1985 Honda Civic
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 9 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 35 |
| 1987 | 39 |
| 1988 | 46 |
| 1989 | 69 |
| 1990 | 91 |
| 1991 | 110 |
| 1992 | 98 |
| 1993 | 146 |
| 1994 | 135 |
| 1995 | 199 |
| 1996 | 305 |
| 1997 | 373 |
| 1998 | 435 |
| 1999 | 338 |
| 2000 | 287 |
| 2001 | 1079 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 499 |
| 2004 | 350 |
| 2005 | 314 |
| 2006 | 1402 |
| 2007 | 1203 |
| 2008 | 914 |
| 2009 | 395 |
| 2010 | 396 |
| 2011 | 168 |
| 2012 | 454 |
| 2013 | 314 |
| 2014 | 290 |
| 2015 | 377 |
| 2016 | 1059 |
| 2017 | 574 |
| 2018 | 708 |
| 2019 | 406 |
| 2020 | 216 |
| 2021 | 133 |
| 2022 | 877 |
| 2023 | 249 |
| 2024 | 116 |
| 2025 | 62 |
| 2026 | 23 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 19960213
2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: suspension.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 88V117000 — check if this car was fixed
UNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.
Remedy: INSTALL A CONTACT UNIT HOLDER THAT WOULD PREVENT LOOSENING.
Campaign 88V180000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V117000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V180000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Honda Civic have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.