MYRModel Year Report

1988 Honda Accord

▲ Better than typical
1988 Honda Accord
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:41:03.761Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Accord Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 7 complaints 1982: 10 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 22 complaints 1985: 13 complaints 1986: 56 complaints 1986 1987: 112 complaints 1988: 90 complaints 1988 1989: 86 complaints 1990: 193 complaints 1991: 212 complaints 1992: 208 complaints 1992 1993: 186 complaints 1994: 395 complaints 1995: 544 complaints 1996: 472 complaints 1997: 460 complaints 1998: 1200 complaints 1998 1999: 1135 complaints 2000: 1183 complaints 2001: 922 complaints 2002: 1050 complaints 2003: 1987 complaints 2004: 1016 complaints 2004 2005: 656 complaints 2006: 430 complaints 2007: 524 complaints 2008: 1520 complaints 2009: 722 complaints 2010: 580 complaints 2010 2011: 296 complaints 2012: 373 complaints 2013: 1419 complaints 2014: 979 complaints 2015: 601 complaints 2016: 600 complaints 2016 2017: 532 complaints 2018: 1871 complaints 2019: 682 complaints 2020: 355 complaints 2021: 227 complaints 2022: 243 complaints 2022 2023: 86 complaints 2024: 140 complaints 2025: 82 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026
1988: 90 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19817
198210
19837
198422
198513
198656
1987112
198890
198986
1990193
1991212
1992208
1993186
1994395
1995544
1996472
1997460
19981200
19991135
20001183
2001922
20021050
20031987
20041016
2005656
2006430
2007524
20081520
2009722
2010580
2011296
2012373
20131419
2014979
2015601
2016600
2017532
20181871
2019682
2020355
2021227
2022243
202386
2024140
202582
20266

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEAT BELTS 34%

34% of complaints: seat belts — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

CAR WAS IN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN, THE PERSON WAS BADLY INJURY. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950524

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180129

THIS IS MY 2ND COMPLAINT FOR THE SAME ISSUE...MY FIRST ONE NEVER GOT A RESPONSE AND IT HAS BEEN MONTHS SINCE I SENT IT. PLEASE RESPOND WITH HELP FOR THIS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171223

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY.

NHTSA ODI report, 19950209

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION IT INADVERTENTLY ROLLS BACKWARDS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20031105

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

TIRES 7%

7% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and pressure monitoring and regulating systems.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19871119 — equipment

OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.

Remedy: UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.

Campaign 87V171000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19941027 — EA (closed 19950731)

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19950519 — seat belts

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

1988 Honda Accord — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V171000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V103001 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 2025 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 2018 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Honda Accord reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Honda Accord is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Honda Accord?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Honda Accord have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.