1986 Honda Accord problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1986 Honda Accord is among the quieter years of the Accord on NHTSA's books: 63 complaints (87% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (30% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Accord years?

Accord NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accord years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Honda Accord problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	19	30%	▲ up
Seat Belts	16	25%	▲ up
Transmission	5	8%	▲ up
Suspension	4	6%	▲ up
Brakes	3	5%	▲ up
Electrical System	3	5%	▲ up
Engine	3	5%	▲ up
Speed Control	2	3%	▲ up
Body & Structure	2	3%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	2	3%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	2	3%	▲ up
Other	1	2%	— flat
Lighting	1	2%	— flat

Does the 1986 Honda Accord have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103001Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 3,700,000 units

Defect

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 IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

92V028001Fuel SystemApril 15, 1993 · 920,583 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 CORROSION 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

REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#92V020001). TOOK TO DEALER & MECHANIC SAID HE REPLACED THE PART. WAS TRANSFERRED TO NC. FUEL LEAKED INSIDE VEHICLE & DESTROYED CARPETING. HAD VEHICLE CHECKED & INFORMED PART WAS NOT REPLACED, WAS RUSTED. CALLED MANUFACTURER. &WAS INFORMED NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE WORK…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 18, 1994

“DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD DRIVER IN AN ACCIDENT/SEAT BELT BUCKLE UNLATCHED PRIOR TO RECALL(95V-103.001). *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 15, 1995 · crash

“ENGINE: RADIATOR WAS LEAKING-REPLACE RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP. TRANSMISSION: HESITATION DURING EXCELLERATION, CAR WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. REPLACED WITH USED TRANSIMISSION. FUEL SYSTEM: (2X'S) NO REPAIR AS OF YET, HESITATION DURING EXCELLERATION, CANNOT GET INTO GEAR. ENGINE REVES UP BUT CAR WILL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2002

“WHEELS: DRIVING ALONG APPROXIMATELY 25MPH WHEN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL COLLAPSED DUE TO UPPER CONTROL ARM. SECOND INCIDENT SAME AS THE FIRST, EXCEPT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL COLLAPSED DUE TO REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 10, 1997

“HEAD LIGHT WIRES ERODED BY SHEET METAL SUPPORT WHEN HEADLIGHT RETRACTED, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT SLACK IN HEAD LIGHTS CABLE. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 20, 1995

1986 Honda Accord — common questions

Is the 1986 Honda Accord reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 63 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Accord year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1986 Accord problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (19 complaints), seat belts (16 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 1986 Honda Accord have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Honda Accord. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Honda Accord under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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 1986 compare to other Accord years?

What are the most common 1986 Honda Accord problems?

Does the 1986 Honda Accord have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1986 Honda Accord — common questions

Is the 1986 Honda Accord reliable?

What are the most common 1986 Accord problems?

Does the 1986 Honda Accord have recalls?

Is the 1986 Honda Accord under NHTSA investigation?

Which Honda Accord years should you avoid?

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