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1991 Honda Civic Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1991 Honda Civic has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic shoulder belt track and retractor failure.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1991 Honda Civic.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic shoulder belt track and retractor failure

SEAT BELTS

20 NHTSA complaints · 1994-10 → 2015-02

“THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT ON MY 1991 HONDA CIVIC FAILS TO CLOSE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. IT IS STUCK IN THE "OPEN" POSITION INTERFERING WITH DRIVING AND NOT PROVIDING ANY SHOULDER RESTRAINT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10010889
“AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT ON ITS OWN AS IT SHOULD. WHEN MOVED BACK MANUALLY AND THE DOOR IS OPENED, IT WILL GO BACK FORWARD AND STICK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #846953
“THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #832071

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood opening while vehicle in motion

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

4 NHTSA complaints · 1997-04 → 2003-02

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 60-62 MPH HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SHATTERED FRONT WINDSHIELD, KNOCKING REAR VIEW OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #896551
“ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING THE HOOD TO FLY OPEN ON THE FREEWAY AND SLAM INTO THE WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #756843
“THE HOOD OPENED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10007117

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt failing to lock or restrain in braking or impact

SEAT BELTS

11 NHTSA complaints · 1995-03 → 2023-07

“SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO LOCK UP AND DRIVER WAS THROWN AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND INJURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #751487
“DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NO LONGER LOCK WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #884664
“The contact stated that the front passenger's side and driver's side shoulder belts pretensioners failed to operate as designed and the shoulder belts failed to tighten during aggressive braking”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530144

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition and distributor failure with stalling

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 1996-01 → 2006-07

“THE ENGINE FAILED/STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON TWO OCCASIONS DUE TO THE IGNITOR ROTER FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #784805
“ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AUTO COMPLETELY LOST ALL POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #744701
“DISTRIBUTER HAD BAD BEARING. WAS REPLACED AT COST OF $463.48”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #702002

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water leaking into trunk and rear light assemblies

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12 NHTSA complaints · 1995-02 → 2000-02

“REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLIES FILL WITH WATER DURING RAIN OR CAR WASH CAUSED BRAKE,TAIL AND SIGNAL BULBS TO BURN OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #549831
“TRUNK LID CUSHIONS IMPROPERLY DESIGNED; ALLOWS WATER LEAKAGE INTO TAIL LIGHT LENSES CAUSING THEM TO SHORT OUT WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #959878
“INTERMITTENTLY WATER LEAKS INTO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT, CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHTS TO SHORT CIRCUIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #855559

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake master cylinder, rotor and drum failures

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 1995-02 → 1998-11

“MASTER CYLINDER FAILED TO OPERATE ON TWO OCCASIONS WITHIN 5 YEARS APART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #830846
“BRAKE FAILURE WARPING DISC ROTORS IN FRONT VEHICLE WILL PULL VERY HARD; CAUSING WEARING OF PADS, RESULTING IN VIBRATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #960396
“REPLACED BRAKE SHOE AND 6 MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE VIBRATE OUT OF CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #981199

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

855 crashes 1990–2024

How the 855 occupant deaths break down

572

driver deaths

281

passenger deaths

2

not recorded by seat

855

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1991 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

12

complaints mentioning a crash

7

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 1991 Honda Civic reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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