Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Honda Accord
The 2004 Honda Accord has experienced a high number of recalls, primarily related to airbags and lighting, with over 1,000 owner complaints. Notable issues include problems with the powertrain and electrical system, though specifics are sparse. Thorough checks are advised given the limited data available on these problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Honda Accord has 22 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,018 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Newest 20 recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19E068000 Accelerator Pedal May Bind/FMVSS 124 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V501000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V499000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V182000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V268000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V178000 Incorrect Passenger Air Bag Module/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V370000 Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V320000 Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V700000 Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V353000 Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V222000 POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURE DUE TO HEAT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E031000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E004000 FMVSS 108/PHOTOMETRIC VARIANCES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V001000 SEAT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E064000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E038000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E032000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E023000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 348 complaints
- Air Bags 251 complaints
- Electrical System 146 complaints
- Steering 66 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 58 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 44 complaints
Of the 1,018 complaints on file, 90 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 1,018 complaints, owners report 77 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Performance irregularities
How to check: Examine for rough idling or unusual noises when engine is started.
Component failures
How to check: Cycle through electrical functions like windows and audio.
Airbag malfunctions
How to check: Confirm airbag recall repairs with VIN lookup.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for ticking or knocking noises from engine.
Red flag: Loud engine noises.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check stability of electrical systems, like lights.
Red flag: Flickering or dimming lights.
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and unusual sounds.
Red flag: Steering wheel stiffness.
- 04
Accelerating onto highway
What to check: Monitor smooth shifting and speed pickup.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts.
- 05
Braking at stop
What to check: Evaluate brake feel and stopping distance.
Red flag: Brakes feel weak or spongy.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been resolved?
- Any existing issues with powertrain?
- Has the electrical system been serviced?
- Are there any outstanding recalls?
- How frequently has it been serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service history records
- Vehicle title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Honda Accord at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2004 Honda Accord? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.