1997 Honda Accord Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 7%of 460 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Honda Accord, 7% of the 460 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving uphill in the mountains of nc on I-26, without prior warning, transmission slipping of my 97 Honda Accord with 88,000 original miles, caused traffic to back-up behind me in the rain. Was finally able to remove from freeway out of danger.”
NHTSA complaint #10610049, filed 2014-07, 88,000 miles“I have noted that I can remove the key from the ignition of my 1997 Honda Accord without being in park. The safety issue is that the driver turn off the engine, remove the key (not in park), leave the car and the car can then roll away. This is the same safety defect that is now being recalled on the 2003 Honda.”
NHTSA complaint #10350345, filed 2010-08, 130,000 miles“This car randomly shuts down as I am driving have taken it to numerous places and nothing is found. Shut down 6 times in a row last time with my child in the car on a dark highway cold and raining. Very dangerous!!! The inside lights flash on and off all of the time mostly turning curves, wasting battery. Noise in the front wheels/tires/axles like something is waiting to break off as you are driving. Overheated last year for no apparent reason costing ton of money. I have replaced the compressor twice and still the air conditioner doesn't cool. …”
NHTSA complaint #10808163, filed 2015-12, 230,000 miles“Complete Honda Accord automatic transmission failure at 69,550 miles below incident almost resulted in rear end collision on interstate highway when attempting to accelerate onto entrance ramp and vehicle behind required evasive action to prevent rear end collision with my vehicle due to automatic transmission failure, failing to accelerate more than 20 MPH. Four speed automatic transmission completely failed for my 1997 Honda Accord lx, 4-door, with only 69,550 miles. The check engine light illuminated, while the d4 automatic transmission indicator flashed off and on at same time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10475458, filed 2012-09, 69,550 miles“I am having an issue with my automatic transmission on my 1997 Honda Accord ex coupe. I had my transmission serviced recently and apparently the code p0740 came up which is related to the torque converter. With many hours or research and speaking with american Honda there is an issue with all the automatic transmissions on hondas 1997 and newer. This problem results in the transmission needing replacement. The clutch slips and takes shards of metal off leading to a clog in the filter. The problem will cause total transmission failure at any time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10165174, filed 2006-08, 115,000 milesTransmission 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 1997 Honda Accord
113 complaintsElectrical system
96 complaintsEngine cooling
48 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsEquipment
16 complaintsTires
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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