Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1985 Honda Accord
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
421.1%
1 crashes, 1 fires
Seat Belts
210.5%
1 crashes, 1 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Suspension
210.5%
Median failure at 117,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
210.5%
Other & Unspecified
15.3%
Tires
15.3%
Lights
15.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Brakes
15.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1995peak 3Oct 2003
NHTSA investigations into the 1985 Honda Accord
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP87013Opened 3 Mar 1987Closed 4 May 1987ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
HONDA HIGH ENGINE SPEED
HONDA HIGH ENGINE SPEED
PE86066Opened 28 Jul 1986Closed 3 Nov 1986VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:INFORMATION FROM HONDA RELEVANTTO THIS PE WAS PROVIDED BY LETTER DATED 8 SEPTEMBER AND A PRESENTATION TONHTSA ON 2 OCTOBER.HONDA HAS ISSUED NO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS OROTHER NOTIFICATIONS TO DEALERS RELATING TO FUEL FLOW AND DELIVERY, THROTTLECONTROL, OR ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS THAT MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED SUDDENACCELERATION.THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A CARBURETOR DESIGNWHICH, ACCORDING TO HONDA'S EVALUATION, WILL NOT PERMIT ENGINE RPM TOEXCEED A FAST IDLE CONDITION OF 2000 RPM WITHOUT DRIVER ACTUATION OF THETHROTTLE. TEST DATA WERE PROVI...
Recalls on the 1985 Honda Accord
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1992025107,190 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, road salt may cause the fuel filler and/or breather pipe to rust through, resulting in fuel leakage. In the presence of an igntion source a vehicle fire could occur. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and repaired if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lompoc, CACrashFire3 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
HONDA ACCORD GOING 45 MPH WAS STRUCK ON LEFT REAR BY ANOTHER CAR GOING ALSO FORTY 45 MPH HITTING GAS TANK LOCATED BEHIND LEFT BACK PASSENGER DOOR. CAR INGNITED UNDER CAR AS CAR WAS SPINNING FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. FIRE BURNED THOURGH BACKSEAT IGNITING SEAT AND SEATBELT TENNSIONIERS.CAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN BUT WINDOWS WERE DOWN. ONE ADULT TWO CHILDREN WERE PASSENGERS,ONE CHILD SUFFERED SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS FROM BEING IN BACK SEAT. OLDER BROTHER EXTRICATED GRANDMOTHER AND YOUNGER SISTER FROM BACKSEAT OF BURNING CAR OUT OF RIGHT FRNOT PASSENGER WINDOW.AK
NHTSA complaint #10043715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lompoc, CACrashFire3 injured
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
HONDA ACCORD GOING 45 MPH WAS STRUCK ON LEFT REAR BY ANOTHER CAR GOING ALSO FORTY 45 MPH HITTING GAS TANK LOCATED BEHIND LEFT BACK PASSENGER DOOR. CAR INGNITED UNDER CAR AS CAR WAS SPINNING FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. FIRE BURNED THOURGH BACKSEAT IGNITING SEAT AND SEATBELT TENNSIONIERS.CAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN BUT WINDOWS WERE DOWN. ONE ADULT TWO CHILDREN WERE PASSENGERS,ONE CHILD SUFFERED SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS FROM BEING IN BACK SEAT. OLDER BROTHER EXTRICATED GRANDMOTHER AND YOUNGER SISTER FROM BACKSEAT OF BURNING CAR OUT OF RIGHT FRNOT PASSENGER WINDOW.AK
NHTSA complaint #10043715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, VTCrash1 killed
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
18-YEAR OLD SON DROWNED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A CANAL AND THE POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS WERE INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #516572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, VTCrash1 killed
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
18-YEAR OLD SON DROWNED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A CANAL AND THE POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS WERE INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #516572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmette, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HIGH SPEED INVOLUNTARY EXCELLERATION, RESULTING IN CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #811090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lompoc, CACrashFire3 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
HONDA ACCORD GOING 45 MPH WAS STRUCK ON LEFT REAR BY ANOTHER CAR GOING ALSO FORTY 45 MPH HITTING GAS TANK LOCATED BEHIND LEFT BACK PASSENGER DOOR. CAR INGNITED UNDER CAR AS CAR WAS SPINNING FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. FIRE BURNED THOURGH BACKSEAT IGNITING SEAT AND SEATBELT TENNSIONIERS.CAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN BUT WINDOWS WERE DOWN. ONE ADULT TWO CHILDREN WERE PASSENGERS,ONE CHILD SUFFERED SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS FROM BEING IN BACK SEAT. OLDER BROTHER EXTRICATED GRANDMOTHER AND YOUNGER SISTER FROM BACKSEAT OF BURNING CAR OUT OF RIGHT FRNOT PASSENGER WINDOW.AK
NHTSA complaint #10043715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lompoc, CACrashFire3 injured
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
HONDA ACCORD GOING 45 MPH WAS STRUCK ON LEFT REAR BY ANOTHER CAR GOING ALSO FORTY 45 MPH HITTING GAS TANK LOCATED BEHIND LEFT BACK PASSENGER DOOR. CAR INGNITED UNDER CAR AS CAR WAS SPINNING FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. FIRE BURNED THOURGH BACKSEAT IGNITING SEAT AND SEATBELT TENNSIONIERS.CAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN BUT WINDOWS WERE DOWN. ONE ADULT TWO CHILDREN WERE PASSENGERS,ONE CHILD SUFFERED SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS FROM BEING IN BACK SEAT. OLDER BROTHER EXTRICATED GRANDMOTHER AND YOUNGER SISTER FROM BACKSEAT OF BURNING CAR OUT OF RIGHT FRNOT PASSENGER WINDOW.AK
NHTSA complaint #10043715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesKansas City, MO
SUSPENSION:FRONT
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE BOLTS SNAP, AND CAUSES LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR PHOTOS ATTACHED.
NHTSA complaint #8022050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TIRE TREAD SEPARATION ON TWO JUPITER YP-701 TIRE MADE BY WOOSUNG. 3/14/01, REAR PASSENGER SIDE, TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE WHEN THE TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED, TIRE WAS NOT BALD BUT STILL HAD AN ESTIMATED 10,000 OR MORE TREADLIFE. 6/28/01, REAR DRIVERS SIDE,TREAD SEPARATION, 37,000 MILES ON TIRE, TRAVELING 50-55 MPH WHEN HE TIRE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY ADVANCED WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #9003239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Provo, UT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #782535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Provo, UT
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CLUTCH FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #782535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West NEW York, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING OIL LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL ALSO, DEALER REPLACED SEALS AND BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #852715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West NEW York, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING OIL LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL ALSO, DEALER REPLACED SEALS AND BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #852715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West NEW York, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
WHILE DRIVING OIL LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL ALSO, DEALER REPLACED SEALS AND BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #852715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, VTCrash1 killed
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
18-YEAR OLD SON DROWNED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A CANAL AND THE POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS WERE INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #516572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, VTCrash1 killed
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
18-YEAR OLD SON DROWNED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A CANAL AND THE POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS WERE INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #516572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minster, OH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELTS IN REAR DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. PARKED VEHICLE, TOOK TIRE OFF & NOTICED THAT REAR SEAT BELT CAME DETACHED FROM ANCHOR ATTACHMENT. WILL BE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #812373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmette, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HIGH SPEED INVOLUNTARY EXCELLERATION, RESULTING IN CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #811090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirksville, MO
SUSPENSION:FRONT
REPLACEMENT ROTORS BECAME WARPED AFTER SIX MONTHS AND LESS THAN 6000 MPH; ALSO, FRONT OF VEHICLE MAKES NOISE AFTER FRONT BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #513219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirksville, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
REPLACEMENT ROTORS BECAME WARPED AFTER SIX MONTHS AND LESS THAN 6000 MPH; ALSO, FRONT OF VEHICLE MAKES NOISE AFTER FRONT BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #513219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Framingham, MA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
IN THE MORNING WHEN OPENING UP THE TRUNK THERE'S OVER CONDENSATION OF WATER BECAUSE THERE MAY NOT BE ANY AIR CIRCULATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAIL.
NHTSA complaint #806932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL LEAKAGE DUE TO RUSTING OF THE GAS LINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE IN MORE DETAIL.
NHTSA complaint #982791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado SPR, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
SUN WEST HONDA IN COLORADO SPRINGS REFUSED TO PERFORM RECALL FOR FILLER NECK DUE TO OWNER NOT BEING IN SERVICE AREA. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA complaint #975636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwell, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
RUSTED FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO WRONG ADDRESS (92V-028).
NHTSA complaint #485959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.