valve Seals & Valve-Cover Gasket)?

High-mileage 1990s Accord four-cylinders commonly develop a puff of blue smoke on cold startup: worn valve-stem seals let oil seep past the valves into the combustion chamber while the car sits, and it burns off the first minute after start. Separately, the valve-cover gasket har… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: low.

1997 Honda Accord Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 5 Known Issues

1994-2002 Honda Accord: Ignition Distributor Internal Failure (Igniter/Coil) - Stalling and No-Start#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

1990-1999 Honda Accord: PGM-FI Main Relay Failure (Cracked Solder Joints) — Hot No-Start#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

1990-1999 Honda Accord: Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

1990-1999 Honda Accord: Oil Consumption / Blue Smoke on Startup (Valve Seals & Valve-Cover Gasket)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

1995-1999 Honda Accord: Automatic Transmission Slipping / Failure (4-Speed, V6 Worst)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Honda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Accord problems?

Is the Honda Accord reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Accord problems?

What is the 1994-2002 Honda Accord Ignition Distributor Internal Failure (Igniter/Coil) - Stalling and No-Start?

What is the 1995-1999 Honda Accord Automatic Transmission Slipping / Failure (4-Speed, V6 Worst)?

What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage)?

What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord PGM-FI Main Relay Failure (Cracked Solder Joints) — Hot No-Start?

What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord Oil Consumption / Blue Smoke on Startup (Valve Seals & Valve-Cover Gasket)?