1981 Honda Accord
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 10 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 22 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 56 |
| 1987 | 112 |
| 1988 | 90 |
| 1989 | 86 |
| 1990 | 193 |
| 1991 | 212 |
| 1992 | 208 |
| 1993 | 186 |
| 1994 | 395 |
| 1995 | 544 |
| 1996 | 472 |
| 1997 | 460 |
| 1998 | 1200 |
| 1999 | 1135 |
| 2000 | 1183 |
| 2001 | 922 |
| 2002 | 1050 |
| 2003 | 1987 |
| 2004 | 1016 |
| 2005 | 656 |
| 2006 | 430 |
| 2007 | 524 |
| 2008 | 1520 |
| 2009 | 722 |
| 2010 | 580 |
| 2011 | 296 |
| 2012 | 373 |
| 2013 | 1419 |
| 2014 | 979 |
| 2015 | 601 |
| 2016 | 600 |
| 2017 | 532 |
| 2018 | 1871 |
| 2019 | 682 |
| 2020 | 355 |
| 2021 | 227 |
| 2022 | 243 |
| 2023 | 86 |
| 2024 | 140 |
| 2025 | 82 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 7 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
RUSTING OF THE GAS TANK AND FLOOR PANEL. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950130
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and carburetor system.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAME TO COMPLETE HALT; PROCEEDED THRU GREEN LIGHT TO 25 MPH; FRONT LEFT AXLE BROKE; LOST VEHICLE POWER. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950511
1 of 7 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Honda Accord — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1981 Honda Accord reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Honda Accord?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Honda Accord have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.