RoadVitals

1989 Honda Accord

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
86
Latest Jul 10, 2007
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest May 24, 1995
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
21
13 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 86 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Honda Accord, most frequently naming the seat belts, engine and driver assistance categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 1 NHTSA investigation names it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

May 24, 1995
3,700,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
The risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA94035ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

Opened Oct 27, 1994
Closed Jul 31, 1995

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYLed to recall 95V103001

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 10, 2007

I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR MY SON, WHO IS 18, AND WHEN A FRIEND WAS GOING TO CHANGE THE OIL AND HE HOISTED IT TO WORK UNDERNEATH IT, THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR IS DAMAGED. THE MUFFLER ISN'T SECURED AS IT IS RUSTED OUT, THE GAS TANK IS SMASHED IN. IT'S RUNNING OFF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE CAR DEALER SAID THE CAR MADE SO MUCH NOISE BECAUSE OF A PIECE THEY HAD CONNECTED TO THE EXHAUST PIPE TO MAKE IT THAT WAY. I WAS LIED TO AND I WILL HAVE TO INVEST EVEN MORE MONEY INTO THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE DEALERS INTENTIONAL MISINFORMATION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10195961
Incident
Jun 30, 2007
Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2006
Fire reported

1989 ACCORD ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IN THE RED PRIOR TO THE FIRE. *NM

NHTSA ID
10163693
Incident
May 20, 2006
EngineFuel systemSuspension+1 more
Filed Aug 7, 2004

(1) EVENT HYBRID DESIGN FLAW: 1989 HONDA ACCORD 2.0L FUEL INJECTION: MANUFACTURED AS A HYBRID, JULY 1989. PROOF OF HYBRIDIZATION: AUTO PART DEALERS SHOW DIFFERENT PARTS FOR THIS MODEL BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER JULY 1989. ALSO, THE HYBRID FUEL INJECTION IS VISIBLE FROM THE NUMBER OF WIRE AND TUBES FROM THE VALVE COVER FOR THE CARBURETOR AND THE OFFICIAL FUEL-INJECTED MODEL. AN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED YET UNUSED VALVE-DRIVE COG SITS IDLY UNDER A COVER WHILE A HYBRID TIMING CHAIN SYSTEM RUNS THE VALVES IN PERFECT TIMING. VIN NUMBER: [XXX] THE HYBRID HONDA HAS A DANGEROUS ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION DESIGN-FLAW VIBRATION. AN ORIGINAL DESIGN CAUSES THE VIBRATION. WE REPLACED THE TIRES WITH NEW PERFECTLY BALANCED TIRES AND REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND REPLACED THE SUGGESTED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS. THE HONDA STILL HAS THE DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION VIBRATION. AUTO-PARTS DEALERS DIFFER ON WHAT ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS TO USE. HONDA WILL NOT PROVIDE A FACTORY MANUAL ON HOW MANY OR WHERE ENGINE MOUNTS AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS THE HYBRID NEEDS. THE HYBRID DESIGN FLAW VIBRATION CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO THE OTHER LANE AND BARELY AVOID A HEAD-ON COLLISION. WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIES AN INITIAL LOAD AS SMALL AS ENGAGEMENT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, THE STEERING WHEEL ACTUALLY JUMPS UP AND DOWN. THE DESIGN FLAW DANGEROUSLY VIBRATES THE WHOLE AUTOMOBILE. WE REPLACED THE TIRES WITH PERFECTLY BALANCED TIRES, THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, AND BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. BRAKING IS SMOOTH. HONDA WILL NOT PROVIDE A FACTORY MANUAL TO DETERMINE WHERE OR HOW MANY PARTS TO USE. CHILTON AND HAYESAUTO REPAIR MANUALS DO NOT HAVE THE HYBRID DETAIL. ALL PART SUPPLIERS HAVE TOO MANY VARIATIONS FOR THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS FOR THIS HYBRID. HONDA SHOULD REPAIR THIS DESIGN FLAW IN THIS AUTOMOBILE SINCE IT IS A HYBRID DESIGN FLAW.*AK UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
10086374
Incident
Apr 3, 2004
Seat belts
Filed Mar 2, 2004

CONSUMER HAD TO STOP DRIVING BECAUSE SEAT BELTS DID NOT STAY LATCHED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10061195
Incident
Mar 2, 2004
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2004
1 injury reported

MY PROBLEM CONTINUES. SO I REPAIR, IT CONTINUES. IT IS HARD TO GET A NEW CAR AND AT THE PRESENT TIME FINANCES AREN'T ALLOWING ME TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. MY HEALTH IS SUFFERING FOR THAT REASON. WHEN I WARM MY CAR UPIN THE MORNINGS, IT REVS VERY HARD, THE CARBON MONOXIDE GETS INTO THE HOUSE...I AM SUFFERING FROM REALLY BAD HEADACHES. I NEED MY CAR TO GT BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. WITHOUT A VEHICLE I HAVE NO JOB. WHAT DO I DO. I AVE COMPLAINED TIL I A BLUE IN THE FACE. THE CAR IS NOW COSTING MORE TO FIX THAN IT IS WORTH.

NHTSA ID
10069015
Incident
Aug 15, 2001
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 9, 2003

TIRES TWO WEEKS OLD. RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW AT 60 MPH. TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED. FIRESTONE DEALER CLAIMED PUNCTURE CAUSED IT. I COULD NOT FIND PUNCTURE. FIRESTONE DID NOT HELP WITH TIRE REPLACEMENT. HAD TO GET A NEW SET OF TIRES (NOT THAT BRAND). *AK

NHTSA ID
10049447
Incident
Dec 7, 2003
Filed Nov 4, 2003

VEHICLE'S ODOMETER FAILED AT 88,000 MILES. *MR IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ODOMETER WAS POSSIBLY TAMPERED WITH. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID
10047791
Mileage
88,000 mi
EngineTransmission
Filed Jun 14, 2003

I WISH I HAD KNOWN EARLIER THAT THIS COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA WAS POSSIBLE. FOR YEARS, I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MY 1989 HONDA ACCORD. SINCE THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP THE CAR OVERHEATED AND REVVED VERY HIGH WHENEVER I HAD TO WAIT IN TRAFFIC FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES ON A 70 DEGREE OR HIGHER DAYS. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO SEVERAL REPAIR FACILITIES AND DESPITE MY SPENDING NEARLY $3,000 ON "REPAIR-WORK", THE PROBLEM CAUSED THE CAR'S DEMISE AT 116,000 MILES ON JUNE 11, 2003. THE GEAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE DESPITE CLUTCH REPLACEMENTS IN JAN OR FEB. 2003 AND IN 1999. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR, WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES EVERY 3 TO 6 MONTHS HOPING TO KEEP IT TILL AN ODOMETER READING OF AT LEAST 160,000 MILES. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WITHIN A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I FELT THAT I HAD NO RECOURSE BUT TO TRY TO GET IT REPAIRED. I DID NOT TAKE IT TO MY HONDA DEALER BECAUSE I FELT THAT THEIR CHARGES FOR OIL CHANGES WERE EXCESSIVE COMPARED TO REGULAR GAS STATIONS CHARGES AND TO MY MIND, DELIVERED INEFFECTUAL REPAIRS AND SUSPECT SUGGESTIONS FOR REPAIR AS WAS THE PRACTICE IN OTHER DEALERSHIPS IN THE EARLY 90'S. MY HONDA EXPERIENCE WAS NOT A GOOD ONE AND HAS COST ME HALF THE PRICE OF THE CAR IN REPAIRS. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN SEEK ANY REDRESS FOR ME SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR SO LONG AGO BUT I THINK I'VE BEEN DEALT A BAD DEAL. THINKING BACK ON IT ALL, I BELIEVE I WAS SOLD A LEMON. I DIDN'T THINK THIS WAS POSSIBLE IN A HONDA BUT WHEN I READ THE COMPLAINTS SECTION OF THIS WEBSITE, MANY OF THEN TO DO WITH ENGINE COOLING PROBLEMS, MY FAITH IN HONDA IS QUESTIONABLE. I HAD INTENDED TO BUY A HONDA THE SECOND TIME AROUND BUT I WILL THINK TWICE NOW AND CONSIDER INSTEAD THE HIGHLY-RATED VW PASSAT OR A TOYOTA. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10023058
Incident
Jun 11, 2003
Mileage
116,000 mi

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Honda Accord by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026400
2025770047.2
20241353164.6
2023835170.2
20222214164.0
20212174166.2
20203455164.4
20196636266.2
20181,8336264.5
20175293058.9
20165944058.8
20155995261.7
20149754260.8
20131,4185563.2
20123728164.1
20112969058.9
201057913158.7
200972011259.5
20081,5209359.4
200752410467.5
200643017464.5
200565624465.6
20041,01622465.3
20031,98724564.2
20021,05016767.4
2001920191068.0
20001,18321563.5
19991,13517561.4
19981,20019361.3
199746015055.3
199647213055.4
199554314265.0
199436913058.9
199318611058.8
199220612058.9
199121213159.8
199019212663.1
1989Viewing861156.3
1988882160.5
19871113363.2
1986542663.4
1985131256.5
1984222354.1
1983710
1982102050.0
1981701
1980201
1979211
1978010
1977010
1976010

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.