The Honda Accord is a reliable car but can experience problems like any other vehicle. One issue that sometimes arises is transmission trouble. Common Honda Accord transmission problems include slipping, stalling, and not shifting properly.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your Honda Accord, it’s important to address them quickly. If left unchecked, these problems can cause serious damage to the transmission system and result in costly repairs. It’s best to have a qualified technician diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible.

There are several potential causes of Honda Accord transmission problems. This article will discuss the most common issues and the steps you can take to address them.

Honda Accord Transmission Problems – Symptoms

If you own a Honda Accord and feel like something might be wrong with your transmission, here are five common symptoms to watch out for. 

Irregular Down-Shifting

One of the most common symptoms of a failing Honda Accord transmission is irregular down-shifting. This symptom usually occurs when the car is in “drive” but suddenly shifts into a lower gear for no apparent reason.

If the transmission hesitates when downshifting or the car lurches forward when it should be slowing down, this could be a sign of a problem. This can happen at any speed, and it is usually accompanied by an audible thud or jolt in the car’s cabin. The cause of this symptom is usually a worn transmission band or clutch, which can lead to slipping and require extensive repairs.

Unexpected Acceleration

Another symptom of a failing Honda Accord transmission is unexpected acceleration. This issue can occur when driving down the road and you suddenly feel the car accelerate without pressing the gas pedal. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning transmission control unit or an issue with the car’s shift solenoids.

Although this symptom may seem minor, it can be a sign of a larger problem and should not be ignored. Leaving the problem unchecked could lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs.

Slipping Transmission

Another common sign of a transmission issue is when your car slips out of gear. This occurs when the transmission fails to fully engage in either drive or reverse and then suddenly kicks in after several seconds have passed. It can cause jerking motions as well as hesitation in acceleration and braking.

Worn-out transmission bands or clutches usually cause this symptom, which can be dangerous if not addressed promptly.

Reverse Gear Not Engaging

The reverse gear not engaging properly is another common symptom associated with transmission problems in a Honda Accord. This issue is usually caused by a problem with the transmission’s planetary gears or its linkage system.

Suppose you find that your reverse gear isn’t engaging properly. In that case, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important as this could indicate more serious underlying issues, such as broken teeth on the gears or even a sticking solenoid valve. 

Excessive Oil Consumption

If you notice that you have to top up your oil more frequently than usual, this could indicate an issue with your transmission seals, which allow oil to leak out more quickly than normal.

This problem can lead to damage to the transmission and should be checked out as soon as possible. If left unchecked, it could lead to costly repairs down the line.

Honda Accord Transmission Issues – Fixes

If you’re having any of the above-mentioned transmission issues with your Honda Accord, there are a few steps that you can take to try and fix the problem.

Check Transmission Fluid Levels

The first step is ensuring your transmission fluid levels are correct. Low levels of fluid can cause a whole host of issues, from slipping gears to unexpected acceleration. By ensuring that the levels are correct, you may be able to fix the problem without further intervention.

If the transmission fluid is brown or discolored, you should get it changed as soon as possible.

Replace Worn-Out Parts

The next step is to check the condition of all of the transmission components, such as the bands and clutches. If they are worn out, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. This can be a costly process, but it is often the only way to fix the issue.

You may be able to carry out these repairs yourself, but it is always best to consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure.

Check the Transmission Control Unit

The transmission control unit is responsible for controlling the shift of gears. If it malfunctions, it can lead to all sorts of transmission problems. To check this unit, you should use a diagnostic scanner to read any fault codes that may be present. If a problem is detected, you should get it fixed as soon as possible.

In some cases, the control unit may need to be replaced, so it’s important to get this checked as soon as possible.

Address Any Other Issues

Finally, it is important to address any other underlying issues that may be causing the transmission issue. This could include anything from a faulty spark plug to a failing oxygen sensor.

By addressing any other underlying issues, you can often resolve the transmission issue without needing to make any costly repairs.

FAQ

What Year Do Honda Accords Have Transmission Problems?

Transmission problems can affect any Accord from 1999 onwards, although the issue is more prevalent in models released between 2005 and 2010. Honda issued a recall on some of these models, so it is worth checking whether your car is affected. Earlier models can also suffer from transmission issues, but this is generally due to poor maintenance or incorrect fluid levels.

Is There A Recall On Honda Transmissions?

Yes, there was a recall on certain Honda cars from 2005-2010 due to transmission issues. If your car is affected by the recall, it is important to get it serviced as soon as possible to avoid further damage. You can check if your car is affected by the recall on The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.