1990 HONDA ACCORD

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 1st and 2nd gear, especially when cold, Harsh 2-3 shift or delayed engagement, Shuddering during acceleration, Burnt transmission fluid smell

Fix: The 4-speed automatic (MP1A/MPOA) clutch packs wear out, mainshaft seals leak internally. Rebuild runs 12-16 hours labor; used replacement is faster (6-8 hours) but gamble on condition. Transmission oil cooler often corroded and should be replaced simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 150,000-220,000 mi

Symptoms: Burns 1+ quart of oil every 500-1,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, Spark plugs oil-fouled at #2 and #3 cylinders especially, Rough idle that smooths out when warm

Fix: F22A engines develop glazed cylinders and stuck rings from extended oil change intervals. Proper fix is bore/hone and fresh rings (20-24 hours), but many owners live with it by adding oil. Short block swap is 18-22 hours if bottom end is scored.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, especially in gear, Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Engine rocks visibly when revving, Torque steer or pulling under hard acceleration

Fix: Hydraulic front and rear engine mounts collapse, transmission mount tears. Replace all four mounts as a set — 3-4 hours labor. Transmission mount especially critical as it allows excessive drivetrain movement that accelerates CV axle wear.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 180,000+ mi

Symptoms: Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, White smoke from exhaust with sweet smell, Overheating without external leaks, Coolant loss with no visible puddles, Rough running and misfires

Fix: F22A head gaskets fail between cylinders or into oil passages, not as common as B-series but happens. Head removal, resurface, new gasket, timing belt while you're in there — 10-14 hours. Always check head for cracks and warpage; machine shop add $150-300.

Estimated cost: $1,400-2,200

Symptoms: ATF dripping from front of vehicle near radiator, Pink fluid pooling under car, Transmission slipping after fluid loss, Corroded hard lines at radiator connections

Fix: Steel lines rust through at bends and radiator fittings; internal radiator cooler can cross-contaminate coolant and ATF (death sentence for transmission). Replace lines and external cooler — 2-3 hours. If coolant is in ATF or vice-versa, flush entire system immediately.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Symptoms: Rough idle and stumbling between 2,000-3,000 RPM, Hard starting when hot, Poor fuel economy (drops below 22 mpg combined), Hesitation during light throttle cruise

Fix: Cars sitting for extended periods or running old fuel develop varnish in injectors and fuel pressure regulator. Ultrasonic injector cleaning (1 hour off-car) usually works; severe cases need injector replacement. Main fuel filter under car rusts at bracket — replace every 30k or sooner.

Estimated cost: $280-550

Symptoms: Headlights dim or flickering, especially passenger side, One headlight significantly dimmer than the other, Bulbs burn out frequently, Melted headlight connector shells

Fix: Ground points corrode behind headlight assemblies; high resistance causes heat buildup in connectors (hence the recalls). Clean grounds at frame rail near battery and headlight bucket, replace connectors with upgraded pigtails — 1-2 hours. Also check pop-up motor linkage bushings if applicable.

Estimated cost: $120-280