1988 HONDA CIVIC

8 recalls, 51 complaints - 4 TSBs

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

42,540 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

16,270 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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. ... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

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.

27,176 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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 FEDE... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

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.

845 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: TOM MOTORSPORT, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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 D... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

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.

61,944 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

Defect Description

ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION CONTROL UNIT MAY CAUSE IDLE SPEED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 550 RPM WHILE CAR IS STOPPED IN GEAR.

Consequence

HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE COULD CREATE POTENTIAL FOR LOSSOF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy

REPLACE ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION CONTROL UNIT.

4,514 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Defect Description

OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.

Consequence

VEHICLES MANUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS210.

Remedy

UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.

99,088 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Complaint Statistics

51 total complaints 4 crashes 1 fires 9 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	7
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL	6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM	4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR	2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS	2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY	1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	1

Incident date: Jun 6, 2009

THE SPEEDOMETER NEVER WORKED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEITHER DOES THE MILEAGE INDICATOR WORK. SO I COULDN'T PUT AN ANSWER FOR THAT VALUE. *TR

Incident date: Jul 12, 2006

CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC. ALL THE ELECTRICAL POWER WAS LOST. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR ONLY STARTS WHEN JUMPED. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER WERE REPLACED. IT WAS OK FOR A WHILE, THEN IT HAPPEN AGAIN. I HAVE TALKED WITH FOUR OWNERS OF 1988 - 1991 HONDA CIVIC'S A... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2003

ENGINE "REVS" WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. CAR ACCELERATES BY ITSELF WITHOUT APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR. CAR JOLTS FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY FOR NO REASON. PROBLEM SEEMS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF LACK OF CONTROL OF THE CAR'S ACCELERATION. MECHANIC HAS SAID THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW THR... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2002

PIPE THAT IS LOCATED ON OUTSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK HAS CORRODED THROUGH AND FUEL LEAKS WHEN PUTTING FUEL INTO TANK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

Incident date: Jun 15, 2002

ON MY 1988 HONDA CIVIC, I FOUND OUT THROUGH THE INTERNET ,THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THE EFI CONTROL UNIT, A RECALL FOR THE SEATBELTS, AND A RECALL FOR THE IGNITOR, AND FOR SOME REASON I NEVER RECEIVED THOSE RECALLS. I BEEN DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE BAD EFI, AND THE IDLE JUST JUMPS UP AND DOWN, AND... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2002

NHTSA CAMPAIGN#:87V173000 ORIGINAL PART FAILURE-LOCAL DEALERSHIP WON'T HONOR RECALL. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING FOR SEVERAL YEARS ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD STAY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENT. CONSUMER REPLACED COMPURTER BOARD, INDICATOR LIGHT WENT OFF, VEHICLE STILL HAS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Incident date: Jul 5, 2000

ENGINE IGNITOR COMPONANT CAUSUNG CAR TO JUST QUIT

Incident date: Jul 8, 2000

THE REAR LEFT WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE BROKE OFF FROM THE SUB FRAME MOUNTING POINT WHILE I WAS BACKING UP THE VEHICLE ON MY DRIVEWAY. THE MOUNTING POINT ON THE REAR SUB FRAME WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS ATTACHED SEPARATED FROM THE SUB FRAME STRUCTURE. IT APPEARS THAT THE STRUCTURAL FAILURE IS CAUSE... Read more

THE VEHICLE COMPUTER BATTERY DIED IN TRAFFIC CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO THE MOTOR AND LIGHTS. NLM

Incident date: Aug 1, 1999

REAR BEAM WHICH SUPPORTS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR "A" FRAMES IS RUSTED MORE THAN 3/4 THROUGH CAUSING BEAM TO BEND IN THE CENTER CAUSING REAR WHEELS TO COME OUT OF ALIGNMENT, ALSO WHEN THE PART TOTALLY FAILS BOTH OF MY REAR WHEELS WILL COLLAPSE. I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH A HONDA EXCEPT IT WAS THE ... Read more

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CRASH CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION CONTROL UNIT.

CAR FEELS UNSAFE IN PARKED OR TEMPORARY STALL POSITION. CONTACTED A HONDA DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THERE IS A STATUTE OF LIMITATION TO FIXING A RECALL ITEM. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE. 2ND, WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY PEOPLE OWNED THE VHICLE BEFORE US. HOWEVER, WE NEED TO KNOW IF THIS... Read more

WHILE CONSUMERS FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE IDLES HIGH AND LUNGES FORWARD.

Incident date: Feb 1, 1996

THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LURCHES FORWARD AND THE RPMS INCREASE UNEXPECTEDLY TO AN UNCONTROLLABLE LEVEL. THE PROBLEM BEGAN IN EARLY 1996. HONDA SAYS THE RECALL OF A SIMILAR PART DOES NOT COVER MY CAR. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IS MINE THE ONLY SUCH REPORT AND WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE AS FAR AS NHTSA IS CONCER... Read more

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1999

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE IS IDLING VERY HIGH. HOWEVER, WHEN CONSUMER TAKES FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD AND THE IDLE IS INCREASED WITH HIGH SPEED. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1999

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE IS IDLING VERY HIGH. HOWEVER, WHEN CONSUMER TAKES FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD AND THE IDLE IS INCREASED WITH HIGH SPEED. *AK

Incident date: Mar 21, 1999

AFTER HAVING VEHICLE CHECKED FOR ROUTINE SERVICE THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS WERE FOUND TO BE WORN OUT. THE ARMS HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO BE LUBRICATED. *AK.ET.

THE CAR IDLES AND THE SURGES WHILE IN GEAR BUT AT A STOP. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO FIGHT THE BRAKES. THIS IS SIMILAR TO A PROBLEM ALREADY IN ANOTHER RECALL BUT HONDA SAYS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. *AK

THE FUEL LINES HAVE CORRODED, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

THROTTLE BODY LEAKING AT THROTTLE SHAFTS, CAUSING FAST IDLE.

Incident date: Sep 1, 1995

THE DEFECTIVE "IGNITOR" MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED IGNITOR 3 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: May 1, 1998

HEADREST BROKE WITHOUT ANY KNOWN FORCE OR ACCIDENT.

FUEL INJECTION IDLE SPEED CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FAILED.

Incident date: May 1, 1998

ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION CONTROL UNIT FAILURE.

Incident date: Jul 22, 1998

VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY RACE TO A HIGH IDLE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

INSIDE SEA TMOUTING RAILS CRACKED, LEAVING THE SEAT MOUNTED AT THREE POINTS INSTEAD OF FOUR. *AK

Incident date: Oct 24, 1996

DOOR LOCKS STICK.

Incident date: Oct 24, 1996

SEAT BELTS CANNOT BE UNFASTENED.

Incident date: Sep 1, 1992

CONSUMER WAS IN TWO DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCKED UP AND SNAPPED HER CHEST . *AK VEHICLE WAS HIT ON RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, WHILE COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, ALSO ON ANOTHER OCCASION A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF CONSUMER AND CONSUMER HIT VEHICLE FROM THE REAR, AND ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 21, 1995

DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE BRAND BOX THE VEHICLE IS IDLING. *AK

Incident date: Feb 19, 1996

FRONT SEATBELT PROBLEMS. *DSH

Incident date: Mar 12, 1996

ENGINE VIBRATES. *SD

Incident date: May 7, 1995

UPON IMPACT FROM BEHIND, DRIVERS SEAT STRUCK THE BACK OF DRIVERS HEAD, CAUSING INJURIES. (FIRST VEHICLE ON 601338). *DSH

1 injured

Incident date: Aug 1, 1994

PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILS TO LOCK INTO BUCKLE. *AW

Incident date: Oct 6, 1995

WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE, OPENED HOOD; FIRE WAS IN AREA OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER; CAUSED BY FAULTY IGNITER, DUMPED FUEL DOWN EXHAUST SYSTEM. . TT

Fire

Incident date: May 18, 1994

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP WHEN DRIVER DROVE INTO A CONCRETE BASE NO BRAKING WAS DONE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 2, 1995

AUTO-TRAN:SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE, LIGHTLY TOUCHED GAS PEDAL; ENGINE ACCELERATED; LURCHED BACKWARDS; HIT TWO VEHICLES IN PARKING LOT. TT

Crash

Incident date: Mar 1, 1992

SEAT BELTS DON'T LOCK. FRONT AND BACK SEATS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. THE CONSUMER HAD 2 ACCIDENTS MAR. 92 AND MAY 93. TT

Crash 6 injured

Incident date: Jun 21, 1995

DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTORS DO N0T LOCK WHEN BELTS ARE PULLED BY DRIVER/PASSENGER. *SKD

Incident date: Sep 22, 1995

INTERMITTENT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, DEALERS REPLACED SURGE SOLENOID. TT

HEAD GASKET FAILED WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN OVERHEATING AND EXTENSIVE SMOKING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO RELEASE TRAPPING DRIVER. SOMEONE ELSE HAD TO ASSIST TO EXIT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Incident date: Jan 23, 1995

IGNITER FAILE DPRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (87V-173). *AK

Incident date: Dec 19, 1994

VEHICLE EXHIBITS HIGH IDLING CONDITON. CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE. TT

Incident date: Oct 15, 1994

SEAT BELT BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH SOMETIMES AND GETS STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. TT

Showing 50 of 51 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 HONDA CIVIC

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	32.0	28.0	Regular	$2,200
1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	30.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	30.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	30.0	35.0	32.0	Regular	$1,900
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	30.0	35.0	32.0	Regular	$1,900
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	34.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	33.0	30.0	Regular	$2,050

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

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 HONDA CIVIC

4 manufacturer communications from 3 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
022000 SUSPENSION:REAR	2
116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	1
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	1

022000 SUSPENSION:REAR

CONCERNS WITH A CLUNK OR SQUEAK FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH OR BUMPY ROADS. *TT

022000 SUSPENSION:REAR

EXPERIENCING A CLUNK FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH OR BUMPY ROADS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

PROBLEMS WITH HEAD GASKET LEAKS. *YC

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

UNKNOWN

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

20,358 Total Complaints

9 Investigations

2,356 Reported Crashes

289 Reported Fires

199 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	51	View
2025	2	127	View
2024	3	175	View
2023	4	334	View
2022	4	1,157	View
2021	4	209	View
2020	5	303	View
2019	4	545	View
2018	6	890	View
2017	6	780	View
2016	5	1,375	View
2015	1	488	View
2014	2	384	View
2013	0	443	View
2012	3	620	View
2011	9	221	View
2010	8	489	View
2009	8	499	View
2008	7	1,083	View
2007	9	1,466	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 (current)	8	51
1987	3	41	View
1986	3	54	View
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

1988 HONDA CIVIC

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 HONDA CIVIC

Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 HONDA CIVIC

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HONDA CIVIC

HONDA CIVIC - All Years Overview

HONDA CIVIC - Year by Year

Other HONDA Models