1981 Honda Accord problems
The Honda Accord (Japanese: ホンダ・アコード, Hepburn: Honda Akōdo, /əˈkɔːrd/), also known as the Honda Inspire (Japanese: ホンダ・インスパイア, Hepburn: Honda Insupaia) in Japan and China for certain generations, is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant, which has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. The Accord nameplate has been applied to a variety of vehicles worldwide, including coupes, station wagons, hatchbacks and a Honda Crosstour crossover.
Since its initiation, Honda has offered several different car body styles and versions of the Accord, and often vehicles marketed under the Accord nameplate concurrently in different regions differ quite substantially. It debuted in 1976, as a compact hatchback, though this style only lasted through 1989, as the lineup was expanded to include a sedan, coupe, and wagon. By the sixth-generation Accord at the end of the 1990s, it evolved into an intermediate vehicle, with one basic platform but with different bodies and proportions to increase its competitiveness against its rivals in different international markets. For the eighth-generation Accord released for the North American market in 2007, Honda had again chosen to move the model further upscale and increase its size. This pushed the Accord sedan from the upper limit of what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines as a mid-size car to just above the lower limit of a full-size car, with the coupe still rated as a mid-size car. In 2012, the ninth-generation Accord sedan, with smaller exterior dimensions, was once again classified as a mid-size car at 119 cubic feet (3.4 m3), falling just shy of the "Large Car" classification. However, the tenth-generation Accord sedan, with similar exterior dimensions, returned to full-size car status with its combined interior space of 123 cubic feet (3.5 m3); the coupe was discontinued in 2017.
In 1982, the Accord became the first car from a Japanese manufacturer to be produced in the United States when production commenced in Marysville, Ohio at Honda's Marysville Auto Plant. The Accord has achieved considerable success, especially in the United States, where it was the best-selling Japanese car for sixteen years (1982–97), topping its class in sales in 1991 and 2001, with around ten million vehicles sold. Numerous road tests, past and present, rate the Accord as one of the world's most reliable vehicles. The Accord has been on the Car and Driver 10Best list a record 38 times.
In 1989, the Accord was the first vehicle sold under an import brand to become the best-selling car in the United States. As of 2020, the Accord has sold more than 18 million units.
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Common 1981 Honda Accord problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1981 Honda Accord, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Premature Rust: Owners have experienced premature rust in snowbelt areas, which can affect the structural integrity and aesthetics of the vehicle. Rust can spread quickly if not addressed promptly, leading to costly repairs.
- Overheating: Some owners have faced overheating issues with the 1981 Honda Accord. Overheating can be caused by various factors such as a malfunctioning cooling system, thermostat issues, or radiator problems. Continuous overheating can damage the engine if not resolved.
- Exhaust System Troubles: Complaints have been made about various troubles with the exhaust system of the 1981 Honda Accord. Issues with the exhaust system can lead to decreased engine performance, increased emissions, and loud noises. It is crucial to address exhaust system problems promptly to maintain the vehicle's efficiency.
- Carburetor Problems: Owners have reported troubles with the carburetor of the 1981 Honda Accord. Carburetor issues can result in poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, and difficulty starting the vehicle. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to ensure the proper functioning of the carburetor.
- Brake Concerns: Some owners have faced brake-related problems with the 1981 Honda Accord. Brake issues can compromise the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. Common brake problems include squeaking or grinding noises, soft brake pedals, and vibrations while braking. Prompt brake inspections and repairs are necessary to maintain optimal braking performance.
Addressing these common problems with the 1981 Honda Accord promptly and effectively is crucial to ensure the vehicle's longevity, safety, and performance. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and addressing any warning signs promptly can help owners mitigate these issues and enjoy a smoother driving experience.
What is the most common problem with Honda Accord?
One of the Honda Accord's most talked-about issues revolves around its transmission. Owners have reported cases of slipping, abrupt shifting, and, in some unfortunate instances, complete failure.
What engine is in a 1981 Honda Accord?
The 1981 Honda Accord engine is a 1.6L inline-4 engine that produces 80 horsepower at 5500 RPM.
What year was the worst Honda Accord?
Q: Which Honda Accord generations have had the most problematic model years? A: The sixth generation (1998-2002) and parts of the seventh (2003-2005), eighth (2008-2010), and ninth generations (2013-2014) have had Honda Accord model years that are best avoided due to various issues and excessive complaints.
What is the top speed of a 1981 Honda Accord?
- 167 km/h.
- 14.4 sec.
- 104 mph.
- Acceleration, 0-60 mph. 13.6 sec.
1981 Honda Accord car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Accord problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Honda Accord vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Honda Accord complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Honda Accord.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-26
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: ALL FOUR DOORS ARE NOT OPERABLE. DOORS WLL NOT LOCK OR OPEN FROM EITHER SIDE. CONSUMER HAS TO ENTER THROUGH WINDOW. *AK *ML
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-18
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DOWNSHIFTING THE RPMS DROPPED TO 400 AND THEN CAR DIED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AND INVOLVED THE CARBURETOR. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- VIN: JHMSM5455BC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED WITH THE AIR CONDTIONER ON VEHICLE LOSES ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENT LIGHTS AND THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME RAIL RUSTED THROUGH AND FRONT CROSS MEMBER HAS COME LOOSE, CAUSING VIBRATION.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT CROSS MEMBER MOUNT TO FRAME OF VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, CAUSING FRONT END TO SHIFT AND RIGHT REAR TIRE TO WEAR OUT. ENGINE MAY FALL OUT AT ANY TIME. THE VEHICLE PRESENTLY IS NOT DRIVEABLE, VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-27
- VIN: JHMSM5428BC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE CAME TO COMPLETE HALT; PROCEEDED THRU GREEN LIGHT TO 25 MPH; FRONT LEFT AXLE BROKE; LOST VEHICLE POWER. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1981-01-30
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RUSTING OF THE GAS TANK AND FLOOR PANEL. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1981-01-30
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RUSTING OF THE GAS TANK AND FLOOR PANEL. TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Honda Accord problems:
Honda Accord 9th Gen ABS/VSA Issues - DTC Code 81-20 / 81-19 ...
Jan 3, 2024 ... Honda Accord 9th Gen ABS/VSA Issues - DTC Code 81-20 / 81-19 · 81-20 = acceleration sensor (inside of modulator-control unit) internal circuit ...
1981 Honda not running right - Honda Accord Forum - Honda ...
May 23, 2008 ... A vacuum leak is a common source of idle problems. I have no idea how the intake on an 81 is set up, so I can't give detailed instructions.
Q&A: 2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6 - Common Issues, Code 81-20 ...
Sep 25, 2020 ... 2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6-3.5L (J35Y1) ***************** abs system dtc 81-20 where is the yaw sensor on this - Answered by a verified ...
How To Restore The HUD Compass | 2018 Honda Accord Forum
Jun 8, 2018 ... Losing the compass and turn-by-turn directions in the Head-Up-Display (HUD) and instrument panel is a known problem for those with the ...
Q&A: 1985 Honda Accord Carburetor - Cold Idle | JustAnswer
Mar 18, 2013 ... Kyle N : It's pretty common to ... Honda Accord: We have owned this 1981 Honda Accord since new, ... Problem started after I put a can of engine fue ...
Other years of Honda Accord
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