Honda Cars Common Problems

Honda cars, like any other car, can experience problems. One of the most common issues reported by Honda owners is transmission failure. Symptoms may include slipping gears, hesitation while shifting and difficulty accelerating. Regular maintenance, including transmission fluid changes, can help prevent this problem. Engine stalling, loss of power and oil leaks are some of the engine problems Honda owners may face.

Defective airbags have been widely publicized in recent years due to a series of massive recalls by Honda and other car manufacturers. If your Honda car is part of a recall for defective airbags, it is important to have it repaired immediately.
Honda Accord drivers have reported frequent exposure to high temperatures damaging the power steering hose, causing cracks and fluid leakage. This issue can lead to smoke and even a fire underneath the vehicle.

Other common Honda car issues include automatic transmission lock up risk, short-circuiting of the automatic transmission, abrupt power loss in fuel pump, overheating power window switch, clogged fuel injectors, failure of valve and idle air controls, electrical issues and faulty brake rotors.

Honda cars are well-known for their excellent performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. However, like any other vehicle, they can experience problems. This article will discuss some of the common issues that Honda cars can encounter and provide solutions to address them.

Failing Transmission

Transmission failure is a prevalent problem in Honda cars, including models like the Accord, Civic, Odyssey, and CR-V. Symptoms of this issue may include difficulty in acceleration, slipping gears, and hesitation while shifting. Poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, and overheating are some of the reasons that can contribute to transmission failure.
To prevent this problem, it’s crucial to regularly check the transmission fluid and be alert for any warning signs. If you suspect any transmission issues with your Honda car, it’s advisable to get it inspected by a professional mechanic.

Engine Issues

Engine problems can occur in any Honda model, even in the most reliable ones. The Civic, for example, has had issues with oil leaks, engine stalling, and power loss. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, replacing any worn-out parts promptly and frequent oil changes, tune-ups and air filter replacements can help prevent engine problems.

Defective Airbags

Airbag defects are a serious issue in Honda cars that have been widely reported in recent years. The Takata Corporation made the defective airbags that can explode during deployment, causing severe injury or even death. If your Honda car is part of the recall for defective airbags, it’s critical to get it repaired immediately.

Power Steering Hose Failure

This is a common problem in Honda Accords, where the power steering hose can crack and leak fluid due to frequent exposure to high temperatures. If the fluid falls onto the catalytic converter, it can create smoke and even a fire underneath the vehicle.

Car Moves Due to Ignition Interlock Fault

A problem that can happen in certain Honda models, particularly the Honda Pilot. Honda modified the ignition switch by reducing its rotation from 160° to 125°, but failed to adjust the ignition blocking mechanism accordingly. If the driver removes the key with the gear selector not in Park mode, it can damage the mechanism.

Risk Of Automatic Transmission Locking Up

There have been reports of automatic transmission lock-up risk in Honda Pilot, Accord and Odyssey vehicles, caused by heat accumulation between the second gears of the secondary shaft and the countershaft. This can weaken the material strength, resulting in gear breakage and chipping, which can ultimately lead to a crash.

Automatic Transmission Short Circuiting

The Honda CR-V has experienced issues with short-circuiting of the automatic transmission due to adjustments made to the secondary shaft bearing outer race material and shape that were not accompanied by modifications to the automatic transmission control module software. This can cause engine stalling and short-circuiting of the automatic transmission.

Fuel Pump Abrupt Power Loss

Certain models of the Honda Accord and Odyssey have a risk of abrupt power loss in the fuel pump due to a cracked die punch during the manufacturing process that causes collapsed terminals in the main fuse box. If left unaddressed, this can lead to intermittent power loss and engine stalling, which can result in a crash.

Power Window Switch Overheating

There have been reports of overheating power window switches in some Honda vehicles due to poor adherence of the plastic cover, causing circuit board melting and switch overheating, which could result in a fire hazard.

Fuel Injectors Clogged, Air Control Failures

The 2016 Honda Pilot may experience issues such as clogged fuel injectors, idle air control failures, and exhaust gas recirculation valve failure. Additionally, the 2010-2013 Honda Pilot models may have problems with flawed low beams due to overheating electrical wiring controls, while other Honda models may experience a common problem with differential fluid breakdown.

Soft Brake Pedal Feel

In the Honda Odyssey and Element, the VSA modulator can cause the brake pedal to feel softer over time. This issue can negatively affect how drivers operate their vehicles and can make driving risky.

Honda: Pros and Cons

Honda is a top brand for those looking for wallet-friendly driving due to its above-average reliability, commendable resale values, best-in-class fuel efficiency, affordability compared to rivals in its class and admirable safety ratings. However, Honda has had issues with improperly installed airbags, power steering hose failure, defective brake systems, abrupt loss of power and defective ignition interlock.

Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, replacing worn or damaged parts and regular oil changes, tune-ups and air filter replacements can help prevent these issues.

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