2003 Honda Accord Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

13 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Honda Accord has 13 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 1,987 complaints with NHTSA, including 153 crashes, 18 fires, 149 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (933 reports).

13Recalls
1,987Owner complaints
153Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Accord?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Honda Accord recalls

Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel

Recall 19V499Jun 27, 20193,947 vehicles affected

The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature swings.

Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards

Recall 19V501Jun 27, 20191,657,752 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles may rupture due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature cycling.

Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments

Recall 19V182Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment because of a manufacturing error.

Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash

Recall 18V268Apr 26, 20181,335 vehicles affected

A front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly when it was replaced, so it may not deploy properly in a crash.

Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments

Recall 17V220Mar 30, 201737,421 vehicles affected

Certain vehicles may have a replacement passenger-side frontal airbag module that contains a Takata inflator.

Passenger Front Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments

Recall 15V370Jun 15, 20153,498,481 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may be affected by moisture intrusion over time.

Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 15V320May 28, 20156,281,043 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal airbag inflator can be affected by moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability.

Air Bags

Recall 14V700Nov 4, 2014

Air Bags

Recall 14V353Jun 20, 2014133,207 vehicles affected

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections

Recall 12V222May 17, 2012625,762 vehicles affected

Electrical System:Ignition

Recall 10V364Aug 5, 2010551,498 vehicles affected

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Recall 08V169Apr 11, 2008351,000 vehicles affected

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Recall 04V176Apr 15, 20041,099,796 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Honda Accord problems

Problem areas named in the 1,987 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train933
Air Bags321
Service Brakes, Hydraulic161
Electrical System148
Steering96
Engine And Engine Cooling96
Vehicle Speed Control81
Structure74
Visibility65
Equipment51

What owners report

2026-06-27, Air Bags
The vehicle was rear-ended on I-5 in Seattle Washington. The impact drove the subject car into the car in front of it. The front passenger airbag deployed (no occupant). The front driver airbag did not deploy, resulting in the driver hitting their nose and forehead on the steering wheel. The driver sustained relatively minor nose bruising and possibly a mild concussion. (Note, airbag recall had been performed on this vehicle)
2026-05-26, Air Bags
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed an unusual sound and the front passenger's side air bag deployed. In addition, the contact stated that the front windshield cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed SRS control unit. The contact was informed that the SRS control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
2026-04-06, Air Bags
I brought my vehicle to a Honda dealership for a safety recall repair (airbag/SRS related). After the repair, the SRS warning light appeared on my dashboard, indicating a potential safety issue with the airbag system. This issue was not present before the recall repair. It appeared shortly after the dealership completed the service. I contacted the dealership multiple times, but they have not responded or provided any assistance. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag system may not function properly in the event of an accident. I believe the recall repair was performed improperly, creating a new safety risk. I am requesting an investigation into this issue.
2026-02-23, Service Brakes
My break starts seizing up for no reason just out of the blue and a mechanics can't seem to find them problem, which led to my brake light constantly being on.
2025-12-15, Air Bags
Car was idling in our driveway with the defroster and heater on to melt the ice from the front windshield. After about 20 minutes the Side Airbag on the Drivers side exploded. I do believe this should be a Free Repair by a Honda Dealership as it is obviously a manufacturing defect. Your website indicates” O unrepaired defects”,(for the VIN) but we are not the original owners so we have no idea if it was ever addressed. It appears your website only goes back 15 years It is a 2003 Honda Accord and is now 22 years old.I would like some guidance, before contacting Honda. Thank You for your consideration in this matter.

2003 Honda Accord questions

Does the 2003 Honda Accord have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls for the 2003 Honda Accord: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel; Passenger airbag may explode and spray metal shards; Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly in a Crash; Passenger Airbag May Rupture and Spray Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Honda Accord?

Based on 1,987 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (933), Air Bags (321), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (161).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Honda Accord has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Honda Accord years

Other 2003 Honda models