FaultScore report
Owners have filed 178 complaints about the 1993 Honda Civic with NHTSA between 1995 and 2021. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 33 of 34 worst.
FaultScore 38/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Honda Civic.
How this is worked out178
Complaints
48
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
32
Injuries reported
140,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 176,260 mi
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 104,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 177,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 140,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 87,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires
2 crashes, 0 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ALLEGED STEERING LOCKUP
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Structure
On certain 1992-1995 four-door sedans and three-door hatchbacks, and 1993-1995 two-door coupes, located in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces, the engine hood secondary latch may corrode and not operate if the latch is not clean and sufficiently coated with lubricant. This may cause the secondary latch to stick in the open position as a result of the corrosion. If the primary latch is not properly locked and the secondary latch is stuck open, the engine hood could fly open restricting the driver's vision and possibly result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will lubricate the hood latch. Also, a maintenence instruction label will be installed next to the latch.
Powertrain
On certain vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the retaining clip that connects the transmission shift cable to the shift lever actuating rod may come off after repeated shift lever operation. If this happens, the position of the shift lever may not match the actual transmission gear position. This could result in unanticipated vehicle movement which could lead to a crash. Correction: Retaining clip will be replaced with one that has greater retention pressure.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CRASHED
NHTSA complaint #10536441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CRASHED
NHTSA complaint #10536441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
VEHICLE BURNEDD UP. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER HEARD A FAINT POP, FOLLOWED BY SMOKE COMING FROM THE DIMMER. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND GOT OUT. THEY LET THE VEHICLE STAND FOR A FEW SECONDS, WENT INTO THE CHURCH TO CALL 911. BY THE TIME THEY RETURN TO THE VEHICLE ,THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. *NM......
NHTSA complaint #10101621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THE WIRES MELTED. WIRES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND WIRES NEAR THE DOOR SPEAKERS WERE WARM TO THE TOUCH.
NHTSA complaint #10040110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WA SHAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL.
NHTSA complaint #10021921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE IMPACTED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 MPH. DRIVER'S AIR BAG RELEASED A POWDER, BUT FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT AIR BAG SHOULD BE FINE, BUT HAS NOT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #891036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN
the automatic transmission shift cable is recalled and the rear window also. I called norm reeves honda in port charlotte florida at 9417438883 and spoke to a woman in service. she took my information and told me she would call me back. Less than 10 minutes later she called me back and told me the parts aren't available and she wouldn't be able to help me any further.
NHTSA complaint #11419940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
the automatic transmission shift cable is recalled and the rear window also. I called norm reeves honda in port charlotte florida at 9417438883 and spoke to a woman in service. she took my information and told me she would call me back. Less than 10 minutes later she called me back and told me the parts aren't available and she wouldn't be able to help me any further.
NHTSA complaint #11419940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CRASHED
NHTSA complaint #10536441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CRASHED
NHTSA complaint #10536441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 HONDA CIVIC LX WITH GOODYEAR P-TRACKER TIRES, LINE SIZE P185/60/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED TWO TIRES FOR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, BOTH TIRES HAD LOST AIR PRESSURE AND WERE COMPLETELY FLAT. SHE THEN CONTACTED THE FACILITY IN WHICH SHE PURCHASED THE TIRES BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #10364991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE A 1993 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK. IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT IN THE EARLY 1990`S, THE REAR WHEEL WELLS EDGES RUST AND PERFORATE WHILE THE FRONT WELLS DO NOT. I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND IT IS OTHERWISE IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. ON INQUIRY, TO DEALERS AND OTHER HONDA CIVIC OWNERS THEY ALL SAY THAT IN THAT TIME THE SHEET METAL FOR THE REAR WELLS WAS INFERIOR TO THE FRONT WELLS AND THAT HONDA HAS SINCE THEN CORRECTED THE PROBLEM...MEANWHILE I HAVE A WELL CARED FOR CAR THAT STILL RUNS WELL BUT HAS THE UGLY RUST IN THOSE AREAS MENTIONED . PLS LET E KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE....THANK YOU....TERRY
NHTSA complaint #10262707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 HONDA CIVIC. THE VEHICLE HAS SEARS ROADHANDLER TIRES. IN 2003, THE CONTACT PURCHASED A SET OF REPLACEMENT TIRES FROM SEARS AND THEY WERE GUARANTEED FOR 100,000 MILES. HE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAS A TWO INCH SPLIT IN THE SIDEWALL. THE OTHER TIRES ARE ALSO BEGINNING TO CRACK ON THE SIDE. THE TIRES ARE QUICKLY LOSING TEN TO ELEVEN POUNDS OF AIR DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE TIRES BACK TO SEARS. THE TIRE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 420,000.
NHTSA complaint #10262570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE BATTERY AND ENGINE OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND ALL ELECTRICAL POWER FAILED. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE COIL FAILED AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE PART. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10203415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT,THEN ROUGH IDLE,THEN TOTAL DEATH OF IGNITION,STALLED. REPAIR STATION DIAGNOSED IT TO BE A DISTRIBUTOR FAILURE. REPLACED WITH NEW ONE,6 MONTHS LATER IT FAILED AND WAS REPLACED WITH REBUILT UNIT. NOW ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGAIN,SAME PROBLEM WITH THE REBUILT DISTRIBUTOR APPARENTLY. HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO A REPAIR SHOP YET.
NHTSA complaint #10200059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A VEHICLE WAS ADVERTISED IN THE NEWSPAPER WITH 87000 MILES. IT ACTUALLY HAS EXCESS OF 185300 AS DETERMINED IN A CARFAX REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10154242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
VEHICLE BURNEDD UP. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER HEARD A FAINT POP, FOLLOWED BY SMOKE COMING FROM THE DIMMER. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND GOT OUT. THEY LET THE VEHICLE STAND FOR A FEW SECONDS, WENT INTO THE CHURCH TO CALL 911. BY THE TIME THEY RETURN TO THE VEHICLE ,THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. *NM......
NHTSA complaint #10101621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I HAVE A 1993 HONDA CIVIC LX. COUPLE OF DAYS BACK WHEN I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM WORK, MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT WOULD NOT START. WITH THE HELP OF A PASSER BY I GOT MY CAR PUSHED IN A PARKING LOT. LATER I HAD IT TOWED TO MY GARAGE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE IGNITER HAD FAILED. HE CHARGED ME $700 TO REPLACE THE IGNITER AND DO A TUNE UP.
NHTSA complaint #10062183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DISTRIBUTOR AND RELATED PARTS FAILURE. SINCE 2000, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE 3 REPLACEMENTS.THIS IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR CARS IN GENERAL. I WILL REPORT THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT SINCE I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS REPORTING SERVICE TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #10058910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DISTRIBUTOR AND RELATED PARS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10058912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DISTRIBUTO AND RELATED PARTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10058915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE HEAD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE ENGINE WAS WARPED SO CAR KEPT OVERHEATING AND FINALLY THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED
NHTSA complaint #10056812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK FAILED. NO UNUSUAL STRESS WAS ON SEAT BACK, BUT EITHER JOINT BROKE, OR BAR CONNECTING SEAT BACK TO JOINT BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #10054967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
A/C UNIT IN 1993 HONDA CIVIC EXPLODED NOT ONCE BUT TWICE ON ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT UNIT.
NHTSA complaint #10048909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE SUFFERED BROKEN TIE ROD CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD.*MR THE CONSUMER HIT A DITCH. THE FAILURE WAS A BROKEN ROD ON THE RIGHT STEERING AXLE. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10047757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING OIL AND SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION THREE TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #10048043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THE WIRES MELTED. WIRES UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND WIRES NEAR THE DOOR SPEAKERS WERE WARM TO THE TOUCH.
NHTSA complaint #10040110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *AK *PH
NHTSA complaint #10031818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DISTRIBUTOR FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE STOP ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN I HAD THE CAR FIXED, THE MECHANIC SAID ALL THE HONDAS DURING THIS PERIOD HAVE THE SAME FAILURE. ONE YEAR LATER MY 1990 HONDA CIVIC HAD THE DISTRIBUTOR FAIL ALSO. I AM CONCERNED THAT ACCIDENTS ARE OCCURRING BECAUSE THE DISTRIBUTOR FAILS IN HEAVT TRAFFIC. IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I WAS TOLD THE BEARINGS ARE LOW QUALITY AND FREEZE UP.
NHTSA complaint #10025547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WA SHAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL.
NHTSA complaint #10021921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1993 HONDA CIVIC LX STALLED WHILE IN MOTION. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN THE ODOMETER READ ABOUT 100,000 MILES BACK IN 2000. THE PROBLEM WAS PINPOINTED TO A FAULTY IGNITOR WHICH WAS PROMPTLY REPLACED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED NOR WAS THERE AN ACCIDENT. RECENTLY IN MAY 13, 2003 THE SAME PART FAILED WITH THE ODOMETER READING 165,000 MILES. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. THIS PART AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR PREMATURELY CAUSED SUCH FAILURE. ASIDE FROM THIS VEHICLE, A 1993 HONDA ACCORD EX COUPE ALSO HAD THE SIMILAR PART REPLACED BEFORE THE ODOMETER REACHED 100,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10018605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.