1985 Honda Civic problems

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The Honda Civic (Japanese: ホンダ・シビック, Hepburn: Honda Shibikku) is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. As of 2023, the Civic is positioned between the Honda Fit/City and Honda Accord in Honda's global car line-up.

The first-generation Civic was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door fastback sedan, followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With a 1,169 cc transverse engine and front-wheel drive like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, later iterations have become known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Type R, Civic VTi, Civic GTi and Civic SiR/Si.

The Civic has been repeatedly rebadged for international markets, and served as the basis for the Honda CR-X, the Honda CR-X del Sol, the Concerto, the first generation Prelude, the Civic Shuttle (later to become the Orthia) and the CR-V (which, by extension, was used as the basis for the Honda FR-V).

The Civic is one of the all-time best-selling automobiles in the world, with over 27 million units sold since 1972 as of 2021.

1985 Honda Civic

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Common 1985 Honda Civic problems

The 1985 Honda Civic is known for engine problems, with the most common issue being stalls when idling. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty idle control valve, a dirty throttle body, or a malfunctioning ignition system. These issues can lead to the engine stalling or not starting at all, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for the driver.

Another common problem with the 1985 Honda Civic is related to the boot on the passenger side where the castle nut and cotter pin are located. This issue was reported by two different owners, indicating that it may be a widespread problem. The boot can come loose, causing potential damage to the trailing arm and the CV joint, which can lead to more severe and costly repairs.

In addition to these problems, the 1985 Honda Civic's all-aluminum engine with hardened valve-seat inserts in the cylinder head requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. The engine can survive on a diet of unleaded fuel without a problem, but it's recommended to have the valve clearances adjusted to specification and run the engine on unleaded for six months or so to check for any significant changes in the clearances. If the clearances reduce significantly, it's necessary to have the head fitted with new, harder valve seats or run the engine on LRP.

Lastly, some 1985 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the car not turning over and idling high when it does start. These problems can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty starter motor, a weak battery, or a malfunctioning ignition system. These issues can lead to the car not starting at all, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for the driver.

In conclusion, the 1985 Honda Civic has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including engine stalls, loose boots, and issues with the engine's durability and reliability. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help prevent these problems from becoming more severe and costly.

1985 Honda Civic engine

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.

How much was a Honda Civic in 1985?

Hatchback

1985 Honda CivicSpecsPrice
GLSpecs: 1.5L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATICPrice: $2,640 - $4,070
BaseSpecs: 1.5L, Leaded Petrol, 5 SPEED MANUALPrice: $3,690 - $5,280
GLSpecs: 1.5L, Leaded Petrol, 5 SPEED MANUALPrice: $1,980 - $3,080
Grand PrixSpecs: 1.5L, Unleaded Petrol, 5 SPEED MANUALPrice: $2,640 - $4,070

How much horsepower does a 1985 Honda Civic have?

1985 finally saw the US release of the Si trim with the Civic CRX Si, which featured a fuel-injected, 1.5 -liter SOHC EW3 4-cylinder engine making 91 hp (68 kW).

What year is the oldest Honda Civic?

1972

The line-off ceremony for the first-generation Civic in July 1972 raised the expectations of every Honda associate. The Civic hit the market after only two years of development, which was at the time an industry record.

1985 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:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Honda Civic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Honda Civic complaints

The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Honda Civic.

2001-02-14

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-02
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: DUE TO PRESSURE BUILD UP IN FUEL TANK VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, RESULTING MINOR INJURIES. *AK
2001-02-09

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JHMAH5324FS
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TIRE TRACTION UNACCEPTABLY LOW. TIRES SPIN ON TAKE-OFF AND SKID ON ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE PROBLEM IS TREMENDOUSLY WORSE ON WET ROAD THAN ON DRY ROAD, BUT STILL POSES DANGER EVEN ON DRY ROAD. THE PROBLEM IS ALSO GETTING WORSE AS THE TIRES GET OLDER. THEY WERE PURCHASED IN OCTOBER OF 1999. WHEN THE TIRES SLIDE OR SPIN, THEY MAKE VERY LITTLE NOISE AND LEAVE NO MARKS. THEY ARE ALSO SHOWING VIRTUALLY NO WEAR. THEY HAVE BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 14,000 MILES. *AK (TIRESIZE: 175/70R13)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 175/70R13 )
1997-09-30

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-20
  • VIN: JHMAR6522FC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LEFT REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM DISCONNECTED FROM THE AXLE HOUSING ATTACHMENT POINT. ALSO SPRING ON SEAT NEARLY ROTTED OUT, AND SHOCK ABSORBER WAS NEARLY ROTTING OUT. *AK
1997-09-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE OVERHEATED TWICE DUE TO DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. *AK
1996-11-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-10
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JHMAR652XFC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME OPEN UPON IMPACT AND DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER CHEST. *AK
1996-06-24

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-21
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: SON DRIVING VEHICLE, WENT ACROSS 4 LANES, STOPPED AT SIGN, PULLED ONTO MERIDIAN, BRAKES FAILED, PUMPED BRAKES HARD, NOT WORKING, FOUND BRAKE FLUID ON SEALS. *AK
1996-03-01

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-27
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DRIVING AT SPEED 65MPH, HOOD FLEW OPEN, CAUSING IMPACT 6:00 POSITION. *AK
1996-03-01

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-27
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DRIVING AT SPEED 65MPH, HOOD FLEW OPEN, CAUSING IMPACT 6:00 POSITION. *AK
1996-02-29

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-15
  • VIN: JHMAF5336FS
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT FAILURE. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BOLT FAILED CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE BACKWARDS.
1996-02-29

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-15
  • VIN: JHMAF5336FS
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT FAILURE. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BOLT FAILED CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE BACKWARDS.
1996-02-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-16
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JHMAF332XFS
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE BELT CAME OUT THE BUCKLE. TT
1996-01-31

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-31
  • VIN: JHMAR6529FC
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE AFFECTED DRIVER VISIBILITY RECALL 88V117000. TT
1995-12-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JHMAR6524FC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE CAM PULLEY BROKE OFF THE CAR PURCHASE CAR USED FROM OWNER . TT
1995-05-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-05-24
  • VIN: JHMAK3431FS
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS INOPERATIVE. TT
1995-05-11

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-25
  • VIN: JHMAH3321FS
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. (88V-117) *AW
1995-05-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-23
  • VIN: JHMAG4311FS
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE REAR SEAT BELT CAN'T BE PULLED OUT. TT
1995-03-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-16
  • VIN: JHMAN5521FC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER SECURE DURING ACCIDENT. *SKD

1985 Honda Civic recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Honda Civic.

1988-11-18
  • Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
  • Summary: UNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.
  • Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE AND WOULDAFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A CONTACT UNIT HOLDER THAT WOULD PREVENT LOOSENING.
1988-07-22
  • Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, MECHANICAL FUEL PUMPS MAY DEVELOP FUEL LEAKAGE AT CRIMPED SEAM BETWEEN THE TWO FUEL PUMP HALVES.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CREATES APOSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.
  • Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Honda Civic problems:

Common problems for late 80s Civic? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
Common problems for late 80s Civic? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/common-problems-late-80s-civic-1257621/

May 25, 2005 ... Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991) - Common problems for late 80s Civic? - Hi, I'm new on the board. I'm taking a look at a 1989 Civic Wagon ...

Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC 2006: Fuel Consumption & Common ...
Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC 2006: Fuel Consumption & Common ...
https://www.justanswer.com/honda/fkjhw-honda-civic-vtec-1-8lxi-2006-fuel-consumption.html

Nov 26, 2020 ... Have had work done on auto transmission (High consumption started before transmission work), I have changed spark plugs but problem carries on.

:::Common Prelude Problems::: - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
:::Common Prelude Problems::: - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-prelude-4/common-prelude-problems-1930447/

Mar 22, 2007 ... Honda Prelude - :::Common Prelude Problems::: - Im just looking for common problems tha occur with the preludes at certain mileage times.

2009 Honda Civic Problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
2009 Honda Civic Problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/11239/honda/civic/2009-honda-civic-problems

Feb 9, 2009 ... I have an '06 Civic and the alignment issue was a problem then. ... Anyone else experiencing this? 0. chicago1985guy ... known issue with this ...

Transmission problem | 2016+ Honda Civic Forum (10th Gen) - Type ...
Transmission problem | 2016+ Honda Civic Forum (10th Gen) - Type ...
https://www.civicx.com/forum/threads/transmission-problem.7125/

That's normal for the CVT. Add you tuned Civic here: Tuned CivicX Experience & Reliability Thread Been a Civic owner since 1985. That's pretty damn long ...

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1985 Honda Civic photo