1988 Honda Accord power train problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1988 Honda Accord — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The engine continues to over heat despite the fact that we have replaced the radiator, radiator hose, and back up for the radiator. Also the seat belt will not come undone once someone has locked themself in. We have to take a screw driver to get the lock out. The car has a hard time shifting gears…”
filed Apr 22, 2004
“Vehicle experienced rollback while parked with no key in the ignition.*mr 1988 honda accord has experienced roll back while parked with no key in ignition. Consumer notified the honda dealership which in turn paid no attention to their complaint.*mr”
filed Jan 22, 2004
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Accord years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Accord | 4 | 5% |
| 2024 Accord | 5 | 4% |
| 2023 Accord | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 Accord | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 Accord | 11 | 5% |
| 2020 Accord | 15 | 4% |
| 2019 Accord | 43 | 7% |
| 2018 Accord | 130 | 7% |
| 2017 Accord | 33 | 6% |
| 2016 Accord | 29 | 5% |
| 2015 Accord | 40 | 7% |
| 2014 Accord | 63 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Honda Accord
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.