Equipment Problems of Honda Civic - part 1

Spontaneous rear window shattering while parked. Problem not confirmed or reproduced insurance claim filed for repair no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of impending problem.

See all problems of the 2021 Honda Civic 🔎.

Unknown component/system issue; entirety of vehicle is available for inspection. Problem has been reproduced by independent service center. Vehicle has been inspected by independent service center and local Honda dealership. No warning lamps/messages or stores codes. 1. Vehicle shakes at idle; periodically jerks and lurches when driving (rpms, current gear are not relevant, no correlation). 2. When letting off the gas to “coast,” vehicle drops in speed abruptly as if the brakes are being applied which results in a “jolt. ” the consequence is the vehicle essentially braking without signal; gas pedal must be engaged at all times unless intending to brake. 3. Vehicle hesitates significantly when accelerating. Even at >80% compression of the gas pedal, the speed of the vehicle will not increase. Only at full compression will the vehicle shift gears and begin to gain in speed yet accompanied by rough shuttering and loud, “airy” sounding rev. This is outside of the operational characteristics expected with the cvt transmission. Moderate to severe safety concern. Notes: oil and transmission fluid have been drained and replaced at the dealership both less than 3k miles ago. Spark plugs and ignition coils have all been replaced with Honda parts less than 1k miles ago.

See all problems of the 2014 Honda Civic 🔎.

Rear camera view distorted.

See all problems of the 2016 Honda Civic 🔎.

The a/c failed completely, blowing hot air (80+°f) in extreme phoenix heat. The issue recurred identically after a dealer misdiagnosis and gas recharge last year. A formal inspection by showcase Honda on may 28, 2026 (ro# 838832), confirmed a dual leak: the a/c compressor shaft seal (under warranty extension) and the a/c evaporator core were leaking refrigerant simultaneously. Due to severe local heat waves, repairs were completed at the dealer on June 15, 2026. Invoices are available upon request. This defect severely risks vehicle safety. Driving in arizona's 100+°f heat without a/c causes immediate heat exhaustion for passengers. Also, losing the defroster causes sudden windshield fogging during humidity shifts, creating a blind visibility hazard. No warning lamps preceded the failure. Crucially, the 10-year warranty extension is rapidly expiring for early 10th-gen Civic owners, leaving us unprotected. Nhtsa must mandate Honda to extend the compressor/condenser warranty to a lifetime warranty. Furthermore, because the evaporator core inherently fails at the exact same time due to the same loop defect, Honda must expand coverage to include the evaporator core as a fully covered component. Partial coverage is a widespread safety hazard and a financial injustice for consumers.

I am reporting a serious ongoing issue with my 2019 Honda Civic sport involving the trunk repeatedly opening on its own both while driving and while parked. The issue is also causing the vehicle alarm to activate unexpectedly. The trunk has opened while the vehicle was in motion, creating a major safety concern. It also randomly opens while parked, sometimes triggering the alarm system for no apparent reason. The problem appears to happen intermittently but has become frequent enough that I no longer feel safe leaving the vehicle unattended or driving it normally. I attempted to clean the trunk latch area, but the issue continues. I believe there may be a malfunction involving the trunk latch, actuator, key fob system, electrical wiring, sensor, or alarm system. This situation is dangerous because the trunk can unexpectedly unlatch while driving, potentially blocking visibility or causing damage. The repeated alarm activations and trunk openings while parked are also causing concern about battery drain, security, and reliability. Vehicle information: 2019 Honda Civic sport symptoms: • trunk opens while driving • trunk opens while parked • alarm randomly activates • trunk may not remain securely latched • ongoing intermittent electrical or latch-related issue I am requesting that this issue be documented and inspected as soon as possible due to the safety risk involved.

See all problems of the 2019 Honda Civic 🔎.

I am writing to file a complaint regarding the air conditioning system failure in my 2020 Honda Civic sport. The air conditioner in my vehicle began blowing hot air instead of cold air. I took the vehicle to Honda for inspection and paid $545. 15 to have the system recharged and dye inserted in order to diagnose the issue. After this service was completed, I was informed that the evaporator has failed and needs to be replaced. I was then quoted $2,475. 13 for the repair. While researching this issue, I discovered that many other Honda Civic owners have reported similar air conditioning problems involving the evaporator and ac system. I also became aware of a 2021 letter involving american Honda motor CO. And Honda dealership personnel regarding evaporator leaks in vehicles with VIN numbers beginning with 2hg or 19x. The letter stated that Honda was researching these vehicles in an effort to better understand the issue. Given the number of similar complaints and Honda’s apparent awareness and investigation into evaporator leaks, this appears to be a potentially widespread defect affecting these vehicles, even when properly maintained. The failure of the air conditioning system has caused significant inconvenience and financial burden. I believe this issue should be investigated further, as it may indicate a defect in the vehicle’s air conditioning system. I respectfully request that the NHTSA review this matter and investigate whether the evaporator failure in the 2020 Honda Civic sport is a recurring manufacturing defect that may warrant further action or assistance for affected vehicle owners. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

See all problems of the 2020 Honda Civic 🔎.

I was hand washing my car and large flakes of paint started coming off around the back window. I have never experienced this with a vehicle before and it appears to be a manufacturer paint adhesion defect.

See all problems of the 2018 Honda Civic 🔎.

The vehicle’s hvac/a/c system malfunctioned. The primary symptom was hot air blowing from the driver-side vents while the passenger side intermittently continued blowing cooler air. The issue appeared suddenly with no prior indication of problems. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. I currently live in [xxx] , where extreme heat makes functioning air conditioning an important safety feature. Loss of reliable a/c creates risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, impaired concentration, and unsafe driving conditions for both the driver and passengers, especially during long drives or heavy traffic in high temperatures. A significant risk to health and safety. 3. Yes. The issue was reproduced and confirmed during inspection by a service center/dealership. The vehicle demonstrated inconsistent cooling performance and hot air from the driver-side vents. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by a service center/dealership for diagnostic and repair purposes. 5. No warning lights, dashboard messages, or hvac-related diagnostic codes appeared prior to the failure. Additionally, during regular maintenance visits and dealership multi-point inspections over the years, no hvac concerns, refrigerant leaks, or preventative maintenance recommendations were identified. The issue appeared suddenly during normal vehicle operation without advance warning. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Honda Civic 🔎.

Spontaneously the sunroof blew out and exploded. Luckily the sunroof was not open from the inside. If it was the glass would have shattered on the passengers including my 1 year old.

See all problems of the 2024 Honda Civic 🔎.

Rpm slighting rising at low mph and it hesitates/jerks a bit.

The component or system that failed their malfunction is the evaporation system in the Honda vehicles especially after 2017 that regarding the r – 1234yf refrigerant - yes it has been confirmed by the dealership that the evaporator is leaking inside the car, but it is a known issue that warranty only covers the condenser in front of the car which also leaks. My problem is is since both equally run the same r – 1234yf refrigerant this type of refrigerant is known to cause corrosion and pinholes within the condenser and evaporated tubes leading to further issues with ac and cooling problems. There are no warning lights when it comes to these issues, which also pushes a further problem. If you were to go to any Honda dealership or ask, usual people who have condenser issues it could usually and most cases lead back to the evaporator, which also has systematic problems due to Hondas negligence and they knew about this refrigerant because they released it in 2017 to all the models that run the r – 1234yf refrigerant the main problem is the evaporator is supposed to suck out hot air from the car, but if it doesn’t do that and the car can have overheating problems, or it can cause dangerous heat inside the car, causing extreme sweating or even death in certain cases.

The auto safety braking system has braked for no reason twice now. Both going 70 mph and going under a bridge. The car senses a car in front and slams on its brakes but there is nothing in front of the car. And all sensors were clean and free of obstructions. Pretty scary going 70 mph and the car just slams on the brakes.

While driving the car on April 19, 2026, the car started losing engine power, was unable to maintain current speed of roadway, had to drive less than 15 miles an hour to a safe location. Had the car towed to the dealership they said there was a faulty code throwing for cylinder three had the fuel injectors replaced. Pick the car up drove not even 2 miles and car was still having the same issue turned around went back to the dealership. They said the car wasn’t throwing any codes picked the car up. It drove fine for less than a week and had to repeat of the same situation, had the car towed again to the dealership all to find out there is a crack in the head gasket, unsure if the turbo was affected after researching apparently this is a very common problem for this make, and model of car.

I am reporting a critical security and safety defect regarding the 2026 Honda Civic sport hybrid. The vehicle was stolen only 10 days after purchase. Despite being equipped with factory-installed anti-theft systems and immobilizers, the security was easily bypassed without any physical keys. ?as a professional engineer, I believe this indicates a significant vulnerability in the vehicle's electronic security infrastructure or 'Smart key' encryption. A security breach of this nature on a brand-new 2026 model, occurring within such a short timeframe, suggests a systemic manufacturing defect that puts other consumers at risk of vehicle theft and unauthorized operation.

The a/c evaporator core failed on my 2018 Honda Civic hatchback with approximately 67,000 miles, confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership in April 2026. This is my second major a/c system failure in under one year on this vehicle. Approximately one year ago, the same dealership replaced the a/c condenser and compressor shaft seal. Now the evaporator core has failed and requires full replacement at a cost of $1,741. 58, plus $381. 99 already paid for diagnosis. The failed component is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by the dealership’s technician and documented in the repair order. Safety risk: the a/c system completely stopped producing cold air with no prior warning lights or symptoms. In atlanta, GA summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°f with high humidity. Complete loss of cabin cooling poses a serious heat-related safety risk, particularly for children and elderly passengers. This is a known widespread defect across 2016-2019 Honda Civics. Hundreds of owners have reported identical evaporator failures. Honda has acknowledged the pattern through case-by-case goodwill assistance but has not issued a formal recall. A goodwill assistance case is currently open.

I was driving merging onto the freeway and my sunroof completely shattered, no car was in front of me so, nor was I driving under a bridge, it just completely shattered. Looking as if someone grabbed a hammer or punched it, I know a rock wouldn’t shatter it, maybe crack but no it shattered. The glass looks like it lifted too , not caved in , so almost as if there was too much pressure as well. Have seen similar cases , not sure if any have reported but yes I have seen similar issues occurring. Thankfully I had my headliner closed , so the glass fell on there I had to pull over and figure it out, I did not touch the glass at all, as I’m currently having my Honda dealership look at it. Just hope it doesn’t happen to others.

See all problems of the 2025 Honda Civic 🔎.

To whom it may concern at NHTSA, I am filing a formal complaint regarding a critical technical discrepancy in Honda’s manufacturing records that is preventing essential safety diagnostics and maintenance for my vehicle. Vehicle details: • VIN: [xxx] • model: 2022 Honda Civic touring (11th generation) • manufacturing plant: Honda of canada mfg. The issue: according to the NHTSA part 565 submittal (which I have verified), this specific VIN is registered with an l15b7 engine (normally associated with the 10th gen Civic). My vehicle physically carries this engine, and it is documented in my official registration. However, when I take the vehicle to the authorized Honda distributor (nile trading & engineering) for service, their Honda diagnostic system (hds) fails to establish a connection with the vehicle’s ecu. The system identifies a "software/model year mismatch" because the global hds software expects an l15ca engine for all 2022 models, while my car carries the l15b7 as per the manufacturer's early 2022 production records. Lack of cooperation from Honda: I have contacted american Honda motor CO. (case #xxx) multiple times to request a technical solution or a software patch to allow the local dealer to access the car’s systems. Despite the clear evidence of a manufacturing record anomaly: 1. American Honda has been completely uncooperative, refusing to escalate the issue to their engineering team in canada. 2. They have formally closed my case, stating they "operate independently" and cannot assist with vehicles outside their immediate region, even though the error originates from their own manufacturing database. Safety risk: due to this "diagnostic lock," I am unable • perform critical safety recalls. • update vehicle software/firmware. • diagnose potential engine or safety system failures. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 Honda Civic 🔎.

My vehicle's maintenance minder system—the sole official schedule for maintenance per the owner's manual (pages 649-658)—was corrupted by an authorized Honda dealer. The service advisor stated that sometimes technicians reset all the maintenance minder codes rather than just the applicable ones. Honda corporate admitted this is a possibility when I followed up after the service. They stated that resetting all the codes rather than the ones that apply, can affect when and how future maintenance minder codes appear. Honda provided contradictory information: first stating that the maintenance minder state cannot be reconstructed to accurately alert the owner to future necessary maintenance, then subsequently stating that reconstruction is possible if 'deemed necessary. ' this leaves the owner with a corrupted safety maintenance system, with the remedy apparently contingent on Honda's discretion rather than the owner's right to accurate maintenance alerts. Without accurate alerts, critical maintenance items (brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid) may not be serviced at proper intervals, increasing risk of component failure. Attached: service invoice (ro #189526, 04/03/26) showing dealer added unscheduled coolant flush (item 5) to my b1 request and reset all codes. Manual (pp. 649-658) confirms item 5 is a separate sub-item triggered only by the system, not mileage. Honda corporate emails admit resetting all codes corrupts future alert accuracy but offered contradictory remedies (first 'cannot fix,' then 'if deemed necessary'). This systemic failure—dealers bypassing the algorithm and Honda failing to enforce corrections—leaves owners with corrupted safety maintenance data, risking missed critical service intervals.

See all problems of the 2023 Honda Civic 🔎.

What component or system failed: the entire air conditioning system, specifically the ac compressor, condenser, and evaporator, failed catastrophically. The authorized Honda dealer diagnosed it as "black death," meaning the ac compressor internally shattered, sending metal shrapnel and contaminated oil throughout all ac lines and components. How was your safety put at risk: this failure is a severe safety hazard. Because the ac compressor is dead, the windshield defroster/defogger system no longer functions. During rain or changes in temperature/humidity, the inside of the windshield fogs up instantly and cannot be cleared. This causes a sudden and complete loss of driver visibility, creating a high risk of a fatal crash on the highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed: yes. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. The technician confirmed the catastrophic failure ("black death") and stated the entire system needs to be replaced. Previous history & manufacturer response: Honda has known defects with the 2016 Civic ac system (warranty extensions 19-091 & 23-039). The condenser was previously replaced under warranty in 2023. Now, the defective compressor shaft seal has led to the complete destruction of the system. Despite this being a known defect that causes secondary damage to the entire system, Honda corporate has refused to cover the repair costs for the collateral damage (evaporator and lines). The parts are currently on the vehicle and available for inspection. Were there warning lamps: there were no warning lights on the dashboard prior to the failure. The only symptom was the ac suddenly blowing hot air and the immediate loss of the defogging capability.

The ac evaporator failed, this is after the condenser and compressor failed twice, which are also known issues within Honda's ac system. A failed evaporator can cause the windshield foggy issues and cause drivers visibility issue which endangers driver and passengers. Yes dealer has diagnosed the issue. There was no warning of the failure, and there are already many reports about this part failing. Honda refused to cover it under their warranty.

I purchased a vehicle from a private seller on offer up. The seller stated the vehicle was clean title, he also stated the vehicle was low mileage with 112,000. When I got the vehicle the tire sensor was showing on the dash and the air bag sensor. After purchasing the vehicle I later found out the vehicle was salvage, and the mileage is also roughly 180,000 miles or more.

See all problems of the 2012 Honda Civic 🔎.

I've had two 2018 Civics (first one was totaled) and the a/c issues are a serious hazard. The condenser and seal thankfully has been addressed with a recall, but after having had the condenser and seals replaced twice now (once on each car), my car is now experiencing evaporator failure :,) which makes my car stink :,) and I can't afford the repair at nearly twice my monthly rent :,) this of course is all happening during the anomalous, record-breaking 100+ degree heat waves in southern California. I suffered mild heat exhaustion driving home with the windows down while waiting to hear word back from Honda on whether or not they would accept my request for goodwill assistance, only to find that they initially denied it. I'm still trying to reopen my case with them, and I'd hate to have to sell the car for another, safer option. My whole family owns older model Hondas, and they have never experienced any "wear and tear" on their a/c systems. This is clearly a 2018 model design flaw and a serious safety issue that warrants investigation.

My 2019 Honda Civic has experienced repeated air conditioning system failures over multiple years. The failures include confirmed refrigerant leaks, condenser replacement, and evaporator replacement. The system has again failed due to a refrigerant leak traced to the evaporator. This vehicle has a documented history of recurring a/c system issues, including abnormal pressure conditions and repeated refrigerant loss. Honda has acknowledged defects within this system by extending warranty coverage for certain components, including the compressor. Despite this, the system continues to fail, requiring multiple major component replacements. Loss of air conditioning in high-temperature conditions presents a safety concern, particularly during extreme heat, as it can affect driver alertness, passenger safety, and overall vehicle usability. This appears to be a systemic defect involving the a/c system rather than isolated component failures.

While driving, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and difficult to turn, making it hard to control the vehicle. This happened unexpectedly and created a serious safety risk, as I could have lost control and caused an accident. At the same time, the braking response did not feel normal, which made the situation even more dangerous. This issue has occurred despite previous repair attempts, and the problem remains unresolved. I am very concerned about the safety of this vehicle and the risk it poses to myself and others on the road. No warning lights appeared before the issue happened.

Have had a/c issues for years, have had to replace compressor and condenser 4 times, only twice after a warranty finally came out for the defective parts. Now, the evaporator core has failed, but it is not under extended warranty or recall. Wild as I've seen so many with issues with another part of the faulty a/c system, likely from a defect. Going through a heatwave currently, dropping 3k on an evaporator core was not on my budget, especially when I believe Honda is at fault here. Tried a goodwill claim with them, immediately rejected. This came shortly after the condenser and shaft were replaced at the dealership.

This vehicle suffers from phantom braking. With the adaptive cruise control set, at times, in the display of the instrument cluster, the display shows a semi, motorcycle or car that is not there in real life. When this happens the car applies the brakes and starts slowing down. Sometimes this is bad enough that the collision warning message comes on and the brake application is very aggressive. The type of weather or road surface does not seem to matter. It seems to be very random. This happens once a week. Not just on the date provided below.

The ac system has failed. I took it to the dealership to have the condenser replaced, as Honda has extended the warranty on it due to the failure, but the evaporative core has also been affected and is leaking. Honda knows that this is a problem. There are many reports from other Civic owners that have had the same issue. Honda refuses to acknowledge this, and will not replace the condenser until the evaporative core is fixed. I am currently homeless, and live in my vehicle full time. I need my air conditioning to be working as the heat here is a safety risk. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. The only symptom that occurred was the air conditioning was no longer blowing cold, and it occurred on February 24, 2026. I have contacted Honda and requested goodwill assistance, but they have refused to help in any way.

The white orchid pearl paint on my 2016 Civic is peeling. The car has 150000 miles on it. I've seen this is a known defect with this type of paint. I'm reporting this concern for my vehicles as the repair is costly and if it isn't repaired I will get structural rust.

Steering wheel seems to "stick" when positioned in the center and "unsticking" it requires extra effort causing the wheel to jerk free and making you overcorrect for what would be a minor lane adjustment. It causes you to zig zag back and forth in your lane as you try to correct each time the steering wheel stick. It has happened to me multiple times on multi hour drives on the highway and persists until the end of the drive. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by any professionals and the first signs of the sticking issue appeared several weeks ago beginning this winter.

I reversing in my driveway, I heard a loud 'pop' from the front driver's side followed by a total loss of steering control. Upon inspection, a steering component (tie rod) appears to have snapped/failed. This vehicle is subject to NHTSA recall #23v704000 for an incorrectly assembled steering rack that allows for excessive stroke length and contact with suspension components. I have not been in a recent accident; this was a spontaneous mechanical failure while maneuvering at low speed. Additionally, the authorized dealer (norm reeves Honda cerritos) is refusing to perform the recall inspection without an upfront $190 diagnostic fee, obstructing the free remedy mandated by federal law.

Windshield has a sudden crack after snow. I don’t know how it came to be.

The air conditioning system failed due to recurring evaporator leaks in my 2017 Honda Civic hatchback. The evaporator is available for inspection upon request. Ac failure causes interior fogging in humid/rainy conditions, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk. In extreme heat (e. G. , over 100°f), it leads to driver fatigue, discomfort, distraction, and potential heat-related health issues, endangering occupants and other road users. Yes, confirmed twice: first in 2021 by an Honda service center (evaporator leak at 41,000 miles, repaired for $2,000). Second in early 2026 by a Honda dealer (recurrent evaporator leak at 100,000 miles, repaired for $2,500). Inspected by Honda via customer service case, which was denied. No inspections by police, insurance, or others. No warning lamps or messages. Symptoms included gradually weakening cold air output and unusual odors from vents. First appeared ~2 weeks before full failure in 2021; similar in 2026, starting ~1 month prior. This is a known defect in 2016-2021 Civics with hundreds of similar complaints. Honda's extensions cover related parts but not evaporators. Total costs: $4,500. Please investigate for recall. Contact for receipts.

The infotainment system stopped working and the dealer said parts were on back order and that they have no eta for the replacement parts. It's been two months.

The vehicle steering wheel sticks when turning, makes a noise, sometimes it doesn’t. Feels like when turning the steering wheel is like stuck and doesn’t return to the straight position. It happens only in one direction, turning right. This has been happening for at least 5 years. Took it to the dealer at least 3 times. They changed left side ball joint, in warranty. But still doing it. After the third time I gave up. Last year a mechanic outside the dealer changed the left cv axle, nothing changed. Changed sway bars, shock absorbers, still doing it. Today went to a different shop, they say is the rack and pinion or eps?. I have been having this problem for a really long time, even before the warranty was over.

Have a 2017 Honda Civic and my fob has been having issues for months now. Randomly works for turning my car on not responding to remote ignition or when I walk up to my car, it doesn’t recognize my fob so my door won’t unlock. I have to keep pushing different buttons to make it register or I’ll hit my fob on my palm and kind of jar it and sometimes that will make it work. This is a common problem. Thread link of similar cases [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).