1988 Honda Accord
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › Accord › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Honda Accord. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1988 Honda Accord. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owners manual information required by fmvss 210, sections 6A and 6B was omitted from the manual.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles manual information does not comply with fmvss210.
Remedy
Upgrade existing manuals by inserting adhesive backed correction pages.
Owner complaints
88 complaints15 involved a crash1 involved a fire22 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
TL* the contact owns a 1988 honda accord. The contact stated that the passenger side seat belt retractor was defective. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (honda of thousand oaks, 3925 auto mall dr, thousand oaks, ca 91362) and was informed that parts were not available because of the year…
TL* the contact owns a 1988 honda accord. The contact stated that the passenger side seat belt retractor was defective. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (honda of thousand oaks, 3925 auto mall dr, thousand oaks, ca 91362) and was informed that parts were not available because of the year of the vehicle. It was diagnosed that the seat belt retractor was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. *Bf *tr
- Seat belts
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. I was really hoping to avoid a local news story for this issue, but I will give this one last chance before I go that route. my 1988 honda…
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. I was really hoping to avoid a local news story for this issue, but I will give this one last chance before I go that route. my 1988 honda accord lxi hatchback has an issue with the front seat belt retractors. the dealer replaced the driver side one about 3 years ago. now the one in the front/passenger side has failed and the seat belt IS hanging all of the way out of the door. the local honda dealer IS more interested in selling new cars than taking care of old ones that are still out there and running. the seat belts are warranteed for the life ot fhe car. the dealer keeps brushing me off and I am sick of it. I can't have any passengers in the front of my car because of this issue. the dealer tells me that they can't get the seat belts anywhere. that IS strange of them to say that because I went on line and have found them for around $100 each. they don't want to take care of the issue, so I am reaching out to someone that can resolve this. please help!!! 2 pictures are included with this complaint.
- Seat belts
My 1988 accord hatchback IS having seatbelt retractor issues. the dealer replaced the driver's side one a couple of years back. (Different color, but that IS ok). I have been having trouble with the retractor on the passenger side. the seatbelt comes all the way out of the door and will not…
My 1988 accord hatchback IS having seatbelt retractor issues. the dealer replaced the driver's side one a couple of years back. (Different color, but that IS ok). I have been having trouble with the retractor on the passenger side. the seatbelt comes all the way out of the door and will not retract. the seat belts are supposed to be guaranteed for the life of the car. I have been to the dealer a few times and they said they can't help me...gave me a phone # to honda america to see what they can do. that IS a dead end too. I'm filing this complaint as a last stitch effort to get some help with this issue. I drive my car on a daily basis and a lot of times I have a front passenger who IS using a failed safety belt!!! if there IS a crash and my passenger dies because of the failed part, there IS going to be one hefty lawsuit against honda! I don't want it to get to that point, so I am hoping that filing this complaint will take it to another level. pictures are attached (2). any help IS appreciated. thank you!
- Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
I had two tire blowouts within 3 weeks,the tire valve stems on both tires were severly sun cracked,i heard about the dill company's recall on valve stems made in 2006 both my stems were made in 2005 model #tr 418,I think they need to expand this recall drastically before someone else gets…
I had two tire blowouts within 3 weeks,the tire valve stems on both tires were severly sun cracked,i heard about the dill company's recall on valve stems made in 2006 both my stems were made in 2005 model #tr 418,I think they need to expand this recall drastically before someone else gets killed!!!,both tires were destroyed and I almost lost control on the last ONE,3 year old tire valves should not be rotten by the sun and fail,please help us,you are the only ones that can !!! *tr
- Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
I had replaced three tires on my vehicle at sears. approximately, three weeks ago, I had a tire deflate while driving out of a parking area toward the freeway. I stopped at a gas station and discovered air leaking from the valve stem. I filled the tire and drove the car to sears a couple miles…
I had replaced three tires on my vehicle at sears. approximately, three weeks ago, I had a tire deflate while driving out of a parking area toward the freeway. I stopped at a gas station and discovered air leaking from the valve stem. I filled the tire and drove the car to sears a couple miles away and it was repaired. las night as I backed out of the driveway of my home, another leak occurred from a different tire, again it was the valve stem. I plan on taking the car into sears for repair and to have them also check the third tires valve stem. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: consumer stated the fuel line runs underneath the carpet inside the car and there was a gas leak from the fuel line and her car filled up with gasoline. This happened on 7-16-05. She has taken it to a dealer and they put a splice in the fuel line. This IS the first time she has had this problem. She has not had further problems since the repair was done. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Seat belts
The engine continues to over heat despite the fact that we have replaced the radiator, radiator hose, and back up for the radiator. Also the seat belt will not come undone once someone has locked themself in. We have to take a screw driver to get the lock out. The car has a hard time shifting gears and when it does it slams into gear or will not go into gear.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle experienced rollback while parked with no key in the ignition.*mr 1988 honda accord has experienced roll back while parked with no key in ignition. consumer notified the honda dealership which in turn paid no attention to their complaint.*mr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When the vehicle IS in park with no key in the ignition it inadvertently rolls backwards. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The front driver and passenger side lap/shoulder belts do not retract when buckled then released. during an abrupt stop the belt did not properly restrain the passenger. *nlm
- Seats
On 12/24/02 I was rear-ended by a dodge neon traveling about 25-30 mph. I was stopped at a red light at the time. my car honda [vin [xxx]] was totaled. during the crash the front driver seat failed. the result was I was thrown forward into the steering column with great force. I suffered…
On 12/24/02 I was rear-ended by a dodge neon traveling about 25-30 mph. I was stopped at a red light at the time. my car honda [vin [xxx]] was totaled. during the crash the front driver seat failed. the result was I was thrown forward into the steering column with great force. I suffered multiple injuries but in particular I broke three ribs on the lower right side of my rib cage . there IS no question but that the broken seat contributed to my injuries. it IS my practice to always wear a seat belt. broken seat = broken ribs + chest trauma ???? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
The hide away headlight assembly keeps cutting the headlight wiring harness in two after the headlights open and shut several times. This looks like a manufacturing defect. I have personally fixed this problem twice in 76000 miles with the previous owner doing it twice.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal stuck at full throttle. Dealer was notified. *Ak the mechanic stated that the throttle was sticking due to the number 3 and 4 pistons hitting the head. also, consumer states engine problems started after the throttle stuck and the timing belt jumped a couple notches. *yd
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Was exiting from traffic when brakes failed after being applied. This caused driver to lose control of vehicle. Had contacted dealership.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I started the car and reversed it from garage. Car stalled. I forgot to put the car in park before taking the key out of ignition. after some time I started the car standing outside while the driver side door IS still widely opened. immediately the car went backward pulling me with the open…
I started the car and reversed it from garage. Car stalled. I forgot to put the car in park before taking the key out of ignition. after some time I started the car standing outside while the driver side door IS still widely opened. immediately the car went backward pulling me with the open door. I fell on the ground. my leg got caught in the front wheel. I got some scratch on my left leg with severe pain through out my left leg. The door of the car hit on the side of house which stopped the further movement of the car. otherwise I could have been badly injured. As a safety, a car must not start when it IS in reverse or drive mode. This car does every thing. On previous 3 occasions the car started and went forward while on drive mode. These are very serious problem which can cause severe injury to death. I now need my car to be fixed (body and transmission). Any help from ntsb or manufacturer IS appreciated.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Firestone tire size 175/13, tread separated from tire.*ak
- Power train › Axle assembly
The axle broke in two at low speed(luckily), spun around the steering linkage and punctured the oil pan in two places. I believe I can show that the axle was cracked at or before the time of re-manufacture and was not properly inspected by crs.
- Power train › Axle assembly
The axle in question failed catastrophically, without warning after only 26000 miles of use. Had this failure occurred at highway speed, a loss of control would have certainly ensued. *Ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Daughter had driven car about 10 miles to get home. She parked in front of the house and came in. she said nothing unusual about driving the car. some minutes later a neighbor knocked on the door and said there was smoke coming from under the car. we checked and there was smoke and sparks from…
Daughter had driven car about 10 miles to get home. She parked in front of the house and came in. she said nothing unusual about driving the car. some minutes later a neighbor knocked on the door and said there was smoke coming from under the car. we checked and there was smoke and sparks from under the engine compartment. got so bad we called 911 and fire company forced the hood open and put out the fire. Entire engine compartment melted/damaged. am expecting the insurance company to total the car after they look at it today march 13. the car has not been recently worked on.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
The tire experienced tread separation resulting in a large blister on the tread face. I discovered the problem ass repairing a flat tire on another wheel of my daughter's car. This failure was not the only one we have had with the firestone namebrand. Another daughter had similar failures on brand…
The tire experienced tread separation resulting in a large blister on the tread face. I discovered the problem ass repairing a flat tire on another wheel of my daughter's car. This failure was not the only one we have had with the firestone namebrand. Another daughter had similar failures on brand new tires purchased from firestone on three separate occassions over a 4 month period. These failures were on 16" wheels on a 1997 dodge avenger. The incidents took place before the well publicized current recall involving the size that fits the ford explorer. She has since sold that vehicle so I am not able to ad specifics concerning those incidents. But, due to the number of failures we had involving family members and the severity of the safety consequences involving different size tires that may not currently be in the recall, I feel it essential to call this to your attention. I do have digital pictures of this most recent failure I could provide if you have a specific address I could e-mail them to. Of course, I have possession of the tire and would be happy to provide it to you for analysis if it would aid your investigation into these failures. We do not have the original receipt for the tires which may be 18 months old (estimated). We were told when we contacted a local dealer that since we lacked that, there was nothing they could do. There are 3 other firestone affinity tires on that car. I'm sure you can appreciate the insecurity I have with those remaining on her car though replacement IS not an inexpensive consideration. I will write firestone at their website (assuming they have one) after I hear from you. I am contacting you because of the serious safety consequences of this problem that has not been isolated for us. I would like to think something can be done before people loose lives using a product they have misplaced confidence in. An alternative number to reach me during the day IS my cell phone (225)907-5911. I am retired so these numbers should. *ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
My steering went out. wondering if there were similar reports on this specific car. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
I began to smell gasoline when the car was stopped or engine off. the smell was very strong after the engine was off. I took the car to northside auto repair. the owner informed me it was the fuel injectors. I did not contact the dealership. I had the fuel injectors replaced with new ones.…
I began to smell gasoline when the car was stopped or engine off. the smell was very strong after the engine was off. I took the car to northside auto repair. the owner informed me it was the fuel injectors. I did not contact the dealership. I had the fuel injectors replaced with new ones. the owner informed me that it was very dangerous to drive the car with the injectors leaking. he also stated that very rarily do they replace fuel injectors. he said they seldom leak or need repair. I assumed it was due to the age of the car, but he did not feel like this was true. With his comments, I felt like maybe there was a defect. after his comments on how dangerous it was to drive the car, this certainly seemed like a safety hazard.*ak
- Tires
Severe swerving on rutted asphalt highways. No swerving w/michlen,goodyear (dot number: unknown tiresize: 185/70sr13) (dot number: unknown tiresize: 185/70sr13)
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
I am the 2ND owner of this vehicle for 4 years. I got this problem a couple months a go. When driving the beeping of the front door and seatbelt goes off all the time. The honda world dealer claimed that the recalled seatbelt has been fixed. They blamed this IS the door problem. It costs too much…
I am the 2ND owner of this vehicle for 4 years. I got this problem a couple months a go. When driving the beeping of the front door and seatbelt goes off all the time. The honda world dealer claimed that the recalled seatbelt has been fixed. They blamed this IS the door problem. It costs too much to fix and now I'm scared to drive my car since I don't know the door or the seatbelt will fall off. The beeping goes off every minute and driving me crazy. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Driver's side headlight 2 fuses failed. Wiring harness at las tstrap too short, and all three conductors had bare insulation and shorted out against each other. One conductor was negative.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
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