1990 Honda Civic Problems & Reliability

If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a reliable ride, you’ve probably heard of the Honda Civic. This iconic vehicle has been a staple on the roads for decades, known for its dependability and efficiency. But like any car, the 1990 Honda Civic isn’t without its quirks and issues. Whether you’re considering buying a vintage model or just curious about automotive history, it’s worth diving into the common problems and overall reliability of this classic car. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ups and downs of owning a 1990 Honda Civic, giving you a clear picture of what to expect from this beloved vehicle. The 1990 Honda Civic is often celebrated for its durability and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers. However, it’s not immune to the wear and tear that comes with age. From engine troubles to electrical gremlins, we’ll cover the typical issues that owners might face. But don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom. Many Civic owners have found that with a little TLC, this car can still run like a champ. So, whether you’re reminiscing about your first car or considering adding a classic to your garage, join us as we take a closer look at the 1990 Honda Civic’s problems and its enduring reputation for reliability.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

  • Hood Release Cable May Break at Handle

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue that pops up is the hood release cable breaking at the handle. This can be a bit of a hassle since it makes accessing the engine compartment tricky. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this classic ride.

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one issue that pops up is the airbag light coming on due to a failed occupant position sensor. While this problem can be a bit of a hassle, it’s not uncommon for older vehicles to have some quirks. Overall, the Civic still holds up well, but it’s worth keeping an eye on this specific issue if you’re driving one.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue that pops up is bad engine mounts. These can lead to noticeable vibrations, roughness, and rattling noises while driving, which can be pretty annoying. Despite this hiccup, many owners find that with regular maintenance, the Civic still holds up well over the years.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Power Window Switch May Fail

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue that pops up is the power window switch failing. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it can be a bit annoying if you rely on your windows a lot. Luckily, it’s usually a straightforward fix, so it shouldn’t cause too much of a headache in the long run.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue that pops up is warped front brake rotors, which can cause vibrations when braking. While this problem can be a bit annoying, it’s usually not a deal-breaker and can be fixed with a rotor replacement. Overall, the Civic remains a solid choice for those who value dependability in a classic ride.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Faulty head gasket may cause oil and coolant leaks

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue to watch out for is a faulty head gasket. This problem can lead to oil and coolant leaks, which might cause engine overheating if not addressed promptly. Despite this, many owners find that with regular maintenance, the Civic remains a dependable ride.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Coolant Leaking and Engine Overheating

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but some owners have reported issues with coolant leaking and engine overheating. These problems can lead to more serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to keeping this classic car running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Plugged Moon Roof Drains May Cause Water Leak

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one issue to watch out for is the plugged moon roof drains, which can lead to water leaks. This problem isn’t uncommon in older vehicles with moon roofs, and it can cause some inconvenience if not addressed. Regular maintenance and checking the drains can help prevent this issue from becoming a bigger problem.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue that pops up is warped front brake rotors, which can cause vibrations when braking. While this problem can be a bit annoying, it’s usually not a deal-breaker and can be fixed with a rotor replacement. Overall, the Civic remains a solid choice for those who value dependability in a classic ride.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Plugged Moon Roof Drains May Cause Water Leak

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one issue to watch out for is the plugged moon roof drains, which can lead to water leaks. This problem isn’t uncommon in older vehicles with moon roofs, and it can cause some inconvenience if not addressed. Regular maintenance and checking the drains can help prevent this issue from becoming a bigger problem.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Ignition Switch May Bind

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one issue that pops up is the ignition switch binding. This can be a bit of a hassle, as it might make starting the car tricky at times. Overall, while it’s a solid car, this is something to keep an eye on if you’re considering one.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leaking from Top of Engine

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Faulty head gasket may cause oil and coolant leaks

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue to watch out for is a faulty head gasket. This problem can lead to oil and coolant leaks, which might cause engine overheating if not addressed promptly. Despite this, many owners find that with regular maintenance, the Civic remains a dependable ride.

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leak From Engine and Possible Check Engine Light

Analysis:

The 1990 Honda Civic is generally known for its reliability, but like any older car, it can have its quirks. One common issue is oil leaks from the engine, which might also trigger the check engine light. While these problems can be a hassle, they are often manageable with regular maintenance and timely repairs.

Conclusion

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Picture of Flagship One

Flagship One

The world's top supplier of programmed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Engine Control Modules (ECM), Injection Control Modules (IDM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Transmission Control Modules (TCM), Engine Control Units and all other car control units. With over a decade in the business, we are the most reliable source when it comes to programming services for replacement engine control modules.

What Customers Think About Us