1981 Honda Civic problems

Common 1981 Honda Civic problems

The Honda Civic 1981 is known for its reliability and durability, but like any other car, it has common problems that owners have reported over the years. One of the most common issues is rust, which is particularly prevalent in the roof area due to the rubber inserts along the roofline that tend to trap moisture. This has led to the disappearance of many of these models in New Zealand.

Another issue is the lack of power and performance, which is partly due to the engine's small size and outdated technology. The 1.2-liter petrol engine in the 1981 Civic produces just 39kW of power and takes 16 seconds to reach 100km/h. The four-speed manual transmission, which is prone to losing its synchro, also contributes to the slow acceleration. Additionally, the engine's high-revving nature and lack of a fifth gear make it sound like a rocket ready to launch at high speeds, leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin.

The braking system is another area where the 1981 Civic falls short. While front disc brakes and rear drums were rare for cars of this size in this era, the brakes can feel spongy and require more pedal pressure than modern cars. Power steering is also not available, making parking and low-speed maneuvers more challenging.

Fuel efficiency is one area where the 1981 Civic excels, with Honda claiming 7.5L/100km when it was new. However, the actual fuel consumption can vary depending on the car's condition and maintenance. Some owners have reported poor gas mileage, which can be due to issues such as a faulty O2 sensor or a rough idle problem.

Overheating is another common problem in the Honda Civic, particularly in models between 1990 and 2005. This can be caused by a clogged radiator, coolant leak, or other issues that interrupt the cooling process.

Finally, the interior of the 1981 Civic is simplistic, with a cream headlining and woodgrain-accented dashboard. However, the lack of power windows, air conditioning, and other modern amenities can make it feel outdated compared to newer cars.

In summary, the Honda Civic 1981 is known for its reliability and durability, but it has common problems such as rust, lack of power and performance, spongy brakes, high-revving engine, and simplistic interior. Proper maintenance and care can help mitigate these issues and ensure the car's longevity.

What is the common problem of Honda Civic?

Brakes. Some Civic owners have complained of squealing brakes; Honda is said to be aware of the problem and working on a fix, though it's worth keeping in mind that any Civic you test drive with noisy brakes may not be easy to fix.

What were the bad years for Honda Civic?

Models of the Honda Civic from 2001 to 2005, 2007 to 2009, and 2011 are the worst because of the multiple complaints and recall record. The 2001 model had close to 1,228 user complaints just in that year.

Can a Honda Civic last 30 years?

Regular maintenance along with making the needed repairs the Civic can last 20+ years. All cars need something repaired or replaced during a lengthy ownership. For my personal example I own a 2009 civic, the only repairs needed in 10 years has been the CV axles have been replaced.

Is an old Civic a good first car?

The Honda Civic is compact car royalty, and it also happens to be a great first car. A benchmark small car since the 1970s, part of the Civic's immense popularity today is due to how cheap it has been to run and maintain over the years.

1981 Honda Civic car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Civic problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Honda Civic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.