1990 Honda Accord Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 14%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Honda Accord, 14% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving down a major street when the engine suddenly died. I reacted quickly and was able to coast and pull off onto a side street without interrupting the flow of traffic. I barely made the turn without the power steering. I did some investigating and found that the ignition switch had some burned contacts. That's what caused the sudden loss of power.”
NHTSA complaint #10586158, filed 2014-05, 120,000 miles“While driving on the freeway at approximately 50-60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the key in the ignition. It was difficult to remove the key from the ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #10046350, filed 2003-12, 133,000 miles“Consumer stated that her vehicle caught fire. Also, she was told that the brake light in the back window shorted out. This caused a wire to ignite and there were flames and black smoke. The intense heat caused the rear windshield to explode. Please help as she states she needs help to repair vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10083439, filed 2004-07“This sensor problem locks the gear shifter in the park position and also prohibits the driver from removing the key from ths ignition switch. This problems started in the early years fo the vehicle and have progressed with the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was brought in for service but no problems were discovered. I have spoken with other Honda owners who have had the exact symptons.”
NHTSA complaint #738544, filed 2000-12“The original distributer was replaced in 1995 - and reimbursed by Honda. The replacement failed in september 1998 and was replaced at my expense. The third distributer is beginning to show signs of the same type of failure now (momentary total power loss - and occasional total loss, with restoration after several minutes.)”
NHTSA complaint #713923, filed 1999-10Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 11 | 11% |
| 2024 | 26 | 17% |
| 2023 | 23 | 26% |
| 2022 | 107 | 41% |
| 2021 | 68 | 28% |
| 2020 | 55 | 15% |
| 2019 | 109 | 16% |
| 2018 | 296 | 16% |
| 2017 | 155 | 29% |
| 2016 | 201 | 33% |
| 2015 | 237 | 39% |
| 2014 | 378 | 38% |
| 2013 | 417 | 29% |
| 2012 | 32 | 9% |
| 2011 | 18 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 6% |
| 2009 | 44 | 6% |
| 2008 | 105 | 7% |
| 2007 | 60 | 11% |
| 2006 | 42 | 10% |
| 2005 | 96 | 15% |
| 2004 | 146 | 14% |
| 2003 | 142 | 7% |
| 2002 | 69 | 7% |
| 2001 | 78 | 8% |
| 2000 | 171 | 14% |
| 1999 | 388 | 34% |
| 1998 | 308 | 26% |
| 1997 | 96 | 21% |
| 1996 | 40 | 8% |
| 1995 | 43 | 8% |
| 1994 | 32 | 9% |
| 1993 | 28 | 15% |
| 1992 | 26 | 13% |
| 1991 | 17 | 8% |
| 1990 | 26 | 14% |
| 1989 | 6 | 7% |
| 1988 | 4 | 5% |
| 1987 | 4 | 4% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
| 1984 | 2 | 9% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
| 1982 | 2 | 20% |
| 1981 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1990 Honda Accord
33 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Honda Accord
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology