1986 HONDA CIVIC

3 recalls, 54 complaints

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECUR... Read more

3,700,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Defect Description

UNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE AND WOULDAFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY.

Remedy

INSTALL A CONTACT UNIT HOLDER THAT WOULD PREVENT LOOSENING.

360,198 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Defect Description

LEFT SIDE DRIVE SHAFT COULD DEVELOP CRACKS NEAR THE OUTER JOINT.

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: DURING HIGH STRESS SITUATIONS, SUCH AS RAPID ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, THE DRIVE SHAFT COULD BREAK WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE LEFT DRIVE SHAFT WITH A PROPERLY MANUFACTURED PART.

17,338 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Complaint Statistics

54 total complaints 3 crashes 2 fires 2 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING	2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS	2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR	2

Incident date: Feb 27, 2025

The backup camera on the rear simply went blurry one day, it’s now impossible to see out the camera. It worked one day then failed the next, This is a safety hazard now. I think these cameras should be required to always function. This is the camera on the trunk. It’s unsafe for me to s... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2025

Incident date: Jun 1, 2000

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 HONDA CIVIC. THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY BROKE DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT TO GET RID OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE BROKEN DOWN FIVE TIMES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STOPPED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIND A REASON WHY THIS IS HAPPENED. TH... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2003

THE 1986 HONDA CRX HAS PLASTIC FENDERS THAT HOLD THE SIDE MARKER LAMPS. THE PLASTIC HAS BECOME VERY BRITTLE OVER TIME. MY SIDE MARKER LIGHTS ARE ONLY HELD ON BY A CLUMSY, PLUG-IN ATTACHMENT NEXT TO THE HEADLIGHT. THE TWO SCREW HOLES THAT HOLD THE LAMPS ARE USELESS IN THE FENDERS THAT ARE BOTH BROKEN... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2001

THE SEATBELT ANCHOR POINTS NEAR THE DOORS HAVE BOTH RUSTED OUT AND DO NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY. THE CAR IS NOW IN VIOLATION OF NATIONAL SEATBELT LAWS. WHAT CAN I DO? WHAT WILL HONDA DO? THANK YOU.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2000

THE TRIM PIECE ABOVE THE FRONT BUMPER IN FRONT OF THE HOOD IS CRACKED IN 3 PLACES. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT OTHER CRX'S AND EVERY SIMILAR CRX I HAVE SEEN IS CRACKED IN THE SAME PLACES.

BOTH FENDERS HAVE CRACKS MIDWAY BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR FENDER, THERE ARE ALSO CRACKS ACROSS THE FRONT IN THE METAL WHICH IS BETWEEN THE HOOD AND BUMPER. NLM

THE LOW BEAM SWITCH FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT CAUSING THE LIGHT TO GO OUT, THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. NLM

Incident date: Feb 5, 2001

WHILE DRIVING WITH LOW BEAM, BEAMS DIED OUT AND WENT TO 0. CONSUMER STATED SWITCH WAS FAULTY. *AK THE LOW BEAM SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE LOW BEAM INOPERATIVE. *YH

Incident date: Feb 5, 1999

AFTER PARKING VEHICLE, 5 MINUTES LATER, THE HORN WAS BEEPING INTERMITTENTLY, THEN CONTINUOUSLY BEEPING. TWO MINUTES AFTER A LOUD NOISE LIKE EXPLOSION, FOUND OUT VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THEN HOUSE CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jul 14, 1995

DRIVER'S SEAT SPRING BROKE CAUSING SEAT TO SWING BACK.

CLUTCH FAILURE. ALSO ALTERNATOR REPLACED.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1997

DISINTEGRATED/CORRODED FUEL FILTER PIPE, RESULTING IN PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER CAR IN THE MORNING ONLY WHEN TANK IS FULL. DURING REPAIRS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO VAPORS IGNITING DURING A PASSINGELECTRICAL STORM. *AK

Fire 2 injured

SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED BY DEALER.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1997

CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK CORRECTED. PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE LISTED RECALL 95V103001, SEAT BELT BUCKLE. *AK

Incident date: May 1, 1994

ENGINE FAILED 2 TIMES.

Incident date: Apr 4, 1997

THE DRIVESHAFT HAS A CRACK IN IT .THERE IS A RECALL ON THE HONDA CIVIC , CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER WITH VIN . CONSUMER WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE RECALL. *AK

Incident date: Mar 3, 1997

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN TANK IS FILLED.

Incident date: Apr 28, 1997

RECALL #95V1030.01, ORDERED PARTS IN NOVEMBER OF 96. RECEIVED CALL FROM DEALER ON APRIL 25, 1997 STATING THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. WAITED MORE THAN (60) DAYS. *AK

Incident date: Nov 1, 1996

REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY RUSTED AND CORRODED AND RUPTURED THE VEHICLE LINE, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK DAMAGE. *AK

Incident date: Oct 2, 1996

DRIVESHAFT FAILED.

REAR HATCHBACK SUPPORT RODS FAILED. *AK

AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE, CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DETACHED FROM BELT BUCKLE. RECALL#96V103001. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Feb 1, 1995

REAR CROSSMEMBER BAR ROTTED IN TWO PLACES, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY WHEN TURNING THE CAR. *AK

Incident date: Jun 29, 1996

APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Jan 30, 1996

HEADLIGHT ON AND OFF SWITCH BROKE, ALSO CONTROLS TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, UNABLE TO TURN LIGHTS ON OR OFF, OR INDICATE THAT VEHICLE IS TURNING. TT

PURCHASE CAR NEW WHEN DRIVING PUSH ON THE BRAKE CAR STALLED . TT

Incident date: Aug 24, 1995

TRUNK RELEASE LATCH BROKE.

Incident date: Aug 24, 1995

REAR SEAT BELTS STUCK/WON'T PULL OUT FROM SEAT. *AK

Incident date: Aug 15, 1995

SEAT BELT SYSTEM FAILED DURING AN ACCIDENT. TT

Crash

THE HEADLIGHT CUT OFF WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. TT

Incident date: Mar 10, 1995

FRONT/REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAIL, LEAVING DRIVER/PASSENGER'S UNRESTRAINED. *SKD

Incident date: Mar 7, 1995

FRONT/REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, ALSO CONNECTING SHOULDER/LAP BELTS DO NOT HOLD SECURELY. *SKD

Incident date: Apr 8, 1995

SEAT BELT FAILURE. TT

Incident date: Dec 29, 1994

REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK

Incident date: Dec 29, 1994

CONSUMER PURCHASED USED CAR AND FOUNG OUT THAT CAR HAD THE WRONG BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. TT

Incident date: Oct 3, 1994

REPLACED TIMING BELT. *AK

Incident date: Jan 19, 1995

CRACKED ENGINE HEAD GASKET REPLACED. *AK

Incident date: Oct 3, 1994

REPLACED ALTERNATOR BELT. *AK

Incident date: Oct 3, 1994

REPLACED WATER PUMP. *AK

Incident date: Oct 7, 1994

REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER. *AK

Incident date: Oct 7, 1994

REPLACED REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS. *AK

Incident date: Dec 29, 1994

REPLACED ALTERNATOR BELT. *AK

Incident date: Dec 29, 1994

REPLACED ALTERNATOR. *AK

Incident date: Dec 29, 1994

REPLACED EXHAUST MANIFOLD.*AK

Incident date: Oct 3, 1994

REPLACED EXHAUST VALVE. *AK

Incident date: Oct 3, 1994

REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTORS. *AK

Incident date: Oct 3, 1994

REPLACED BRAKE DRUM. *AK

Incident date: Dec 29, 1994

REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK

Showing 50 of 54 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1986 HONDA CIVIC

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.3L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	31.0	39.0	34.0	Regular	$1,850
1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	29.0	26.0	Regular	$2,400
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	26.0	32.0	28.0	Regular	$2,200
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	26.0	30.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HONDA CIVIC

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2022

Momentary Increased Steering Effort

On March 17, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-005) to access the alleged defect of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022 and 2023 Honda Civic vehicles. The complaints report that the momentary increase in steering effort (de... scribed as "sticky steering") occurs mostly at highway speeds after driving for a certain amount of time. The reports have been received over the past 2 years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear contains a unit that includes a worm gear and a worm wheel. Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this unit. During manufacturing, the worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes caused internal stress and strain within the worm wheel. This strain was slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain caused the deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This results in the consumer’s momentary increased in steering effort. Also, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and therefore, some vehicles within the scope received too little grease which contributes to the momentary increase in steering effort. Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition occurs early in the vehicle’s life primarily in winter months. Additionally, the subject vehicles need to be driven in a straight line for a period of time, possibly until the vehicle is warmed up, to recreate the condition. The condition does not illuminate a malfunction indicator light (MIL). Some complaints allege Honda dealerships are unable to recreate the condition or state this is a normal vehicle operation. However, Honda released Service Bulletin 23-037 in July of 2023 which accurately describes the condition. To address this issue, Honda directs dealerships to remove the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox and replace with a new gearbox. Further, Honda stated that the worst case steering effort from all warranty returned parts tested was 2.4 pounds. ODI complaint traffic remains steady. ODI has received 13 crashes to date, 11 of which allege roadway departure due to not being able to overcome the momentary increased steering effort prior to their vehicle leaving the roadway. The remaining 2 incidents claim overcorrection of the steering wheel. PE23-005 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23-003) to further assess the scope, frequency and potential safety related consequences of the momentary increase of steering effort. Further the scope has been expanded to include assessment of the Acura Integra and Honda CR-V models. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2002

Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating

This investigation was prompted by Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.Some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals... , and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.ODI's PE information request letter asked Honda for certain data on model years (MY) 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2003-2008 Element, 2001-2005 Civic, and 2000-2001 S 2000 vehicles.Analysis of complaint and Honda data show that a complete low beam headlight circuit failure occurs in models with 2-bulb headlight systems (i.e., a single bulb on each side for high and low beam).Models with 2-bulb systems include MY 2002-2004 CR-V, 2003-2005 Pilot, 2001-2003 Civic, and 2003-2008 Element.Models with 4-bulb headlight systems (i.e., two bulbs on each side, one for high and one for low beam) have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism as the 2-bulb system.MY 2000-2001 S 2000 models with 2-bulb high intensity discharge headlights also have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism.Honda introduced the 4-bulb headlight system in CR-V in MY 2005, in Pilot in MY 2006, and in Civic in MY 2004.On March 29, 2012 Honda submitted a defect information report (DIR) to recall 554,428 vehicles, including MY 2002-2004 CR-V and MY 2003 Pilot.In the DIR, Honda stated that tension from the combination switch wiring harness to the electrical terminal for the low beam headlight circuit could cause a small amount of motion as the combination switch was operated.This motion, over time, can wear the surface of the terminal creating copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, which may cause the terminal to melt within the harness connector.ODI continued its investigation, and on August 31, 2012 Honda submitted another DIR to recall an additional 820,789 vehicles.This report included the MY 2002 Civic vehicles which were not subject to a prior safety recall (04V-086) for headlights, all of MY 2003 Civic, and MY 2004-2005 Pilot.Honda's DIR advised that operation of the turn signal switch lever at high speed and/or with heavy force can cause movement between the combination switch body and the sub-harness wiring connector.This can cause wear and continued movement can create copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, and potentially causing the terminal to melt within the harness connector. Please see both DIRs at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/ under safety recall 12V-136 for complete details.Honda also provided additional information on the Element model, stating that it was not recalled due to it's very low failure rate.Honda sold 301,497 Element vehicles in the United States and received 17 reports, while ODI received one report (see VOQ 10395219).Honda's technical explanation for the low rate, which was submitted under request for confidentiality, is that the headlight switch, as installed in the Element, reacts differently to the forces applied to it as compared to the recalled models.See attachment for additional information.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIRE

IN MID-APRIL 2007, HONDA INFORMED ODI OF A CNG TANK EXPLOSION INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE.THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER AN ARSONIST BROKE INTO A LOT WHERE MULTIPLE VEHICLES, INCLUDING A SUBJECT VEHICLE, WERE STORED AND SET THE VEHICLES ON FIRE.DURING THE FIRE, THE PRESSURE RELIEF DEVIC... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1992

IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR

THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR FAILURE COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE OR A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1996

THROTTLE CABLE STICKING

DUE TO THE AGENCY'S INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, HONDA AGREED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE 1996-1998 HONDA CIVICS AND INSTALL A POSITIVE FLOOR MAT RETENTION SYSTEM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (GENUINE HONDA) FLOOR MAT.FURTHERMORE, HONDA WILL CONDUCT A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN T... Read more

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1996

CONDENSER FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE

SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1993

ALLEGED STEERING LOCKUP

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1986

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988

STALLING

There is no summary currently available

HONDA CIVIC - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HONDA CIVIC across all model years (1973, 2025).

402 Total Recalls

20,182 Total Complaints

9 Investigations

2,351 Reported Crashes

288 Reported Fires

198 Reported Deaths

HONDA CIVIC - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	0	43	View
2025	2	119	View
2024	3	165	View
2023	4	327	View
2022	4	1,150	View
2021	4	197	View
2020	5	293	View
2019	4	524	View
2018	6	860	View
2017	6	755	View
2016	5	1,351	View
2015	1	485	View
2014	2	384	View
2013	0	436	View
2012	3	620	View
2011	9	221	View
2010	8	489	View
2009	8	499	View
2008	7	1,080	View
2007	9	1,465	View
2006	15	1,709	View
2005	15	396	View
2004	15	424	View
2003	24	619	View
2002	24	876	View
2001	27	1,357	View
2000	18	351	View
1999	15	404	View
1998	18	502	View
1997	16	452	View
1996	17	383	View
1995	12	252	View
1994	14	171	View
1993	13	178	View
1992	13	113	View
1991	8	143	View
1990	10	110	View
1989	6	88	View
1988	8	51	View
1987	3	41	View
1986 (current)	3	54
1985	2	17	View
1984	3	7	View
1983	0	10	View
1982	0	1	View
1981	0	1	View
1979	1	1	View
1978	1	0	View
1977	3	0	View
1976	2	0	View
1975	2	0	View
1974	2	0	View
1973	2	0	View

Other HONDA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
ACCORD	1,544	31,106	View
ODYSSEY	1,083	15,814	View
PILOT	1,019	12,296	View
ACCORD HYBRID	883	1,156	View
CR-V	820	20,314	View
INSIGHT	709	669	View
PASSPORT	510	2,127	View
FIT	348	2,698	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1986 HONDA CIVIC

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1986 HONDA CIVIC

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HONDA CIVIC

HONDA CIVIC - All Years Overview

HONDA CIVIC - Year by Year

Other HONDA Models