Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda accord. While the vehicle was idling at a red light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and it operated normally. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled on two other occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The…
2005 Honda Accord engine problems
severe 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 33 engine complaints filed for the 2005 Honda Accord, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 33 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2005 Accord has a troubled history with engine, transmission, and fuel system reliability. Common serious issues include recurrent MAF sensor fouling, premature transmission failure, internal oil burning that destroys engines, catalytic converter problems, and mysterious stalling—many unresolved even after multiple dealer visits.
Owners report a range of engine and transmission issues that Honda dealerships frequently cannot diagnose or repair. The most persistent complaint involves the mass airflow sensor fouling repeatedly despite replacement or cleaning, with one owner documenting three failures over twelve months starting at 40,000 miles. Engine misfires, rough running, and jerking during shifts plague multiple vehicles, yet dealers have dismissed these problems as normal or blamed external factors like fuel quality.
Transmission failures appear early in vehicle life. One owner experienced complete transmission failure under 25,000 miles requiring a full overhaul; another had 2nd-gear failure at 75,000 miles. Some transmissions lose power without warning while driving, disengaging from drive during highway operation. Post-repair transmissions exhibit delayed shifts and strange jerking, which dealers deny seeing.
A severe oil-consumption issue affects multiple examples, with one owner replacing engines four times in ten months after each replacement engine burns oil dry within 200 miles despite fresh oil and no leaks. Stalling strikes without pattern—at idle, during acceleration, on the highway—leaving dealers unable to duplicate the problem. Uncontrolled engine idle and forward lunging at stops have caused at least one rear-end collision.
Design defects compound these powertrain issues: the AC condenser sits 18 inches off the ground unprotected and ruptures from road debris; catalytic converter heat shields detach while driving; and one vehicle lacked a cooling-fan fuse entirely. One owner's vehicle caught fire while parked with only 34,000 miles. Another described an uncontrolled full-throttle event at a traffic light that resulted in a serious accident. Dealers and Honda frequently refuse warranty coverage or claim inability to help.
Same Honda Accord engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
Sensor fouls repeatedly despite replacement or cleaning, triggering check engine light and loss of power on inclines. Owner reports three failures over 12 months starting at 40,000 miles; dealer acknowledged sensor requires cleaning after ~80 hours per spec but could not identify root cause.
When: Starting 40,000 miles; recurring every 6 months from April 2007 to May 2008
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sluggish, loss of power going uphill; Check engine light illuminates; Repeated sensor faulting despite replacement
Codes mentioned: MAF sensor fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement; later cleaning per dealer; issue recurred each time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged sensor requires cleaning per specifications but offered no solution for recurring failures
Transmission Failure (2nd Gear)
Automatic transmission lost 2nd gear while driving uphill, causing engine to race to redline and transmission to disengage. Occurred around 75,000 miles on 8-year-old vehicle. Dealer diagnosed failed 2nd gear; owner was charged for remanufactured transmission.
When: Around 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine racing to redline on incline; Transmission fails to engage; disengages in drive; Transmission pulsing and surging when slowing; Loss of power safety hazard in traffic
Codes mentioned: Failed 2nd gear diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Remanufactured transmission replacement; owner states cost over $5,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; owner requested Honda coverage but received no response
Uncontrolled Engine Idle / Harsh Idle and Lunging
Engine idles high and races unpredictably, especially during warm-up or at stop lights. Vehicle lunges forward at stops even with brake applied. Owner must ease off brake to prevent forward movement. One owner rear-ended car in front at traffic light due to lunge.
When: Continuous from early ownership; incidents from 2007 onward
Symptoms owners cite: High idle speed that persists after warm-up; Engine racing/revving without driver input; Vehicle lunges forward at stops despite braking; Harsh downshift with jerking sensation
Codes mentioned: None specified; dealer suggested normal operation
Repairs/costs cited: None; dealer stated behavior was normal for the vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed behavior was normal engine warmup; no fix offered
Internal Oil Burning / Premature Engine Wear
Engine burns oil internally at extreme rate, consuming full oil capacity within 200 miles of fresh oil change with no visible leaks. Oil pressure warning light flashes followed by check engine light. Four engine replacements in 10 months (each replacement engine had 50–80k miles); problem recurred 1–2 months after each replacement despite spark plug and filter changes.
When: Chronic issue; started December 2015; four replacements within 10 months
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light flashing; Check engine light illuminates after oil light; Severe oil consumption with no external leaks; Risk of blown piston or engine seizure; Complete oil depletion within short intervals
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning code, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Four engine replacements (50–80k mile units); spark plugs, wires, oil filter, oil changed with each replacement; cost over $8,000 to owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed no knowledge of issue despite worldwide reports on forums
Engine Misfire / Rough Running
Vehicle misfires and runs rough, particularly during gear shifts (1st to 2nd), with jerking sensations. Owner described sensation as 'running over washboards.' Multiple dealer visits unable to diagnose; dealer offered unrelated excuses (ABS, condensation, fuel quality) and refused to credit uncertified technician who felt the miss.
When: Days after purchase (February); ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Engine miss/misfire; Rough sensation during 1st-to-2nd gear shift; Jerking acceleration; Lack of power
Codes mentioned: Documented miss (diagnostic result)
Repairs/costs cited: Unresolved; dealer documented miss but could not locate source
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose after four visits; dismissed technician evidence
Catalytic Converter Heat Shield Detachment
Catalytic converter heat shields fell off while driving, creating fire hazard and almost causing accident. Two separate complaints; shields are required by design to prevent fires from converter heat. Occurred before warranty expiration (8 years/80k miles) but at 45k and before 80k miles. Honda refused warranty coverage.
When: Around 45,000 miles and before 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Heat shields detach and fall off while driving; Near-accident due to sudden detachment; Fire hazard due to exposed hot converter
Repairs/costs cited: Heat shield replacement required; cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused warranty coverage despite shields being within 8-year/80k-mile warranty period; manufacturer refused to speak to supervisor or provide assistance
Catalytic Converter Premature Failure
Catalytic converter failed at 82,000 miles, just beyond 80,000-mile warranty limit. Owner states this is known to happen prematurely on Accords. Expensive California-emission replacement required; aftermarket not permitted.
When: 82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Converter malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: OEM catalytic converter replacement; cost $1,100 after installation; incorrect part was nearly installed at one dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; warranty expired at 80,000 miles
A/C Condenser Damage (Debris Impact)
A/C condenser develops pinhole or rupture from road debris (rock or tire fragments) because unit sits only 18 inches above ground with no protective guard. Two owners experienced this; one had it happen twice. Design places condenser in direct line of road debris with zero protection.
When: Not specified; within warranty period for first occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: A/C stops cooling; Pinhole or rupture in condenser core
Repairs/costs cited: Condenser replacement; labor-intensive due to front bumper removal; cost $700–$800 per incident
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer(s) denied coverage citing 'road hazard' despite widespread online reports; some online accounts indicate other Honda dealers covered cost at no charge, but reported dealers refused
Spark Plug Ejection (V6 VTEC Engines)
Spark plug shot out of cylinder #2, stripped cylinder threads, hit firewall, and caused immediate power loss on freeway. Defect documented in blogs as related to V6 VTEC engines and typically involves cylinder 1 or 2 only. Owner states one case exists where Honda shared repair cost.
When: Not specified; defect pattern established
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power on freeway; Spark plug ejection from cylinder; Stripped cylinder threads
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder replacement ($6,200) or cylinder repair with machining ($4,650 + $700 machining); repair by Honda dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In at least one case, Honda agreed to share repair cost; unclear if standard practice
Transmission Failure / Delayed Shifts and Jerking
Automatic transmission failed under 25,000 miles; complete overhaul and torque converter replacement performed. After repair, torque converter began leaking oil immediately. Six months later, transmission exhibits abrupt delays during shifting, strange kicks, and sluggish acceleration. Dealer claims nothing is wrong.
When: Under 25,000 miles (initial failure); recurring issues post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure before 25k miles; Abrupt delays in gear engagement; Strange kicks during shifts; Sluggish acceleration post-repair; Torque converter leaking oil
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission overhaul and torque converter replacement at cost over $2,600; torque converter subsequently required leak repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims no current transmission issues despite owner observations
Transmission Disengagement While Driving
Transmission completely disengaged (went to neutral equivalent) while driving on interstate highway at highway speed during heavy traffic and nighttime rainstorm. Engine revved but no power. No warning lights except tachometer. Owner diagnosed transmission overheating and needing premature replacement.
When: During highway driving; mileage not specified but pattern suggests premature failure
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission disengages from drive without warning; Engine revs but no power delivery; No dashboard warning lights; Transmission failure due to overheated fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required at high cost; specific cost not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Timing Belt Tensioner Leaking
Timing belt tensioner leaks oil that can drip onto the belt, causing belt to slip or come off tensioner. Defect goes unnoticed until timing belt replacement is performed. Risk of loss of power if belt becomes unsecured.
When: Discovered during routine timing belt replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Timing belt tensioner leaking oil; Risk of timing belt slipping off tensioner; Potential loss of engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Tensioner and timing belt replacement required; specific cost not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; issue discovered by technician during routine maintenance
Cold Start Acceleration / High Idle on Cold Start
Engine accelerates unexpectedly during cold start. At cold start, idle is 1,500 RPM; with foot on brake it drops to 1,000 RPM. When brake is released, car rolls forward for ~2 seconds then RPM suddenly jumps to 1,500 and vehicle accelerates to ~10 MPH without driver input.
When: Cold engine start conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected acceleration during cold start; High idle on cold start (1,500 RPM); Vehicle rolls and accelerates when brake released despite no pedal input
Repairs/costs cited: None documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Insufficient Engine Power to Hold on Incline (Low Idle)
Vehicle rolls backward when stopped on hill even with foot off brakes. Dealer and manufacturer attributed behavior to lower idle speed for quieter ride, stating vehicle lacks power to hold on incline. Represents safety hazard.
When: Routine operation on hills
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on hills at stop; Insufficient idle power to hold position on incline
Repairs/costs cited: None; dealer stated behavior normal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer confirmed this is normal for the vehicle; no fix offered
VTEC System Malfunction / VTEC Staying Engaged
VTEC system stays engaged causing jerking and check engine light. Engine lacks power between 1–3,000 RPM. Owner states multiple online reports of same issue attributed to VTEC oil pressure problem. Regular oil changes not resolving issue.
When: Ongoing; check engine light on intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; VTEC engaged inappropriately; Jerking acceleration; Power loss between 1,000–3,000 RPM; Unsafe performance
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (VTEC-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented; owner questioning why issue occurs despite regular oil changes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Stalling While Driving
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving or idling at stop lights on multiple separate occasions. Stalls occur at various speeds (idle, 32 MPH, 70 MPH) with no pattern. Vehicle either restarts normally or requires towing. Dealers unable to duplicate problem or diagnose.
When: Multiple incidents at various mileages (144k, unknown mileage, 32 MPH incidents); pattern established
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling at idle or during driving; Stalling without warning at red lights; Stalling at highway speed (70 MPH); Engine stalls then restarts normally, or fails to restart
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (in some cases), Battery indicator light (post-stall)
Repairs/costs cited: Unable to diagnose or repair; dealers cannot duplicate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to duplicate or resolve; one case refused diagnosis because vehicle not purchased at that dealership
Engine Fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked at store with owner inside for only 10 minutes. Fire department extinguished; insurance company investigated. Owner believes fire started in or near engine. Vehicle was 34,000 miles.
When: 34,000 miles; incident occurred while vehicle parked
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire while parked; Complete vehicle fire requiring fire department response
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle declared total loss by insurance; investigation details not available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Abnormal Engine Noise / Rattling and Power Loss
Abnormal rattling noise from engine accompanied by traction control warning light illuminating. Vehicle would not accelerate. Issue persisted after restart.
When: 183,000 miles (hybrid model)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rattling noise from engine; Traction control warning light illuminates; Vehicle will not accelerate; Failure persists after restart
Codes mentioned: Traction control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not contacted
Uncontrolled Full Throttle Engagement
Vehicle went into full throttle while waiting at traffic light with foot on brake, no foot near gas pedal. Owner was thrown out of vehicle into intersection and hit by oncoming traffic, resulting in injury accident.
When: At traffic light; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden full throttle without driver input; Engine revs to full power with foot on brake; Vehicle accelerates into intersection
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented
Transmission Failure with Drive Light Flashing
Drive light began flashing on freeway at 60 MPH. Dealer diagnostic determined transmission requires replacement. Occurred at 137,000 miles; vehicle already beyond typical warranty coverage.
When: 137,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Drive light flashing on freeway; Transmission failure indicated
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; cost $4,100 (on sale from $5,000) plus intermediate maintenance $313
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; vehicle mileage beyond typical coverage
Check Engine Light / Misfire with Heavy Acceleration
Check engine light flashes then stays on during heavy acceleration (passing maneuver on two-lane road). Dealer finds misfire code but cannot fix it. Problem recurs after three service visits within 1,600 miles. Dealer suggested bad fuel or excessive acceleration.
When: Early in ownership; recurring by 1,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light flashes during heavy acceleration; Engine misfire detected; Recurring issue despite multiple dealer visits
Codes mentioned: Misfire code
Repairs/costs cited: Unresolved after three dealer visits; dealer blamed fuel or driver
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to fix despite multiple attempts
Engine Overheating (No Cooling Fan Fuse)
Vehicle severely overheated in congested traffic on nearly 100-degree day. Dealer discovered there is no fuse for the cooling fan—major safety and design defect. Vehicle has been serviced continuously at same dealer since new.
When: High ambient temperature conditions; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Severe engine overheating in traffic; No cooling fan operation (no fuse)
Repairs/costs cited: Cooling system not functional; fuse missing from design
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; no credible explanation provided by dealer or manufacturer
Intermittent Hesitation / Stalling
Intermittent hesitation and stalling at any speed. Vehicle taken to dealer twice; unable to resolve. Third appointment scheduled but problem unresolved.
When: Mileage not specified; pattern of recurring failures
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation at any speed; Stalling without pattern; Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult
Repairs/costs cited: Unresolved after two dealer visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose or repair
Engine Stalling at Speed with Limited Recovery (Limp Mode)
Vehicle stalled at 70 MPH in normal conditions. After restart, maximum speed limited to 40 MPH. Dealer unable to duplicate problem.
When: 70 MPH highway driving; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling at highway speed (70 MPH); Speed limited to 40 MPH after restart; Possible limp-mode activation
Repairs/costs cited: Not duplicated or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to duplicate
Engine Shut-Off After Extended Use (Thermal Cutoff)
Vehicle shuts off with yellow warning light after more than 15 minutes of use. Vehicle serviced multiple times but problem not resolved.
When: After 15+ minutes of continuous driving
Symptoms owners cite: Yellow warning light illuminates; Engine shuts off after 15+ minutes of operation; Recurring despite multiple service visits
Codes mentioned: Yellow warning light (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service visits; problem unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution provided despite repeated service attempts
O2 Sensor Failure with Unresolved Stalling
O2 sensor failed causing stalling and loss of power. Owner replaced sensor but stalling continued, indicating secondary or underlying issue not resolved by sensor replacement alone.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling; Loss of power / no acceleration; Problem persists after O2 sensor replacement
Codes mentioned: O2 sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: O2 sensor replacement did not resolve stalling; underlying cause unidentified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Honda Accord?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 34,000 and 121,000 miles, with the median around 76,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 121,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Honda/Accord.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.