1990 Honda Accord Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Honda Accord, 8% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traveling at 10 MPH, driver suddenly heard a loud pop and the vehicle suddenly went to the right. Felt like the brakes were on. Mechanic states it's the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10027211, filed 2003-07, 118,000 miles“While turning, the steering experienced hard, sudden pulls to the left and right with a hard binding and breaking loose. Eventually, a massive transmission fluid leak occured with the subsequent loss of drive. Investigation found the transmission had a catastrophic failure due to a carrier pin failure in the final drive. Honda reasons this to spinning the wheels on a slick surface such as ice or snow. This automobile has never been abused in this manner. My brother owned the vechile from new and I am the second owner. …”
NHTSA complaint #702813, filed 1999-02“Had key in ignition and was unable to shift out of park & key could not be removed. Called dealer, and was informed that a plunging device was needed for the vehicle. This particular device was not available in the USA.”
NHTSA complaint #835188, filed 1999-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 4% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 3% |
| 2021 | 14 | 6% |
| 2020 | 16 | 4% |
| 2019 | 43 | 6% |
| 2018 | 139 | 7% |
| 2017 | 33 | 6% |
| 2016 | 29 | 5% |
| 2015 | 40 | 7% |
| 2014 | 65 | 7% |
| 2013 | 110 | 8% |
| 2012 | 27 | 7% |
| 2011 | 21 | 7% |
| 2010 | 45 | 8% |
| 2009 | 36 | 5% |
| 2008 | 70 | 5% |
| 2007 | 58 | 11% |
| 2006 | 50 | 12% |
| 2005 | 113 | 17% |
| 2004 | 348 | 34% |
| 2003 | 924 | 47% |
| 2002 | 478 | 46% |
| 2001 | 209 | 23% |
| 2000 | 201 | 17% |
| 1999 | 246 | 22% |
| 1998 | 276 | 23% |
| 1997 | 33 | 7% |
| 1996 | 27 | 6% |
| 1995 | 18 | 3% |
| 1994 | 21 | 6% |
| 1993 | 17 | 9% |
| 1992 | 25 | 12% |
| 1991 | 18 | 8% |
| 1990 | 15 | 8% |
| 1989 | 3 | 3% |
| 1988 | 11 | 13% |
| 1987 | 7 | 6% |
| 1986 | 5 | 9% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
| 1982 | 1 | 10% |
| 1981 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1990 Honda Accord
33 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
30 complaintsElectrical system
26 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 31, 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