1989 Honda Civic Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 16%of 69 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Honda Civic, 16% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact stated the engine revved while the vehicle idled in park. The check engine light would illuminate and the gears were hard to shift. While driving at various speeds the vehicle gradually lost power and then stalled. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop for the stalling issue. The mechanic replaced the timing belt, however the problem continued. During the second inspection the mechanic determined there was an electrical issue. The vehicle has not been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10151024, filed 2006-02, 100,000 miles“Previousy vehicle has had problems with intermittently not starting and stalling at any speed. Vehicle had been at dealer several times, and dealer never made consumer aware of a recall. Igniter was replaced with a update piece.”
NHTSA complaint #897392, filed 2001-10“The car will not start if the weather is bad ( rain, fog, misty) the car has been looked at by the dealer they replaced demoduler and the car still won't start.”
NHTSA complaint #979385, filed 1996-02“Fuel throttle body assembly sprayed gas on computer shorting it out. Tt the trottle body assembly was replaced because it was possible to cause fire in the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #975825, filed 1995-11Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 16% |
| 2025 | 6 | 8% |
| 2024 | 8 | 6% |
| 2023 | 17 | 7% |
| 2022 | 38 | 4% |
| 2021 | 18 | 12% |
| 2020 | 37 | 16% |
| 2019 | 37 | 8% |
| 2018 | 61 | 8% |
| 2017 | 103 | 17% |
| 2016 | 119 | 11% |
| 2015 | 28 | 7% |
| 2014 | 39 | 13% |
| 2013 | 39 | 12% |
| 2012 | 60 | 13% |
| 2011 | 16 | 9% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 36 | 9% |
| 2008 | 51 | 6% |
| 2007 | 67 | 6% |
| 2006 | 100 | 7% |
| 2005 | 26 | 8% |
| 2004 | 32 | 9% |
| 2003 | 51 | 10% |
| 2002 | 49 | 7% |
| 2001 | 59 | 5% |
| 2000 | 38 | 13% |
| 1999 | 118 | 35% |
| 1998 | 88 | 20% |
| 1997 | 30 | 8% |
| 1996 | 17 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 25 | 17% |
| 1992 | 28 | 29% |
| 1991 | 22 | 20% |
| 1990 | 18 | 20% |
| 1989 | 11 | 16% |
| 1988 | 7 | 15% |
| 1986 | 4 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1989 Honda Civic
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Honda Civic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology