1990 Honda Civic problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1990 Honda Civic is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 10 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 110 owner complaints run below the Civic median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 19 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 34 reports (31% of the total).

110

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Civic years?

Civic NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Civic years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Honda Civic problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Seat Belts	34	31%	▲ up
Electrical System	20	18%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	7	6%	▲ up
Engine	7	6%	— flat
Transmission	6	5%	▲ up
Brakes	6	5%	▲ up
Speed Control	5	5%	▼ down
Body & Structure	5	5%	▲ up
Lighting	4	4%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	4	4%	— flat
Fuel System	3	3%	▼ down
Steering	2	2%	▼ down
Suspension	2	2%	▼ down
Other	2	2%	— flat
Seats	1	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	1%	▼ down
Airbags	1	1%	new

Does the 1990 Honda Civic have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

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.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

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. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

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.

06E040000LightingMay 15, 2006 · 1,648 units

Defect

CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT 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 DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

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

Remedy

E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.

06E032000LightingApril 18, 2006 · 845 units

Defect

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 FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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 DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

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.

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.

90V163000TransmissionSeptember 4, 1990 · 18 units

Defect

DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED INTERNAL SHAFT IN THE TRANSMISSION, THE PAWL MECHANISIM MAY NOT FULLY ENGAGE WHEN TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence

VEHICLE COULD ROLL WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARKPOSITION AND A CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy

INSTALL AN IMPROVED PARKING PAWL SHAFT.

90V126000Visibility & WipersJuly 10, 1990 · 65 units

Defect

POOR ADHESION MAY OCCUR BETWEEN PAINT LAYERS IN THE WINDSHIELD MOUNTING AREA DUE TO DEFECTIVE PAINT BATCHES OR OVERSPRAYING.

Consequence

PAINT SEPARATION IN THE WINDSHIELD AREAS WOULD LEADTO NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 212 RETENTION REQUIREMENTS. LOSS OF WINDSHIELDRETENTION ABILITY COULD CAUSE WINSHIELD TO SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNINGAND HARM VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND OTHERS IN THE VICINITY.

Remedy

REINSTALL WINDSHIELD TO INSURE PROPER RETENTION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER WAS STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND A DRUNKEN DRIVER HIT HIM FROM BEHIND, AND PUSHED HIS VEHICLE INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM . CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 40MPH. UPON IMPACT, PASSENGER WENT INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED IT. ALSO, HIS KNEE WENT INTO THE GLOVE DEPARMENT, AND THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 4, 2000 · crash

“AFTER DRIVING MY CAR AND IT SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 AND A HALF HOURS I NOTICED THAT THEIR WAS FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD. I RAN OUT AND TURNED ON THE WATER HOSE AND STARTED TO SQUIRT IT AS A NEIGHBOR OPENED THE HOOD FOR ME BUT WE QUICKLY REALIZED THAT WASN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 24, 2004 · fire

“A LOT OF THE REPAIRS WERE DONE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I AM STILL HAVING A PROBLEM WITH SOME THING THAT ISNT LISTED,IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE CAR,I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL 5 TIMES AND THEY ARE NOT CHEEP AT 200 A POP. THE STEERING IS A PAIN BUT AN EASY FIX FOR A BUSHING ON THE RIGHT SIDE,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 15, 2002 · crash

“PICKED CAR UP FROM REPAIR SHOP, DROVE ABOUT ONE BLOCK AND THE CAR CUT OFF. NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AN FROM THE SIDE OF THE CAR. GOT OUT AND RAISED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FIREMEN MANAGED TO PUT FIRE OUT, CALLED REPAIR SHOP AND HAD IT TOWED BACK TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 6, 1997 · fire

“A LOT OF THE REPAIRS WERE DONE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I AM STILL HAVING A PROBLEM WITH SOME THING THAT ISNT LISTED,IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE CAR,I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL 5 TIMES AND THEY ARE NOT CHEEP AT 200 A POP. THE STEERING IS A PAIN BUT AN EASY FIX FOR A BUSHING ON THE RIGHT SIDE,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 15, 2002 · crash

1990 Honda Civic — common questions

Is the 1990 Honda Civic reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 110 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Civic year, with 10 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1990 Civic problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (34 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints), visibility & wipers (7 complaints).

Does the 1990 Honda Civic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Honda Civic. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1990 compare to other Civic years?

What are the most common 1990 Honda Civic problems?

Does the 1990 Honda Civic have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1990 Honda Civic — common questions

Is the 1990 Honda Civic reliable?

What are the most common 1990 Civic problems?

Does the 1990 Honda Civic have recalls?

Is the 1990 Honda Civic under NHTSA investigation?

Which Honda Civic years should you avoid?

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