Honda Civic problems and known issues

Generation:

10th / 11th gen

Years:

2016–2022

Powertrain:

All

The front passenger seat weight sensor can crack and short-circuit, which can make the air bags deploy when they should not during a crash. Recall 24V064 covered 2020–2022 Civic sedans, 2020 Civic coupes, 2021–2022 hatchbacks and the 2021 Type R. Recall 26V332 (May 2026) expanded it to 2016–2022 Civic, 2016–2020 coupes, 2017–2021 hatchbacks and 2017–2018 and 2021 Type R; letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Dealers replace the sensor for free. Unit counts cover every model in each campaign.

Sources: [31][32]

Generation:

11th gen (2022–present)

Years:

2022–2025

Powertrain:

All incl. Type R and Hybrid

Recall 24V744 is the largest campaign on the current Civic. The steering gearbox on 2022–2025 Civic sedans and hatchbacks, the 2023–2025 Type R and the 2025 Civic Hybrid may have been built with excessive internal friction, making the car hard to steer. Dealers replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease; letters were mailed November 18, 2024. The 1,693,199 count includes CR-V, HR-V and Acura Integra. A separate recall, 23V704, covers 2022–2024 Civics that got an incorrectly assembled replacement steering rack.

Sources: [33][34]

Generation:

11th gen (2022–present)

Years:

2025

Powertrain:

Civic and Civic Hybrid

The high-pressure fuel pump on certain 2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid models can crack and leak fuel, which raises fire risk near an ignition source. Dealers inspect and replace the pump as needed; owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. The 720,810 count also includes 2023–2024 Accord and Accord Hybrid and 2023–2025 CR-V Hybrid.

Sources: [35]

Generation:

11th gen (2022–present)

Years:

2023

Powertrain:

Type R

On 640 2023 Civic Type Rs, the driver seat frame may not have been welded properly, so the cushion frame could break and fail to restrain the driver in a crash. It fails FMVSS 207. Dealers replace the seat cushion frame; letters were mailed May 10, 2023.

Sources: [36]

Generation:

10th gen (2016–2021)

Years:

2016–2018

Powertrain:

1.5L turbo

Some 2016–2018 Civics with the 1.5L turbo can build up fuel and moisture in the engine oil, mostly with repeated short trips in very cold weather. Honda Canada’s owner letter lists possible effects: a check-engine light from misfire or rich running, a low oil pressure light, and, rarely, camshaft noise. The fix updates engine, CVT and climate-control software and changes the oil. In the U.S., trade press reported in May 2019 that Honda extended coverage on the camshafts and rocker arms of these cars to six years with unlimited miles. This was a service campaign, not a safety recall.

Sources: [22][23]

Generation:

10th gen (2016–2021)

Years:

2016

Powertrain:

2.0L (non-turbo)

Certain 2016 Civics with the 2.0L engine built September 22, 2015 to February 3, 2016 may have pistons missing a wrist pin circlip or with one installed incorrectly. The pin can drift and damage the cylinder, which can seize the engine. Dealers inspect and replace piston assemblies and any damaged parts for free. The recall covered 42,129 cars.

Sources: [24]

Generation:

10th gen (2016–2021)

Years:

2016

Powertrain:

1.5L turbo and 2.0L

On 350,083 2016 Civic two- and four-door models, the electric parking brake may not engage if it is applied immediately after the ignition is turned off, which could let the car roll away. Dealers update the software so the brake engages immediately; the recall began November 8, 2016.

Sources: [25]

Generation:

10th gen (2016–2021)

Years:

2017–2020

Powertrain:

All

In June 2021 Honda Canada extended the warranty on air conditioner condensers on 2018–2020 Civic coupes and sedans and 2017–2020 Civic hatchbacks to 10 years from first registration, with no mileage limit, because of a quality issue that can make condensers leak. Owners who had already paid for the repair could claim reimbursement. That release covers Canadian vehicles; U.S. buyers should ask a Honda dealer whether a U.S. warranty extension shows for the VIN.

Sources: [26]

Generation:

10th gen (2016–2021)

Years:

2018–2020

Powertrain:

All incl. Si and Type R

The low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine. Recall 20V314 began with 2018–2019 Civic Hatchbacks and Type Rs; 21V215 added 2019–2020 Civic Hatchbacks and 2019 Civic coupes, sedans, Si and Type R; and 23V858 expanded the campaign again to cover 2013–2023 Civic coupes, sedans, hatchbacks and Type Rs among many models, with letters mailed September 6, 2024. Dealers replace the pump module for free. The 2,490,460 figure for 23V858 covers the whole multi-model expansion.

Sources: [27][28][29]

Generation:

10th gen (2016–2021)

Years:

2020–2021

Powertrain:

All

On certain 2020–2021 Civics, the tie-rod fastener joining the brake booster and master cylinder may have been assembled improperly, so the master cylinder can separate and braking can be lost. Dealers inspect and repair the booster assembly for free; letters were mailed August 7, 2023. The 124,077 count also includes Ridgeline, Passport, Pilot and Acura MDX.

Sources: [30]

Generation:

8th / 9th gen

Years:

2011–2012

Powertrain:

All

Two small fuel-system recalls bracket the 8th-to-9th-generation changeover. Under 11V176, 18,056 2011 Civics had a poorly welded roll-over-valve case in the fuel pump module that could crack and leak fuel in a rollover; dealers inspected and replaced the module. Under 11V288, 1,156 2012 Civic coupes and sedans built April 21 to May 2, 2011 could have a misaligned O-ring in the fuel feed line; dealers replaced the line.

Sources: [17][18]

Generation:

9th gen (2012–2015)

Years:

2012

Powertrain:

All

On 50,190 2012 Civics, the assembly step that seats the driver-side driveshaft and sets its retaining clip may not have been completed, so the shaft can pull out. The car then loses drive power and can roll away if left in Park without the parking brake. Dealers inspect and replace the driveshaft as needed; the recall began June 21, 2012.

Sources: [19]

Generation:

9th gen (2012–2015)

Years:

2012

Powertrain:

IMA hybrid

The driveshafts on some 2012 Civic Hybrids sold or registered in salt-belt states may not have received a proper protective coating, so road salt can corrode them until they break. That can cause a sudden loss of drive power or a rollaway if the parking brake is not set. Dealers inspect and replace the left or right shaft as needed. The 248,358 count includes Fit and Acura ILX models.

Sources: [20]

Generation:

9th gen (2012–2015)

Years:

2014–2015

Powertrain:

CVT

On 2014–2015 Civics built January 16 to November 6, 2014, the CVT control software could allow damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft. If the shaft breaks, the car can lose acceleration or the front wheels can lock while driving. Dealers update the transmission software for free; the recall was expected to begin October 30, 2015. The 143,676 count includes 2015 Fit models.

Sources: [21]

Generation:

8th gen (2006–2011)

Years:

2006–2011

Powertrain:

All incl. Civic Hybrid and Civic GX/NGV

The 8th-generation Civic is part of three rolling passenger-inflator recalls that were phased by region, starting with hot, humid “Zone A” states. Recall 16V346 began with 2006–2011 Civics registered in Zone A; 17V030 and 18V042 widened the coverage. Dealers replace the passenger inflator free of charge. Some cars later needed a second visit because a replacement inflator was installed incorrectly (17V545, 18V268, 19V378).

Sources: [12][13][14][15]

Generation:

8th gen (2006–2011)

Years:

2006–2007

Powertrain:

IMA hybrid

The voltage converter that feeds power from the Integrated Motor Assist system to the car’s electrical components can fail on certain 2006–2007 Civic Hybrids. That turns off the headlights, stalls the engine and prevents a restart. Dealers replaced the converter at no cost; the recall began March 25, 2011, and covered 36,656 cars.

Sources: [16]

Generation:

7th gen (2001–2005)

Years:

2001–2002

Powertrain:

All

In February 2023 Honda told owners of 2001–2002 Civics (and several other 2001–2003 Honda and Acura models) that still have unrepaired Takata “Alpha” inflators to stop driving them until the recall repair is done. Honda said only about 8,200 of these inflators were left in Honda and Acura vehicles on U.S. roads. The repair is free, and Honda offers free towing and a loaner if needed.

Sources: [1]

Generation:

7th gen (2001–2005)

Years:

2001–2005

Powertrain:

All incl. Civic Hybrid and Civic GX

Recall 15V320 covers the dual-stage driver frontal air bag in 2001–2005 Civics, 2001–2004 Civic GX and 2003–2005 Civic Hybrids, plus many other Honda and Acura models. Moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability can, over time, make the inflator rupture and throw metal fragments. Dealers replace the inflator free of charge; the recall began July 1, 2015. The 6,281,043-vehicle count covers every model in the campaign. Follow-up recall 19V182 replaces some inflators that were themselves installed as earlier remedy or service parts.

Sources: [2][3][4]

Generation:

7th gen (2001–2005)

Years:

2001–2005

Powertrain:

All incl. Civic Hybrid and Civic GX

Recall 15V370 covers the passenger frontal air bag in 2001–2005 Civics built March 21, 2000 to January 20, 2005, plus Civic GX and Civic Hybrid versions. Moisture can get into the inflator, and over time it can rupture when the bag deploys. Dealers replace the inflator for free; the recall began July 1, 2015. The 3,498,481 count is for the whole multi-model campaign. Recall 19V501 later replaced some passenger inflators that had been fitted as remedy or service parts.

Sources: [5][6][7]

Generation:

7th gen (2001–2005)

Years:

2003

Powertrain:

Automatic transmission

On certain 2003 Civic two- and four-door cars with an automatic transmission (and 2003 Accord, 2003–2004 Element), the ignition switch interlock lever can deform. The key can then come out when the shifter is not in Park, so the car can roll away. Dealers replace the interlock pin and lever for free; the recall began October 7, 2010. The 551,498 count covers all three models.

Sources: [8]

Generation:

7th gen (2001–2005)

Years:

2002–2003

Powertrain:

All

Tension from the combination-switch wiring harness can wear the terminal surface, raising electrical resistance until the terminal ends melt inside the connector. The low beams can then stop working. Honda added 2002–2003 Civics to this campaign in August 2012; dealers repair the harness or replace the lighting switch at no cost. The 1,375,217 total also includes CR-V and Pilot.

Sources: [9]

Generation:

6th gen (1996–2000)

Years:

1996–2000

Powertrain:

All

Recall 20V026 covers 1996–2000 Civic Coupes and 1998–2000 Civic Sedans, among other older Honda and Acura models, fitted with non-azide driver inflators (NADI). These do not use Takata’s ammonium nitrate propellant, but they can absorb moisture and then rupture or underinflate the bag. Dealers inspect the inflator and replace it as needed, for free; the recall began October 1, 2020. Recall 20V027 covers 2000 Civics that received a replacement NADI module during a repair.

Sources: [10][11]