1987 Honda Civic
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
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
33% of complaints: seat belts — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED WHILE DRIVING ERRATIC OPERATION DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950310
8% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVERS/PASSENGERS SHOULDER BELTS FAILED DURINGN AN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950227
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950124
5% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020920
SAFETY TIMELINE
OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.
Remedy: UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.
Campaign 87V171000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING
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
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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
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 PRO
Campaign 95V103001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V171000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V180000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103001 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Honda Civic reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Honda Civic is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Honda Civic?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Honda Civic have?
3 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.