1989 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
14% of complaints: seat belts — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING REAR END COLLISION, UPON IMPACT DRIVER'S SEATBELT BUCKLE CAME UNDONE, JUST PRIOR EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN LATCHING AND SOMETIMES POPPED OPEN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950223
9% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK UP, FORCING DRIVER INTO STEERING WHEEL , ETC. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020828
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HAD A ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION,PROBLEM IS REOCCURING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950201
6% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1989 Honda Accord — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103001 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Honda Accord reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Honda Accord is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Honda Accord?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Honda Accord have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.