Problems · NHTSA complaints

2004 Honda Accord problems

Owners filed 1,018 complaints about the 2004 Honda Accord with NHTSA between Dec 2003 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (348).

Complaints
1,018
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
90
Reported by owners
Fires
14
Reported by owners
Injuries
77
People reported injured
Deaths
3
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train348
  2. Air bags251
  3. Electrical system146
  4. Steering66
  5. Vehicle speed control58
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic44
  7. Seat belts38
  8. Exterior lighting37
  9. Structure36
  10. Visibility34
  11. Engine28
  12. Engine and engine cooling28
  13. Seats21
  14. Suspension20

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20032
200466
200572
200632
200734
200845
200951
201086
201197
2012108
201367
201474
201590
201650
201732
201825
201933
202014
20218
20228
20236
20244
202510
20264

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

348 reports11 crashes2 fires1 related recall
“While driving, the car’s engine suddenly shut off, and the brakes were barely responsive, making it extremely difficult to bring the vehicle to a complete stop despite continuously applying the brakes. This was a very serious and frightening safety issue that nearly caused me to crash into another vehicle or an object. I am very concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle and believe it needs to be inspected immediately.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11765462

Air bags

251 reports47 crashes11 related recalls
“On September 18, 2026, my father was driving a 2004 Honda Accord southeast on State Route 56 in Madison County, Ohio. According to the crash report, the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve, crossed left of center, left the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch, overturned, and struck a utility pole. My father sustained severe injuries, was transported by MedFlight to OSU Wexner Medical Center, and later died. After the crash, we observed that the driver’s steering-wheel airbag had not deployed. However, the police report indicates that both front and side airbags deployed. I am requesting an investigation into this discrepancy and whether a safety defect involving the driver’s airbag may have been involved. The vehicle is being held by Pro Tow until November 2, 2026, and is available for inspection. Any inspection must be coordinated before that date, when our family must decide what happens next with the vehicle. It is unknown whether an airbag warning light was illuminated before the crash or whether a qualified technician has inspected the airbag system.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11770627

Electrical system

146 reports6 crashes7 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was approximately 134,000. The contact stated that while attempting to resell the vehicle, the contact was informed by an individual interested in purchasing the vehicle that the mileage reported might not be the actual mileage. The contact was advised to check the Carfax Report. While checking the Carfax Report, the contact noticed two potential reports of odometer fraud with the vehicle. The Carfax Report indicated that in 2023, the mileage was reported to be approximately 251,000. The contact had not filed a report with any other agencies.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026Electrical systemODI 11732402

Steering

66 reports8 crashes3 fires1 related recall
“I have 22 recalls in my Jerry app and also on here. Have problems when first starting up and shifting just got from a dealer in Ohio. Maybe a year and a half ago my name is Tracy Harney my address is 702 Inverness place ft thomas Ky 41075 also my air bag light is on and my headlights are not very visible at nite wondering if all recalls on vehicle were fixed. Or still open. 8599076824. Leave message if don’t answer if you call.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 15, 2026Steering, Power train, Air bagsODI 11718121

Vehicle speed control

58 reports20 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2004 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the SRS air bag warning light started blinking off and on. The contact related the failure to having had the driver's side air bag replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V320000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated continually. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn, cruise control, and the passenger’s side air bag sensor had also failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 405,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2022Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electrical systemODI 11487749

Service brakes, hydraulic

44 reports7 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE RADIO FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS, DOME LIGHT, AND MULTIPLE PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 252,869.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 31, 2016Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical system, Air bags, Interior lightingODI 10871692
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.