2004 Honda Accord

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2004 Honda Accord
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Accord Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 7 complaints 1982: 10 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 22 complaints 1985: 13 complaints 1986: 54 complaints 1986 1987: 111 complaints 1988: 88 complaints 1989: 86 complaints 1990: 192 complaints 1991: 212 complaints 1992: 206 complaints 1992 1993: 186 complaints 1994: 369 complaints 1995: 543 complaints 1996: 472 complaints 1997: 460 complaints 1998: 1200 complaints 1998 1999: 1135 complaints 2000: 1183 complaints 2001: 920 complaints 2002: 1050 complaints 2003: 1987 complaints 2004: 1016 complaints 2004 2005: 656 complaints 2006: 430 complaints 2007: 524 complaints 2008: 1520 complaints 2009: 720 complaints 2010: 579 complaints 2010 2011: 295 complaints 2012: 371 complaints 2013: 1417 complaints 2014: 969 complaints 2015: 593 complaints 2016: 588 complaints 2016 2017: 525 complaints 2018: 1791 complaints 2019: 644 complaints 2020: 334 complaints 2021: 210 complaints 2022: 213 complaints 2022 2023: 79 complaints 2024: 130 complaints 2025: 71 complaints 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2004: 1016 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19817
198210
19837
198422
198513
198654
1987111
198888
198986
1990192
1991212
1992206
1993186
1994369
1995543
1996472
1997460
19981200
19991135
20001183
2001920
20021050
20031987
20041016
2005656
2006430
2007524
20081520
2009720
2010579
2011295
2012371
20131417
2014969
2015593
2016588
2017525
20181791
2019644
2020334
2021210
2022213
202379
2024130
202571
20264

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 20%

20% of complaints: air bags — 199 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the air bags deployed independently. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer or independent mechanic was not contacted.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250926

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A STATIONARY VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD DEPLOY LATER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190212

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT STOPPED ABRUPTLY. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181128

POWER TRAIN 19%

19% of complaints: power train — 190 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHEN PARKING THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT, AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE PARKING SPACE THE CAR JUMPED (WENT VERY FAST FORWARD AND HIT THE WALL IN FRONT OF ME) EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES I FELT I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AND THE ENGINE TURNED...

NHTSA ODI report, 20040511

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 148 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 118 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 59 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

2004 — complaint volume: 1016
R 20040427 — power train

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 TRANSMISSIO

Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE T

Campaign 04V176000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20040726 — PE (closed 20041122)

FRONTAL DRIVER AIR BAG

R 20041130 — air bags

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, A TEAR IN THE FABRIC OF THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG OCCURRED AFTER APPARENT CONTACT WITH THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE AIR BAG COVER DURING DEPLOYMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE FABRIC FLAP BETWEEN THE AIR BAG MODULE COVER AND THE INNER MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Campaign 04V551000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060417 — 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. H

Remedy: TOM MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF NONCOMPLIANT LIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOM MOTORSPORT AT 626-968-4007.

Campaign 06E032000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060509 — exterior lighting

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM

Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Campaign 06E023000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060510 — exterior lighting

CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFOR

Remedy: ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.

Campaign 06E038000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070126 — exterior lighting

CERTAIN TYC HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES P/NS 20-6361-00 AND 20-6362-00 SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2003-2006 HONDA ACCORD PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PHOTMETRIC WERE MISALIGNED WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH F

Remedy: GENERA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT GENERA AT 714-522-6688.

Campaign 07E004000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070208 — air bags

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SEAT POSITION SENSOR (SPS) DETECTS THE DRIVER'S SEATING POSITION AND ADJUSTS THE AIR BAG INFLATION PRESSURE ACCORDINGLY. THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE SPS WAS ATTACHED TO THE SE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT POSITION SENSOR WIRING SUBHARNESS. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Campaign 07V001000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070527 — exterior lighting

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. DUR

Remedy: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Campaign 07E031000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090728 — exterior lighting

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120615 — steering

Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free r

Campaign 12V222000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20140611 — PE (closed 20150302)

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

R 20140912 — air bags

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Campaign 14V353000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20150126 — air bags

American Honda Motor Co.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Campaign 14V700000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20150224 — EA (open)

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

R 20150701 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Campaign 15V320000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20150701 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Campaign 15V370000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160502 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Accord vehicles manufactured October 1, 2003, to August 17, 2007.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JZ3.

Campaign 16V178000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180622 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Campaign 18V268000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190410 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Campaign 19V182000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190812 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

Campaign 19V499000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190812 — air bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Campaign 19V501000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20191209 — vehicle speed control

Dorman Products, Inc.

Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5.

Campaign 19E068000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

R Date not on file — exterior lighting

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.

Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Campaign 06E064000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Honda Accord — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (199 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (190 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (148 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V176000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V551000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E032000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E023000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E038000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E004000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07V001000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E031000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V222000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V353000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V700000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V320000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V370000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V178000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V268000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V182000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V499000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V501000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19E068000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 2025 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 2018 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Honda Accord reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Honda Accord is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Honda Accord?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Honda Accord have?

22 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.