Honda Inspire problems

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The Honda Inspire (Japanese: ホンダ・インスパイア, Hepburn: Honda Insupaia) is a mid-size sedan derived from the Honda Accord chassis. The first Inspire debuted in late 1989 as the Accord Inspire, a sister nameplate to the Honda Vigor. It was sold at different retail channels in Japan, known as Honda Verno for the Vigor/Saber, and as the Inspire at Honda Clio stores.

Nameplate history

In 1995, the Inspire was updated and exported to the US as the Acura 3.2 TL, while the Vigor nameplate was replaced with the Honda Saber. The longitudinal 2.5 L straight-five engine layout and platform remained and was sold as the Acura 2.5 TL.

In 1999, these cars were replaced by the second generation TL that was based on the US-spec Accord platform, and largely designed and engineered in the US by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Raymond, Ohio. Manufactured in the US, these were imported into Japan as the new Inspire and Saber.

In June 2003, the fourth-generation Inspire was introduced in Japan derived from the North American Honda Accord V6. This Inspire marks the first time Honda introduced their Variable Cylinder Management technology. In October 2005, the fourth-generation Inspire received a mild restyle, with new headlights, new tail lights, revised interior and new colors. The Inspire targeted the Nissan Teana, the Toyota Mark X and numerous other entry level luxury cars from Japan.

In October 2007, the fifth-generation Inspire was previewed at the Tokyo Motor Show. It is essentially a rebadged 2008 North American market Accord with minor exterior and interior modifications.

In September 2012, after six generations and 23 years, along with the introduction of the ninth-generation Accord, the Inspire ended production for a six-year period. It was then relaunched in 2018 as a China-only model based on the tenth-generation Accord.

photo of Honda Inspire car production

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Honda Inspire model years

honda inspire 1997 photo
Inspire 1997
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9

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0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda inspire 1996 photo
Inspire 1996
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9

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0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda inspire 1995 photo
Inspire 1995
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5

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0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda inspire 1994 photo
Inspire 1994
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6

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0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda inspire 1993 photo
Inspire 1993
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2

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0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda inspire 1992 photo
Inspire 1992
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2

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0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Honda Inspire problems

Honda Inspire owners have reported various problems with their vehicles, ranging from minor issues to more significant mechanical problems. Here are some of the common problems based on the complaints from Honda Inspire owners:

  • Distributor cap leaks: Some Honda Inspire owners have reported leaks around the distributor cap, which can cause engine performance issues and potentially lead to more significant mechanical problems if not addressed promptly.
  • Water leaks into the boot: Honda Inspire owners have reported that water can leak into the boot of the car due to the design of the vehicle. This can lead to damage to items stored in the boot and can be a significant inconvenience.
  • Radiator problems: Honda Inspire owners have reported that the radiator may need to be replaced, particularly if there is a crack in the plastic reservoir. This can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Driver's door handle issues: Some Honda Inspire owners have reported issues with the driver's door handle on the inside of the vehicle. This can make it difficult to open the door from the inside and can be a significant inconvenience.
  • Thermostat replacement: Honda Inspire owners have reported that the thermostat may need to be replaced, which can lead to engine performance issues and potential overheating if not addressed promptly.
  • Transmission problems: Some Honda Inspire owners have reported transmission problems, particularly with some of the older models. This can lead to significant mechanical issues and can be a significant expense to repair.
  • EPS (Electric Power Steering) lockup: Honda Inspire owners have reported issues with the EPS locking up, which can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel. This can be a significant safety issue and should be addressed promptly.

Overall, while the Honda Inspire is generally considered a reliable and well-built vehicle, there are some common problems that owners have reported. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to significant mechanical problems, and it is essential to address them promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.

Honda Inspire

Is Honda Accord is the same as Honda inspire?

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 ...

What engine is in a Honda Inspire?

It boasts a fuel-efficient engine, with a 2.4L i-VTEC engine that delivers up to 148kW of power.

Is the 1992 Honda Inspire RWD?

The Inspire was introduced before the recession developed in Japan in the early 1990s (known in Japan as the "bubble economy"), and Honda wanted a car that would compete with the Toyota Cresta and Nissan Laurel, with the unique inline five-cylinder Honda G engine, in a front-wheel-drive configuration.

What is the price of Honda Inspire?

Honda Accord 3.5 V6 INSPIRE price in New Delhi is ₹ 26.59 Lacs (Ex-showroom).

Percentage distribution of complaints by Honda Inspire years

We have researched Honda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Honda Inspire cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Honda Inspire model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Honda Inspire model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Honda Inspire years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Honda Inspire car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Honda Inspire , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Honda Inspire vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Inspire model years

A total of 6 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Inspire model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Inspire model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 33 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Honda Inspire . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Honda Inspire vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Honda Inspire 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-02-28
  • Date Complaint: 2010-03-01
  • VIN: 1HGCD5633VA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 1997 HONDA ACCORD LX DIES UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. IT CAN RESTART, BUT DIES AGAIN IN 2 SECOND. CALLED AAA, A HALF HOUR LATE, WHEN AAA TRUCK CAME, THE CAR CAN START WITHOUT THE PROBLEM. AAA PERSON CHECKED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY, BOTH ARE GOOD. *TR
Honda Inspire 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2009-06-22
  • Date Complaint: 2009-06-25
  • VIN: 1HGCD5635TA
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: MY DAUGHTER RECENTLY BOUGHT A 1996 HONDA ACCORD. THE SRS LIGHT WAS ON; WE BROUGHT IT TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP & WERE TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $881.00 PLUS TAX TO REPAIR. IF NOT REPAIRED, THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. WE COULD NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR SO WILL NOT ALLOW MY 17 YEAR OLD TO DRIVE ON INTERSTATE UNTIL REPAIRED. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT HONDA WILL NOT COVER AIR BAGS FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND AM WORRIED THAT I WILL LOSE MY CHILD OVER THIS. *TR
Honda Inspire 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2008-11-17
  • Date Complaint: 2008-11-24
  • VIN: 1HGCD5692TA
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: SRS LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON , MEANING A MALFUNCTION IN THE SYSTEM HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TO BE TESTED. *TR
Honda Inspire 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-12-15
  • Date Complaint: 2008-01-06
  • VIN: 1HGCD5635TA
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: SRS LIGHT BLINKED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL DAYS IN DECEMBER 2007; IN NOW STAYS ON. LEITH HONDA IN RALEIGH SAYS "CODE 7-3 AND 7-4 'CONTROL UNIT FAILURE'; $750.00 TO REPLACE". *TR
Honda Inspire 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-10-13
  • Date Complaint: 2007-10-19
  • VIN: 1HGCD5606VA
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: I PURCHACED 4 NEW EPIC TOUR (LL600) TIRES AND IN LESS THAN A WEEK ONE HAD THE TREAD PEEL OFF WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. I DID NOT HIT OR RUN OVER ANYTHING PRIOR TO TREAD LOSS. THE TIRE WAS STILL ENFLATED. WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK TOTHE TIRE PEOPLE THEY GAVE ME ANOTHER NEW TIRE TO MATCH THE OTHER 3. IN A WEEK THIS NEW TIRE ALSO LOST ITS TREAD, EXACTLY LIKE THE FIRST. I WISH I STILL HAD THE FIRST TIRE BUT I DO NOT. I HAVE THE CURRENT PROBLEM TIRE AND CAN SEND PHOTOS OR IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. THE TREAD JUST PEELED OFF AS IF IT WERE A RETREAD. EVERYONE (INCLUDING PROFESSIONALS) THAT HAVE SEEN THIS TIRE THINKS THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SITUATION DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT ON THE LIST, BUT THE COOPERATE OFFICE TOLD ME THEY WERE YANTI TYRE IN CHINA OR COOPER? DOT CODE: 2WUNFTS DATE: 3007.
Honda Inspire 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-08-19
  • Date Complaint: 2007-08-22
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1HGCD5635TA
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: KEY COMES OUT OF IGNITION WITHOUT TRANSMISSION IN PARK. CAR IS A 1996 HONDA. LX W/ AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MY CAR ROLLED OUT OF GARAGE AND HIT MY BASKETBALL HOOP POLE - RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE RT FRONT QTR PANEL. *TR
Honda Inspire 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-06-22
  • Date Complaint: 2007-07-19
  • VIN: 1HGCD5603VA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: AS STATED BELOW, PROBLEMS THAT I ENCOUNTERED SUCH AS BLOWN FUSE (MAIN CONCERN), DEAD BATTERY (FIXED), AND FAN/AIR CONDITIONER MALFUNCTION (PRODUCES IRRITATING SOUND) MIGHT BE ATTRIBUTED TO THIS WIRING PROBLEM. YOUR 1997 HONDA IS INCLUDED IN THE 1995-97 ACCORD A/C WIRE CAMPAIGN. DESCRIPTION 1995-97 ACCORD A/C WIRE DATE9/17/1998 TYPE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN STATUS OPEN HAVING MORE THAN 10X OF BLOWN FUSE (FAILURES) THAT CRIPPLED MY TAIL AND PARKING LIGHTS AND UPON THE ADVICE OF HONDA (THRU OWNER LINK), I WENT TO ONE OF ITS DEALERS HERE IN BATON ROUGE, RICHARDS HONDA. I PROMPTED THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THAT I ENCOUNTERED AND THE RECALL THAT WAS STATED IN THE OWNER LINK. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO THE RECALL BUT IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL THEN I HAVE TO PAY A CERTAIN CHARGE. IF THEY ARE REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR ANNOUNCED RECALL, IS THIS A GOOD WAY OF ADMITTING THEIR FAULT? I CERTAINLY DOUBT! TO CONTINUE MY UNFORTUNATE QUEST TO FIX MY CAR'S PROBLEM, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. IT IS DUE TO THE BAD SWITCH COMBINATION (I COULD NOT ARGUE, HEAVEN KNOWS.)! FOR 1.5 HRS LABOR ($135.00) AND SWITCH,LIGHTING($64.94), I PAID THEM A TOTAL $199.94. THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. A DAY AFTER, THE FUSE GOT BUSTED AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY TESTED THE CAR FOR THE WHOLE DAY AND THE FUSE WAS OK. SO I GOT THE CAR AND SADLY, I STILL EXPERIENCED THE INCIDENT OF BLOWN FUSES. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THEM AND LET IT STAY THERE FOR 2 WEEKS AND STILL THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. WAS IS IT REALLY FIXED ? WHAT WAS THAT CHANGING THE SWITCH FOR? INSTEAD OF BEING ANGRY WITH THE EMPLOYEES, I THINK THIS IS THE BEST VENUE FOR MY CONCERN. I HOPE MY $199.94 WOULD BE RETURNED (IT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM SINCE CHANGING IT DOES NOT SOLVED FUSES GETTING BUSTED. ) AND MY CARS PROBLEM (BUSTED FUSES THAT AFFECT THE TAIL AND PARKING LIGHTS) WOULD BE FIXED AT NO COST. *TR
Honda Inspire 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-04-03
  • Date Complaint: 2007-04-10
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JHMCD5654RC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 1994 HONDA ACCORD EX FRONT END COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN $4500.00 IN DAMAGE, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN BY MY 18 YEAR OLD SON. *AK
Honda Inspire 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-01-15
  • Date Complaint: 2007-01-26
  • VIN: JHMCD5652SC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL*- THE CONTACT'S 1999 HONDA ACCORD INSPIRE SRS AIR BAG SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON ALTHOUGH THE AIR BAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT IT NEEDED A NEW AIR BAG MODULE, BUT IT WAS RECALLED IN 1997, AND IT COST $900.00 TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE HONDA MANUFACTURER HOTLINE, AND THEY TOLD HER THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 1997 ,AND THEY HAVE NO MORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SRS AIR BAG MODULE. *AK
Honda Inspire 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-07-15
  • Date Complaint: 2006-05-23
  • VIN: 1HGCD5637TA
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: SRS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. DEALER SAYS PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS FAILED AND MUST BE REPLACED. CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ACCIDENT. *NM
Honda Inspire 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-11-05
  • Date Complaint: 2005-12-28
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING ON A WET ROAD GOING AT 35 MPH AND BRAKING FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING AROUND A CORNER, A THIRD VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK
Honda Inspire 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-11-30
  • Date Complaint: 2005-12-05
  • VIN: JHMCD5633RC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT BEING IN A COLLISION ACCIDENT. BOTH OF THE BAGS POPPED OUT RIGHT IN MY DRIVE WAY. *NM
Honda Inspire 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-10-02
  • Date Complaint: 2005-10-20
  • VIN: 1HGCD5606VA
  • Components: STRUCTURE,TIRES
  • Summary: WAS TRAVELING DOWN INTERSTATE AT THE SPEED OF 70 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE INNER TIRE MOLD---THE BLACK PLASTIC TIRE MOLD THAT IS OVER THE TIRE, FELL OFF AT THE SPEED I WAS TRAVELING AND HIT THE PERSON'S CAR BEHIND US. IT CAUSE US TO LOSE CONTROL, BUT WE REGAINED IT. BUT IT DID CAUSE ALL OF THE WIRING THAT IS USUALLY CONNECTED TO THE FENDER PULL OUT. SO WHEN IT FELL OFF IT PULLED ALL OF THE WIRING THAT RUNS MY WHOLE CAR IT WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. IT PULLED MY HEAD LIGHT OUT OF THE SOCKET, IT PULL THE WIRING OUT OF MY RADIATOR. NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE MY WHOLE WIRING IN MY CAR. *JB
Honda Inspire 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-06-03
  • Date Complaint: 2005-10-06
  • VIN: 1HGCE6679VA
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: SRS LIGHT ON 97 HONDA ACCORD STAYS ON, INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. *NM
Honda Inspire 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-08-22
  • Date Complaint: 2005-09-07
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1HGCD7259SA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: TURN IGNITION KEY. NO CRANK. NO START. REPEATEDLY TRIED TO TURN IGNITION KEY. AGAIN, NO CRANK START. POWER WINDOWS, RADIO AND LIGHTS APPEARED WORKABLE. SMELLED AND OBSERVED SMOKE EMANATING THROUGH VENTILATION VENTS. EXITED CAR AND TOOK PERSONAL BELONGINGS. THEN, VISIBLE FLAMES APPEARED BELOW DASHBOARD ABOVE PEDALS. CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. TOTAL LOSS. PREVIOUS MONTH, CAP & ROTOR WAS REPLACED TO ADDRESS NO START COMPLAINT. PLUS NEW BATTERY. IN THE PAST YEAR ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. HORN ASSEMBLY AND FUSE WERE REPLACED. *JB

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Honda Inspire photo