The 1992 Accord is a fundamentally solid platform with typical Honda longevity, but the automatic transmission is a known weak point that can overshadow the car's otherwise excellent reliability record. The F22A engine itself is durable, though oil maintenance lapses lead to premature wear.
Automatic Transmission Failure (4-speed models)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear, Slipping under acceleration, especially when warm, Shuddering during lockup engagement on highway, Complete loss of forward gears
Fix: Internal clutch pack degradation, often 2nd gear clutch. Rebuild requires 12-16 hours; most owners opt for remanufactured unit (8-10 hours install). External oil cooler lines corrode and contaminate fluid—always replace during trans work.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Distributor O-Ring Oil Leak
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil pooling on top of distributor housing, Oil dripping onto exhaust manifold with burning smell, Intermittent ignition misfires when oil seeps into cap, Visible oil residue on back of engine block
Fix: The distributor base O-ring hardens and fails. Requires distributor removal, O-ring replacement, and timing reset. 1.5-2 hours labor. Often discovered during valve cover gasket jobs.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Engine Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Wear
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 180,000-250,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or deceleration, Fouled spark plugs, Low compression readings across multiple cylinders
Fix: Piston ring wear from extended oil change intervals or overheating. Requires engine rebuild (ring replacement, cylinder honing, possible oversized pistons). 20-25 hours labor. Many owners swap in used low-mileage engine instead (12-14 hours).
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500
Motor Mount Failure (Rear/Transmission Mount)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive engine movement visible during acceleration, Clunking when shifting into gear, Vibration transmitted through shifter and steering wheel, Engine visibly sagging on one side
Fix: Rear mount deteriorates from heat and age. Requires raising engine slightly to access. 1.5-2 hours labor. Often replaced alongside front mount as preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Power Window Regulator Failure
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Window drops into door and won't raise, Grinding or clicking noise when operating switch, Window operates slowly or unevenly, Window stuck in partially open position
Fix: Plastic regulator gears strip or cables fray. Requires door panel removal and regulator replacement. 2-3 hours per door. Driver's side fails most frequently.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel System Rust (Tank and Lines)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Fuel smell near rear of vehicle, Visible rust perforation on tank straps or tank itself, Fuel pump failure from contaminated fuel, Fuel filter clogging prematurely
Fix: Common in salt-belt cars. Steel fuel lines rust through where they run along rear subframe; tank rusts from outside-in. Tank replacement requires 4-5 hours; line replacement varies by location. Inspect thoroughly on any used purchase.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Headlight Wiring Harness Melting
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Headlights flickering or cutting out completely, Melted plastic smell from headlight area, Headlight connector discolored or charred, One or both headlights fail to illuminate
Fix: High beam circuit overloads factory connector, melting the plug. Related to NHTSA recalls but not all units got fixed. Repair involves new pigtail harness and upgraded relay. 1-1.5 hours labor. Check for previous recall work.
Estimated cost: $120-250
Owner tips
Change automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles with Honda ATF-Z1 only—other fluids accelerate clutch wear
Inspect distributor O-ring during every timing belt service (every 90,000 mi) to catch leaks early
Use high-quality 5W-30 oil and stick to 3,000-5,000 mile intervals to prevent ring/bearing wear on high-mileage examples
Undercoat fuel tank and lines if in salt-belt states—rust prevention is far cheaper than tank replacement
Test drive with specific focus on 2-3 shift quality when warm; cold transmission masks problems
Excellent used buy if you find a manual transmission model or can verify recent automatic rebuild—avoid high-mileage automatics unless priced for imminent transmission work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 09E012000
2009-04-07
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 08E050000
2008-08-11
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E064000
2006-07-17
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E060000
2006-06-29
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E049000
2006-05-24
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E032000
2006-04-18
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES AND SONAR HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON 1988-2005 HONDA CIVIC, 1990-2005 HONDA ACCORD, AND 1990-2001 ACURA INTEGRA PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: TOM MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF NONCOMPLIANT LIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOM MOTORSPORT AT 626-968-4007.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E026000
2006-03-23
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 06E025000
2006-03-21
CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 06E023000
2006-03-13
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · 93V056000
1993-04-22
THE REAR OUTSIDE SEATING POSITION SAFETY BELTS MAY LOCK UP AT ANGLES OTHER THAN THOSE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES". THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD.
Consequence: NON-CONFORMING SAFETY BELTS CAUSE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SENSOR IN THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · 91V185000
1991-10-22
THE LEFT AND RIGHT SEAT SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. SOME LEFT SEAT SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE INSTALLED ON THE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR.
Consequence: A SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY INSTALLED ON THE WRONG SIDE OFTHE CAR CAN NOT BE PULLED OUT OF THE RETRACTOR BECAUSE OF THE MOUNTING ANGLE,MAKING THE SAFETY BELT UNUSABLE, AND THE SEAT OCCUPANT OF AN UNUSABLE SEAT BELTWOULD BE EXPOSED TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL CORRECT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES ON THE CORRECT SIDE OF THE CAR.
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