What's Wrong with the 6th Generation (1998–2002) Accord?

Accord owners have made 2,854 complaints about the 1998–2002 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility, with significant transmission and body concerns.

Compare With Other Accord Generations

Common 1998-2002 Honda Accord Problems

Some of the worst issues 6th generation Accord owners have to deal with.

  2. Peeling Paint and Clear Coat

    Is your Honda shedding clearcoat and peeling off paint at an alarming rate? You're not alone. Far from it actually. Even the most ardent, wax-happy, electric car polisher wielding owner can find their paint tearing off in sheets. So what gi…

    Continue reading article "Peeling Paint and Clear Coat"

  3. Automatic Transmission Failure

    If you own a Honda released between 1999-2004 and haven't had any issues with your automatic transmission, may I suggest you go to your nearest conevnience store and play the lottery? 'Cause you're one lucky son-of-a-gun.

    Continue reading article "Automatic Transmission Failure"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

6th Generation (1998–2002) Accord Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 2,854 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 57th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 58 eligible generations.

Recent 6th Generation (1998–2002) Accord News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. 2001-2002 Accord. 2001-2002 Civic. 2002 CR-V. 2002 Odyssey. 2003 Pilot. If you own one of these vehicles and you haven't replaced their Takata inflators, the next knock on your door could be from a Honda representitive.

    And you should answer ... it might just save your life.

    In addition to going door-to-door with about 550 teams of representatives, Honda says it has made more than 35 million phone calls to customers and sent more than 1 million text messages, trying to convince owners to get the vehicles repaired.

    Desperate times. Desperate measures.

    keep reading article "550 Honda Representitives Are Going Door to Door, Begging Certain Owners to Replace Their Takata Inflators"