According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Honda Accord has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage) ($500-$900 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1999 Honda Accord, every 1990s Accord four-cylinder (F22/F23) and the J30 V6 uses a rubber timing belt, and all are INTERFERENCE engines: if the belt snaps or jumps, pistons strike open valves and cause major internal damage (bent valves, often piston/head damage). The four-cylinders also drive a separate balance-shaft belt that must be replaced at the same time. Because these are now 25-35 year old cars, many are running on original or unknown-age belts — the single most consequential neglected-maintenance failure on the platform.
Rattling/slapping from timing cover (worn tensioner)
Rough running after belt jumps a tooth
No timing-belt service record
How to Fix
Replace the timing belt on schedule — roughly every 90,000 miles/72 months on 1990-96 cars and 105,000 miles/84 months on 1997+ cars, or immediately if age/history is unknown. Always do the water pump, tensioner, both cam/crank seals, and (on 4-cylinders) the balance-shaft belt in the same job. If a belt has already broken, repair means cylinder-head removal and valve replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
AISIN TKH-007 timing-belt kit with water pump
OEMAISIN TKH-007
Confirm engine code before purchase; do not use on F22B1 VTEC, F23 or J30A1.
AISIN TKH-006 timing-belt kit with water pump and balance belt
OEMAISIN TKH-006
Complete scheduled timing service for the F22B1 VTEC and F23 four-cylinder branches Fitment/availability: 1994-1997 Accord 2.2L F22B1 VTEC and 1998-1999 Accord 2.3L F23 only after engine confirmation.
On the 1990-1999 Honda Accord, high-mileage 1990s Accord four-cylinders commonly develop a puff of blue smoke on cold startup: worn valve-stem seals let oil seep past the valves into the combustion chamber while the car sits, and it burns off the first minute after start. Separately, the valve-cover gasket hardens and leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold, producing a persistent burning-oil smell under the hood and can foul plugs/wells. Together these are the typical age-related oil-consumption complaints on the F22/F23 engines.
Common Symptoms
Blue smoke on cold startup that clears after ~1 minute
Burning-oil smell under the hood
Gradual oil consumption between changes
Oil on spark plugs / in plug wells
Oil residue on the exhaust manifold side of the head
How to Fix
For the burning-oil smell and top-end seepage, replace the valve-cover gasket (and spark-plug tube seals) — a cheap, common fix. For genuine startup smoke from bad valve-stem seals, replace the valve seals (can often be done with the head on the car using compressed air to hold the valves). Confirm by checking a pulled plug for oil and ruling out worn rings/PCV with a compression/leak-down test.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Fel-Pro VS 50365 R valve-cover gasket set
OEMFel-Pro VS 50365 R
Seal a confirmed valve-cover or spark-plug-tube leak on the early F22 and F22B2 branch Fitment/availability: 1990-1993 Accord 2.2L F22A and 1994-1997 Accord 2.2L F22B2 only. Do not use for the F22B1 VTEC cover or 1998-1999 F23 without ma…
Seal a confirmed valve-cover or spark-plug-tube leak on the F22B1 VTEC branch Fitment/availability: 1994-1997 Accord 2.2L F22B1 only. Do not substitute for the F22B2 simply because the model year overlaps.
Seal a confirmed valve-cover or spark-plug-tube leak on the F23 branch Fitment/availability: 1998-1999 Accord 2.3L F23 only after selecting the exact year, trim and engine on the vendor page. Do not use for a V6 or as a treatment f
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
On the 1990-1999 Honda Accord, the PGM-FI main relay powers the fuel pump and ECU. On these cars the relay's internal printed-circuit-board solder joints develop hairline cracks with age and heat. When the engine bay or cabin gets hot, the board expands and the cracked joints open, cutting power to the fuel pump — the car cranks but won't start (or stalls and won't restart) on a hot day, then fires right up after cooling a few minutes. This is one of the most iconic, well-documented Honda no-start faults of the 1980s-90s Accord/Civic/Prelude family.
Confirm no fuel-pump prime (no 2-second buzz) at key-on when hot. The permanent fix most owners use is to re-solder the main relay's board (reflow every joint, especially the fuel-pump and ECU power circuits), or simply replace the relay with a new OEM/Denso unit. The relay lives under the driver's-side dash near the kick panel/steering column.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Honda 39400-SM4-003 Mitsuba main relay
OEMHonda 39400-SM4-003
Replace a confirmed heat-sensitive PGM-FI main relay on the fourth-generation branch Fitment/availability: 1990-1993 Accord DX/LX/EX/SE and listed hatchback configurations, automatic or manual. Not interchangeable with the later SV4/S84 …
Replace a confirmed heat-sensitive PGM-FI main relay on the fifth-generation branch Fitment/availability: 1994-1997 Accord in the seller's listed L4/V6, body, emission and transmission configurations.
Replace a confirmed heat-sensitive PGM-FI main relay on the sixth-generation branch Fitment/availability: 1998-1999 Accord L4 or V6 within this issue; the catalog also covers 2000-2002. Confirm connector and relay output before purchase.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles.
These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Campaign #20V02600017/01/2020
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.
Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009
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."
Campaign #08E05000011/08/2008
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."
Campaign #06E06000029/06/2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Honda Accord has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage), PGM-FI Main Relay Failure (Cracked Solder Joints) — Hot No-Start, Oil Consumption / Blue Smoke on Startup (Valve Seals & Valve-Cover Gasket). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Accord reliable?
The 1990 Honda Accord has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Accord problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Accord issues range from $50 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage), typically costs $500-$900 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord Timing Belt Neglect on Interference Engine (Catastrophic Valve Damage)?
Every 1990s Accord four-cylinder (F22/F23) and the J30 V6 uses a rubber timing belt, and all are INTERFERENCE engines: if the belt snaps or jumps, pistons strike open valves and cause major internal damage (bent valves, often piston/head damage). The four-cylinders also drive a s… Repairs typically run $500-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord PGM-FI Main Relay Failure (Cracked Solder Joints) — Hot No-Start?
The PGM-FI main relay powers the fuel pump and ECU. On these cars the relay's internal printed-circuit-board solder joints develop hairline cracks with age and heat. When the engine bay or cabin gets hot, the board expands and the cracked joints open, cutting power to the fuel pu… Repairs typically run $50-$250. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Honda Accord Oil Consumption / Blue Smoke on Startup (Valve Seals & Valve-Cover Gasket)?
High-mileage 1990s Accord four-cylinders commonly develop a puff of blue smoke on cold startup: worn valve-stem seals let oil seep past the valves into the combustion chamber while the car sits, and it burns off the first minute after start. Separately, the valve-cover gasket har… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
