Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
1996 Honda Accord — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2000 to Dec 2007
The most reported issue is air bags problems (94 complaints). 55 complaints involved crashes. 4 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (13)
NHTSA Campaign: 08E050000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E060000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E040000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E023000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 09E025000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E064000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E049000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E026000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E025000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E065000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT 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.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E032000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E044000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.
NHTSA Campaign: 98V231000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN, COUPE AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES EXCEPT THE DX MODEL AND MODELS WITH V6 ENGINES. THE FACTORY INSTALLED AIR CONDITIONER WIRE HARNESS WAS IMPROPERLY ROUTED ALLOWING SOME WIRES TO RUB AGAINST EACH OTHER, EVENTUALLY CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: THE SHORT CIRCUIT CANPOSSIBLY CAUSE THE UNDERHOOD WIREING TO OVERHEAT AND SMOKE, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A SHORT CIRCUIT CAN ALSO RESULT IN A BLOWN FUSE OR DEAD BATTERY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THESE WIRES. ANY HARNESS IMPROPERLY ROUTED WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND THE ROUTING WILL BE CORRECTED. IF ANY INSULATION IS WORN THROUGH AND THE COPPER WIRES ARE EXPOSED, THE HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL PLASTIC TUBING TO PROTECT THE HARNESS.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 499)
Air Bags →12 issues
Your car's airbag warning light is on, which means the airbag system isn't working properly. A dealer diagnosed that the SRS (airbag system) control unit needs to be replaced. This is a safety issue that should be fixed before relying on your airbags in a crash.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car's airbag system isn't working properly — the SRS warning light is illuminated on your dashboard. This means the airbags may not deploy in a crash, which is a serious safety issue. You'll need to have a technician scan the SRS system with a diagnostic tool to identify the specific problem and repair it.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your airbags did not deploy during a crash accident. This is a serious safety issue, as airbags are designed to protect you and your passengers during collisions.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
During a car accident, your airbag deployed but a metal fragment from the airbag inflator punctured your leg and fractured your tibia (shin bone). You were also treated for chest wall injuries and are currently on bed rest, unable to work until a follow-up appointment. This is a known issue with Takata airbag inflators that can rupture and send metal shards into the cabin during deployment.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 1996 Honda Accord has Takata airbags that are subject to a safety recall due to a known defect. According to reports, Takata has acknowledged the problem and is recalling approximately 40 million affected vehicles. Your vehicle's age puts it within the high-risk window for potential airbag failure. You should contact Honda or check NHTSA's website to verify your vehicle's recall status and schedule a service appointment for airbag replacement.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your SRS (airbag system) warning light has been on continuously since January 2010, and you haven't received any recall notice from Honda about this issue. A functioning airbag system is critical for your safety in a crash, so this needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a technician who can read the airbag system's diagnostic codes and replace any faulty sensors or components.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
You received a Takata airbag recall notice for your 1996 Honda Accord hatchback in October 2017. When you entered your VIN online, the system indicated your car qualified for the airbag recall or replacement. However, when you contacted a local Honda dealer to schedule the service, they told you your vehicle doesn't meet the recall requirements — despite the online tool saying it did. This discrepancy between the online recall tool and the dealer's assessment is a safety concern that needs clarification.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your airbag warning light turns on when you start the car and stays on while you're driving until you turn off the engine. This has been happening continuously since April 2016. The cost to repair this issue is very high relative to your car's value. The underlying airbag system may need diagnostic testing and component replacement to resolve the warning light.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 1996 Honda Accord has a Takata airbag on the passenger side (part #06780-SV1-A82ZB) and possibly the driver's side, but your vehicle wasn't included in the Takata recall even though these airbags are known to have malfunction issues. You're unable to get clear answers from Honda or NHTSA about why your car with documented Takata airbags wasn't recalled, and Honda's records claim they didn't install Takata airbags in 1996 models—contradicting dealer documentation. Resolving this may require contacting NHTSA directly, getting independent verification of which airbag manufacturer is actually in your vehicle, or consulting a Honda dealer about airbag replacement or removal options.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your SRS (airbag system) warning light is on and has been for a while. You noticed it while driving, but haven't had it repaired because the cost would be very expensive relative to the car's value. The repair will likely involve diagnostic testing and replacement of faulty airbag system components.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your SRS (airbag system) warning light stays on continuously. The Honda dealership diagnosed a faulty SRS control module that needs replacement, with the part alone costing over $700. Honda declined to help cover the repair cost. Fixing this will require replacing the SRS control module unit.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your SRS (airbag) system warning light stays on while the car is running. You've noticed other owners reporting the same issue. This repair typically costs around $900 to fix, and you're wondering if there's a recall available for this problem.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your car stopped at a red light, and when you tried to drive again, it wouldn't move forward even though the engine was running. When you pressed the gas pedal, the engine revved up (RPMs increased) but the car stayed in place and the speedometer didn't register any speed — as if the transmission wasn't engaging the gear properly.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your instrument panel gauges aren't working, so you can't tell how much gas is in your tank or monitor other readings. Additionally, your power windows and sunroof aren't operating—they won't go up, down, or open and close. The issue likely involves electrical problems with the instrument cluster and the power window/sunroof circuits, which may require diagnosis and repair of wiring, switches, or control modules.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,air Bags,seat Belts →1 issue
Your car's airbag warning light came on, indicating a problem with your SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). This means your airbags may not deploy properly in an accident, which is a serious safety concern. The dealer estimates the SRS unit will need to be replaced, which could take 2-3 weeks to repair.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Power Train →1 issue
Your car stopped moving while driving and wouldn't get into gear even after starting. You received check engine codes (P0401 and P0108), replaced the MAP sensor, and cleaned the EGR valve, but the car still wouldn't move. A specialist mechanic performed computer diagnostics and suspected transmission failure. Fixing this likely requires a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Air Bags,seat Belts →1 issue
During a highway crash, your car's airbags failed to deploy properly and your safety belt also failed to function as intended on impact. This is a serious safety issue that prevented the restraint systems from protecting you during the collision.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System →1 issue
Your car has an electrical wiring issue that poses a fire risk. This is a safety concern that requires immediate attention. The fix will likely involve inspecting and replacing damaged wiring harnesses or connections in the electrical system.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your check engine light has been staying on while parked and while driving at various speeds. Your speedometer isn't reading the correct speed or mileage. Additionally, your battery is draining quickly and needs replacement every six months or less. The underlying electrical or engine issue may need diagnosis with a code reader and battery testing.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,fuel/propulsion System,visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your alternator isn't charging your battery, and you've identified a faulty wire harness as the likely cause. This means your battery will eventually drain and your car may not start or run properly. The fix will involve inspecting and repairing or replacing the faulty wiring in the alternator circuit and possibly the alternator itself.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Get notified when any of these become free repairs
We'll alert you if a new recall is issued for your vehicle — that means a free fix at the dealer.
Related Vehicles
Other Honda Accord years:
Other 1996 vehicles: