Equal-exposure complaint evidence and changes in the reported problem mix

1988 vs 1989 HONDA ACCORD

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Share shifts show how a vehicle's problem mix changed. They do not measure reliability, and complaint counts are not normalized for sales volume.

First 455 months on market for each model year

Exposure window calculated through Aug 22, 2026

Age-matched reports

◆ No calculated change in the equal exposure window

1988 84 complaints 1989 84 complaints

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Component share shift

Bars start at the neutral midpoint. Left means a smaller share; right means a larger share.

View component share data as a table
Component 1988 share 1989 share Share change
POWER TRAIN 10.7% 2.4% ▼ 8.3 pts smaller share
SUSPENSION 2.4% 7.1% ▲ 4.8 pts larger share
ENGINE 8.3% 11.9% ▲ 3.6 pts larger share
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3.6% not reported ▼ 3.6 pts smaller share
VISIBILITY 1.2% 4.8% ▲ 3.6 pts larger share
WHEELS not reported 2.4% ▲ 2.4 pts larger share
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3.6% 6.0% ▲ 2.4 pts larger share
STEERING 3.6% 2.4% ▼ 1.2 pts smaller share
SEAT BELTS 34.5% 35.7% ▲ 1.2 pts larger share
SERVICE BRAKES 2.4% 3.6% ▲ 1.2 pts larger share
TIRES 2.4% 1.2% ▼ 1.2 pts smaller share
FUEL SYSTEM 3.6% 3.6% ◆ 0.0 pts unchanged
STRUCTURE 3.6% 3.6% ◆ 0.0 pts unchanged
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10.7% 10.7% ◆ 0.0 pts unchanged
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 84.5% 78.6% ▼ 6.0 pts smaller share

NHTSA Safety Recalls recalls · snapshot 2026-08-22

Recall campaigns

1988 2

Campaign components: EQUIPMENT and SEAT BELTS

1989 1

Campaign components: SEAT BELTS

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Safety signals

◆ Fires
1 → 8
◆ Injuries
21 → 13