1997 Honda Inspire problems
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.
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Common 1997 Honda Inspire problems
The Honda Inspire is a reliable vehicle, but like any other car, it can have certain common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners of the 1997 Honda Inspire, based on the search results:
- Air Condition Electronic Display/Control Failure: Some owners have reported that the air condition electronic display or control unit is not functioning properly. This issue can be solved by finding a replacement for the faulty part.
- Rough Gear Shifting: Some owners have experienced rough gear shifting, which can be caused by a faulty gear sensor or other issues related to the transmission. In some cases, changing the gear sensor may solve the problem, but if the issue persists, further diagnosis and repair may be necessary.
- Alternator Noise: Some owners have reported a noise coming from the alternator, which could be due to a faulty regulator. To diagnose and fix this issue, certain tests can be performed, such as checking the voltage and RPM of the engine.
- Non-Cranking Engine: Some owners have reported that their 1997 Honda Inspire's engine is not cranking, which can be due to various reasons, such as a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, or issues with the ignition system. In this case, further diagnosis is necessary to identify the root cause and perform the appropriate repair.
- Faulty Fuel Pump: Some owners have experienced issues with the fuel pump, which can cause problems with the engine's performance and fuel efficiency. Replacing the fuel pump may be necessary to resolve this issue.
- Ignition Chip Key & Parking Light Malfunction: Some owners have reported malfunctions with the ignition chip key and parking light system, which can affect the car's starting and electrical functions. In this case, the ignition chip key and parking light system may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Broken Back Glass: Some owners have reported broken back glass, which can affect the car's structural integrity and safety. Replacing the broken glass may be necessary to fix this issue.
- Steering Rack Issues: Some owners have experienced problems with the steering rack, which can affect the car's handling and steering. In this case, the steering rack may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Water Pump Failure: Some owners have reported failure of the water pump, which can cause overheating and damage to the engine. Replacing the faulty water pump is necessary to fix this issue.
- Air Condition System Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the air condition system, which can affect the car's comfort and climate control functions. In this case, the air condition system may need to be repaired or replaced.
These are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 1997 Honda Inspire. It is important to note that these issues may not affect all cars of this model, and some may not experience any of these problems at all. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Is the Honda Inspire a good car?
The Honda Inspire is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for families and commuters alike. It also comes equipped with advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and forward collision warning, to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Is Honda Inspire the same as Accord?
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.
How much horsepower does a 2008 Honda Inspire have?
Specifications for Honda Inspire 3.5 V6 Automatic, 272hp, 2008 5-speed.
Is Honda a long-lasting car?
Over the past 75 years, Honda Motor Company has developed a reputation for building some of the most reliable and long-lasting vehicles on the road.
1997 Honda Inspire car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Inspire problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Tires problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Honda Inspire vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Honda Inspire complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Honda Inspire.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-28
- 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
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-13
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-22
- 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
STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-02
- 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-03
- VIN: 1HGCE6679VA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SRS LIGHT ON 97 HONDA ACCORD STAYS ON, INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-19
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN I ATTEMTPED TO TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS ON MY 1997 HONDA ACCORD, THE DRIVERS SIDE WOULD NOT TURN ON. I WENT TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE TO REPLACE THE BULB, BUT THE BULB HAD NOT BURNED OUT. AFTER INVESTIGATING, I HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM LIES WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS NOT FROM A BLOWN FUSE. THE PASSENGER SIDE HIGH BEAM WORKS FINE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-11
- VIN: 1HGCD568XVA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OUR HONDA: THE SRS INDICATOR CAME ON IN OUR 1997 HONDA ACCORD SOON AFTER WE BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1997. WE WERE TOLD IT HAD TO DO WITH A LOW BATTERY AND IT WAS RESET. IT CONTINUED TO COME ON AND IT WAS RESET EACH TIME WE BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICING. WHEN WE REPLACED THE BATTERY, THE SRS INDICATOR CONTINUED TO COME ON, HOWEVER HONDA REFUSED TO REPLACE IT SAYING THAT IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO WAY THEY COULD DETERMINE IF THE PROBLEM EXISTED BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, EVEN THOUGH WE HAD IT RESET MULTIPLE TIMES. THE COST TO HAVE IT FIXED IS NEARLY $500 AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF AN ACCIDENT DOES OCCUR. THANKFULLY WE HAVEN'T BEEN IN ONE YET. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT HONDA WITH ITS CONSUMER SATISFACTION REPUTATION, WOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE CAR, BUT THEY WERE COMPLETELY UNCOOPERATIVE. I WONDER IF OTHERS ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SRS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-11
- VIN: 1HGCD7230VA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE OWNED TWO 97 HONDA ACCORDS AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE SRS LIGHT GOING ON WITH BOTH OF THEM. THE DEALER IS NOW SUGGESTING I REPLACE THE SRS BUT THEY CANNOT TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME THING. I EXPECT BETTER FROM HONDA. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-01
- VIN: 1HGCE1827VA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I AM EXACTLY IN THE SAME SITUATION AS COMPLAINT NUMBER 566928. SRS LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY AND STAYED ON. I CALLED TO THE HONDA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE SRS CONTROL UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT COSTS APPROXIMATELY $850 AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. I SIMPLY CAN'T AFFORD TO SPENT THAT MUCH MONEY. IT IS NOTHING THAT I DID WRONG, SIMPLY ONE OF THEIR SAFETY FEATURES WAS DEFECTIVE. SINCE THERE WAS ANOTHER CASE EXIST ON THIS. IT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND MAY NEED TO RECALL THIS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Honda Inspire problems:
Honda Check Engine Light On? | Common Symptoms & What to Do ...
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Guide to Honda Check Engine Light | Common Causes, Resetting ...
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Is the 2008 Honda Accord reliable? : r/Honda
May 12, 2023 ... teething issues are common... ... No brake problems, oil consumption, or transmission issues. ... r/Honda - First Si! 3. 97 upvotes · 21 comments. r ...
SOLVED: SRS light is on - 1998-2002 Honda Accord - iFixit
Nov 11, 2010 ... I had a problem with my SRS light turning on in my 2000 Honda Accord. ... very common on the 94-97 models the srs ... problems in the 2000s accord ...
Video: Listen to Honda's Only Production Five-Cylinder Engine ...
Honda may be known ... Known as the G-series, this engine saw limited use in the Honda Ascot, Rafaga and Inspire ... 97 had issues with manifolds ...
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