Dealer message - On September 27, 2012, Honda notified NHTSA of a Stop Sale order and Safety Recall for some 2003-2007 Accord V6 units to address power steering feed hoses that may deteriorate due to high under-hood and fluid temperatures, potentially leading to leaks, smoke, and possibly under-hood fire.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Honda Accord powertrain problems
severe 103 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
103
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
2fires
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 103 powertrain complaints filed for the 2005 Honda Accord, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 103 powertrain 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.
Among the 18 model years of Honda Accord in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer message - On September 27, 2012, Honda notified NHTSA of a Stop Sale order and Safety Recall for some 2003-2007 Accord V6 units to address power steering feed hoses that may deteriorate due to high under-hood and fluid temperatures, potentially leading to leaks, smoke, and possibly under-hood fire.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗1-2 UPSHIFT SHUDDER, JUDDER, VIBRATION AT 2,000 RPM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0973, SHIFT SOLENOID A SHORT CIRCUIT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Honda Accord powertrain complaints center on severe transmission failures—both automatic and manual. Automatic transmission owners report sudden, complete failure with no warning lights in many cases. Vehicles lose power mid-highway, engine revs but car won't move, or transmission won't engage any gear. Several owners had failures around 50,000–95,000 miles after proper maintenance. Manual transmission owners report difficulty engaging or staying in 3rd gear from early mileage, with grinding and occasional gear pop-out during shifts, creating safety hazards on ramps and in traffic.
Common threads include jerking or hard jolts during acceleration and gear shifts, delayed engagement (6–10 seconds to shift into gear), transmission fluid issues that don't resolve with fluid changes, and check engine lights tied to solenoid and torque converter codes. Many owners discovered NHTSA Recall Campaign 11V395000 (R89, issued August 2011) was supposed to cover their vehicle but were denied coverage. Owners cite transmission fluid filter design issues, faulty solenoids, and control module problems. Repair costs range from $2,400 to $4,500 for rebuilt or replacement transmissions, often out-of-warranty. A few cases involved dangerous driving scenarios—cars unable to accelerate uphill or merge, loss of power on interstates, or unexpected rolling in park—creating potential collision risks. One owner reported excessive engine oil consumption unrelated to leaks, starting around 80,000 miles.
Same Honda Accord powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Automatic Transmission Complete Failure
Sudden, catastrophic transmission failure with complete loss of power. Engine revs but vehicle won't accelerate or engage any forward gear. Often occurs at highway speeds with no prior warning signs. Many failures reported between 50,000–95,000 miles despite proper maintenance.
When: 50,000–95,000 miles; some at 85,000 miles and above
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs with no vehicle movement; Transmission won't shift into any gear (drive, reverse, low); Loss of power mid-highway, forcing pull-over or tow; Vehicle may roll backward even when in park; No check engine light warning in many cases
Codes mentioned: P0741, P0746, P0777, Shift solenoid codes, Clutch pressure control solenoid codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement/rebuild: $2,400–$4,500. Some owners received partial goodwill coverage from Honda (50–75% in isolated cases) but many were denied coverage, especially if outside recall eligibility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 11V395000 (R89, issued August 27, 2011) for 2005–2010 Honda Accords addresses transmission failure. However, many owners report Honda denied coverage claiming their specific VIN was not included despite matching symptoms. Honda contact reference case numbers given but repairs often required customer deductible ($750 in one case).
Manual Transmission 3rd Gear Engagement Issues
Intermittent difficulty engaging 3rd gear or gear popping out unexpectedly. Problem present from early ownership. Shifting feels rough, grinds at 2–3 upshift, or transmission refuses to enter gear.
When: 5,000–34,000 miles at first occurrence; problem persists throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent difficulty engaging 3rd gear; Gear pops out or slips during driving; Grinding noise when shifting 2–3; Gear skips or refuses to engage; Dangerous when merging at freeway speeds due to sudden deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid replacement with Honda part #08798-9031 at 34,712 miles did not resolve issue. Service bulletin TSB #1205 (NHTSA ID #10018868, December 2005) addresses transmission grinding at shifts and skip shifting. Honda indicated a fix was 'on the way' in 2007 but owner reports no resolution as of complaint filing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda TSB #1205 issued December 2005 for transmission grinding and skip shifting. Service managers acknowledged Honda was aware of the problem and claimed a fix was forthcoming (December 2007 timeframe) but owner reports no resolution months later. Multiple dealer visits at 5,000 and 15,000 miles found no problem initially.
Automatic Transmission Jerking, Hesitation, and Hard Shifts
Vehicle jerks or hesitates when accelerating, downshifting, or entering gear. Hard jolts during 1–2 gear shift. Delayed engagement before vehicle responds (6–10 seconds). Symptoms worsen in cold weather.
When: Throughout ownership, manifesting between 40,000–80,000 miles or after cold snaps
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking or jolting when accelerating; 6–10 second delay before gear engages; Grinding noise when shifting from drive to park; Hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear with high RPM rise; Check engine light illumination; Traction control (TCS) light illumination; Hesitation and aggressive shaking during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0741, Shift solenoid valve codes, Transmission control module codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid drain and replacement (9 quart flush): $200–400, temporary relief (2 weeks to months). Transmission solenoid replacement attempted but ineffective. Complete transmission replacement/rebuild required in many cases ($2,400–$4,500). One owner reports transmission filter design flaw: difficult access and very small hole for fluid flow; when clogged, transmission fails rapidly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Recall 11V395000 (R89) August 27, 2011 for transmission control module (TCM/PCM) reprogramming. Some repairs performed under this recall, but owners report inadequate remedy—failures recurred post-repair. Some owners received 'goodwill' coverage but still paid customer deductibles.
Uncontrolled Engine Revving and Acceleration
Engine RPMs spike uncontrollably (to 5,000–6,500 RPM) when shifting into gear or during normal operation, causing sudden unintended acceleration. Vehicle surges forward with difficulty stopping or controlling.
When: Variable; some occurring at cold start, others at highway speeds or traffic stops
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 5,000–6,500 RPM without driver input; Rapid, unintended vehicle acceleration; Difficulty stopping vehicle despite brake application; Loud banging or grinding noise from transmission; Shift selector sticks and won't move out of park; Ignition key won't turn or release
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs cited in complaints for this mode. One case resulted in property damage (tree, gate) due to uncontrolled acceleration in a wildlife parking area.
Transmission Won't Engage Reverse or Downshift
Transmission locks up, refuses to downshift, or won't engage reverse gear. Vehicle becomes stuck in current gear or neutral-like condition, unable to move forward or backward.
When: 50,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locked up; can't shift to reverse or downshift; Vehicle stuck at stop sign with no reverse capability; Loud banging noise before failure; Vehicle starts rolling backward when in park
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement: $4,200 for parts; Honda covered balance after $750 manufacturer warranty deductible plus $181 towing charge. Another case required torque converter replacement due to fluid burn and gear shredding.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial warranty coverage available (50–75% cost split or with deductible) in limited cases. Honda contacted through dealerships but coverage inconsistent and often denied, especially post-warranty.
Transmission Slipping Gears and Violent Downshifts
Transmission slips out of gear, especially at highway speeds, forcing violent downshift into lower gears. Engine revs without power or car drifts in neutral-like state. May recur repeatedly once started.
When: 85,000–95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips out of current gear unexpectedly; Violent downshift to 2nd or 3rd gear; Engine revs but vehicle loses power and drifts; Multiple slip events during single trip; Whining or grinding noises from transmission; Transmission won't shift smoothly afterward
Repairs/costs cited: One owner limp-shifted into 2nd gear and drove to friend's house, then had rebuilt transmission installed. Extended warranty covered cost for another owner. Costs not specified in complaint.
Transmission Shudder and Excessive Vibration
Severe vibration emanating from transmission or powertrain area at idle, during acceleration, or at any RPM. Vibration feels like car has 300,000 miles despite new engine. Worsens over time.
When: Throughout ownership; progressively worsens
Symptoms owners cite: Strong vibration from under car at idle with any gear engaged; Very strong vibration during acceleration; Vibration felt in gas pedal and wheels; Severe shudder when entering parking lot or low-speed maneuvers; Front end shake at highway speeds (45 mph); Car feels powerless; gas pedal must be pushed hard to move
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed alignment checks, tire rotation, and pressure checks with no resolution. One complaint attributes vibration to secondary shaft bearing wear, potentially caused by recall repair consequences (Campaign 11V395000). No repairs reported successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismissed vibration as 'normal' and suggested no action needed. No manufacturer intervention offered.
Transmission Gear Selector Design Flaw (D to D3 Slippage)
Automatic transmission gear shifter skips or bypasses the 'D' (drive) position and moves directly into 'D3' (third gear) when shifting from park or neutral. No detent or resistance to prevent bypass.
When: Ongoing from ownership start
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves from park directly into D3, bypassing D position; No significant detent to hold shifter in D position; Shifter slips or lacks mechanical resistance; Potential for transmission damage if operated in wrong gear selection
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs reported. Owner inquired about risk of transmission damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda customer service advised owner to 'be more careful' with gear shifter selection. No mechanical remedy offered.
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engine burns through oil rapidly without external leaks. Oil level drops to empty within 2 weeks of oil change despite full synthetic oil and no visible leaks. Engine seizing risk if oil not continuously replenished.
When: After 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops to empty within 2 weeks of change; No external leaks detected; Check engine light stays on; Engine loses power when driving uphill; Engine seizing risk; owner must check oil every couple days; Full synthetic oil expensive; cost of ownership increases significantly
Repairs/costs cited: Owner spent over $3,000 in diagnosis and repairs without resolution. Multiple mechanics unable to identify cause. Switching to full synthetic oil did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda research sites (carcomplaints.com, braman.com) indicate this is a known issue after 80,000 miles but no recall has been issued. Complaint filed January 2017 with no response.
Check Engine Light and Transmission Warning Codes After Software Update
After transmission software recall repair (Campaign 11V395000), transmission stalls, decelerates, and check engine light remains illuminated. Recall fix did not resolve underlying transmission issues.
When: Post-repair, within weeks of recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls and decelerates after recall repair; Check engine light stays on permanently; Maintenance warning lamp constantly illuminated; Transmission control module reprogramming ineffective
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired further. Owners report recall fix was insufficient.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Campaign 11V395000 (August 27, 2011) provided TCM/PCM reprogramming but failed to fully resolve transmission slipping and shifting issues for multiple owners.
Manual Transmission Clutch Burnout and Freeze
Manual transmission clutch burns out completely, rendering vehicle unable to move or shift gears. In cold weather, transmission may freeze with all door locks (electric and manual) also freezing.
When: January (cold weather)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission won't move; clutch destroyed; Engine won't turn over; frozen in gear; Door locks (electric and mechanical) won't function; Requires battery jump to move vehicle; Clutch requires full replacement despite proper driving history
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement: $1,500. Battery replacement: $120. Problem recurred multiple times. Diagnostic fee: $250.
Synthesized from 103 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Put car on parked car kept moving on parking stall . Also when turning car on push breaks and put on drive jumps hard and when pushing on breaks does not break on time have to push breaks to the floor
2005 Honda accord v6 cp with only 37k on it, transmission failed this am and was towed to Honda dealership in sacramento, ca. So far there is no update. Car has been maintained and well taken care of. Its soo sad that a Honda car would brake down at only 37k when standard warranty is only good for 36k. I have no idea what will Honda corporation decide but I hope they will stand behind their…
When the vehicle is started with a cold engine the car will surge in gear, accelerating the car unexpectedly. The frequency of the problem is intermittent. The car will surge with enough force that the amount of pressure one ordinarily exerts on the brake pedal to hold a car stationary is insufficient. *nm
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2005 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 103 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 88 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 52,300 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,300; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.