1HGEC453XHA0318671987 HONDA CivicGL
Executive Summary
1987 HONDA Civic was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 41 owner complaints include 7 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- ▸3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- ▸7 injuries reported across 41 owner complaints
- ▸6 complaints involved a crash — unusually high incident rate
- ▸Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- ▸Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- Make
- HONDA
- Model
- Civic
- Year
- 1987
- Trim / Series
- GL
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 1.491222824L 76 hp
- Transmission
- Manual/Standard
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
- Assembly
- MARYVILLE, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ⚠7 injuries reported in complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
1.5L VTEC Turbo: documented gasoline fuel diluting engine oil in cold climates — Honda extended warranty and class action settlement
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~62%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
HONDA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SummaryTHE 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.Read full details...
~42% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
SummaryUNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SummaryOWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
1 in 6 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
32% of complaints filed in Apr & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
The blue line shows 41 total NHTSA complaints filed over 10 years, with the worst year being 1995 (17 complaints, including 3 crash reports).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 100/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
Notably, despite 41 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 4 years (1995, 1996, 1999, 2002) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
HONDA has been fined $93M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2016: Additional penalties related to Takata airbag recall management.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1HGEC453XHA031867 |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| Make | HONDA |
| Model | Civic |
| Trim | GL |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Manual/Standard |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.491222824 |
| Horsepower | 76 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. |
| Assembly City | MARYVILLE |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1HG |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | X |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | H |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | A |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 031867 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 41 |
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/21/2026, 9:42:02 AM.