2004 Honda Accord Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 146about this part
- Share
- 14%of 1,018 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 146 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Honda Accord, 14% of the 1,018 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When driving on the interstate for over an hour the transmission began slipping but once I began driving on hills the transmission was no longer catching and I could no longer drive the car. The electrical issue comes from the windows not responding immediately to me pressing them down and the lock button on the remote and the lock button on the car door do not lock.”
NHTSA complaint #11290826, filed 2019-12, 122,000 miles“The display where the heater and radio is does not light up, we just purchased this veh 2/12/15... I tried to drive it last night and it's a safety issue after dark, u can't see to turn knobs/buttons or any thing to do w/the heater....u have to turn overhead done lights on to see the buttons, it's very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10683427, filed 2015-02, 198,000 miles“I have noticed that when I try to turn on car there is a lost in connection and car won't turn on I have to turn the steering wheel in order for car to finally turn on. I think there is a problem with the ignition switch. I have done research and seems like other Honda owners have had the same problem. I'm just afraid that car will stop in the road while I'm driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10583595, filed 2014-04, 128,498 miles“The lights on the radio and AC pannel do not work, the lcd does not display the radio stations or the AC temperatures. Now I find that the cost is over $800.00. Also I remember that when I brought the car in for service, in the past, the technician asked me if I had any problems with the dash light, seems he already knew about this problem over a year ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10453418, filed 2012-03, 49,000 miles“My radio and A/C display went out. I have to turn on my interior lights at night to adjust the temperature in my car. It is extremely dangerous if my windows get foggy and I cannot fix it without pulling off of the road. This car needs to be recalled. I should not have to pay $1000 for a problem that all of these models are having.”
NHTSA complaint #10459325, filed 2012-05, 150,000 milesRelated 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…
- 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.
- 10018176Jun 16, 2005Alternator condition ( no or low output).
- 10018164Jun 16, 2005Power locks lock self, cycle twice to lock.
- 10016355Apr 16, 2005No or low alternator output - dealer visit request.
- 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 2004 Honda Accord
348 complaintsAir bags
251 complaintsSteering
66 complaintsBrakes
62 complaintsVehicle speed control
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
47 complaintsSeat belts
38 complaintsExterior lighting
37 complaintsBody and structure
36 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsEngine
28 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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