1989 HONDA CIVIC

6 recalls, 88 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.

Complaint Statistics

88 total complaints 17 crashes 3 fires 20 injuries 2 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	7
SEAT BELTS	6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	3
SEATS	3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH	2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER	2

Incident date: Jul 2, 2004

I HAD AUTO ACCIDENT, I WAS GOING 15 TO 20 MILES AN HOUR. WHEN I HIT SMALL TREE. THE STEERING WHEEL CRUSHED MY CHEST AND I SUFFERED A SPINAL CORD INJURY AT THE T~2 LEVEL AND NOW I'M NOW A QUADRIPLEGIC. MY SEAT BELT FAILED TO HOLD, THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN RECALLED MINE WAS REPLACED U... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 2, 2004

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 22, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE REVVED WHILE THE VEHICLE IDLED IN PARK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE GEARS WERE HARD TO SHIFT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY LOST POWER AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 22, 2006

Incident date: Apr 1, 2001

ENGINE "REVS" AND SURGES FORWARD. THIS IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN IN IDLE OR WHEN RESTARTING AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN. SEVERAL TIMES THIS HIGH REVVING HAS CAUSED THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD, AND IN A COUPLE OF INSTANCES HAS ALMOST CAUSED CAR TO HIT AUTO IN FRONT OF IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE PURCHASE T... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. A TECHNICIAN SERVICED THE VEHICLE ON 3-15-04, AND DETERMINED THAT IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Incident date: Aug 7, 2003

HONDA ISSUED A RECALL OF THE FRONT SEATBELTS IN THE 1989 HONDA. THE BELT CAN SPONTANEOUSLY COME UNLATCHED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN MY FIANCE'S 1989 HONDA. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT OFTEN SPONTANEOUSLY UNLATCHES -- THAT IS WHERE I SIT. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO PLANET HONDA IN GO... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2003

TRAVELING ON I-15 SOUTH AT 75 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRES TREAD SEPARATED WHICH IMMEDIATELY SENT MY 89 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK INTO A SPIN ENDING WITH US HITTING HEAD FIRST INTO THE CENTER DIVIDE, WRECKING THE CAR AND LUCKILY ONLY GIVING US WHIPLASH AND NOTHING MORE. *JB

Crash 3 injured

WHILE DRIVING, LEFT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEWOUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE A GUARDRAIL, THERE WAS DAMAMGE TO VEHICLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *SLC

THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WAS BOUGHT FROM LARRY'S AUTO PARTS - NAPA, KAIMUKI ON O'AHU, HAWAII. THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD A LIFETIME-WARRANTY AND WAS MANUFACTURED BY UNITED BRAKE. THE FIRST NAPA MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER (NMBC) WAS PUT ON MY FRIEND'S 1989 HONDA CIVIC BY MYSELF ON AUGUST 29, 2001. THE FI... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 1993

FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS WHEN CAR WAS PARKED IN SUMMER SUN, CAR WOULD START (MYSTERIOUSLY) ONLY AFTER I LIFTED THE HOOD TO TINKER. RECENTLY A HONDA DEALER'S EMPLOYEE CASUALLY MENTIONED IT WAS A DEFECTIVE RELAY THAT WOULD COST $60 TO REPLACE. IT FAILED AT SUMMER TEMPERATURES. THAT EXPLAINED EVERYTHING, E.G.... Read more

WHILE DRIVING, LEFT REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEWOUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE A GUARDRAIL, THERE WAS DAMAMGE TO VEHICLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *SLC

Incident date: Apr 12, 2001

PREVIOUSY VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH INTERMITTENTLY NOT STARTING AND STALLING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, AND DEALER NEVER MADE CONSUMER AWARE OF A RECALL. IGNITER WAS REPLACED WITH A UPDATE PIECE. *AK

Incident date: Sep 14, 2001

I SPOKE WITH REPAIR FACILITIES AND OTHER CIVIC OWNERS WHO SAY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE REPAIR CENTERS SAID THEY ALWAYS REPLACE THE CRACKED PLASTIC RADIATOR WITH A METAL RADIATOR. HONDA SHOULD INSTALL A METAL RADIATOR TO BEGIN WITH AND THIS WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM.*AK

GAS TANK LEAKING, OWNER HAD GAS TANK REPLACED. *CJ

Incident date: Oct 20, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN A PARKING LOT CAUSING COLLISON, THE IMPACT WAS SO GREAT THAT THE OCCUPANT OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED A BROKEN SHOULDER BLADE. NLM

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 4, 2000

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLECROSSED FROM ANOTHER LANE IN FRONT SUDDENLY. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES & REAR ENDED VEHICLEIN FRONT. UPON IMPACT WITH VEHICLE, DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK UP TO RESTRAIN DRIVER. SEAT BELT BUCKLE LOCKING MECHANISM BROKE. DRIVER WAS THROWN FORWARD, ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 20, 2000

THE FLOOR MAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE GETS IN THE WAY OF THE BRAKES AND THE GAS PETALS. SOMETIMES IT KEEPS THE GAS PETAL DOWN. SOMETIMES, IT KEEPS THE BRAKE PETAL DOWN. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE FLOOR MATS. THESE MATS WERE PURCHASED NEW WITH THE VEHICLE. THE AIR CONDITIONER BROKE TWICE. I HAD TO PURCHASE ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2000

Incident date: Oct 20, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN CONSUMER PUT SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE CAUSING BROKEN BONES AND SEVERAL OTHER INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS. NLM

2 injured

Incident date: Sep 3, 1999

CAR STALLED AT SPEED ON HIGHWAY. SMOKE OBSERVED UNDER HOOD WHICH WAS JAMMED SHUT. FIRE STARTED WHICH ENGULFED THE CAR. TOTAL LOSS. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Sep 3, 1999

CAR STALLED AT SPEED ON HIGHWAY. SMOKE OBSERVED UNDER HOOD WHICH WAS JAMMED SHUT. FIRE STARTED WHICH ENGULFED THE CAR. TOTAL LOSS. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Jan 27, 2000

CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY ON THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. OWNER CONTACTED PREVIOUS OWNER AND FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE SEAT BELTS AND THAT IT HAD ALREADY BEEN FIXED. *AK *ML

Incident date: Jan 1, 2000

THE 1989 HONDA CIVIC DX USES MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS. MY NIECE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT THIS WEEKEND, HIT A FREEWAY RAILING THAT CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BECOME DISCONNECTED; UPON ITS DISCONNECT, THE MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS WERE RELEASED WHICH RESULTED IN MY NIECE BEING EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS KILLED I... Read more

Crash 1 injured 1 deaths

Incident date: Oct 3, 1999

STRUCTURE OF THE SUN ROOF WOULD LEAK WHEN IT WAS RAINING OR VEHICLE WAS BEING WASHED. THE TRUNK WOULD LEAK ALSO. THIS CAUSED THE SEALS & THE CARPET INSIDE VEHICLE TO BE SOAKED & SOMETIMES MILDEW APPEARED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC DID WATER TEST. THE LEAKS WERE FOUND, BUT DAMAGE WAS NOT REPA... Read more

THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR AFTER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART (TEMPORARILY)WHILE MOVING. ONE ONE OCCASION MERELY WAITING AT CURBSIDE ABOUT 25 MINUTES WAS SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW CAR TO RESTART. NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS INDICATED ANY PROBLEM. THE SITUATION REPEA... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 1999

DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING THE SEATBACK TO FALL BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK

Incident date: Mar 12, 1999

MY CIVIC COLLIDED WITH THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH. THE LAP COMPONENT OF MY SEATBELT ENGAGED ALLOWING ONLY MINOR BRUISING/CUTS TO MY KNEES WHICH HIT THE DASH. THE SHOULDER BELT, HOWEVER, DID NOT ENGAGE CAUSING MY CHEST TO SLAM INTO THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING A DEEP CHEST CO... Read more

Crash 2 injured

SEAT BELT FAILED.

AXLE FAILED.

TIE ROD FAILED.

BATTERY FAILED.

CLUTCH FAILED

TIMING BELT FAILED.

Incident date: Oct 1, 1996

THE DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM MALFUCTIONS, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED THROTTLE BODY/FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM/OXYGEN SENSOR AND THERMOSTAT. PROBLEM REOCCURRING. *AK *NLM

Incident date: Oct 7, 1997

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SEAT TRACK AND ANCHORS BROKE. OWNER NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. OWNER HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE. *AK

BOTH FRONT SPRINGS ARE CRACKED AT BOTTOM. *AK *SLC

Incident date: Feb 26, 1996

SEAT BELT TWISTED PRIOR TO RECALL. *SD

TRUNK LID WILL NOT STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION. CONSUMER HAS BEEN HIT IN THE HEAD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.*AK

Incident date: Jun 15, 1996

THE RACK AND PINON STEERING GOES OUT FREQUENTLY AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO STEERING.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Incident date: Jun 15, 1996

THE RACK AND PINON STEERING GOES OUT FREQUENTLY AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO STEERING.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Incident date: Mar 4, 1996

WHILE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD; HAD TO PULL EMERGENCY BRAKE/SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Jan 22, 1996

THROTTLE ASSEMBLE REPLACED DUE TO GASOLINE LEAKING ONTO THE COMPUTER SHORTING IT OUT. *SD

Incident date: Jun 7, 1996

WHEN DRIVING WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ON, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF. *AK

Incident date: Apr 5, 1996

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *DSH

Fire

Incident date: Mar 15, 1996

WHILE DRIVING, GAS LEAKS DOWN FROM SEAM OF TANK ONTO VEHICLE FLOOR; SLOWING STOPS WHEN VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION; CAN HEAR AND SEE GAS DROPPING DOWN. *AK

Incident date: Sep 7, 1995

SEAT BELT INADVERTENTLY WRAPPED AROUND SEAT POSITION LEVER/DISLODGED WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION, CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSS CONTROL AND HAD AN ACCIDENT. *SD

Crash

Incident date: Mar 18, 1996

THE DRIVER SIDE MANUAL LOCK BROKE IN THE INSIDE. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

GAS PIPE IS ROTTED OUT, LEAKS OIL ALL OVER, AFRAID IT WILL CATCH ON FIRE. *AK

Showing 50 of 88 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1989 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)	23.0	29.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	29.0	35.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000
1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	33.0	29.0	Regular	$2,100
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	30.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350

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, 1989 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 (current)	6	88
1988	8	51	View
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

1989 HONDA CIVIC

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1989 HONDA CIVIC

Technical Service Bulletins, 1989 HONDA CIVIC

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HONDA CIVIC

HONDA CIVIC - All Years Overview

HONDA CIVIC - Year by Year

Other HONDA Models