For the most part, except for some areas if a remodel is taking place, an old home does not have to be "brought-up" to the latest codes. Trying to do that, with the ongoing code cycles, would cost lots of money and create a nightmare. We home inspectors ARE NOT code inspectors but, at least most of us, have code considerations in mind when we cite certain problems. After all, you have to have some benchmark as a starting place for what is right or wrong. Keeping code in mind, since it is relatively standardized as a minimum standard, at least means the inspector is not "shooting from the hip."
According to the Washington State Standards of Practice for home inspection, there is a critical safety issue where the inspector MUST recommend an upgrade, regardless of when a home was built. That is when receptacles (outlets) in areas that today would require GFCI protection are not so protected. GFCI circuits protect against electric shocks in, typically, damp areas -- receptacles near sinks, outdoors and garage receptacles, bathroom receptacles, kitchen countertops and multiple other less common locations. Below is a kitchen countertop receptacle that is not GFCI protected.
There are other situations when the inspector, also, should cite safety issues. For example, if there is a high deck and the balusters have wide gaps that could allow a child to pass through. With decks or landings, 30 inches or higher, the gap between balusters should be tight enough that a 4 inch sphere cannot pass between them.
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