Honda Accord Transmission Problems & Cost | B7XA / BCLA / BB7A / BAXA

The Honda Accord was equipped with various variants of the H5 transmission, including the B7XA, BCLA, BB7A, BAXA, B97A, B90A, B0YA and BAYA. In pre 1992-models the PX4B. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Honda Accord transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Honda Accord Transmission Models

1992-Up Honda Accord: B7XA, BCLA, BB7A, BAXA, B90A, B97A, B0YA, and BAYA Transmission

Honda Accord Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by exact engine size and year. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

What are the DTC codes related to Honda Accord transmission problems?

P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.

Honda Accord Transmission Recalls

2005-2010 Honda Accord – Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM, PCM) (NHTSA Recall: 11V395000)

Summary
In 2011, Honda recalled 2005-2010 model year Honda Accords, equipped with the automatic transmission. Manufactured between July 1, 2004 and September 3, 2010, these cars had a faulty secondary shaft bearing that could fracture and cause all sorts of damage.

Consequence
According to the recall, “certain driving styles” (see: driving it like a teenager) could cause the outer brace (the round metal band that contains the ball bearings) to fracture. If this happens:

a) The engine could stall/the Check Engine Light could illuminate, if a piece of the broken bearing gets lodged between the idle gear and a sensor housing, or:
b) Part of the bearing could become lodged in the park prawl (the metal piece that engages Park), causing the car to roll away after it’s shifted into Park.

If the latter happens, your Accord could endanger everything from pedestrians to garden gnomes.

Remedy
Honda dealers were instructed in 2011 to reprogram the transmission control module to keep this from happening. If you’re unsure if the fix was performed on your car, you can call Honda Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009. Be sure to have your VIN number handy, and refer to Honda recall #: R89

1998 Honda Accord – Automatic Transmission Bearing Failure (NHTSA Recall: 98V018000)

Summary
Back in 1998, Honda had to recall 33,966 units of the Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe, to fix a problem that prevented the automatic transmission from fully engaging Park.

Consequence
It seems that a die used to cast the transmission cover, caused an irregularity on the right-side of the cover, which prevented the park prawl (the metal piece that engages Park) actuation lever from properly engaging Park. If this happens, America’s favorite family car would roll after being put in Park – endangering many people, places, and things.

Remedy
At the time, Honda instructed its dealers to install a collar on the park prawl, which would allow the actuation lever to move freely. If you’re unsure if the fix was performed on your car, you can call Honda Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009. Be sure to have your VIN number handy.

2003-2004 Honda Accord – Automatic Transmission (NHTSA Recall #: 04V176000)

Summary
A 1 million+ vehicle recall was issued in 2004, because the automatic transmission that was installed in the 2003-2004 Honda Accord seemed to be prone to early failure. Severe gear damage/breakage could cause the transmission to unexpectedly seize, which could obviously lead to an accident.

Consequence
Due to insufficient transmission fluid flow, excessive heat can buildup between the countershaft and the secondary shaft second gears (ATF absorbs heat and carries it away from moving parts), which can result in decreased material strength, chipped gear teeth, and in extreme cases, complete gear failure (i.e. it breaks). Unusual noises will typically signal a problem. However, a broken gear can cause the transmission to completely lockup, which would bring the car to a sudden halt.

Remedy
When the recall was announced, Honda instructed its dealers to do one of two things: 1) Vehicles with less than 15,000 miles received a special ATF oil jet kit, which was installed on a fluid return line. This kit was designed to prevent the problem by injecting cooled transmission fluid directly onto the second gears. 2) If the vehicle had more than 15k miles, the dealer would inspect the gears and either install the jet kit, or install an entire remanufactured transmission. If you’re unsure if the fix was performed on your car, you can call Honda Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009. Be sure to have your VIN number handy, and refer to Honda recall #: P38

 

Honda Accord Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

None Found

Common Problems with the Honda Accord Transmission

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Honda Accord can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Honda Accord transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Honda Accord transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Honda Accord transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Honda Accord transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Honda Accord transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Honda Accord transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Honda Accord transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.

Recommendations for Honda Accord transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Honda Accord transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Honda Accord Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Honda Accord Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Honda Accord Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Honda Accord Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

What Problem Does Your Honda Accord Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

In production since 1976, the Honda Accord has been one of the best selling cars in the US since 1979 and was the best selling Japanese car for 15 years between 1982 and 1997. It was the first Japanese car to be manufactured in the United States when production started in Marysville, Ohio in 1982. It has been consistently rated as one of the most reliable vehicles on the market by many road tests over the years. However, a few years have suffered from transmission issues – some of which required recalls. The name “Accord” has been used on a number of different vehicles including crossovers, wagons, coupes and hatchbacks, but the mid-size, four-door car sold in the US is most well known version of the vehicle.

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Wahab musibau adebayo
5 years ago

Hello my Honda Accord v6, 98model the drive box is blinking and not more select, the car is moving on gear 2 and 1 without selection. Please what may likely be the problem, it’s gear problem or current failure on the selector switch….?

threapse
5 years ago

Engrish no you first language me thinkin’… but I’ll take a whack at divining the gist of your dilemma. The D4 light at your shifter is blinking; and, RPM’s zoom when the car shifts from first to second and the car occasionally won’t engage first at all. Though you don’t mention it, it’s probable your CEL (“check engine light”) is lit, indicating a P07xx DTC (“diagnostic trouble code”). You need to take your car to a shop that specializes in transmission diagnostics. I know… shocker. In the interim, you should minimize driving the car except to that aforementioned shop. You may be able to get it there by driving in “manual”; that is, shifting from D1 thru D4. Good luck.

Billy
5 years ago

I have a 2004 Accord that Will stop shifting then I pull over and shut the car off and crank it back up and it will go to shifting

Isaias
5 years ago

Hi my 08 accord trans is slips wen it gets to 3rd gear wat ca i do

Cowpoke
5 years ago
Reply to  Isaias

Buy another Car

Jg
5 years ago
Reply to  Isaias

Might be the transmission shift solenoid

Roy Kissinger
5 years ago

I have a 2000 Odyssey which had the original transmission replaced in 2009. Honda had never advised me that the VIN of my vehicle was part of a class-action suit to replace the transmission. After much discussion (I was within their mileage allowance, but beyond their time limitation), Honda did the right thing and replaced the transmission. However, after 50,000 miles the transmission, again, failed.
Has anyone else had issues with the quality of Honda’s replacement transmission?

Christopher Hurlburt
2 years ago
Reply to  Roy Kissinger

The 1999-2004 Odysseys had notoriously bad transmissions. They were Nissan level bad. Really So bad that the biggest problem people had when their transmissions went out at 70k miles wasn’t the cost of the replacement, it was finding a replacement at all. Nobody ever had any in stock, including junkyards, because there was such a disproportionate demand for them.

The transmission they designed for the car was too small for the V6 engine they paired it with, so the only way to get a reliable transmission in your vehicle is to buy the upgraded and larger model they started using in 2005. But I don’t think that will fit your engine, so you’ll need to pick up one of those too.

Otherwise, you will just churn through them like everyone else. They will all fail in short order because they cannot handle the power being delivered to them. As long as that issue is present, get used to buying a new transmission every 40k miles (if you can find one). Good luck.

Angela Austin
5 years ago

I have problems with 1st and 4th gear and my Drive 4 is blinking all the time its a 1994 automatic

Mark Eitemiller
5 years ago

I have a 99 accord v-6. My auto trans went out. I bought a upgraded reman and put it in. Is there a programming you have to do to finish install? I have years of exp. In R&R work. But upon completion i have a shifter that won’t move from park, dash indicator light for “D4” is flashing, all doors ajar illumination on when closed. Oil, brake, and maint reqd illuminated etc. Plus car won’t turn over….. Please help. Transmission was matched by vin#. My thinking is a reprogramming is needed. Or at least a relearning/ reset to be performed.

Mark Eitemiller
5 years ago

P.s. the battery was disconnected the week before installation.

John
5 years ago

Hi I have a 2009 Honda Accord 3.5L v6 AT with 88,378. And my problem is that it hesitates to accelerate like when I’m merging on the highway and I give it some gas to try and keep up with the flow of traffic. I was given the P3497 code and have looked into it with numerous of symptoms. My mechanic said it is my transmission but how can that be? The more I drive it I feel less power when I accelerate such as going 30 miles/hr then giving it gas to go a little faster. Please help

Trish
5 years ago
Reply to  John

Please look into a transmission oil pressure switch and check your solenoids

martin giroux
5 years ago

i have a honda accord 2010 2.4l and my d selection is flashing i would like to now how i can get the code out from my transmission and how i can fix it i think that my transmission is a B90a

Donna McIntyre
5 years ago

The gear shift is lifeless. Moves up and down like a rag doll. Makes zero contact. I have a 2004 Honda Accord CRV FWD 150,000 miles. Please Please help me!

joe
5 years ago

i have a 2011 v6 honda accord sedan with 107,000 miles,i started driving
i stopped for gas,i put car gear in reverse and car would not go.it will go
in drive. any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

David Johnson
5 years ago

I have a 2007 honda accord. When i put the car in drive it takes 3-5 seconds to move. I already change the fluid and clean the strainer. What causes this problem?

Abel
5 years ago

I have a honda accord 1998 model, i was unable to find the ODB Port in d car which mean i was unable to scan it also my car do remove from gear while driving it not until i put it in neutral and place it back to drive before it start moving. pls need ur asistance any info that may be of help

Christopher Hurlburt
2 years ago
Reply to  Abel

Your odb port is behind your ashtray, I believe. Pull the ashtray straight out and you should see it.

Benjamin Dachung
5 years ago

My Honda accord 2000 model at any time when I start car and move the gear from park to drive 4 move sometimes the gear are free and also when i slow down to start moving it will not.what may have cost the problem.

Benjamin Dachung
5 years ago

Atoumatic transmission
4 cylinder
Honda accord 2000

Read dehghani
5 years ago

Atoumatic transmission
4 cylinder
Honda accord 2000

Read dehghani
5 years ago

My Honda accord 2000 at any time when I start car and move the gear from park to reverse,the transition going to shake alot.but when I leave car run for 15 mintues,nothing happen.
My motor mount is new,all valves solinid is working good and fluid is fresh

Andrew Tafuro
5 years ago

I have a 02 accord 2.3 auto the transmission has a slite grind in park fluid was low low I added 2qts shifts fine but the fluid is black still, has the damage bin done? or drainig fluid & putting all new fixs or wish full thinking?

Jacqueline strohl
5 years ago

I have a 99 honda accord while driving all of a sudden the rpms started jumping up and down and shifting weird. The check engine light went on with p0700 and p0730 codes . I dont know if someone put fuel injector cleaner in the gas tank the day before without reading directions so it wasnt done correctly would have anything to do with the problem . any help would be most appreciated thank you

John
5 years ago

Yeah good luck my 1999 Honda does the same thing, when shifting to second it disengages and takes a few seconds to shift but it slams, when driving it’ll disengage going into third the rpm will go up but there’s no power and then slam into gear or sometimes shift nicely which it also does to fourth. You need to put certain ATC fluid in it and even then it’s probably not your fault, Honda knows about the issue because it’s widespread and won’t do anything about it.

JOSEPH GARCIA
6 years ago

My issue is limp-mode is activated when the rpm hits about 4000-4500. The check engine flashes and their is a loss of power.

I have to turn the car off then restart it to drive it .

The code is p0341
Thank you
Please help

dwyone
6 years ago

I have a 2001 Honda Accord 3.0 L. After I start traveling at 40 miles an hour the TC the traction control light will come on and the drive light with stay steady but the car would continue to move I would have to turn the engine off and turn it back on at stop lights so that it would have normal pickup but still it would not but still it would not pick up like normal so I changed a solenoid should have been the shift solenoid which is found towards the top right of the transmission after that was changed in the filter was cleaned out I received a flashing D4 light on the transmission then when I got the car home and I started the car up the car just shut off wondering what it is if it’s a flow problem which is what I’m thinking I should only need the pressure solenoid which is at the top left-hand side family away from the shift solenoid of the Honda question do you think this would solve the problem

saif
6 years ago

i have honda accord 2007 i have problem in auto tranc from 1 to 2 and other is ok

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