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1990 Honda Accord

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1990 Honda Accord do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 356.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 14 of 192 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Seat Belts. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports8 fire reports7 injury reports

Structure complaints

33 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2020
Structure

HI WE'LL ALL I COULD SAID THAT PARK MY CAR ON 53TH ST AND HOOPER YESTERDAY AT 11PM WAS MY LAST SEEN OF THE CAR IS A HONDA ACCORD 90 GREEN THE PROBLEM IS THAT IS NOT REGISTER UNDER MY NAME BUT I HAVE THE PAPERS ON HAND.

NHTSA ODI #11297049

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2002
Structure

THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOCKING MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE. THE DOOR IS PERMANENTLY LOCKED AND CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE HANDLE OR INTERIOR HANDLE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE OR OTHER MISHAP, THIS MAY PROVE FATAL. IN FACT, WHEN I …

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THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOCKING MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE. THE DOOR IS PERMANENTLY LOCKED AND CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE HANDLE OR INTERIOR HANDLE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE OR OTHER MISHAP, THIS MAY PROVE FATAL. IN FACT, WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE OF ILLINOIS EMISSIONS TEST, THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME THE TEST BECAUSE THEY SAID THE DOOR IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I WOULD NEED TO GET THE DOOR FIXED FIRST. HONDA MOTORS WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT THEIR EXPENSE. I LEARNED FROM A WEBSITE POSTING VEHICLE PROBLEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMONLY OCCURING PROBLEM WITH MY MODEL CAR THAT HONDA REFUSES TO CORRECT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE CAR MAKES IT MY RESPONSIBILITY. I FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT GO WRONG WITH A CAR--SIMILAR TO A SEAT BELT OPERATING PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #766319

Mileage unknown · Sep 29, 2001
Structure

THE DRIVER'S DOOR MECHANISM FAILED IN THE LOCKED POSITION CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITIONS. THE SITUATUION IS SUCH THAT WHEN THE MECHANISM FAILS, THE OPTIONS ARE TO RIP OFF THE DOOR AND REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER DOOR. *YH

NHTSA ODI #785688

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2001
Seat BeltsStructure

DRIVER'S DOOR "FROZE" SHUT, DOOR WAS INOPERABLE. LOCK ASSEMBLY/ACTUATOR MECHANISM THAT FROZE ALSO CONTROLS AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS, WHICH WOULD NOT WORK. CONTACTED SEVERAL HONDA DEALERSHIPS, KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 1990 AND 1991 MODELS. THEY HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME KEEPING PART 364246 LOCK ASSEMBLY ($265) IN STOCK, DUE TO NUMBER…

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DRIVER'S DOOR "FROZE" SHUT, DOOR WAS INOPERABLE. LOCK ASSEMBLY/ACTUATOR MECHANISM THAT FROZE ALSO CONTROLS AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS, WHICH WOULD NOT WORK. CONTACTED SEVERAL HONDA DEALERSHIPS, KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 1990 AND 1991 MODELS. THEY HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME KEEPING PART 364246 LOCK ASSEMBLY ($265) IN STOCK, DUE TO NUMBER OF FAILURES. HONDA WOULD DRILL OPEN DOOR AND REPLACE ASSEMBLY FOR $800. SAFETY HAZARD CREATED BY BOTH DRIVER'S DOOR AND SHOULDER SEAT BELT BEING INOPERABLE. IF KNOWN SAFETY HAZARD/DEFECT, WHY IS CONSUMER EXPECTED TO PAY $800?*AK

NHTSA ODI #744864

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2000
Structure

DIVER SIDE DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, COULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. LOCKSMITHS COULD NOT OPEN DOOR. REQUIRED BODY SHOP TO REMOVE ENTIRE DOOR REPLACE ENTIRE LOCKING SYSTEM. ENTIRE EFFORT COST IN EXCESS OF $600.00. LOCAL HONDA DEALER REPORTED THIS AS A PROBLEM AND REQUIRES THE INSIDE PANNEL TO BE CUT AWAY AND AIR CHISEL TH…

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DIVER SIDE DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE, COULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. LOCKSMITHS COULD NOT OPEN DOOR. REQUIRED BODY SHOP TO REMOVE ENTIRE DOOR REPLACE ENTIRE LOCKING SYSTEM. ENTIRE EFFORT COST IN EXCESS OF $600.00. LOCAL HONDA DEALER REPORTED THIS AS A PROBLEM AND REQUIRES THE INSIDE PANNEL TO BE CUT AWAY AND AIR CHISEL THE LOCKING DEVICE FREE.

NHTSA ODI #733855

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2000
Structure

DOOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM EITHER SIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, AND REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE DONE AT CONSUMER'S COST.*AK

NHTSA ODI #863117

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2000
Structure

CONSUMER WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVEWAY. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS STIFF AND HARD, IT WOULDN'T OPEN AT ALL DUE TO HINGES COMING OFF. IT COST CONSUMER $403.00 TO REPLACE DOOR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #862873

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2000
Structure

POWER DOOR LATCH FAILS TO ALLOW DOOR TO OPEN AT TIMES,DOOR WOULD NOT ALLOW AN EXIT IN AN EMERGENCY, IF SOME HOW THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE YOU COULD NOT GET OUT WITHOUT CLIMBING OVER THE SEAT TO THE NEXT DOOR, THIS DOOR LATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN JUST OVER 1 YEAR. HONDA KNOWS THAT THESE ARE A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DEALER PARTS…

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POWER DOOR LATCH FAILS TO ALLOW DOOR TO OPEN AT TIMES,DOOR WOULD NOT ALLOW AN EXIT IN AN EMERGENCY, IF SOME HOW THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE YOU COULD NOT GET OUT WITHOUT CLIMBING OVER THE SEAT TO THE NEXT DOOR, THIS DOOR LATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN JUST OVER 1 YEAR. HONDA KNOWS THAT THESE ARE A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DEALER PARTS COUNTERS STOCK THIS DOOR LATCH,HONDA ONLY WARRANTYS THESE LATCHES FOR 1 YEAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #718022

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 1999
Structure

MY CAR, LIKE MANY OTHER HONDA'S I'VE OBSERVED, IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE-OUT AROUND BOTH REAR FENDER WELLS. SINCE I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST I THOUGHT IT MAY BE WEATHER RELATED. I'VE SINCE NOTICED MANY OTHER HONDA ACCORDS FROM VARIOUS OTHER STATES, WITH LITTLE TO NO SNOW, ICE, AND/OR SALT DURING THE WINTERS, HAVING THE SAME PROBLE…

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MY CAR, LIKE MANY OTHER HONDA'S I'VE OBSERVED, IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE-OUT AROUND BOTH REAR FENDER WELLS. SINCE I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST I THOUGHT IT MAY BE WEATHER RELATED. I'VE SINCE NOTICED MANY OTHER HONDA ACCORDS FROM VARIOUS OTHER STATES, WITH LITTLE TO NO SNOW, ICE, AND/OR SALT DURING THE WINTERS, HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PAINT IN THE AFFECTED AREAS IS STILL THERE, BUT HAS BUBBLED. BEFORE I HAVE THIS REPAIRED, I JUST WANTED TO CHECK TO SEE IF THIS IS POSSIBLY A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURES DESIGN AND/OR MATERIALS.

NHTSA ODI #712369

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 1999
Structure

UNABLE TO OPEN REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.

NHTSA ODI #704563

Official recalls

2

95V103001 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

May 24, 1995

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

93V056000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Apr 22, 1993

THE REAR OUTSIDE SEATING POSITION SAFETY BELTS MAY LOCK UP AT ANGLES OTHER THAN THOSE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES". THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: NON-CONFORMING SAFETY BELTS CAUSE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE THE SENSOR IN THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

6

EA94035 · Seat Belt Buckle Failure

Opened Oct 27, 1994 · Closed Jul 31, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

There is no summary currently available

PE93083 · Stalling

Opened Sep 27, 1993 · Closed Jan 31, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

EA91018 · Trunk Lid Failure

Opened Mar 18, 1991 · Closed Oct 31, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

EA91013 · Door Lock Actuator Failure

Opened Jan 23, 1991 · Closed Dec 5, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

PE91023 · Trunk Lid Failure

Opened Dec 5, 1990 · Closed Mar 18, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

PE90123 · Door Lock Actuator Failure

Opened Sep 27, 1990 · Closed Jan 22, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

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