Is the 1985 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 1985 Honda Civic?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Honda Civic have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1985 Honda Civic

○ Not enough data

1985 Honda Civic
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:29.734Z

Only 15 complaints 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 15
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1985: 15 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	1
1982	1
1983	9
1984	5
1985	15
1986	35
1987	39
1988	48
1989	69
1990	92
1991	111
1992	100
1993	155
1994	161
1995	199
1996	305
1997	373
1998	435
1999	338
2000	287
2001	1,079
2002	702
2003	499
2004	350
2005	316
2006	1,404
2007	1,204
2008	916
2009	396
2010	397
2011	169
2012	456
2013	318
2014	293
2015	379
2016	1,081
2017	602
2018	747
2019	441
2020	232
2021	146
2022	885
2023	259
2024	125
2025	79
2026	32

Known problem areas

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

5 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Failure of the driver side seat belt buckle the consumer was in an accident and the belt came out the buckle. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-13

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

FIREINJURY

Visibility

1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.

Tires

1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1988-08-07Fuel system, gasoline88V117000 Under certain conditions, mechanical fuel pumps may develop fuel leakage at crimped seam between the two fuel pump halves.

Remedy: Install an improved fuel pump assembly.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1988-11-18Visibility88V180000 Under high ambient temperatures front windshield wiper contact unit could loosen and become dislodged.

Remedy: Install a contact unit holder that would prevent loosening.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 88V117000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 88V180000 · Visibility

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 Honda Civic?: The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Honda Civic have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.