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
- 86
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 86 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Seat belts
37% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-28
During rear end collision, upon impact driver's seatbelt buckle came undone, just prior experienced difficulty in latching and sometimes popped open.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-23
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
My problem continues. So I repair, it continues. It is hard to get a new car and at the present time finances aren't allowing me to purchase a new vehicle. My health is suffering for that reason.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22
Also filed under Power train
Vehicle speed control
10% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
Had a accident because of sudden acceleration,problem is reoccuring. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-01
Suspension
10% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing control arm and front.
Electrical system
8% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-23
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1994-10-27Engineering analysisClosed 1995-07-31 Seat belt buckle failure
-
R
1995-05-19Seat belts95V103001 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Honda Accord — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 95V103001 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Honda Accord have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.