MYRModel Year Report

1981 Honda Civic

○ Not enough data
1981 Honda Civic
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:11:29.743Z

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Civic Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 9 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1986: 35 complaints 1986 1987: 39 complaints 1988: 46 complaints 1989: 69 complaints 1990: 91 complaints 1991: 110 complaints 1992: 98 complaints 1992 1993: 146 complaints 1994: 135 complaints 1995: 199 complaints 1996: 305 complaints 1997: 373 complaints 1998: 435 complaints 1998 1999: 338 complaints 2000: 287 complaints 2001: 1079 complaints 2002: 702 complaints 2003: 499 complaints 2004: 350 complaints 2004 2005: 314 complaints 2006: 1402 complaints 2007: 1203 complaints 2008: 914 complaints 2009: 395 complaints 2010: 396 complaints 2010 2011: 168 complaints 2012: 454 complaints 2013: 314 complaints 2014: 290 complaints 2015: 377 complaints 2016: 1059 complaints 2016 2017: 574 complaints 2018: 708 complaints 2019: 406 complaints 2020: 216 complaints 2021: 133 complaints 2022: 877 complaints 2022 2023: 249 complaints 2024: 116 complaints 2025: 62 complaints 2026: 23 complaints 2026
1981: 1 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19821
19839
19845
198515
198635
198739
198846
198969
199091
1991110
199298
1993146
1994135
1995199
1996305
1997373
1998435
1999338
2000287
20011079
2002702
2003499
2004350
2005314
20061402
20071203
2008914
2009395
2010396
2011168
2012454
2013314
2014290
2015377
20161059
2017574
2018708
2019406
2020216
2021133
2022877
2023249
2024116
202562
202623

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 1 total report mentions: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING DOWN ROAD, STOPPED COMPLETELY, TRIED TO GET BACK HOME, NOTICE SMOKE FROM UNDERNEATH, THEN VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES NEAR PASSENGER SIDE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960509

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 19860708 — DP (closed 19860821)

SEAT BELT RETRACTORS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ■ 2007 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Honda Civic reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1981 Honda Civic?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Honda Civic have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.