1983 Honda Accord problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 1983 Honda Accord — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1983 compare to other Accord years?

Accord NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accord years to avoid →

What are the most common 1983 Honda Accord problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Body & Structure	2	29%	▲ up
Electrical System	1	14%	▼ down
Fuel System	1	14%	▼ down
Seat Belts	1	14%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	14%	new
Transmission	1	14%	— flat

Does the 1983 Honda Accord have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

92V028000Fuel SystemMarch 3, 1992 · 903,219 units

Defect

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 CORROSSION WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH THE AFFECTED PIPES, ALLOWING GASOLINE FUMES AND FUEL TO LEAK.

Consequence

GASOLINE FUMES AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE THROUGH THE FILLER ORBREATHER PIPES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES WILL BE CLEANED AND RECOATED OR REPLACED AS NEEDED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A NOISE. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER, AND SHE NOTICED THAT LEFT FRONT TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETLY FROM RIM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ATLAS TIRE COMPANY HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. *AK LEFT FENDER SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 19, 2000

“WHEN MAKING A HARD LEFT OR RIGHT TURN A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD. TAKEN TO CERTIFIED AUTO MECHANIC AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE CV JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 14, 1996

“WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY NOTICED BATTERY LIGHT FLICKER AND BURNING SMELL, PULLED TO SIDE, FOUND UNDERHOOD FIRE BROKE OUT BETWEEN BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WIRES. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 20, 1997 · fire

1983 Honda Accord — common questions

Is the 1983 Honda Accord reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1983 Honda Accord have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 Honda Accord. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Honda Accord years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Accord years to avoid are 2018, 2003, 2013, 2008, 2000, 1998, 2014, 1999, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2019, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2007, 2006, 2020, 2022, 2021. The cleanest record among Accord years belongs to 1978.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1983 compare to other Accord years?

What are the most common 1983 Honda Accord problems?

Does the 1983 Honda Accord have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1983 Honda Accord — common questions

Is the 1983 Honda Accord reliable?

Does the 1983 Honda Accord have recalls?

Which Honda Accord years should you avoid?

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