Average Repair Cost for a 2004 Honda Accord EX

In the U.S., owners of a 2004 Honda Accord EX typically spend about $450–$600 per year on repairs and routine maintenance in 2025, averaging roughly $525, assuming normal mileage and no major failures; a typical individual repair visit runs $200–$500. Costs vary based on engine (4-cylinder vs. V6), transmission condition, mileage, location, and whether work is done at a dealer or independent shop.

Contents

What That Figure Includes
Typical Repair and Maintenance Prices in 2025
Factors That Can Raise or Lower Your Cost
How to Estimate Costs for Your Specific Car
Common 2004 Accord EX Issues to Watch
Summary

What That Figure Includes

The annual estimate covers routine upkeep (oil services, filters, brake wear, fluids) and common age-related repairs (battery, starter, belts, suspension wear). It excludes tires, insurance, registration, cosmetic/body work, and collision-related repairs. Major one-off failures (for example, a transmission rebuild) can push costs far above the average in a given year.

Typical Repair and Maintenance Prices in 2025

The following ranges reflect common 2004 Accord EX jobs at U.S. independent shops in 2025. Dealer pricing may be higher; DIY can be lower.

Oil and filter service: $60–$120

Engine air filter and cabin filter: $40–$110 combined

Brake pads and rotors (front axle): $250–$500

Battery (installed): $150–$250

Spark plugs: 4-cylinder $120–$220; V6 $200–$350

Ignition coils: 4-cylinder set $180–$350; V6 per coil $90–$150 (full set $540–$900)

Starter motor: $350–$650

Alternator: $450–$800

Wheel bearing (each): $300–$500

Front struts/shocks (pair, installed): $500–$900

Control arm/ball joint (each): $250–$500

Power steering pump/hoses (typical leak repair): $250–$600

A/C recharge: $140–$250; A/C compressor replacement: $900–$1,600

Exhaust catalytic converter: 4-cylinder $900–$1,400; V6 $1,200–$2,000+

Automatic transmission drain-and-fill (ATF): $120–$200

Automatic transmission rebuild/replacement (if needed): $3,000–$4,500

Timing belt + water pump (V6 only; 4-cylinder uses a timing chain): $700–$1,100 at 7–10 years/105,000 miles

These figures provide a practical reference for budgeting and comparing shop quotes. Actual bills depend on parts brand, regional labor rates, and vehicle condition.

Factors That Can Raise or Lower Your Cost

Several variables determine whether you’ll be near the low or high end of the range.

Engine and drivetrain: The 4-cylinder (K24) uses a timing chain and is generally cheaper to maintain; the V6 (J30) has a timing belt service. Manual transmissions typically cost less to maintain than automatics.

Mileage and condition: Higher miles increase the likelihood of suspension, steering, and A/C work.

Transmission health: 2003–2004 V6 automatics are known for higher failure risk; proactive fluid changes help but a rebuild is costly.

Region and labor rates: Urban/coastal markets often see higher shop rates.

Parts choice: OEM tends to cost more; reputable aftermarket parts can lower the bill.

Maintenance history: Vehicles with documented fluid services and timely repairs usually have lower surprise costs.

Understanding these factors helps tailor expectations to your car rather than relying on a single nationwide average.

How to Estimate Costs for Your Specific Car

Use these steps to refine the estimate based on your vehicle’s configuration and history.

Review records for big-ticket services: V6 timing belt/water pump, transmission fluid changes (every 30–60k miles), brake and coolant services.

Inspect common wear points: brakes, tires, struts, motor mounts, power steering leaks, and A/C performance.

Get two to three quotes: Use an independent shop and a dealer for comparison; online estimators (e.g., RepairPal, YourMechanic) can benchmark labor/parts.

Set a budget: Plan roughly $40–$60 per month for a 4-cylinder and $60–$90 per month for a V6, plus an emergency reserve for unexpected repairs.

Following this process provides a personalized annual figure and reduces the risk of surprise expenses.

Common 2004 Accord EX Issues to Watch

These model-year patterns can influence repair spending as the vehicle ages.

Automatic transmission judder/slip (especially V6): Regular ATF drain-and-fills help; severe cases may require a rebuild.

Power steering hose/pump leaks: Often age-related; watch for whine or fluid loss.

A/C compressor failure: A known aging component leading to warm air or noisy operation.

Engine/transmission mounts: Deterioration causes vibration at idle or shifts.

Door lock actuators: Intermittent locking/unlocking or failure.

Airbag recalls (Takata): Safety recalls are performed free at dealers; confirm completion via your VIN.

Staying ahead of these items with inspections and timely repairs typically keeps annual costs near the expected range.

Summary

Expect to spend about $450–$600 per year—roughly $525 on average—for repairs and routine maintenance on a 2004 Honda Accord EX in 2025, assuming normal use and no major failures. The 4-cylinder usually lands on the lower end; V6 models and cars with aging automatic transmissions skew higher. Proactive maintenance, smart parts choices, and quote comparisons are the best ways to keep costs predictable.

How much does it cost to repair a Honda Accord?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Honda Accord is $400, compared to an average of $526 for midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.

How many miles can a 2004 Honda Accord EX last?

A 2004 Honda Accord EX, like most Honda Accords, is capable of lasting for many years and miles, typically reaching 200,000 to 300,000 miles or 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Some well-maintained Accords have even been known to exceed 300,000 miles. Factors like driving conditions, maintenance habits, and how well the vehicle is cared for play a significant role in its overall lifespan.
Factors Affecting Longevity:

Maintenance: Regular oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, and timely repairs are crucial for maximizing a Honda Accord’s lifespan.
Driving Conditions: Extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, and off-road driving can put extra strain on the vehicle, potentially reducing its lifespan.
Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as hard acceleration and braking, can also impact the lifespan of the engine and other components.
Wear and Tear: Like any car, a Honda Accord will experience wear and tear over time, and addressing issues as they arise is important.

Specific Considerations for the 2004 Accord:

The 2004 Accord is known for its reliability and durability.
Some owners have reported transmission issues in certain 2004 Accords, especially with the automatic transmission.
The V6 engine in the 2004 Accord is generally considered robust.

In summary: While a 2004 Honda Accord EX can be a very reliable and long-lasting vehicle, its lifespan depends on consistent maintenance, careful driving, and timely repairs. With proper care, it’s reasonable to expect it to last for many years and miles.

What is a 2004 Honda Accord EX worth?

The current value for a 2004 Honda Accord EX is roughly $3,500 to $6,000 for resale, with the specific value depending on mileage, condition, and whether it’s a sedan or coupe. For private sale, the value could be around $4,000 to $5,000, while trade-in value is typically lower, potentially in the $1,800 to $2,500 range, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Here’s a breakdown of factors influencing value:

Condition: Vehicles in excellent condition with lower mileage command higher prices.
Mileage: Older cars with higher mileage have lower values.
Engine Type: A V6 model will be more valuable than a 4-cylinder engine.
Body Style: Prices can differ between sedans and coupes.
Features: Models with leather (EX-L) or navigation systems are worth more.

Where to get an exact value:

Kelley Blue Book (KBB): . Opens in new tabProvides resale and trade-in values based on your specific car’s details, according to their website.
TrueCar/CARFAX/Edmunds: . Opens in new tabCheck the average prices on their sites for cars currently for sale in your area to find out what others are paying.
CarMax: . Opens in new tabYou can get an offer for your vehicle through their website, which shows potential trade-in values, notes this website.

What is the most common problem with a Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord is generally known for its reliability, but some common problems include transmission issues, brake problems, and electrical system malfunctions. Specifically, transmission problems can involve slipping gears, rough shifting, or complete transmission failure. Brake problems can include warped rotors and vibration when braking. Electrical issues may involve the radio/climate control display, door lock actuators, and warning lights on the dashboard.
This video discusses common problems with Honda Accords from 2013 to 2017: 50sRB The MechanicYouTube · Apr 23, 2025
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Transmission Issues:

Slipping Gears: Gears may slip or fail to engage properly, causing the car to hesitate or jerk.
Rough Shifting: Shifts between gears can be jerky or uneven.
Transmission Failure: In severe cases, the transmission may completely fail, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
Torque Converter Issues: Problems with the torque converter, often due to low transmission fluid, can contribute to transmission problems.

Brake Problems:

Warped Brake Rotors: Warped rotors can cause vibration when braking.
Brake Vibration: This can be a symptom of warped rotors or other brake system issues.

Electrical Issues:

Radio/Climate Control Display Problems: The radio or climate control display may go dark.
Faulty Door Lock Actuators: The power door locks may not work properly.
Dashboard Warning Lights: Various warning lights may illuminate on the dashboard.