1981 Honda Accord Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1981 Honda Accord. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the structure. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“All four doors are not operable. Doors wll not lock or open from either side. Consumer has to enter through window. *ak *ml”
“While downshifting the rpms dropped to 400 and then car died. This caused the vehicle to slow down in the middle of the freeway. Contacted the dealer, and they said it was since vehicle was purchased, and involved the carburetor. *ak”
“Front cross member mount to frame of vehicle is completely rusted out, causing front end to shift and right rear tire to wear out. Engine may fall out at any time. The vehicle presently is not driveable, vibrates while driving.”
“When traveling at any speed with the air condtioner on vehicle loses all electrical component lights and the vehicle cuts off without prior warning. Consumer has yet to contact the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak”
“Vehicle came to complete halt; proceeded thru green light to 25 mph; front left axle broke; lost vehicle power. Tt”
“Rusting of the gas tank and floor panel. Tt”
“Rusting of the gas tank and floor panel. Tt”
“Frame rail rusted through and front cross member has come loose, causing vibration.”
Defect investigations
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1981 Honda Accord as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.