1994 Honda Civic Problems
- Complaints
- 135filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 133,050miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.5L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Honda Civic (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about air bags: the SRS light staying on and air bags failing to deploy or deploying without inflating in crashes. Other recurring themes in the sampled complaints are seat belts that come unlatched or fail to lock, ABS and hydraulic brake symptoms, and transmission or shift-lock problems. Mileage in the sample is high — many reports come in well past 100,000 miles, and filings span from the mid-1990s through the 2010s.
- Air bags
Air bag warning light on / air bags not deploying
- 51 complaints (38%)
- median 169,000 mi at 10.7 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 43 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2015
Complaints describe the SRS light coming on and staying on, which owners take to mean the air bag system is inactive. In other reports, air bags did not deploy in frontal or angled impacts, or deployed but did not inflate. Several owners say dealers told them the air bag module or SRS control unit needed replacement, sometimes at a quoted cost, and that the warning returned or the concern was not resolved. Reports appear across a wide mileage range, from relatively low-mileage cars to those past 150,000 miles, and filings span the late 1990s through the 2010s.
What to check: Ask whether the SRS light comes on and goes out normally at startup, and have any stored air bag codes read before buying. Check whether the passenger-side air bag inflator recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My mother was driving her vehicle alone and had an encounter with a deer strike to the front of the vehicle. The safety air bags did not deploy. The accident was immediately reported to the local dealer. Since that date (unknown to me) the srs light has been on continuously and Honda refuses to fix this potential deadly system flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10680163, filed 2015-01“I have recently been in two accidents both involving the front end of my car. In the first I was traveling at about 40/MPH my car hit a patch of ice and slid into a bus t-boning it. The second accident I was traveling at about 35/MPH when someone pulled out in front of me I proceeded to hit them and then a telephone pole, at which time my girlfriend hit her head on the winshield. During both of these incidents my airbags have failed to deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #722840, filed 2000-05 - Brakes
Brake pulsation, long stopping distance and ABS symptoms
- 8 complaints (6%)
- median 217,000 mi at 25.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2019
Owners describe vibration through the steering column and rough, uneven stops, with rotors and brakes replaced repeatedly without the vibration going away. Others report the pedal going to the floor, extended stopping distances on icy roads, or ABS engaging with a clicking noise. In some accounts the dealer or police inspection found nothing wrong with the brakes. Reports span low and high mileage, with several tied to wet, icy or snowy conditions; one report comes at about 217,000 miles.
What to check: Have the brakes inspected for rotor condition, pedal feel and ABS function, and check for an ABS warning light. Ask about service history for the master cylinder and ABS system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Abs light comes on. I hear a sound as if there's something loose when ABS light comes on as well as pulsating while in motion. Shift lever also gets stuck when trying to pull out of parking lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11203815, filed 2019-04, 217,000 miles“1994 Honda Civic experienced sudden acceleration when the brakes were applied, resulting in the vehicle crashing into two cars. The officer called to the accident found nothing wrong with the brakes, but managed to give the consumer a ticket for $70.00. The vehicle continues to have sudden acceleration problems, while the consumer's foot was on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10120433, filed 2005-05 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission grinding, sticking or shift lock problems
- 7 complaints (5%)
- median 217,000 mi at 25.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2019
Complaints describe grinding noises in first and second gear that continue in higher gears, and a manual transmission that will not shift into any gear until the car cools down. Others report the shifter locking up when moving from Park to Drive, requiring the shift-lock override, with brake lights sometimes not working at the same time. One owner says a dealer declined to cover the transmission repair. Reported on cars of varying age and mileage; one report ties shift-lock trouble to about 217,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for gear whine or grinding on a test drive and check that the shifter moves freely between gears and out of Park. Ask whether the shift cable retaining clip recall was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission is making funny noises. Technician at san francisco Honda stated that Honda makes 500,000 civics every year. You just happened to get one with a bad transmission. Suggested that I contact Honda to fix the transmission. Honda corporate refused to pay for the repair. Transmission makes a grinding noise when accelerating in first and second gears. Continues to grind when in higher gears.”
NHTSA complaint #712717, filed 1999-10“When shifting from park to drive shifter locks up and driver must use key in shift lock to release the shifter once this happens the brake lights do not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10200907, filed 2007-08 - Engine cooling
Head gasket failure and overheating
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the car overheating on longer drives, with a head gasket problem diagnosed and repaired. In another account the engine sputtered, stalled and the temperature gauge climbed to hot before a dealer identified a blown head gasket; a separate report mentions coolant smoke and a piston failure that required engine replacement. Reported during highway and longer trips; the sample does not give consistent mileage figures for these complaints.
What to check: Check the coolant level and condition and look for oil/coolant mixing or white exhaust smoke. Ask whether the head gasket or cooling system has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on the highway 50-55 MPH all of sudden engine blewout. Smoke was coming out of tailpipe and under the hood. Took vehicle to a local mechanic who said that one of the engine piston broke on the engine block. There was a hole in the base of the engine. Had the engine replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #851686, filed 1999-11“While driving, the engine all of a sudden began to sputter and then stall, consumer looked down and noticed that the engine light had come on, and then the temperature guage went allthe way up to hot, vehicle was taken to dealer and consumer was informed that the head gasket was blown.”
NHTSA complaint #562183, filed 2001-04
Buying note. On a car of this age, condition and service history matter more than mileage, so have a mechanic check the air bag system, brakes and cooling system before buying. Confirm that both open recalls for this model year were completed, and ask for records on transmission and head gasket work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 135 consumer complaints for the 1994 Honda Civic. 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 133,050 miles. Of all complaints, 60 involved a crash, 46 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags56 41%
- Brakes17 13%
- Engine cooling9 6.7%
- Seat belts9 6.7%
- Tires9 6.7%
- Vehicle speed control9 6.7%
- Seats7 5.2%
- Equipment6 4.4%
- Suspension6 4.4%
Also reported: Body and structure (5), Other or unknown (4), Steering (4), Electrical system (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The consumer was going through a traffic light and the oncoming vehicle which was going about 30 MPH and hit the owner's vehicle. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10111375, filed 2005-02, 150,000 milesBrakes: “When the brakes are pressed there is a vibration in the steering column and the car stops in a roughly manner. Brakes and rotors have been replaced on 3 different occasions as a remedy, but vibrations continues.”
NHTSA complaint #864793, filed 2000-07Engine cooling: “While coming off the highway, the vehicle's motor started to sound funny, and the consumer experienced difficulty in steering. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, and it was determined that the bolt in the crank shaft had loosened and wallowed. The refurbished crankshaft only lasted 3 weeks and had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10059671, filed 2004-02Seat belts: “Front passenger seat belt fails to remain latched during normal driving. Feels as if it latches when pushed fully in, but then pops out or can be pulled out.”
NHTSA complaint #10000343, filed 2002-12, 104,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 104,500 and 188,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1994 Honda Civic. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic · coupe | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Civic · sedan | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1994 Honda Civic version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 35 | 41 | 38 | $1,750 |
| Civic FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 33 | 41 | 36 | $1,850 |
| Civic FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 29 | 36 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Civic FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Civic Del Sol FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 30 | 37 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Civic Del Sol FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Civic Del Sol FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Civic Del Sol FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Civic Del Sol FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 28 | 25 | $3,300 |
| Civic HB VX FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 39 | 50 | 43 | $1,550 |
| Civic HB VX FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 37 | 45 | 40 | $1,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 94V063000Apr 10, 1994Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Honda Civic 1992–1994, Acura Integra 1994
A retaining clip that connects the transmission shift cable to the shift lever actuating rod can have insufficient retention pressure and may eventually come off after repeated shift lever operation. If this happens, the position of the shift lever may not…
- 93V208000Dec 9, 1993Air bags › FrontalCovers: Honda Civic 1994
The passenger-side air bag modules contain incorrect inflators which are out of specification for the passenger side air bag.
Recall details for the 1994 Honda Civic → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10013953May 1, 2004Equipment. Audio unit and navigation system anti-theft codes available on interactive network.
Other model years of the Honda Civic
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 300 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 78 | 7,278 | 2 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 126 | 11,000 | 3 | 5 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 259 | 10,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 64 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 886 | 27,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 147 | 30,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 10 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 234 | 15,400 | 5 | 5 | 32 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 443 | 16,200 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 748 | 32,508 | 6 | 5 | 33 | 61 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 604 | 23,300 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 66 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 1,082 | 30,000 | 5 | 5 | 34 | 84 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 381 | 50,000 | 1 | 4–5 | 32 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 293 | 32,570 | 2 | 4–5 | 32 | 15 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 319 | 24,000 | 0 | 4–5 | 32 | 1 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 456 | 30,150 | 3 | 4–5 | 31 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 169 | 31,500 | 9 | 3 | 29 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 397 | 39,960 | 8 | — | 29 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 396 | 31,000 | 8 | — | 29 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 916 | 50,000 | 7 | — | 29 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,204 | 45,000 | 9 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,404 | 60,000 | 13 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 316 | 65,000 | 10 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 350 | 82,000 | 10 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 499 | 76,000 | 11 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 702 | 90,000 | 11 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 1,079 | 89,320 | 14 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 287 | 74,000 | 6 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 338 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 435 | 95,000 | 4 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 373 | 88,000 | 2 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 305 | 100,500 | 2 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 199 | 131,000 | 0 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 135 | 133,050 | 2 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 146 | 139,500 | 1 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 98 | 116,754 | 1 | — | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 110 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1990 | 91 | 156,931 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 69 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 46 | 150,000 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 39 | 157,000 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 35 | 107,684 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1985 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 29 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 3 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 9 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Honda Civic model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Honda Civic?
Owners of this model year most often write about air bags: the SRS light staying on and air bags failing to deploy or deploying without inflating in crashes. The issues reported most often: Air bag warning light on / air bags not deploying; Brake pulsation, long stopping distance and ABS symptoms; Transmission grinding, sticking or shift lock problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Honda Civic have?
NHTSA recorded 135 consumer complaints for the 1994 Honda Civic as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Honda Civic is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 56 complaints (41% of the total), followed by brakes with 17.
Has the 1994 Honda Civic been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1994 Honda Civic get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Honda Civic (Civic, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1994 Honda Civic reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 133,050 miles and the middle half falls between 104,500 and 188,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.