1994 Honda Civic

High concern

Owners filed 135 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags › frontal. It has been recalled 14 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags › Frontal38
37033
Air Bags14
906
Vehicle Speed Control7
101
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine6
000
Tires5
000
Unknown or Other4
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip4
200
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly4
100
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner4
000
Suspension › Front3
100

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E050000
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation

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."

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E044000
Filed May 22, 20061,215 vehiclesJ & A Auto Accessories

Defect. CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Remedy. J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.

Exterior Lighting06E040000
Filed May 15, 20061,648 vehiclesE Speed Racing

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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E032000
Filed Apr 18, 2006845 vehiclesTom Motorsport, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Showing 10 of 14 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 2019217,000 milesCA

ABS LIGHT COMES ON. I HEAR A SOUND AS IF THERE'S SOMETHING LOOSE WHEN ABS LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL AS PULSATING WHILE IN MOTION. SHIFT LEVER ALSO GETS STUCK WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT OF PARKING LOT.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 31, 2015AL

MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING HER VEHICLE ALONE AND HAD AN ENCOUNTER WITH A DEER STRIKE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ACCIDENT WAS IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO THE LOCAL DEALER. SINCE THAT DATE (UNKNOWN TO ME) THE SRS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONTINUOUSLY AND HONDA REFUSES TO FIX THIS POTENTIAL DEADLY SYSTEM FLAW. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 6, 2014CA

MY LITTLE ONE AND I WERE IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF. *JS

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 12, 2009NC

I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEATBELT DID NOT CATCH. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 27, 2007VA

WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE SHIFTER LOCKS UP AND DRIVER MUST USE KEY IN SHIFT LOCK TO RELEASE THE SHIFTER ONCE THIS HAPPENS THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Apr 30, 2007OH

1994 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE HOOD OPENED AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD AND THE ROOF. *MC THE CONSUMER STATED SHE OPENED THE HOOD EARLIER IN THE DAY AND THE HOOD LATCH WAS FUNCTIONING. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).*JB

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jul 13, 2006KS

SRS LIGHT IS ON WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE. AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. HONDA ADMITS TO THIS ONGOING, WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, BUT REFUSES TO EXCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THERE ARE TOO MANY CONSUMERS FINDING THEMSELVES IN THE SAME POSITION AS ME, CONTINUALLY PAYING HONDA DEALERSHIPS TO GET IT FIXED WITH NO RESOLVE. *JB

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed May 4, 2006NY

SRS LIGHT IS ON WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE. AIR BAGS MOST LIKELY WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *NM

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed May 6, 2005FL

1994 HONDA CIVIC EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO TWO CARS.*MR THE OFFICER CALLED TO THE ACCIDENT FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, BUT MANAGED TO GIVE THE CONSUMER A TICKET FOR $70.00. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, WHILE THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. *BF *NM

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 11, 2005150,000 milesGA

THE CONSUMER WAS GOING THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE ONCOMING VEHICLE WHICH WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AND HIT THE OWNER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 19, 2004TX

ALL FOUR OF MY SEARS (GOODYEAR) WEATHERHANDLER LS TIRES HAVE SIGNS OF BELT SEPARATION. TWO INDEPENDENT GARAGES (ONE A GOODYEAR FACTORY-OWNED STORE) STATE THAT THEY HAVE SIGNS OF BELT SEPARATION, THE GOODYEAR REPRESENTATIVE GOING SO FAR AS TO STATE THAT CATASTROPHIC FAILURE MAY RESULT. SEARS, WHO WARRANTS THE TIRES, ON THE OTHER HAND FLATLY DENIES THERE IS BELT SEPARATION, BUT HAS AGREED TO REPLACE PRO-RATA.*AK

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars
Filed May 13, 200460,000 milesCA

I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1996 .ABOUT AFTER 1YEAR I NOTICED THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR WAS TURNING INTO WHITE SPOTS ALL OVER ,LIKE SOME KIND OF OXADATION WENT WRONG WITH THE PAINT .I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY CIVIC'S WITH SAME ISSUE .MY COMPLAINT IS THIS AND I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF HONDA HAD A RECALL ON THESE PAINT JOBS.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Apr 30, 2004188,000 milesTN

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEIR FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *LA

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 24, 2004GA

CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES WHEN THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. *LA *JB *CB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 19, 2004KY

WHILE COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE'S MOTOR STARTED TO SOUND FUNNY, AND THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BOLT IN THE CRANK SHAFT HAD LOOSENED AND WALLOWED. *LA THE REFURBISHED CRANKSHAFT ONLY LASTED 3 WEEKS AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 22, 2003MA

THE OEM CARPET/MAT WHICH I BOUGHT TOGETHER WITH THE CAR (NEW CAR FROM A HONDA DEALER) STARTED TO GET CAUGHT UP UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING AN UNSAFE SITUATION WHERE I WOULD LET OFF ON THE GAS, BUT THE MOTOR WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER, AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. I FINALLY REPLACED THE MAT WITH A 3RD PARTY PRODUCT. THAT MAT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING, AND WAS REMOVED ALSO.*AK I RECALL SEEING A RECALL NOTICE IN CONSUMER REPORTS FOR HONDA CIVICS (OTHER YEARS) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. MENTIONING THIS DID NOT PUSH DEALER TO DO THE RIGHT THING. I'VE LOOKED AT THIS A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT WHY IT HAPPENS. THE CONTOUR OF THE FLOOR AREA UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ENDS UP WARPING THE CARPET/MAT INTO A SHAPE THAT ENDS UP CAUSING IT TO CREEP UP AND GET WEDGED.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed May 20, 2003CA

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Feb 5, 2003AZ

WHILE IN MOTION, THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR BURST INTO PIECES. *JG

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Jan 13, 2003NJ

WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT.*JB

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Dec 23, 2002104,500 milesOH

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILS TO REMAIN LATCHED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. FEELS AS IF IT LATCHES WHEN PUSHED FULLY IN, BUT THEN POPS OUT OR CAN BE PULLED OUT.

20 of 135 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202628000Routine
202570210Routine
2024122310Routine
2023254400Above average
2022881430Above average
2021143420Routine
2020224510Above average
2019428410Above average
2018739641Fatalities reported
2017592660Above average
20161,080540Above average
2015380120Above average
2014291240Above average
2013319010Above average
2012454350High concern
2011168950Routine
2010396852Fatalities reported
2009395861Fatalities reported
2008916760High concern
20071,2049910Fatalities reported
20061,40215213Fatalities reported
20053141593Fatalities reported
20043501561Fatalities reported
20034992451Fatalities reported
200270224144Fatalities reported
20011,07927156Fatalities reported
20002871850High concern
19993381551Fatalities reported
19984351831Fatalities reported
19973731620High concern
19963051741Fatalities reported
19951991225Fatalities reported
1994 — this page1351400High concern
19931461340Routine
1992981330Routine
1991110851Fatalities reported
1990911032Fatalities reported

Compare every Civic year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.