Is the 2003 Honda Accord a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B+8.5/10
The 2003 Honda Accord Sport is a well-rounded vehicle that can last a long time with proper maintenance, though potential transmission issues warrant a careful inspection.
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Pros
- Solid build quality
- Fuel efficient for its class
- Reliable engine
- Affordable maintenance
Cons
- Potential transmission issues
- Interior noise
- Dated design
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
21 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
300,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Transmission failures
- Airbag recalls
- Power window problems
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (24)
The 2003 Honda Accord has 24 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Power Train — Automatic Transmission (campaign 04V176000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Exterior Lighting — Headlights — CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 317-1131L-AS, 317-1131R-AS, 317-1131L-US, AND 317-1131R-US, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION A SLI…
- Exterior Lighting — Headlights — CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPL…
- Exterior Lighting — CERTAIN EAGLE EYES AND SONAR HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON 1988-2005 HONDA CIVIC, 1990-2005 HONDA ACCORD, AND 1990-2001 ACURA INTEGRA PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER…
- Power Train — Automatic Transmission — ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADIN…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.