1986 Honda Civic problems
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.
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Common 1986 Honda Civic problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems with the 1986 Honda Civic based on complaints from owners:
- Starting Problems: Some owners have faced difficulties starting their 1986 Honda Civic. This could be due to issues with the spark plugs, distributor, or an electrical problem like a faulty igniter.
- Fuel System Concerns: Complaints include issues with the fuel system, such as fuel filters, fuel pump, and carburetor problems. Owners have reported fuel shooting into the carburetor, indicating potential fuel delivery issues.
- Mechanical Failures: Mechanical failures like a stripped timing belt have been reported, leading to starting issues and engine problems. Replacing the timing belt may not always resolve the starting problem, indicating potential underlying mechanical issues.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues, such as problems with the distributor, rotor, spark plugs, and igniter, have been highlighted as potential causes of starting and running problems in the 1986 Honda Civic.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1986 Honda Civic highlight a range of issues related to the car's idle, starting, fuel system, mechanical components, and electrical system. Addressing these concerns may require thorough diagnostics and potentially replacing or repairing various components to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
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 was a bad year for Honda Civic?
What Year Did the Honda Civic Have Engine Problems? The Honda Civic years 2001 – 2006 is a notorious batch of vehicles in the lineup with multiple engine and airbag issues. However, models from 2006 to 2008 and a few 2009 models had coolant issues such as leaks that could blow up your engine.
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.
How old of a Honda Civic should I buy?
Q: What are the most reliable Honda Civic years to consider for a used purchase? A: For those in the market for a used Honda Civic that combines reliability with performance, the years to focus on are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
1986 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Honda Civic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Honda Civic
The NHTSA has received 51 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Honda Civic. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Honda Civic vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 HONDA CIVIC. THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY BROKE DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT TO GET RID OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE BROKEN DOWN FIVE TIMES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND STOPPED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIND A REASON WHY THIS IS HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER FIRST BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-26
- VIN: JHMAF532XGS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE 1986 HONDA CRX HAS PLASTIC FENDERS THAT HOLD THE SIDE MARKER LAMPS. THE PLASTIC HAS BECOME VERY BRITTLE OVER TIME. MY SIDE MARKER LIGHTS ARE ONLY HELD ON BY A CLUMSY, PLUG-IN ATTACHMENT NEXT TO THE HEADLIGHT. THE TWO SCREW HOLES THAT HOLD THE LAMPS ARE USELESS IN THE FENDERS THAT ARE BOTH BROKEN IN SEVERAL SPOTS. *NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-09
- VIN: JHMAF532XGS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEATBELT ANCHOR POINTS NEAR THE DOORS HAVE BOTH RUSTED OUT AND DO NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY. THE CAR IS NOW IN VIOLATION OF NATIONAL SEATBELT LAWS. WHAT CAN I DO? WHAT WILL HONDA DO? THANK YOU.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-01
- VIN: JHMAF5336GS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE TRIM PIECE ABOVE THE FRONT BUMPER IN FRONT OF THE HOOD IS CRACKED IN 3 PLACES. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT OTHER CRX'S AND EVERY SIMILAR CRX I HAVE SEEN IS CRACKED IN THE SAME PLACES.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE LOW BEAM SWITCH FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT CAUSING THE LIGHT TO GO OUT, THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BOTH FENDERS HAVE CRACKS MIDWAY BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR FENDER, THERE ARE ALSO CRACKS ACROSS THE FRONT IN THE METAL WHICH IS BETWEEN THE HOOD AND BUMPER. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-05
- VIN: JHMAF5339JS
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING WITH LOW BEAM, BEAMS DIED OUT AND WENT TO 0. CONSUMER STATED SWITCH WAS FAULTY. *AK THE LOW BEAM SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE LOW BEAM INOPERATIVE. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMAR6528GC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AFTER PARKING VEHICLE, 5 MINUTES LATER, THE HORN WAS BEEPING INTERMITTENTLY, THEN CONTINUOUSLY BEEPING. TWO MINUTES AFTER A LOUD NOISE LIKE EXPLOSION, FOUND OUT VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THEN HOUSE CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. FRICTION FROM WHEEL BEARING TOO CLOSE TO BRAKE LINE CAUSED THE FIRE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CLUTCH FAILURE. ALSO ALTERNATOR REPLACED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMAH5326GS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DISINTEGRATED/CORRODED FUEL FILTER PIPE, RESULTING IN PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER CAR IN THE MORNING ONLY WHEN TANK IS FULL. DURING REPAIRS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO VAPORS IGNITING DURING A PASSINGELECTRICAL STORM. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: JHMAF533XGS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK CORRECTED. PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE LISTED RECALL 95V103001, SEAT BELT BUCKLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-04
- VIN: JHMAG4319GS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE DRIVESHAFT HAS A CRACK IN IT .THERE IS A RECALL ON THE HONDA CIVIC , CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER WITH VIN . CONSUMER WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE RECALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMAK5433GS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED BY DEALER.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-28
- VIN: JHMAH533G6S
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL #95V1030.01, ORDERED PARTS IN NOVEMBER OF 96. RECEIVED CALL FROM DEALER ON APRIL 25, 1997 STATING THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. WAITED MORE THAN (60) DAYS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-03
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN TANK IS FILLED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY RUSTED AND CORRODED AND RUPTURED THE VEHICLE LINE, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK DAMAGE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR HATCHBACK SUPPORT RODS FAILED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-01
- VIN: JHMAF5321GS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED 2 TIMES.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-02
- VIN: 1HGAK5431GA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVESHAFT FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMAK7434GS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE, CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DETACHED FROM BELT BUCKLE. RECALL#96V103001. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
- VIN: JHMAF5321GS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR CROSSMEMBER BAR ROTTED IN TWO PLACES, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY WHEN TURNING THE CAR. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-14
- VIN: JHMAF5326GS
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT SPRING BROKE CAUSING SEAT TO SWING BACK.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1HGEJ8242GL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-30
- VIN: JHMAG4317GS
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT ON AND OFF SWITCH BROKE, ALSO CONTROLS TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, UNABLE TO TURN LIGHTS ON OR OFF, OR INDICATE THAT VEHICLE IS TURNING. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMAK5433GS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PURCHASE CAR NEW WHEN DRIVING PUSH ON THE BRAKE CAR STALLED . TT
1986 Honda Civic recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Honda Civic.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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 IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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 PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: LEFT SIDE DRIVE SHAFT COULD DEVELOP CRACKS NEAR THE OUTER JOINT.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: DURING HIGH STRESS SITUATIONS, SUCH AS RAPID ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, THE DRIVE SHAFT COULD BREAK WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: REPLACE LEFT DRIVE SHAFT WITH A PROPERLY MANUFACTURED PART.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Honda Civic problems:
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