2003 Honda Accord Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 142about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,987 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 142 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Honda Accord, 7% of the 1,987 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The console light which displays the radio/cd player, and all temperature controls (AC, heat, defroster, etc.) does not work. I understand the warranty was extended to seven years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. Unfortunately, I have exceeded those limits. However, this is a safety problem/defect and should be fixed. The dealer quoted a price of $1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10476712, filed 2012-09, 47,000 miles“Every time I try to start the car there will be a buzzing sound coming from the ignition switch. I have to turnover the key several times before I can get the car to start. I noticed a deterioration with my ability to start the car after the dealer performed the 'repair' due to an ignition recall . Currently , the occurrences of failure to start the car at every attempt has increased to the point of this being a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10563526, filed 2014-02, 85,000 miles“My radio/HVAC area the lights to display them are out apparently it was recalled but not for all vehicles this is a safetyhazard for sure being I can't find my defrost... The other problem is the recall expired this year and it expired just after I bought the car and a few months later the middle console went out!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10438530, filed 2011-12, 65,700 miles“Unable to remove key from ignition in 2003 Honda Accord during cold weather. The problem is my car could be stolen since I can't get my key out, therefore I can't lock my car. I am carrying a spare key, but anyone can look in my car and see my key in the ignition. All you need to do is break my window and drive away with my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10298161, filed 2010-01, 55,000 miles“My 2003 Honda Accord will not start with key shift leverage is locked in park, move out of park, have to put on emergence to kee breaks to t from rolling. My car rolled on its own crashing into my other parked car breaking the back bumper and damaging the truck lock also, the interlock system is not working anymore on this car.have to disconnect battery to relesse key from ignition. Thank god I was in my own driveway when the car begin to roll and crash into my other car.”
NHTSA complaint #10823386, filed 2016-02, 2,000 milesRelated recalls
- 10V364000Aug 5, 2010Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 honda accord, civic two and four door, and model year 2003-2004 honda element vehicles. The interlock lever of the…Covers: Honda Accord 2003, Element 2003–2004, Civic 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10087261Oct 20, 2016Service bulletin - all of the listed vehicles have a type 4 immobilizer system that disables the vehicle unless a programmed ignition key is used. The type 4 system is different…
- 10041732Oct 11, 2011Honda: update replacement pcm with automatic transmission.
- 10037384Aug 4, 2010Honda: the ignition lock becomes worn and allows the key to be removed in positions other than park. This could cause the vehicle to roll if it's not in park.
- 10032953May 9, 2008Honda: warranty extension-vehicle warranty mileage. Class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain 2002-2006 honda models were overstating mileage. Federal court…
- 10018873Dec 16, 2005Srs diagnostic trouble code 81-64.
- 10017428Dec 14, 2005Headlights dim or diagnostic trouble code p1298 is stored in the ecm/pcm.
- 10018257Nov 16, 2005Accessory power socket inoperative.
- 10018164Jun 16, 2005Power locks lock self, cycle twice to lock.
- 10016353Apr 16, 2005Transferring odometer mileage at odometer r&r.
- 10016339Apr 1, 2005Scratches around shift lock release slot. Honda servicenews.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 11 | 11% |
| 2024 | 26 | 17% |
| 2023 | 23 | 26% |
| 2022 | 107 | 41% |
| 2021 | 68 | 28% |
| 2020 | 54 | 15% |
| 2019 | 109 | 16% |
| 2018 | 296 | 16% |
| 2017 | 155 | 29% |
| 2016 | 201 | 33% |
| 2015 | 237 | 39% |
| 2014 | 378 | 38% |
| 2013 | 417 | 29% |
| 2012 | 32 | 9% |
| 2011 | 18 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 6% |
| 2009 | 44 | 6% |
| 2008 | 105 | 7% |
| 2007 | 60 | 11% |
| 2006 | 42 | 10% |
| 2005 | 96 | 15% |
| 2004 | 146 | 14% |
| 2003 | 142 | 7% |
| 2002 | 69 | 7% |
| 2001 | 78 | 8% |
| 2000 | 171 | 14% |
| 1999 | 388 | 34% |
| 1998 | 308 | 26% |
| 1997 | 96 | 21% |
| 1996 | 40 | 8% |
| 1995 | 43 | 8% |
| 1994 | 32 | 9% |
| 1993 | 28 | 15% |
| 1992 | 26 | 13% |
| 1991 | 17 | 8% |
| 1990 | 26 | 14% |
| 1989 | 6 | 7% |
| 1988 | 4 | 5% |
| 1987 | 4 | 4% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
| 1984 | 2 | 9% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
| 1982 | 2 | 20% |
| 1981 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Accord
924 complaintsAir bags
318 complaintsBrakes
172 complaintsEngine cooling
95 complaintsSteering
90 complaintsVehicle speed control
81 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
75 complaintsBody and structure
73 complaintsEngine
51 complaintsEquipment
51 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsSuspension
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda Accord
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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