1990 HONDA Civic Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

102

Complaints Reported

Radar Detector GPS Tracker OBD2 Scanner Car Refrigerator Jump Starter Dash Cam

As an Amazon Associate, ForCar.org earns from qualifying purchases.

Complaints by Component

SEAT BELTS

34 complaints

THE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER LAP SEAT BELTS HAVE NOT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY FOR A LONG TIME ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE. THEY DO NOT RETRACT ALONG THE DOORS WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPENED AND CLOSED. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND BEEP ARE NOW CONSTANTLY ON MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO FOCUS ON DRIVING.

May 13, 2018

SEAT BELT WARNING NEVER STOPS AT ALL TIMES

Apr 20, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT AND COULD NOT BE RETRACTED MANUALLY. THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE USED TO SECURE A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SEAT BELT CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Sep 13, 2011

THE SEAT BELTS ON MY 1990 HONDA CIVIC DO NOT WORK. I TOOK THEM TO THE HONDA DEALER IN ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND. THEY KEPT THE CAR 24 HOURS, THEN TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER RETRACTOR MOTORS. THEY CALLED IN A FEW DAYS AND TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR BACK IN. THEY KEPT IT THREE DAYS, THEN RETURNED IT IN THE SAME NON-WORKING CONDITION AND TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $962 TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTING MECHANISM. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH IS IN THE FORWARD UNUSABLE POSITION. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOES NOT RETRACT EITHER. THE SERVICE MAN SAID THAT THE SEAT BELTS THEMSELVES HAD A LIFETIME GUARANTEE BUT THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTING MECHANISM WAS NOT PART OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. *TR

Sep 10, 2007

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. *AK

Nov 04, 2004

+ 29 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 complaints

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 IT WAS ELECTRICAL, SO WE THEN DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. WHICH STOPPED THE FIRE. *NM

Dec 28, 2006

Fire: 1

MY 1990 HONDA CIVIC WAGON HAS STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING THREE TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH AND WILL NOT START AGAIN FOR 10 MINUTES TO OVERNIGHT. I HAVE HAD TO PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TO GET IT OUT OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. FROM MEMBERS OF THE [email protected], I HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITER HAS FAILED. HONDA HAD AN UPGRADE TO THIS COMPONENT AND ACCORDING TO HONDA MY CAR RECEIVED THE UPGRADE IN 1994, BUT NOW IS APPARENTLY FAILING. WISHING TO BE SAFE, I HAVE ORDERED A WHOLE NEW DISTRIBUTOR TO INSTALL SO I DO NOT HAVE TO STOP SOMEWHERE AT ANY MOMENT. *JB

Dec 15, 2006

THE CAR FAILS TO START ON OCCASION, I NOTICED ON HONDA'S WEB SITE THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT IT DOESN'T COVER THE YEAR OF MY CAR. I KNOW OF 3 OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM SEEM TO OCCUR AS THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE GETS HOTTER. I GET IN THE CAR TRY TO START IT NOTHING, GO BACK AN HOUR LATER AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP. I THINK HONDA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. EMAIL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. THANKS, TER.*AKI

Jun 25, 2002

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Mar 15, 2002

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Nov 22, 2000

+ 15 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

6 complaints

WINDSHIELD LEAKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR, AND I HAVE TO PUSH THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW OUT SLIGHTLY TO ROLL IT UP.*AK

Aug 31, 2003

WINDSHIELD SEAL FAILED CAUSING WATER TO DRIP INTO THE CAR DURING A HARD RAIN. NLM

Mar 30, 2000

THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW HAS NEVER FIT PROPERLY IN ITS TRACK. NLM

Mar 30, 2000

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Feb 10, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW CONSTANTLY SLIDES OFF TRACK.

Feb 18, 1998

+ 1 more complaint for this component

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, ROLLS IN PARK, TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DRIVE. *JB

Apr 01, 2003

EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM U-JOINT WHEN TURNING.

Jan 10, 1997

WRONG OIL PUT IN TRANSMISSION.

Nov 01, 1996

WHILE DRIVING, SUDDENLY, FRONT LEFT WHEEL COLLAPSED; STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP; SUSPENSION DROPPED DOWN WITH AXLE; AXLE BROKE; SPEED 30 MPH; NO WARNING. *AK

Apr 04, 1996

TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SKD

Jan 01, 1995

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 complaints

CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE BACKED INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO HIS MOTOR HOME.TS *JB

Dec 06, 2002

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH HEARD A POPPING NOISE. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE ON HIGHWAY. CONSUMER MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO SHOULDER 0F HIGHWAY. *AK DEALER FOUND THE THROTTLE CABLE BROKE, DEALER REPLACED CABLE. *SLC

Feb 14, 2001

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE THROTTLE STICKS, CAUSING AN INCREASE IN SPEED WITH FOOT STILL ON BRAKE. *AK

Apr 17, 1997

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THERE WAS A SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. TT SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATES HIS PREVIOUS HONDA CIVIC EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING, BUT DAMAGE WAS UNDER THE 500 DOLLAR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE. *SLC

Nov 28, 1995

Crash: 1

SUDDEN ACCELERATION FOUR TIMES ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AW

May 18, 1995

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

AIR FILTER ATTACHES TO PLASTIC RADIATOR WHICH SPLITAND BURNED LEFT ARM WHILE CHECKING TRANS. FLUID. *AK

Mar 13, 2002

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE HEAD GASKET CONTINUES TO LEAK AFTER MANY REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.

Mar 25, 1999

WATER PUMP FAILED. MJS

Dec 08, 1997

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 SHOP.REPAIR SHOP GAVE SEVERAL REASONS FOR THE FIRE, BUT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK

Oct 16, 1997

Fire: 1

PURCHASE CAR NEW AFTER 5 YEARS THE TOP ON THE RADIATOR CRACKED . TT

Oct 10, 1995

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

5 complaints

BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Feb 18, 1998

Injuries: 2

VEHICLE SKIDS IN WET WEATHER WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Nov 01, 1996

METALLIC CLICKING FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL WHEN BRAKING.

Aug 23, 1996

THE BRAKES OF THE CAR DID NOT WORK IN A REAR ENDED ACCIDENT. TT

Dec 06, 1995

Crash: 1

BRAKE CALIPER ARE LEAKING. TT

Mar 10, 1995

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

WATER (RAIN OR MELTED SNOW) ACCUMULATES IN TAILLIGHT ENCLOSURES, CAUSING BULBS TO SHORT. 1 SOCKET ON THIS VEHICLE HAS RUSTED OUT, MAKING BULB REPLACEMENT IMPOSSIBLE. *AK

Jul 05, 1999

RAIN AND MELTED SNOW ACCUMULATES IN THE REAR HOLDS OF THE TAIL LIGHTS WHICH ARE ATTACHED ON THE TRUNK DOOR PANEL

Apr 08, 1997

WATER GETS INTO THE HEADLIGHT AND SHORTS OUT. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Jun 25, 1996

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES ARE BROKE AND WHEN RAINS THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILS. TT

Jan 17, 1996

TIRES

3 complaints

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED PEP BOYS TIRES APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO. HE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH ON A SMOOTH DRY STREET, WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER TIRES BLEW UP LIKE A BALLOON. THE TIRES FAILED ONE MONTH APART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS STILL TREAD ON THE TIRES. THE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000 MILES. THE CONTACT HAS ONE OF THE TIRES. *AK

Jan 24, 2007

THE TREADS ARE SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE.( DOT NUMBER: 82T M&S TIRE SIZE: P185/60R14 )

Aug 09, 2000

HERCULES TIRES ARE ON THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT 70MPH. TIRE WAS PURCHASED TWO WEEKS PRIOR. KING TIRE STORE CONTACTED, CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Sep 17, 1998

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

REAR CYLINDERS FAILURE ALLOWS HATCH TO FALL CAUSING HEAD INJURY.

Jul 16, 1997

UNDERCARRIAGE HAS LOUD METALLIC VIBRATION WHEN ACCELERATING.

Aug 23, 1996

VEHICLE'S HATCHBACK COLLAPSES WHEN ITS OPENED. TT THE HATCHBACK LIFT STRUTS WILL SUDDENLY FAIL CAUSING THE HATCHBACK TO COLLAPSE, IT HAS COLLAPSED INJURING CONSUMER'S BACK WHILE BENDING OVER.*JB

Nov 17, 1995

Injuries: 2

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 (NA) HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,862.

May 28, 2019

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

I HAVE A 1990 HONDA CIVIC 4 DR 1.5 LITER AUTO. AND THE DISTRIBUTOR WENT BAD-I KNOW THE CAR IS NOT WORTH MUCH BUT IT IS MY WORK CAR-TO REPLACE THIS PART $800.00 AND TALKING TO SEVERAL JUNK YARDS IT WOULD BE $225.00 BUT THE MAN SAID THAT THERE'S NO GUARANTEE THAT PART WOULD BE GOOD AS THIS YR. MAKE AND MODEL ARE FAMOUS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I DO NOT FIND ANY RECALL. *TR

Aug 07, 2008

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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, MINUS THE STIFF LOCK UP STEER THAT I THINK COMES WITH THE HONDA CIVIC SI ENGINE FIRST WENT AT 60.000 KM AND NOW IT HAS 170 ON THE ODOMETER AND WENT TODAY, NOT SURE WHAT IM GONNA DO,TRY AND DO WARRANTY ON IT OR FIX IT MY SELF AND HAVE IT DONE RIGHT.... THE BRAKES ARE THE PITS ON THESE CARS? FRONT. YOU GET BRAKE FAD GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL AND KISS YOUR ASS GOOD BYE, TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WENT TO CROSS DRILL ROTORS AND A COURSE BRAKE PAD FOR THE FRONT, THE REAR BRAKES NEVER ADJUST THEMSELVES, AND WEAR OUT FAST. THE TRANSMISSION 5 GEAR SUCKS TO LOW AND MAKES THE REVS GO WAY TOO HIGH, THE SECOND GEAR SYNCRO IS BAD, PAINT IS BAD. FLAKES OFF ALMOST LIKE WHAT THE OLD CHEVYS DO. POWER SUN ROOF IS FAILING SOME TIMES YOU HAVE TO CRANK IT BACK BY HAND TO CLOSE. OTHER TIMES THE MOTOR WORKS...HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER ONCE GOT IT FROM AN AUTO WRECKER..

Jan 15, 2004

Crash: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Jan 16, 2001

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

LOST CONTROL ON WET SURFACES, CAR SWIRLED, TURNED 180 DEGREE.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 165/70R/13 )

Aug 09, 2000

Crash: 1

STEERING

1 complaint

WHILE TRAVELING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER UNABEL TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Sep 27, 1999

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S HOOD FLEW UP. NOTICED LATCH WAS LAYING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LATCH HAD PULLED AWAY FROM HOOD OF CAR WITH BOLT MISSING, ONLY ONE BOLT WAS INSTALLED. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

Dec 14, 1998

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

INTERMITTENT STALLING AFTER TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT.

Aug 27, 1997

SEATS

1 complaint

WHILE IN A STOP POSITION VEHICLE WAS REARENDED, EXP. BOTH FRONT DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SEATBACK REST BROKE THEN COLLASPED REARWARD, RESULTING IN DRIVER BEING KILLED AND PASSENGER SUSTAINING HEAD AND NECK TRAUMA. *AK

Mar 26, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

WHEN DRIVING THE ELECTRICAL HEADLIGHTS SOMETIMES GO OFF AND VEHICLE WAS REARENDED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT NOT WORKING WHEN RAINIG TRUNK FILLS UP WITH WATER, THERE IS SOME RUST/CORROSION AND SMELL . *AK

Feb 03, 1997

WHEELS

1 complaint

LEFT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)

Sep 30, 1996

Crash: 1

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

VEHICLE INVOLVED FRONTAL COLLISION IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED, DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT

Jan 23, 1996

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

4.4/5.0

95 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 1990 HONDA Civic, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 1990 HONDA Civic for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 1990 HONDA Civic 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

1990 HONDA Civic VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 1990 HONDA Civic Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 1990 HONDA Civic dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your HONDA dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1990 HONDA Civic have?

The 1990 HONDA Civic currently has 102 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1990 HONDA Civic?

The most common problems reported for the 1990 HONDA Civic are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1990 HONDA Civic problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1990 HONDA Civic comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 1990 HONDA Civic?

You can report safety problems with your 1990 HONDA Civic directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 1990 HONDA Civic VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 1990 HONDA Civic reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1990 HONDA Civic. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.