1996 Honda Accord Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 6%of 472 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Honda Accord, 6% of the 472 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“One day just like that I was driving home from work and I came to a red light so after coming to a complete stop the light turned green my car was on in drive and I accelerated and the car just wouldn't move. Got it towed and I got check engine light codes and it was p0401 and p0108 so I cleaned the EGR valve and bought a new map sensor and installed it. The car had a new battery, the transmission oil was full and with no visible black color or smell, the car started but would not get into gear and just wouldn't move. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361702, filed 2020-09, 230,000 miles“While driving on the nj turnpike, automatic transmission unexpectedly slipped into neutral (slipped from d4 to neutral). Engine revved to red line before I pulled over. Just narrowly missed getting into an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10200527, filed 2007-08, 148,988 miles“Electrical problems, with door lock actuators and srs systems wheel alignment brake problems, transmission problems yes , parts were replaced, repaired but I still have the same problems, after spending thousands of dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #10139534, filed 2005-10, 125,000 miles“My transmission went out at 35,000 miles they replaced it at no charge. Now at 46,000 miles the engine check light keeps coming on and ive taken it to the dealerships about 4 times they cant find anything wrong with it but I know its the transmission again because the car idles all the time like its going to die out on me and it has died out on me it runs crappy this is my first car and I paid alot for it hondas are supposed to be reliable and this one sure aint! …”
NHTSA complaint #720856, filed 2000-03“I have had my car for 10 months with repeated trips to the dealer and numerous calls to the point of purchase, with no results, I have been given the run-a-round to many times to count. I have a 1996 Honda Accord and it has a head gasket problem and the engine is having to be rebuilt. The head gasket and engine are badly water damaged and warped, and it is costing me in excess of $2,400.00 to get it repaired. I was told that repairs were made to my car but never received a work order proving that said work was actually done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10020727, filed 2003-05Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 4% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 3% |
| 2021 | 14 | 6% |
| 2020 | 16 | 4% |
| 2019 | 43 | 6% |
| 2018 | 139 | 7% |
| 2017 | 33 | 6% |
| 2016 | 29 | 5% |
| 2015 | 40 | 7% |
| 2014 | 65 | 7% |
| 2013 | 110 | 8% |
| 2012 | 27 | 7% |
| 2011 | 21 | 7% |
| 2010 | 45 | 8% |
| 2009 | 36 | 5% |
| 2008 | 70 | 5% |
| 2007 | 58 | 11% |
| 2006 | 50 | 12% |
| 2005 | 113 | 17% |
| 2004 | 348 | 34% |
| 2003 | 924 | 47% |
| 2002 | 478 | 46% |
| 2001 | 209 | 23% |
| 2000 | 201 | 17% |
| 1999 | 246 | 22% |
| 1998 | 276 | 23% |
| 1997 | 33 | 7% |
| 1996 | 27 | 6% |
| 1995 | 18 | 3% |
| 1994 | 21 | 6% |
| 1993 | 17 | 9% |
| 1992 | 25 | 12% |
| 1991 | 18 | 8% |
| 1990 | 15 | 8% |
| 1989 | 3 | 3% |
| 1988 | 11 | 13% |
| 1987 | 7 | 6% |
| 1986 | 5 | 9% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
| 1982 | 1 | 10% |
| 1981 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Honda Accord
109 complaintsEngine cooling
96 complaintsBrakes
81 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsTires
21 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaintsSteering
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Honda Accord
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology