Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2005 Honda Accord
The 2005 Honda Accord has a high number of recalls and owner complaints, particularly concerning airbags, powertrain, and electrical system issues. Given the extensive recall record, potential buyers should be cautious and thoroughly inspect these components. The evidence of issues is substantial, especially in airbag inflators. While many Accords are reliable, the complaint data for this year suggests heightened vigilance when evaluating this model.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2005 Honda Accord has 24 NHTSA recall campaigns and 656 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 #19V499000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V501000 Passenger 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 #11V395000 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE 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 #07V097000 FUEL PUMP RELAY 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
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 209 complaints
- Power Train 113 complaints
- Electrical System 96 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 58 complaints
- Steering 40 complaints
- Structure 39 complaints
Of the 656 complaints on file, 92 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 656 complaints, owners report 92 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator failure
How to check: Check recall completion and airbag warning lights.
Control module failure
How to check: Verify transmission shifts smoothly; check for warning lights.
General electrical failures
How to check: Inspect dash for electrical warning lights and non-functioning components.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises upon starting.
Red flag: Loud knocking or whining noises.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting through gears.
Red flag: Harsh or irregular gear changes.
- 04
Highway driving
What to check: Test for steady acceleration and steering responsiveness.
Red flag: Vibration or pulling at high speeds.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Ensure smooth and effective braking.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or ineffective.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any issues with the transmission?
- Electrical problems recently repaired?
- Service history for the vehicle?
- Any dashboard lights currently on?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall clearance documentation
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2005 Honda Accord at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2005 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.