1985 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 1985 Honda Accord problems
The Honda Accord has been a popular choice for many drivers due to its reliable engine and comfortable ride. However, like any other vehicle, the Honda Accord has its fair share of common problems, especially in the 1985 model. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the 1985 Honda Accord:
- Check Engine and D4 Light Flashing: Some models of the Honda Accord might experience shifting issues. Like clockwork, the warning lights begin to break down. Check engine light and D4 flickering, and hard shifting are symptoms of this issue. There has probably been a mechanical problem if the transmission begins shifting erratically. If the transmission keeps acting strangely, it can be caused by a dirt-filled transmission fluid or a malfunctioning sensor. Prior to the completion of the repair, an evaluation must be done using specialized testing equipment.
- Power Door Locks Sometimes Trigger Automatically: The power door lock turns on automatically due to a problem with the door lock actuator. The failure of the power door actuator might be indicated by a number of symptoms. For example, the doors either fail to lock or open or lock themselves. In many instances, the issues manifest sporadically and without a predictable pattern. The door actuator must be changed as soon as the mechanic determines there is a problem with it.
- Engine Stalls: Some 1985 Honda Accord owners have reported that their car's engine stalls after driving for a few miles. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty fuel pump, dirty fuel filters, or a problem with the carburetor. In some cases, the engine may stall due to a lack of spark or fuel. It is important to check the rotor and cap for any signs of damage, as non-Honda rotors are known to go bad, especially in cold climates where carburetor icing can occur.
- Car Won't Idle: Another common issue with the 1985 Honda Accord is that the car won't idle and dies instead. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty fuel pump, dirty fuel filters, or a problem with the carburetor. It is important to check the fuel pressure regulator, as a bad one can cause the car to stutter and die.
In summary, the 1985 Honda Accord is a reliable car, but it is not without its common problems. Owners of this car should be aware of the potential issues and take steps to address them as soon as they arise to ensure the longevity and safety of their vehicle.
What year is bad for 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.
Are old accords reliable?
2020 and 2021 are also strong contenders but the used car price on these demand a premium. Honda Accords are known for their reliability and longevity. The best years for a used Honda Accord are 2006–2007, 2011–2012, 2015, 2020, and 2021.
What Honda Accord years are best?
A: As per the guide, the most reliable Honda Accords are the 2006 and 2007 models from the seventh generation and the 2011 and 2012 models from the eighth generation. These specific years have garnered positive feedback for their dependability and have fewer reported issues compared to other years.
Can a Honda Accord last 20 years?
Hondas are known to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or 15-20 years. You need to properly maintain them to get this life expectancy from them, but it sets Hondas apart from the rest. It's also well-known that Honda Accords, and all Hondas, are durable and reliable.
1985 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Honda Accord vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Honda Accord complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Honda Accord.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-09
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMAD7457FC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: HONDA ACCORD GOING 45 MPH WAS STRUCK ON LEFT REAR BY ANOTHER CAR GOING ALSO FORTY 45 MPH HITTING GAS TANK LOCATED BEHIND LEFT BACK PASSENGER DOOR. CAR INGNITED UNDER CAR AS CAR WAS SPINNING FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. FIRE BURNED THOURGH BACKSEAT IGNITING SEAT AND SEATBELT TENNSIONIERS.CAR DOORS DID NOT OPEN BUT WINDOWS WERE DOWN. ONE ADULT TWO CHILDREN WERE PASSENGERS,ONE CHILD SUFFERED SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS FROM BEING IN BACK SEAT. OLDER BROTHER EXTRICATED GRANDMOTHER AND YOUNGER SISTER FROM BACKSEAT OF BURNING CAR OUT OF RIGHT FRNOT PASSENGER WINDOW.AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-26
- VIN: 1HGAD7432FA
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE BOLTS SNAP, AND CAUSES LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR PHOTOS ATTACHED. *TT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-28
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE TREAD SEPARATION ON TWO JUPITER YP-701 TIRE MADE BY WOOSUNG. 3/14/01, REAR PASSENGER SIDE, TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE WHEN THE TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED, TIRE WAS NOT BALD BUT STILL HAD AN ESTIMATED 10,000 OR MORE TREADLIFE. 6/28/01, REAR DRIVERS SIDE,TREAD SEPARATION, 37,000 MILES ON TIRE, TRAVELING 50-55 MPH WHEN HE TIRE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY ADVANCED WARNING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING OIL LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL ALSO, DEALER REPLACED SEALS AND BELTS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH FAILED. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-15
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH FAILED. NLM
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-03-13
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 18-YEAR OLD SON DROWNED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A CANAL AND THE POWER WINDOWS/POWER LOCKS WERE INOPERABLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-13
- VIN: JHMAD5336FC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS IN REAR DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. PARKED VEHICLE, TOOK TIRE OFF & NOTICED THAT REAR SEAT BELT CAME DETACHED FROM ANCHOR ATTACHMENT. WILL BE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1HGAD7338FA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HIGH SPEED INVOLUNTARY EXCELLERATION, RESULTING IN CRASH. *AK
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
- VIN: 1HGAD5422FA
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REPLACEMENT ROTORS BECAME WARPED AFTER SIX MONTHS AND LESS THAN 6000 MPH; ALSO, FRONT OF VEHICLE MAKES NOISE AFTER FRONT BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1HGAD7434FA
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: IN THE MORNING WHEN OPENING UP THE TRUNK THERE'S OVER CONDENSATION OF WATER BECAUSE THERE MAY NOT BE ANY AIR CIRCULATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAIL. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-16
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE DUE TO RUSTING OF THE GAS LINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE IN MORE DETAIL. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1HGAD5435FA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SUN WEST HONDA IN COLORADO SPRINGS REFUSED TO PERFORM RECALL FOR FILLER NECK DUE TO OWNER NOT BEING IN SERVICE AREA. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-10
- VIN: 1HGAD5323FA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RUSTED FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO WRONG ADDRESS (92V-028). *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-28
- VIN: 1HGAD7458FA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL FILLER PIPE FAILED. *SKD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-29
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, ACCIDENT. THIS IS SECOND INCIDENT-FIRST ACCIDENT REPORTED ON ODINO 349111. *TW
1985 Honda Accord recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Honda Accord.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Honda Accord problems:
1985 Honda Accord Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Faults: Power steering fluid leakage. A/C does not work. Radiator had to be replaced. Water pump replacement -- twice.
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