1991 Honda Civic
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › Civic › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Honda Civic. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1991 Honda Civic. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
110 complaints12 involved a crash5 involved a fire15 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts · Seat belts › Pretensioner
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…
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.
- Tires
Tread belt separation
- 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.
- Structure › Body
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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…
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 that the warranty does not clearly distinguish between electrical and non-electrical malfunctions - thus my complaint. *Tr
- 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…
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
- Air bags › Frontal
TL* the contact owns a 1991 honda civic. While driving 30 mph she hit an animal, then crashed into a tree. the vehicle was completely destroyed, and none of the air bags deployed. As a consequence she sustained injury to her hips, ankle face, and some bones were broken. a police report was filed.…
TL* the contact owns a 1991 honda civic. While driving 30 mph she hit an animal, then crashed into a tree. the vehicle was completely destroyed, and none of the air bags deployed. As a consequence she sustained injury to her hips, ankle face, and some bones were broken. a police report was filed. the vehicle was inspected by the insurance adjuster who was unable to determine why the air bags failed to deploy. She IS in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The vehicle identification number was unavailable. the failure and current mileages were 104,000.
- Power train › Manual transmission
The clutch pedal plate assembly has cracked on my car, rendering the car immobile because the clutch pedal can no longer activate a switch to determine that the clutch pedal IS depressed. Because the switch can not be pressed by the depressed clutch pedal any longer, the car can not be turned on. I have not yet fixed this problem because it will cost $400 to do so. *Tr
- Seat belts
The driver's side automatic shoulder seatbelt fails to move to the secure position when sitting in the car. *Tr
- Seat belts
91 honda civic LX, the seat belt does not work properly, makes constant beeping noise and light IS blinking . *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
1991 civic that IS having the same ignition switch problem that honda issued recalls for in mid to late 90'S vehicles. (Intermittent current in run position) from a brief web search, I find that this IS a very common honda problem. Potentially hazardous. car will stall unexpectedly at it's own discretion. *jb
- Seat belts › Front
Vehicle pulled out in front of honda. speed of honda at time was 40 mph. On impact drivers seat belt worked but then failed, spooling out, causing driver to hit windshield and steering wheel. Injuries included broken jaw, collarbone,neck, both femurs,lower leg and left foot, hand, fingers and nine ribs one of which severed lower left aorta, every organ severely damaged resulting in death. *nm
- Seat belts
I took my honda in to have retractable seat belt system checked out by holmes honda, clive, iowa. problem IS the seatbelt warning light flashing and buzzer going off, and tensioners not working properly drivers seat belt feels loose, doesn?t tighten when brakes applied. I had mentioned to…
I took my honda in to have retractable seat belt system checked out by holmes honda, clive, iowa. problem IS the seatbelt warning light flashing and buzzer going off, and tensioners not working properly drivers seat belt feels loose, doesn?t tighten when brakes applied. I had mentioned to service manager that on the alldata website for that year of vehicle front seat belts was a recall issue, and that also in my research I had found that honda corp does warranty their "seat belt system" for life of vehicle. when I picked car up, service manager stated they would need lots of service diagnostics to pinpoint problem and that if I wanted it fixed right it was going to be an expensive fix. I don?t feel I should have to pay for the diagnostic, and parts when it should be covered by honda. service manager did state the seat belts are warrantied through honda but that any electrical component that IS part of system IS not warrantied. I stated having knowledge of vehicles that any electrical component of the seat belts, IS part of the seat belt "system". what I need IS advice on how to get seat belt system fixed and whether honda corp should cover all charges. as it IS now we don't feel safe in vehicle and i?m upset a dealership would compromise safety over taking care of a customer right.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Ignition failure. *ak
- Seat belts
Consumer states that seat belts are not on track when she stops seat belt goes forward. also, while she IS driving seat belts go back and forth at will. the seat belts are not secure, and do not hold.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Seat belts
The automatic seat belt on my 1991 honda civic fails to close on the driver's side. It IS stuck in the "open" position interfering with driving and not providing any shoulder restraint. the component that rides along the front door track where the seat belt opens and closes will not manually move…
The automatic seat belt on my 1991 honda civic fails to close on the driver's side. It IS stuck in the "open" position interfering with driving and not providing any shoulder restraint. the component that rides along the front door track where the seat belt opens and closes will not manually move along the track. It appears, this IS the way the seat belt IS constructed, it causes tension or pulls on the component that slides along the door. That may cause an obstacle to my seat belt closing. I previously had a faulty door latch on the driver's side, which I had replaced with a new door latch, at my own expense. The door latch failure was making the seat belt open and close while driving on the freeway. The opening and closing of the seat belt also damaged the sun visor. I don't feel safe driving this car with such a flaky seat belt and would like honda to repair this defect according to the terms of the warranty. *jb
- Structure › Body › Hood
The hood opened, while the vehicle was in motion.*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Intermittent problems with vehicle stalling or not starting at all. while driving on highway vehicle stalled and was almost hit by a tractor trailer. vehicle checked by dealer, who replaced fuel pump. However, stalling still occurring.*ak
- Seat belts · Vehicle speed control · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Drivers seatbelt will not release, causing consumer to be without a seatbelt while driving. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak the heater core and motor blower failed. Cruise control failed. *yh
- Seat belts
I was stopped in traffic at a light behind another car when my car was rearended. though I was wearing both seatbelts (shoulder and lap), the shoulder belt failed to lock up with the impact and I was thrown against the steering wheel, fracturing my sternum. of the three cars rearended, I suffered…
I was stopped in traffic at a light behind another car when my car was rearended. though I was wearing both seatbelts (shoulder and lap), the shoulder belt failed to lock up with the impact and I was thrown against the steering wheel, fracturing my sternum. of the three cars rearended, I suffered the only injury. the seatbelts are warranted for the life of the car, yet honda refuses to admit that there was any failure, has not conducted any meaningful test of the seatbelt failure and refuses to honor the warranty and replace the seatbelts. honda would not come to an arbitrated settlement with the ca dept of consumer affairs other than offering me a $100.00 discount on the full price of belts and installation. I want honda to honor its warranty and pay for the full replacement of the belts. though the car has over 150,000 miles, it IS in very good condition and IS otherwise reliable.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
On two separate occasions the hood latch failed causing the hood to fly open on the freeway and slam into the windshield. On both occasions the windshiled was broken. On the second occasion the impact was so great it completley shattered the windshield and knocking the rear view mirror off the body…
On two separate occasions the hood latch failed causing the hood to fly open on the freeway and slam into the windshield. On both occasions the windshiled was broken. On the second occasion the impact was so great it completley shattered the windshield and knocking the rear view mirror off the body of the vehichle. On both occasions I had two passengers with me. I have since then seen about 20 or more 1991 honda civics with replaced hoods and little or no damage to the body of the vehichle, thus leading me to beleive that this has happened to many other 1991 honda civic owners.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
My passenger side seatbelt began retracting if I would brake suddenly, or if I went over a bump, as though the door was open. I contacted my local mechanic, who said it was a defect with the door latch and he had seen this same problem before. on 7/3/01, I spoke with michelle albert at american…
My passenger side seatbelt began retracting if I would brake suddenly, or if I went over a bump, as though the door was open. I contacted my local mechanic, who said it was a defect with the door latch and he had seen this same problem before. on 7/3/01, I spoke with michelle albert at american honda motor co at (800) 999-1009 as the seatbelts are warrantied for the life of the car and this was an obvious safety concern. she agreed to help me with the repair job, for between $100 and $200. I had the repair done and sent honda a copy of the bill. they sent me a letter back saying they had no record of my conversation with michelle albert, and that due to the age of the car they would not reimburse me for any part of the repair. I sent them another letter stating how disappointed I was at their lack of concern for my safety. I feel they are trying to get out of their seatbelt warranty on a technicality (i.e., that since it IS the door latch that IS causing the seat belt to malfunction, and not the seat belt assembly itself, that they do not have to repair it). also, it appears that this IS a design flaw with the car itself, since my small local mechanic has seen the same problem before, and that honda should honor its commitment to provide a working seatbelt for the life of the car.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt buckle will not unlock. belt IS attached to door and can cause a prob,em in case of an emergency. manfacturer hasn't done anything about it.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt buckle fails
There is no summary currently available
- Stalling
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10013953Audio unit and navigation system anti-theft codes available on interactive network.
- 10009048Audio, anti-theft codes. Honda. Tech line summary.
- 629065Concerns with a clunk or squeak from the rear suspension when going over rough or bumpy roads.
- 626720Information regarding cam-on fuel fill cap failures during smog check.
- 610611Experiencing a clunk from the rear suspension when going over rough or bumpy roads.
- 54041Problems with head gasket leaks.
- 44013Unknown
Every Honda Civic model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.