Honda Civic hybrid 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 hybrid model years
Common Honda Civic hybrid problems
The Honda Civic Hybrid, produced between 2001 and 2015, has been known for several issues throughout its production years. Here are some of the most common problems based on owner complaints and expert analysis:
- Transmission problems: The earliest models of the Civic Hybrid, particularly those from 2001 to 2005, suffered from transmission issues related to the continuously variable transmission (CVT). These problems can manifest as delays in deceleration or acceleration, irritating grinding or humming noises, slipping out of gear, shakes and vibrations, or even a burning smell. Transmission issues can be expensive to fix, so it is essential to catch and address them early.
- Battery issues: From 2006 onwards, unreliable batteries became a recurring problem for the Honda Civic Hybrid. The hybrid battery lifespan can vary depending on the car's usage, but cars from these years are known for having a shorter-than-expected battery life. Signs of a failing battery include a rapidly changing vehicle charge, warning lights appearing, loss of power during acceleration, poor fuel efficiency, or a dead or weak 12-volt battery.
- Charging system issues: The Honda Civic Hybrid does not have a conventional alternator to charge the 12-volt battery. Instead, it uses an integrated motor assist (IMA) system, which includes an electric motor/generator and a power control unit (PCU). If there is a problem with the IMA system or the PCU, the charging system may not work correctly, leading to a dead or weak 12-volt battery and various electrical problems, such as stalling, hard starting, dim lights, or accessory malfunctions.
- Power window and door lock problems: Some owners have reported issues with power windows and door locks controlled by switches in the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. These problems can range from windows not closing properly to door locks malfunctioning.
- Dashboard warning lights: The Honda Civic Hybrid has several warning lights on the dashboard, including the check engine light, the IMA light, the battery light, and the brake system light. These lights can come on for various reasons, such as sensor malfunctions, engine misfires, hybrid battery issues, charging system faults, or brake system failures.
In summary, the Honda Civic Hybrid has been known for transmission problems, battery issues, charging system problems, power window and door lock issues, and dashboard warning light problems. It is essential for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them when purchasing a used Honda Civic Hybrid. Regular servicing and inspections can help prolong the hybrid battery and support the overall health of the car.
What are the bad years for Honda Civic Hybrid?
A: The 2001 Honda Civic is considered one of the worst models due to significant recalls and transmission issues. Other problematic years include 2003-2005 (battery issues in hybrids), 2006-2009 (cracked engine blocks), and 2016 (Bluetooth connectivity and AC unit problems).
How long will a Honda Civic Hybrid last?
between 6 to 10 years
Your Honda hybrid battery life expectancy is between 6 to 10 years or up to 100,000 miles. Other Honda hybrid battery options can last a little bit longer on Woodinville roads for about 10 years or even closer to 150,000 miles.
Why did Honda stop making hybrid Civic?
The Civic Hybrid had moved away from the nameplate after its ninth generation and replaced by the Insight Hybrid. It had been discontinued as part of Honda's shift in focus toward new technologies and models in response to changing market demands and regulations.
What is the most common problem with Honda Civic?
Brakes. Some Civic owners have complained of squealing brakes; Honda is said to be aware of the problem and working on a fix, though it's worth keeping in mind that any Civic you test drive with noisy brakes may not be easy to fix.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Honda Civic hybrid years
We have researched Honda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Honda Civic hybrid cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Honda Civic hybrid model years:
- Honda Civic hybrid 2006
- Honda Civic hybrid 2007
- Honda Civic hybrid 2008
- Honda Civic hybrid 2012
- Honda Civic hybrid 2009
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Honda Civic hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Honda Civic hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Honda Civic hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Honda Civic hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Honda Civic hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Civic hybrid model years
A total of 458 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 hybrid model years
There were a total of 63 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 hybrid model years
There were a total of 420 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 hybrid model years
There were a total of 62 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 6113 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Honda Civic hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Honda Civic hybrid vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Honda Civic hybrid 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 hybrid 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 hybrid 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 hybrid 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: JHMFA36266S
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I.M.A reads a d check engine
Honda Civic hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 2HGFB2F97CH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Driving around town, I stopped our 2012 Honda Civic at a stoplight. The brake pedal vibrated from the ABS modulator, then went all the way to the floor. I had the brake system checked at a workshop, bled the brake lines, and the same situation repeated. It was recommended I replace the brake modulator and brake pump. I called our Honda dealer and the brake pump is on hard backorder with no indication of when or if it will be available. A check of junkyards showed very few of these pumps potentially available, indicating demand is very strong. Many of the Civics in the junkyards we saw were totalled due to front end collissions. Perhaps they discovered the brake issue too late? The car is not driveable. After reviewing forums and [XXX] there were many reports of brake problems with 2012 - 13 Honda Civics. I believe this warrants a close look. Brakes are the most important part of any motor vehicle in my opinion, and until there is a remedy my car will sit as a 3,000 lb paperweight. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Honda Civic hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 19XFB4F33FE
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal felt stiff and the vehicle had jolted while depressing the brake pedal before losing automotive power. The check engine, brake, transmission, and several other warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after accelerating from a stop, the vehicle had jolted a day prior. The contact stated that an AAA service representative attempted to jump-start the vehicle however, the vehicle would lose automotive power once disconnected. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with codes: P1440 and P0AE1. The contact was advised by the independent mechanic that the failure was related to Service Bulletin: 20-030. The local dealer was contacted however advised that contact that the VIN was not included in the Service Bulletin. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Honda Civic hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 19XFB2F9XEE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: While driving down a busy freeway, the CVT transmission failed. I was able to coast a little ways, but was unable to find a safe place to clear the road and traffic. I immediately called 911 for state trooper assistance to keep me from being rear-ended. I had no warning or Caution light on the dash until after the transmission failed. After the failure, I got the check transmission advisory on the dashboard. The Honda dealership confirmed it was a transmission failure.
Honda Civic hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
- VIN: 2HGFG3B81CH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Honda Civic hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 19XFB4F35FE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, several undisclosed warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled after arriving at the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a bypass malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,729.
Honda Civic hybrid 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 1HGFA16536L
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: There's crack in the engine block, my car out of no wear started over heating we thought it was the water pump then we took it in to get it look at and turn out there's cracks on the engine block
Honda Civic hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
- VIN: 19XFB2F59FE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Yet another one. A Failed CVT Transmission. Failed completely on the busy freeway. Failure happened despite diligent maintenance and fluid changes as suggested. Failure suddenly leaving me and my family in a very dangerous situation on the road with fast moving traffic, fearing for our safety. This is a very common problem that simply got "patched" with software, not addressing any key hardware issues with the faulty design of the CVT transmission itself. Computer patch is not perfect and still leaves issues with the inevitable failure of these transmissions, sooner or later. Authorized dealership tries to quote a repair at $12,000 as documented. Seemingly a scam or money trap. Honda refuses to cover from what I hear from all other complains researched. There were no indications of imminent failure, as the issue happened suddenly without warning. I ask that this case be re-reviewed and understand the amount of people who are victims to such an obviously ineffective "recall" that didn't fix anything.
Honda Civic hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 19XFB4F22DE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Intelligent inverter unit need replace, there was a recall on Honda Civics with this problem. "But our civic was not on the recall list, which it should have been no reason was given why it was not, it fit all the recall criteria but was not recalled. Could have broken down on the highway in an unsafe area. Sterling Honda inspected the unit and said it needed to be replaced, which we did at a cost of $2500. Would like to know why it was not recalled. It fit all the recall criteras.
Honda Civic hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-29
- VIN: 2HGFG3B87FH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving away from a parking lot, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The contact pushed the vehicle back into the parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact noticed that the front axle had fractured and detached from the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Honda Civic hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
- VIN: 2HGFG3B80FH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Driving down the road heard a noise sounded like driving over a rumble strip, within 10 miles I could no longer drive forward from a stop.
Honda Civic hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 19XFB2F88EE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Vehicle dashboard indicated that Airbag intermediately had issues and service was needed. Vehicle taken to dealership and had to have failing airbag replaced.
Latest 5 recalls Honda Civic hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 52 recalls for different components of the Honda Civic hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Honda Civic hybrid 2012
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-10
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts' protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
- Consequence: A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed February 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are P9M, PAV, BAY, TAX, CA0, and MAZ.
- Model: Honda Civic hybrid 2005
- Report Received Date: 2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
- Model: Honda Civic hybrid 2009
- Report Received Date: 2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
- Model: Honda Civic hybrid 2005
- Report Received Date: 2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
- Model: Honda Civic hybrid 2008
- Report Received Date: 2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Are you having problems with your Honda Civic hybrid?
