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1990-1993 Honda Accord Reliability
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Accord includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Accord.
1990-1993 Honda Accord Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system: If the CD changer in the trunk will not eject, the company will exchange the CD magazines with a redesigned one. (All)
Automatic transmission: Cars with high mileage may begin to shift more harshly, which may be corrected by adding a bottle of Lubeguard conditioner to the automatic transmission fluid. (1990-93)
Blower motor: Blower motor overheats, blows the fuse and may melt the fan because motor cooling hose becomes clogged. (1990-04)
Brakes: The parking brake may not fully release because a rivet on the brake rod is too tight. (1993)
Engine noise: A squealing noise from under the hood is likely to be caused by a worn alternator bearing, and it may have failed because the belt tension was too great. (1990-93)
Steering noise: If there is a squeak or squeal in the steering, especially when making a slow, tight turn, look for a label on the power steering reservoir that says PSF-V additive was added. If the noise is still there after additive was installed, the right-side end seal on the steering rack will have to be replaced. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $530
Alternator $355
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,055
Brakes $250
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $550
Constant Velocity Joints $670
Exhaust System $465
Radiator $485
Shocks and/or Struts $545
Timing Chain or Belt $350
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91: Front seatbelt release button can break and pieces can fall inside.
1991 wagon: Improperly attached washer in cargo area light may have fallen inside during assembly; if tailgate is open and switch is in its middle position, washer can cause short circuit that causes switch to overheat, resulting in fire.
1991-93 wagon: Rear outside seatbelts may lock-up at angles other than those required by federal standard; could increase risk of injury in sudden stop or accident.
1992: Left seatbelt assemblies on a few cars were installed on the right side; belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, making it unusable.
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