VehicleVerdict

1987 Honda Civic problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1987 Honda Civic sits mid-pack among Civic years: 41 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 241, with 3 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 51% of all reports (21 of 41), far ahead of speed control at 4.

41

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Civic years?

Civic NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted1,709 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 10 complaints1984: 7 complaints1985: 17 complaints1986: 54 complaints1987: 41 complaints1988: 51 complaints1989: 88 complaints1990: 110 complaints1991: 143 complaints1992: 113 complaints1993: 178 complaints1994: 171 complaints1995: 252 complaints1996: 383 complaints1997: 452 complaints1998: 502 complaints1999: 404 complaints2000: 351 complaints2001: 1,357 complaints2002: 876 complaints2003: 619 complaints2004: 424 complaints2005: 396 complaints2006: 1,709 complaints2007: 1,465 complaints2008: 1,079 complaints2009: 499 complaints2010: 489 complaints2011: 221 complaints2012: 620 complaints2013: 436 complaints2014: 384 complaints2015: 485 complaints2016: 1,348 complaints2017: 756 complaints2018: 854 complaints2019: 519 complaints2020: 288 complaints2021: 197 complaints2022: 1,150 complaints2023: 327 complaints2024: 163 complaints2025: 113 complaints2026: 40 complaints
Civic NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Civic years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Honda Civic problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2151%
Speed Control410%
Brakes25%
Fuel System25%
Body & Structure25%
Suspension25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Transmission25%
Other12%
Seats12%
Engine12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 1987 Honda Civic have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103001Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 3,700,000 units

Defect

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 SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

88V180000Visibility & WipersNovember 18, 1988 · 360,198 units

Defect

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.

87V171000OtherOctober 29, 1987 · 99,088 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE METAL TONGUE OF THE BUCKLE SNAPPED IN HALF. MY CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN STRANGLED BY THE T-TYPE HARNESS THAT GOES OVER HIS HEAD, IF WE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE FORCE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 24, 1998 · crash

“WHILE THE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND COLLIDED WITH TWO OTHER PARKED VEHICLES. YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 11, 2000

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO SWERVE. CONSUMER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND NOTICED SUPPORT ROD ARM FOR REAR AXLE WAS TORN FROM FRAME ON LEFT SIDE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2001

1987 Honda Civic — common questions

Is the 1987 Honda Civic reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 41 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Civic year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1987 Civic problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (21 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Honda Civic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Honda Civic. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Honda Civic under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda Civic years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Civic years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2001, 2016, 2022, 2008, 2002, 2018, 2017, 2012, 2003, 2019, 1998, 2009, 2010, 2015, 1997, 2013, 2004, 1999, 2005, 2014, 1996. The cleanest record among Civic years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.