Model year record

1991 Honda Civic recalls & problems

The 1991 Honda Civic has 8 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is seat belts (42 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints110filed by owners

Crashes · fires12 · 5reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths15 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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

Exterior lightingMay 15, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0400001,648 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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

Exterior lightingApr 18, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E032000845 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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

Seat beltsMay 24, 1995

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 95V1030013,700,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1991 Honda Civic 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Civic CRX HF

43mpg combined

City / highway	40 / 47 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,550/year to fuel

Civic CRX HF

39mpg combined

City / highway	36 / 44 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,700/year to fuel

Civic

30mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Civic CRX

29mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Civic

29mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Civic Wagon

29mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Civic CRX

27mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Civic CRX

27mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Civic

26mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Civic

26mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Civic Wagon

26mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Civic

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly	42	8	0	9	130,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch	24	0	3	0	—
StructureBody › Trunk lid; Body	13	1	1	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Master cylinder; Foundation components › Disc › Pads	10	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system; Storage › Tank assembly	8	0	5	0	—
Power trainManual transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft	7	0	0	0	—
Exterior lightingTail lights; Headlights	7	0	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	6	0	0	1	—
VisibilityGlass, side/rear; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element	6	0	0	0	—
Steering	3	1	0	1	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	3	0	0	0	—
Unknown or other	3	1	0	3	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Seat belts
The contact owns a 1991 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front passenger's side and driver's side shoulder belts pretensioners failed to operate as designed and the shoulder belts failed to tighten during aggressive braking. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to an auto body shop. The vehicle was taken to the auto body shop, where the front passenger's side and driver's side shoulder belts and pretensioners were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Jun 12, 2023 · 130,000 miles
Tires
TREAD BELT SEPARATION
Apr 11, 2017
Seat belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 425,000.
Feb 10, 2015 · 425,000 miles
Structure › BodyCrash
NOT QUITE SURE BUT I REMEMBER GOING HARD IN A STRAIGHT LINE PASSING RIDES JUST ENJOYING THE RIDE ME AND MY EX GIRLFRIEND I WAS IN THE LEFT DRIVER SEAT AND SHE WAS IN THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE AND I JUST HEARD WHEN I GOT HIT IN THE BACK RIGHT SIDE I JUST CONTINUED HOME WHEN REACHING HOME IT WAS JUST A SCRATCH REMOVING THE TOP COAT OF MY RED PAINT I JUST CALLED IT MY LESSON FOR GOING FAST. *TR
May 1, 2013
Seat belts
1991 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEAT BELT PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT FLASHED AND AN ALARM SOUNDED. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PULL TIGHT, IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION.
Nov 4, 2013
Seat belts
1991 HONDA CIVIC AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT SYSTEM FAILURE. CAR SEAT BELT SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK. THERE IS SUPPOSE TO BE A LIFE TIME WARRANTY ON THE SYSTEM BUT THE HONDA CORPORATION IS NOT HONORING THE WARRANTY. *TR
Mar 26, 2011 · 78,000 miles
Seat belts
I OWN A 1991 HONDA CIVIC 4-DOOR SEDAN. I WAS HAVING MY CAR WORKED ON FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY UNRELATED WHEN, ALL OF THE SUDDEN, THE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT (SHOULDER HARNESS) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE STOPPED FUNCTIONING. IT WILL NO LONGER RUN ALONG THE TRACK WHEN MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS OPENED. I AM UNSURE ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS FAILURE ON ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE SAFETY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I KNEW OF HONDA'S "LIFETIME WARRANTY" ON THEIR SEATBELTS AND TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT ACTUALLY COVER THE NEEDED FIX DUE TO ITS LIKELIHOOD OF BEING AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. AFTER THOROUGHLY READING THROUGH THE WARRANTY, IT WAS CONFIRMED…
Dec 9, 2009 · 170,000 miles
Seat belts
I PURCHASED A 1991 HONDA CIVIC USED FROM A PRIVATE OWNER. SEVERAL YEARS LATER NOW, THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS SEATBELT HAS STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE READ SEVERAL PLACES THAT HONDA OF AMERICA IS TRYING TO CHARGE OWNERS FOR REPLACEMENT OF A SYSTEM THAT IN MY OPINION FOR THE SAFETY OF CAR OWNERS, SHOULD NOT FAIL IN THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. AND IF IT DOES FAIL I FEEL THAT HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING OR REPAIRING THE AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SYSTEM ON ITS VEHICLES. *TR
Oct 10, 2009 · 207,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILUREClosedLed to recall 95V103001
There is no summary currently available
EA94035 · opened Oct 27, 1994 · closed Jul 31, 1995
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94052 · opened Jul 11, 1994 · closed Oct 27, 1994
STALLINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93082 · opened Sep 23, 1993 · closed Jan 31, 1994