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
- 7
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 7 complaints
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 | 1,200 |
| 1999 | 1,135 |
| 2000 | 1,183 |
| 2001 | 922 |
| 2002 | 1,050 |
| 2003 | 1,987 |
| 2004 | 1,018 |
| 2005 | 656 |
| 2006 | 433 |
| 2007 | 524 |
| 2008 | 1,521 |
| 2009 | 727 |
| 2010 | 580 |
| 2011 | 296 |
| 2012 | 373 |
| 2013 | 1,425 |
| 2014 | 982 |
| 2015 | 601 |
| 2016 | 613 |
| 2017 | 538 |
| 2018 | 1,894 |
| 2019 | 695 |
| 2020 | 364 |
| 2021 | 242 |
| 2022 | 263 |
| 2023 | 92 |
| 2024 | 154 |
| 2025 | 97 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
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, 1995-01-30
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and carburetor system.
Power train
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, 1995-05-11
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 7 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Electrical system
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1986-07-08Defect petitionClosed 1986-08-21 Seat belt retractors
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Honda Accord — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.