I have a 2003 Accord EX V-6 with a 5spd auto which I bought new. I'm familiar with the reputation of problems associated with the transmission. Back in May of 2005, I successfully fought with Honda to replace the transmission under the warranty. The transmision housing had cracks and was oosing tranny fluid. After an extended argument, I was given a rebuilt transmission at around 37k. My question is this: Is the rebuilt transmission still subject to the problems associated with the 5ATs installed in the V6s in 2003 or should it have been rebuilt to a new standard including improvements made to the later 5ATs? I've changed the tranny fluid twice now with OEM fluid (the 2nd time was the new synthetic) and the car has just under 140k. The tranny has been performing fine and the only issue has been a soft clunk when cold, shifting from 1st to 2nd - most folks would not even notice it. The car is otherwise perfect and I've done all the (un)scheduled maintenance myself using almost all oem parts. I'm trying to decide whether to pass the car onto my son or sell it before I experience a major expense to replace the transmission.

2003 Accord EX V-6 Sedan 5sp AT

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong but I thought the bad Honda transmissions was from 98-02.

I thought the 03 was fine.

 

You all are the experts and most of my info is annecdotal except for Consumer Reports. They show a black circle (really bad) for major transmission work for the 02 and 03 v6 Accord. The 04s have a half black/white circle (not quite as bad) and then the 05s forward show a red circle (really good)

 

The 03+ automatic transmissions did not have the design flaw that plagued the 98-02 accords.

From your description, it sounds like the original case had some flaws maybe due to poor casting?

Change the transmission fluid as recommended in your owner's manual using Honda ATF and you should be good.

 

The 03 V6 transmissions do have problems, but it's the luck of the draw in my opinion. I think the V6 transmissions in the later year 7th gen Accords (06-07) are just as bad, they just don't have as many miles on them yet. If you check back with Consumer Reports in 5 years from now, I suspect you will see the same results the 03 has now. My advise is, don't abuse the transmission, and keep the fluid clean. I'd say, if the current transmission has gone 100k miles, you have a good one. Your guess is as good as anyone's as to how much longer it will last.

 

Thanks for your input guys. If anyone else has some insight, I'd appreciate it.

 

Any Honda techs out there that may know?