1986 Honda Accord
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 10 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 22 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 54 |
| 1987 | 111 |
| 1988 | 88 |
| 1989 | 86 |
| 1990 | 192 |
| 1991 | 212 |
| 1992 | 206 |
| 1993 | 186 |
| 1994 | 369 |
| 1995 | 543 |
| 1996 | 472 |
| 1997 | 460 |
| 1998 | 1200 |
| 1999 | 1135 |
| 2000 | 1183 |
| 2001 | 920 |
| 2002 | 1050 |
| 2003 | 1987 |
| 2004 | 1016 |
| 2005 | 656 |
| 2006 | 430 |
| 2007 | 524 |
| 2008 | 1520 |
| 2009 | 720 |
| 2010 | 579 |
| 2011 | 295 |
| 2012 | 371 |
| 2013 | 1417 |
| 2014 | 969 |
| 2015 | 593 |
| 2016 | 588 |
| 2017 | 525 |
| 2018 | 1791 |
| 2019 | 644 |
| 2020 | 334 |
| 2021 | 210 |
| 2022 | 213 |
| 2023 | 79 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2025 | 71 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SAFETY BELT DIDN'T WORK DURING AN ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950119
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE: RADIATOR WAS LEAKING-REPLACE RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP. TRANSMISSION: HESITATION DURING EXCELLERATION, CAR WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. REPLACED WITH USED TRANSIMISSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040422
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
HONDA HIGH ENGINE SPEED
ACCORD SUDDEN ACCEL-SEE DP87-026
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING
IF THE PLASTIC COATING OF THE FUEL FILLER AND/OR BREATHER PIPE IS DAMAGED, SALT WATER MAY ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE PLASTIC COATING AND THE STEEL PIPES, AND THE ACCUMULATION COULD CAUSE CORROSION WHICH W
Remedy: REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.
Campaign 92V028001 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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
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 PRO
Campaign 95V103001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Honda Accord — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V028001 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103001 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Honda Accord reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Honda Accord is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Honda Accord?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Honda Accord have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.