Honda Civic problems
The Honda Civic (Japanese: ホンダ・シビック, Hepburn: Honda Shibikku) is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. As of 2023, the Civic is positioned between the Honda Fit/City and Honda Accord in Honda's global car line-up.
The first-generation Civic was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door fastback sedan, followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With a 1,169 cc transverse engine and front-wheel drive like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, later iterations have become known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Type R, Civic VTi, Civic GTi and Civic SiR/Si.
The Civic has been repeatedly rebadged for international markets, and served as the basis for the Honda CR-X, the Honda CR-X del Sol, the Concerto, the first generation Prelude, the Civic Shuttle (later to become the Orthia) and the CR-V (which, by extension, was used as the basis for the Honda FR-V).
The Civic is one of the all-time best-selling automobiles in the world, with over 27 million units sold since 1972 as of 2021.
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Honda Civic model years
Common Honda Civic problems
The Honda Civic is known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it can have certain common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on data from owner complaints:
- Airbag Light due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor: The airbag light may illuminate due to a failed occupant position sensor. Honda has issued recalls for some model years to address this issue, which requires the replacement of the defective sensor. The cost of diagnosis for this problem averages between $88 -$111.
- Bad Engine Mounts: Bad engine mounts can cause vibration, roughness, and rattling, especially when reversing or driving in drive. Replacing the engine mount usually resolves the problem.
- Fuel Pump Module: An issue has been found with the fuel pump module on Civics manufactured from the start of production up until 5 March 2019. A new module will need to be fitted to sort the issue.
- Side Airbags: A small number of examples built between 12 April and 31 July 2017 might not deploy as intended in a collision. Speak with your Honda dealer to establish if your car is affected by this.
- Emissions: Some Civics made from the start of production up until 23 May 2018 could have a problem with the engine's emission control software that would require an update to be performed by a Honda technician.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are a common problem in the Honda Civic, with the 2001 model year having the most overall complaints. The most-reported problem is transmission failure.
- Clear Coat Peeling: The 2009 Honda Civic has had issues with clear coat peeling, which can be costly to repair.
- Wobbly Handbrake: The handbrake in the Civic can become wobbly, which may require the replacement of the entire steering rack and tie rod.
- Excessive Handbrake Travel: The handbrake in the Civic can have excessive travel, which may require the replacement of the handbrake cable.
- Failed Fuel Flap Release Switch: There have been known issues with the fuel flap release switch failing in Honda Civic vehicles, which can be repaired at a Honda dealers.
- Cracked Engine Manifold: The engine manifold can crack, specifically on the 2.2 iCDTi engine. This is an expensive part to replace, but will be covered under warranty if you still have one.
- Failed Front Suspension Bump Stops: The front suspension bump stops can fail, causing a rattling noise when driving over speed bumps. This can be covered under warranty if you still have one, otherwise you will need to fit a replacement bump stop to resolve the issue.
- Worn Down Gear Knob: The gear knob is known to wear down very quickly on the Civic. This is just a cosmetic issue rather than mechanical.
- Early Corrosion on Bodywork: The Civic is known to get early corrosion on the bodywork around the A-pillars, particularly around the outside edge of the A-pillar next to the windscreen, around the edges of the doors and the bonnet.
It is important to note that not all Civic models are affected by these problems, and many owners report minimal issues with their vehicles. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when inspecting a used Civic.
What years to avoid with a Honda Civic?
Models of the Honda Civic from 2001 to 2005, 2007 to 2009, and 2011 are the worst because of the multiple complaints and recall record. The 2001 model had close to 1,228 user complaints just in that year.
What is the main problem with the Honda Civic?
Suspension problem
A common problem on the Civic is for the front suspension bump stops to fail. You may notice this issue when driving over speed bumps if you hear a rattling noise coming from the front suspension.
Is the Honda Civic a reliable car?
Honda Civics are known for their durability, with many owners reporting their vehicles easily surpassing the 200,000-mile mark, showcasing the model's long-term value. The Honda Civic's average annual repair cost is a mere $368, which is relatively low compared to some other brands.
At what mileage do Honda Civics start having problems?
A typical Honda will last 200,000 to 300,000 miles without much issue, which is an excellent range for most drivers. The Honda Civic will last about 200,000 miles with proper care, putting it in that range.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Honda Civic years
We have researched Honda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Honda Civic cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Honda Civic model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Honda Civic model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Honda Civic years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Honda Civic car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Honda Civic , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Honda Civic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Civic model years
A total of 1733 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Civic model years
There were a total of 176 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Civic model years
There were a total of 1460 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Civic model years
There were a total of 106 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 15028 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Honda Civic . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Honda Civic vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Honda Civic 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 19XFC2F67KE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering wheel sticks.
Honda Civic 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 19XFB2F57CE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I was 3 hrs away from home and I started my vehicle and the air bag light began flashing and beeping. The light was on the message board that indicates my speed, clock, fuel, etc. it basically is the information center for the car. I pushed the information button on the steering wheel to clear it but it kept blinking and flashing the entire way home. I also turned off the engine and restarted it but no luck with that either. It was a very distracting experience having to drive 3 hours like this. I made an appointment with my mechanic and he diagnosed it as the Occupant Passenger Detection Sensor. This will cost $800.00 to repair. The car is not drive able in this condition because of the safety of the air bag. I looked up recalls but it seems my car has none.
Honda Civic 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 2HGFC2F7XGH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My AC gave me problems 2years ago, after a couple times at dealer finally, needs to replace Compresor and condenser and hoses. Honda put me in waiting list for the replacement of the parts. (covered under 10 years extended warranty) finally got call to repair the car. Now my AC again stop working only hot air. Took the car to Honda, now the evaporator is leaking. They want $ 2,450 to replace.
Honda Civic 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 19XFC1F71GE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: While driving the steering wheel becomes sticky. It is difficult to turn and requires varying levels of force, reducing accuracy and resulting in jerky movements, difficulty staying in the lines, and increasing risk of crash. No warning lights or errors are coming up for this issue. No other symptoms. Issue has been going on for about a year. If necessary I can get supporting documentation from a mechanic for this issue. No inspection from insurance or police.
Honda Civic 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 19XFC1F94GE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The evaporator core is leaking, which is causing reduced visibablility out of the windows due to condensation on the windows, mold-like smells from moisture from the interior cabin (it is available upon request). I took it into the dealer - they examined the issue (the shaft seal had just been replaced in April of this year) and let me know that this time the evaporator core was leaking. For context and why I bring it to the attention of the NHTSA is in early to mid-August of this year my AC not only took an extended time to get cool, it only got cooler, and not cold. Unfortunately, I am now well acclimated to the signs of a faltering air conditioning system after dealing with three like episodes on the same vehicle, occurring within 2 to 3 years of each other (the car isn’t even nine years old). In fact, this vehicle’s air conditioning has been in a rhythmic pattern of failing ever since I purchased the vehicle. Over 8 years there have only been a few summers which haven’t been negatively impacted by this inconvenience. Honda is aware of the issue, because they have offered "good-will" subsidies which sometimes cover partial replacements of these components. But, they have yet to take responsibility for anything outside of the condenser. Hence, the consumer is on the hook to pay for a vital piece of the car (not just the convenience) that removes moisture out of the car.
Honda Civic 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: SHHFK7H58HU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The condensor, compressor & evapoartor core all broke down This is dangerous as this is our family vehicle and we have no A/C in the hot summer The dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed the issue. They will only fix the first two (condensor & compressor) under warranty. They say Honda won't fix the evaporator core even though this one breaking is almost certainly a result of the condesor & compressor breaking. We believe this should also be covered under warranty. There was no warning of the issue The evaporator core costs $2k to repair and Honda refuses to help, even though the dealer let us know that this part breaking was almost certainly caused by the parts under warranty breaking down. We asked for second oppinions with other mechanics who told us the same thing.
Honda Civic 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 2HGFB6E54FH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Factory paint is peeling off from multiple location.
Honda Civic 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 2HGFE2F56NH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: My daughters car started having steering issues. We took the car to the Honda dealer we bought the car from for repair. Instead of addressing the recall they stated the steering issue wasn't a recall issue but when the car's vin number is pulling up a recall for steering. We took the vehicle to another Honda dealer for a second opinion and again they said the steering issue wasn't part of the recall. Neither dealer mentioned anything about repair the recall, they said the steering issue wasn't part of the recall. The second dealership stated "even if we wanted to fix the steering issue found we could because the parts aren't available for 4 to 6 months" then tried to sell us a new car. I have all this information in writing from both dealership. Both dealerships charged us a service fee for the diagnosis when we were just asking for the recall to be repaired. I filed a complaint with Honda an their investigation consisted of calling the dealership to ask what the diagnosis was, no actual investigation was ever conducted. Honda said they couldn't help us. The recall has never been addressed. They wanted us to pay $3000 or $4000 for the repairs, my daughter was the first owner of this vehicle. We find it to be suspicious that a brand new vehicle has steering issues after 2 years of ownership and coincidently Honda put out a recall for steering issues but it's not part of the recall. The diagnosis paperwork from the dealership we received specifically stated the exact same thing the recall stated on the Honda website. We need help.
Honda Civic 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 2HGFC2F55JH
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I called Honda as part of the recall issued on 12/13/2023. But they said they don't have the parts to honor my recall issue.
Honda Civic 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 2HGFB2F67CH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: When my car reaches speeds above 60mph the steering is difficult to control (a lot of Play in the steering wheel). I took my vehicle in to a Monrovia, CA Honda Dealer in May 2024 to fix the issue. The dealer replaced the bushings but did not fix the steering issue. This vehicle feels dangerous. I noticed on the internet there are a lot of mechanics talking about steering issues in the model years that my car is under. I am frustrated that the Honda dealers don’t seem to want to fix this issue. I’ve already paid a great deal of money in up keep and the problem has not been corrected. I have had no warning lamps or signs of leaks just a lot of play in the steering wheel and lack of control.I don’t feel safe on the highway in this vehicle.
Honda Civic 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 19XFC2F53GE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: The differential inside the transmission is making a knocking noise and shakes really badly check engine light came on and traction control light both are on and break system light and I have not even had it for a year
Honda Civic 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 19XFC2F71GE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: When driving at highway speeds (generally around 50 to 80 mph), the steering wheel has a "sticky" feeling when trying to maintain a straight line. Making minor adjustments with the steering wheel requires excessive force to correct minor lane adjustments. This, in turn, creates a very unpleasant and unsafe driving condition as it feels like you are constantly fighting the steering wheel, just to maintain the center of your lane. Driving long periods like this also causes the driver to some what "fight" against the issue causing fatigue in the drivers hands, wrists, and arms. The larger concern is if this issue continues, or gets worse, this could easily lead to an increased risk of loss of control of the vehicle and/or crash. This seems related to a similar recall just issued by Honda for 1.7 million vehicles (including Civics) for 2022 - 2025 models by NHTSA.
Honda Civic 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 19XFC2F56GE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Anytime I drive on the highway, the steering wheel begins to stick, causing me to need more force to correct, which causes overcorrection. I then have to correct the overcorrection which causes an overcorrection in the other direction because the steering wheel does not move smoothly. It's extremely frustrating and almost every time someone is following me, they call to ask if I'm all right due to the swerving. This can be a serious safety issue because of constant swerving due to how difficult it is to correct the car in the lane without overcorrecting, starting an overcorrection snowball. It also doesn't stop until the car is shut off and turned back on, in which case it starts up again once getting over 45mph.
Honda Civic 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 2HGFC1E55JH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: On hot, very humid days, typically 80 degrees or hotter, the steering will lock in position which requires a very strong turn of the steering wheel to get it to turn again. This action causes the car to swerve and into other lanes of traffic causing a major safety concern. This problem has been discussed with a Honda quality assurance representative with no resolution. This has not been reproduced by a service center as it is an intermittent issue and the car has not been inspected by the manufacturer as they did not seem concerned about the problem. No warning lights are displayed before, during or after the problem.
Honda Civic 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 19XFC2F67KE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Latest 5 recalls Honda Civic
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 379 recalls for different components of the Honda Civic.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Honda Civic 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-03
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
- Consequence: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
- Model: Honda Civic 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-03
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
- Consequence: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
- Model: Honda Civic 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-03
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
- Consequence: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
- Model: Honda Civic 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-01
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
- Model: Honda Civic 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-01
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Latest negative Honda Civic car reviews
Latest positive Honda Civic car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1993
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it back in 2/01 with 110K miles on it, and I'm happy to say that it's still going strong with 138k miles! It's been really easy to maintain and repair, especially if you have some mechanical knowledge. I've even made some modifications to it and it responds really well. I've found that it rides even better with 16
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Vehicle year: 2017
This car is truly amazing! It has been rated as the safest vehicle in its class, and the sensing package is perfect for long distance driving with its adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The interior is also very nice. However, there are a few flaws to consider. The sensing system may have some issues in heavy rain or snow, and the headlights could be brighter. Additionally, the wheel wells could have been a bit bigger to accommodate larger wheels. But, the car handles like a dream and the touchy brakes make you feel safe. The trunk has adequate space with fold down seats, and the car's clean design is sure to turn heads and get you compliments. Gas mileage varies depending on how you drive, but I was able to achieve 41+ mpg on the highway using cruise control. The 2.0 liter engine has ample power, but the gas gauge will drop when you lay into the gas. It's important to note that there is no e-brake, only a small electronic switch. There are also lots of add-ons available for the interior. If you decide to tint the rear window, it may become almost impossible to reverse without the backup camera at night. All in all, I absolutely love my car! It has required no serious maintenance, only routine oil changes and whatever scheduled maintenance is recommended.
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Vehicle year: 2008
Your car sounds like it's been a reliable companion with only one major repair at 90k miles. The window seal was a minor issue that was quickly resolved for $200. It's great to hear that you're getting between 39-42 mpg, depending on your driving behavior. The battery update you're about to receive should increase the life of the battery, which is fantastic news. While driving is generally smooth, it can be a bit bumpy on uneven roads. It's worth noting that servicing the car can be a bit expensive. The smaller steering wheel may take some getting used to, and the braking can be a bit annoying when it does a full extra tire rotation when charging. Overall, it sounds like you have a great car that has served you well.
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Vehicle year: 1994
I bought my 1994 Honda Civic hatchback brand new and only used it for grocery shopping and other local driving. It has approximately 43,000 miles on it and is in great condition. I'm thinking about selling it mainly for new and improved safety features, but I hate to let it go!
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Vehicle year: 1991
I love my Civic! It has been with me for a long time, and I am proud to say that I am a Civic enthusiast. I bought this car used back in '94 with 48,000 miles on it, and it now has 161,000 miles. I have had to replace the alternator at 160k and the a/c compressor at about 90k, but my mechanic told me that it was a dealer-installed compressor, not one that Honda put in. This little baby began my love for Honda vehicles, and I currently own an '01 Odyssey as well. I have also had a '95 Accord wagon, '98 Odyssey, and '00 Accord, but through all those other Hondas, I just couldn't part with my Civic. The Accords are real nice, but I feel that the Civic is the perfect little getting-around-town car.
Are you having problems with your Honda Civic?
Johann Lynch 2025-05-03
Vehicle year: 1991
I'm glad you decided to purchase this car! It's a great entry-level auto-x ride that's easy to fix up and modify. The wishbone suspension is a standout feature that beats the econo MacPherson setup of newer generations. While the stock SOHC engine may not be the best, it's easy to replace and swap out. Just be aware that the car is prone to rust due to its age. However, if you're just looking for transportation, very little maintenance is needed. With its light weight, an engine swap and adjustable suspension can turn it into a sporty car. Plus, the parts are interchangeable with Integras, making them more readily available. Despite its age, there's a lot that can be done to this car!
Gabriel Lakin 2025-05-03
Vehicle year: 1996
Hey there! I was checking out reviews for a 1996 Honda Civic and was really impressed by all the positive feedback. So, I decided to buy one for myself. Unfortunately, I've had a few issues with it. The door locks broke and then the driver's door lock stopped working from both the inside and outside. I also had some trouble with inflated water hoses, which I tried to fix by changing the radiator, hoses, thermostat, and water pump. However, I still had pressure in the hoses and found out that there was combustion gas going into my coolant system. I took it to a mechanic and it turns out that the timing belt broke, which caused the piston to bend the exhaust valves. If you're looking to buy a car, I recommend avoiding ones with interference engines and opting for non-interference engines instead. Unfortunately, this repair cost me over $1000.00. So, be sure to take a combustion tester with you when you go to buy a car and test the hoses for pressure. Also, check for bubbles in the water or any weird glitter on the radiator. If you see any of these signs, stay away from the car. Hope this helps!
Bernhard Daniel 2025-05-03
Vehicle year: 1998
I bought my automatic 98 civic hatchback in '99 because it had great reviews for reliability. It was a fun car to drive and got great mileage. Although I didn't wash it often enough, the body held up well. I drove about 13,000 miles per year. The stereo wasn't great, but that didn't stop me from enjoying my drives. Unfortunately, the AC compressor and transmission both died when the car was only 5 years old. The interior felt a bit cheap and rattled, but it was still comfortable. The tail lights leaked water and got inside the spare tire area, but it wasn't a major issue. After 6 years, the manifold cracked and had to be replaced, and the driver side manual window crank broke. The engine lacked power on uphills, but it was still a reliable car overall.
Toni Ernser 2025-05-02
Vehicle year: 1999
Hello! I've been a proud owner of Honda Civics for 13 years now. My first one was a 1990 model and currently, I have a 1999 Civic LX automatic in green. When I first got it, the mileage was 70,000 and now it has reached 150,000. Unfortunately, I have had to spend more money on repairs than the initial cost of $6,500. It has been frustrating to experience breakdowns in the middle of the road on at least three occasions. Despite taking good care of it, it has not been as reliable as I had hoped. I am considering selling it due to these frustrations.
Nicklaus Dach 2025-04-29
Vehicle year: 2005
At 97,000 miles, the automatic transmission of my car started making noise and it was discovered that the final drive bearings were shot. As this is deep in the transmission, it required a rebuild costing approximately $2600, unless the final drive itself was damaged. Despite being conservatively driven and meticulously maintained, it was disappointing to require such a major repair at a relatively moderate mileage. Unfortunately, the transmission has no replaceable fluid filter, making proper maintenance impossible. The front brakes also wore out prematurely, lasting only 12K miles, despite no apparent issues with the braking system. While this car could have been great if it had lasted longer, my experience has led me to believe that this model is highly overrated. I have since sold the car and am now considering a Toyota.