1985 Honda Civic recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, MECHANICAL FUEL PUMPS MAY DEVELOP FUEL LEAKAGE AT CRIMPED SEAM BETWEEN THE TWO FUEL PUMP HALVES.
What could happen: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CREATES APOSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.
The fix: INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CIVIC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V117000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, MECHANICAL FUEL PUMPS MAY DEVELOP FUEL LEAKAGE AT CRIMPED SEAM BETWEEN THE TWO FUEL PUMP HALVES.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CREATES APOSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.
Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL PUMP.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH CARBURETORS.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. UNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE AND WOULDAFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY.
The fix: INSTALL A CONTACT UNIT HOLDER THAT WOULD PREVENT LOOSENING.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CIVIC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V180000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Summary: UNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE AND WOULDAFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy: INSTALL A CONTACT UNIT HOLDER THAT WOULD PREVENT LOOSENING.
Notes: SYSTEM: FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Honda Civic owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (5), Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Engine (2), Latches / locks (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/14/2001 · Fuel system · fire
DUE TO PRESSURE BUILD UP IN FUEL TANK VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, RESULTING MINOR INJURIES. *AK
02/09/2001 · Wheels / tires
TIRE TRACTION UNACCEPTABLY LOW. TIRES SPIN ON TAKE-OFF AND SKID ON ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE PROBLEM IS TREMENDOUSLY WORSE ON WET ROAD THAN ON DRY ROAD, BUT STILL POSES DANGER EVEN ON DRY ROAD. THE PROBLEM IS ALSO GETTING WORSE AS THE TIRES GET OLDER. THEY WERE PURCHASED IN OCTOBER OF 1999. WHEN THE TIRES SLIDE OR SPIN, THEY MAKE VERY LITTLE NOISE AND LEAVE N…
09/30/1997 · Suspension
LEFT REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM DISCONNECTED FROM THE AXLE HOUSING ATTACHMENT POINT. ALSO SPRING ON SEAT NEARLY ROTTED OUT, AND SHOCK ABSORBER WAS NEARLY ROTTING OUT. *AK
09/30/1997 · Engine
ENGINE OVERHEATED TWICE DUE TO DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. *AK
11/13/1996 · Seat belts · crash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME OPEN UPON IMPACT AND DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER CHEST. *AK
06/24/1996 · Brakes · crash
SON DRIVING VEHICLE, WENT ACROSS 4 LANES, STOPPED AT SIGN, PULLED ONTO MERIDIAN, BRAKES FAILED, PUMPED BRAKES HARD, NOT WORKING, FOUND BRAKE FLUID ON SEALS. *AK
03/01/1996 · Latches / locks · crash
DRIVING AT SPEED 65MPH, HOOD FLEW OPEN, CAUSING IMPACT 6:00 POSITION. *AK
03/01/1996 · Latches / locks · crash
DRIVING AT SPEED 65MPH, HOOD FLEW OPEN, CAUSING IMPACT 6:00 POSITION. *AK