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Honda · Known Issues

2004 Honda Accord Problems: 4 Known Issues

2004 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Honda Accord has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are V6 Power Steering Pressure Hose Deterioration - Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 12V222000) ($10-$450 repair) and P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off / Failing Lockup Clutch Solenoid ($300-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $10 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Accord Steering1
  • Accord Transmission1
  • Accord Electrical1
  • Accord Emissions1
  • Recalls8
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Steering1
  • Transmission1
  • Electrical1
  • Emissions1
  • Recalls8

All 4 Known Issues

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On the 2003-2007 Honda Accord J30A5 (3.0L V6), on 2003-2007 V6 Accords the power-steering high-pressure hose deteriorates from prolonged under-hood and fluid heat, cracking and leaking. Beyond loss of power-steering assist, leaking fluid can spray onto the hot catalytic converter/exhaust and cause smoke or an under-hood fire; at least one engine fire was reported. NHTSA safety recall 12V222000 (a 2012 expansion) covered roughly 573,000 model-year 2003-2007 V6 Accords. A separate common complaint on these cars is a loud pump whine caused by the hardened power-steering inlet-hose O-ring sucking air.

Common Symptoms

  • Power-steering fluid leak / low reservoir
  • Loss or heaviness of steering assist
  • Burning smell or smoke from under the hood
  • Loud whine/groan from the PS pump, worse on cold start
  • Fluid pooling near the front of the engine

How to Fix

Have the recall (NHTSA 12V222000) performed at a Honda dealer at no charge - dealers install an updated heat-resistant power-steering pressure hose. For the whine complaint, replace the inlet-hose O-ring (Honda 91345-RDA-A01, a few dollars, per TSB 07-086) and bleed the system. Out-of-warranty hose replacement runs about $150-450; the O-ring fix is under $50.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Honda 91345-RDA-A01 power-steering pump inlet O-ring
    OEMHonda 91345-RDA-A01

    Seal the pump inlet joint when bulletin 07-086 whine/air-ingestion symptoms are confirmed Fitment/availability: 2003-2007 Accord V6 suction-side whine branch after confirming air bubbles/leak at the pump inlet.

    HondaPartsNow

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$10 - $450

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2003-2012 Honda Accord, on the Accord's 5-speed automatic (notably the 2003-2012 V6 and 4-cylinder units), P0741 sets when the PCM commands the torque converter lockup clutch to engage but the input/output speed ratio shows it never locks — the clutch is effectively 'stuck off.' On these Honda automatics the usual root causes are a failing lockup/torque-converter-clutch solenoid, worn friction material inside the torque converter, contaminated or degraded ATF, or valve-body wear. Honda's older 5-speeds are known for torque-converter and lockup-clutch weakness, and neglected fluid accelerates the failure. The classic customer complaint is a shudder or vibration felt through the car at steady cruise (roughly 40-70 mph) as the clutch tries and fails to hold lockup.

This issue also affects: Acura TLX, Honda CR-V, Honda Crosstour

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder or vibration at steady highway cruise
  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Possible stalling when coming to a stop
  • Harsh or slipping shifts

How to Fix

First replace the transmission fluid with genuine Honda ATF (Honda units are very fluid-sensitive) and check level/condition; a drain-and-fill sometimes clears a marginal case. If the code persists, test and replace the lockup/torque-converter-clutch solenoid assembly. Continued shudder after solenoid and fluid service points to internal torque converter wear requiring a torque converter or transmission rebuild/replacement. Do not keep driving with the shudder — it overheats and further damages the transmission.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Three quarts genuine Honda ATF DW-1 08200-9008
    OEMHonda 08200-9008 (3 quarts)

    Three one-quart bottles; verify the service-manual refill quantity and transmission label.

    eBay

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $3,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 7th generation (2003-2007) Accords are well known for backlight failure on the upper multi-information display (radio/climate-control info) and dimming or dead gauge-cluster illumination, where individual LED/bulb segments burn out and leave portions of the display dark. The condition was common enough that Honda issued Technical Service Bulletin 04-023. A blown fuse (commonly #23 IGP in the under-dash box) can also kill the cluster entirely. Beyond inconvenience, an unreadable speedometer/odometer at night is a real driving hazard.

This issue also affects: Acura TLX, Honda CR-V

Common Symptoms

  • Dark or dim sections of the gauge cluster at night
  • Radio/climate upper display backlight out
  • Speedometer/odometer hard to read in the dark
  • Entire cluster goes dead (often a blown fuse)
  • Flickering instrument lighting

How to Fix

For a fully dead cluster, first check fuse #23 (IGP) in the under-dash fuse box. For burned-out backlight segments, the display/cluster is repaired by replacing the failed LEDs/solder joints or installing a rebuilt cluster (specialty rebuilders ~120-300 USD) or a new OEM display unit. TSB 04-023 covers the upper-display backlight remedy for eligible vehicles.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • 2003-2007 Accord upper center display repair-and-return service
    OEMAutomotive Circuit Solutions 4748174293250

    Verify radio/HVAC functions and power before orderin

    Automotive Circuit Solutions
  • 2003-2007 Accord instrument-cluster backlight repair-and-return service
    OEMcboardrepair 2003-2007 Accord cluster service

    Confirm fuse, illumination input, p

    Circuit Board Medics / cboardrepair

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$80 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2003-2017 Honda Accord, on the Honda Accord, P0442 (small EVAP leak) is one of the most common check-engine triggers and almost always traces to one of three components in order of likelihood: the fuel cap, the engine-bay canister purge valve, or the under-car canister vent solenoid. The gas cap's rubber O-ring hardens, cracks, and stops sealing with age (aftermarket caps are a frequent repeat offender on this model). When the cap is good, the electric canister purge valve (which sticks or leaks internally) and the vent solenoid are the next suspects. A common Honda giveaway is a P1457 or P0451/P0456 stored alongside P0442, which points to the canister vent-side hardware rather than the cap. Because the leak is small, it is often intermittent and may set after refueling.

This issue also affects: Acura TLX, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Occasional faint fuel odor
  • No drivability change
  • Code often returns after refueling
  • Sometimes paired with 'check fuel cap' message

How to Fix

Start with the cheapest fix: inspect and replace the OEM fuel cap (Honda P/N 17670-SDA-A02 family) with a genuine Honda cap, then clear the code and drive several drive cycles. If it returns, perform an EVAP smoke test to pinpoint the leak; the usual repair is replacing the canister purge valve (engine bay) or the vent solenoid (under the car near the charcoal canister). Avoid aftermarket gas caps, which commonly reseal poorly.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Honda 17670-SDA-A01 fuel-filler cap
    OEMHonda 17670-SDA-A01

    The catalog shows broad 2003-2004 coverage but narrower 2005 coverage; use VIN confirmation for 20

    HondaPartsNow
  • Honda 17670-SHJ-A02 fuel-tank cap
    OEMHonda 17670-SHJ-A02

    Replace a confirmed failed cap on the later seventh-generation branch Fitment/availability: Selected 2005-2007 Accord configurations; supersedes 17670-SHJ-A01 and 17670-SHJ-A31.

    Honda Parts Connection
  • Honda 17670-T3W-A01 complete fuel-filler cap
    OEMHonda 17670-T3W-A01

    Replace a confirmed failed cap-seal branch on the eighth- or ninth-generation car Fitment/availability: 2008-2017 Accord L4 or V6 in the seller's listed US configurations.

    HondaPartsNow

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$25 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls8 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.

Campaign #19V06000029/01/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.

Campaign #17V41800029/06/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

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Other Honda Models

Honda Civic74Honda CR-V64Honda Pilot42Honda Odyssey25Honda HR-V24Honda Passport21

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 2004 Honda Accord has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: V6 Power Steering Pressure Hose Deterioration - Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 12V222000), P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off / Failing Lockup Clutch Solenoid, Instrument Cluster / Display Backlight Failure (Dark Gauges & Climate Display). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Accord reliable?

The 2004 Honda Accord has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: V6 Power Steering Pressure Hose Deterioration - Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 12V222000) and P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off / Failing Lockup Clutch Solenoid. 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 $10 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, V6 Power Steering Pressure Hose Deterioration - Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 12V222000), typically costs $10-$450 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2007 Honda Accord V6 Power Steering Pressure Hose Deterioration - Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 12V222000)?

On 2003-2007 V6 Accords the power-steering high-pressure hose deteriorates from prolonged under-hood and fluid heat, cracking and leaking. Beyond loss of power-steering assist, leaking fluid can spray onto the hot catalytic converter/exhaust and cause smoke or an under-hood fire;… Repairs typically run $10-$450. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2012 Honda Accord P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off / Failing Lockup Clutch Solenoid?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

FAQ
Campaign #23V858000
18/12/2023

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Campaign #26V33200021/05/2026

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts were assembled with a lubricant that may have degraded the drive shafts' protective coating, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.

Campaign #20V76900010/12/2020

+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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

On the Accord's 5-speed automatic (notably the 2003-2012 V6 and 4-cylinder units), P0741 sets when the PCM commands the torque converter lockup clutch to engage but the input/output speed ratio shows it never locks — the clutch is effectively 'stuck off.' On these Honda automatic… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2007 Honda Accord Instrument Cluster / Display Backlight Failure (Dark Gauges & Climate Display)?

7th generation (2003-2007) Accords are well known for backlight failure on the upper multi-information display (radio/climate-control info) and dimming or dead gauge-cluster illumination, where individual LED/bulb segments burn out and leave portions of the display dark. The cond… Repairs typically run $80-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2017 Honda Accord P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Degraded Fuel Cap Seal or Failing Purge Valve?

On the Honda Accord, P0442 (small EVAP leak) is one of the most common check-engine triggers and almost always traces to one of three components in order of likelihood: the fuel cap, the engine-bay canister purge valve, or the under-car canister vent solenoid. The gas cap's rubbe… Repairs typically run $25-$400. Severity: low.