Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2023 Honda Civic Type R
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
440.0%
Median failure at 13,132 miles
Brakes
220.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
220.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,500 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
110.0%
Median failure at 16,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
110.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
120.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
360.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
120.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2023peak 3Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2023 Honda Civic Type R
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA23003Opened 29 Nov 2023Closed 28 Jan 2025STEERING
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Engineering Analysis (EA23003) to assess allegations of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022-2023 Honda Civic, 2023MY Honda CR-V, and 2023MY Acura Integra vehicles (subject vehicles). The complaints received by ODI alleged that the subject vehicles experienced a momentary increase in required steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) occurring mostly at highway speeds after driving for an extended amount of time; these complaints could not be duplicated during dealer service technicians’ qu...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Powell, OHCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a controlled low-speed autocross event (~55 mph entry), I applied the brake pedal firmly to decelerate for an upcoming turn. The vehicle failed to decelerate at anywhere near its rated capability. Despite full, sustained pedal application, the car would not slow adequately, departed the course, and struck a barrier, resulting in a total loss. No injuries occurred. This happened on smooth, dry pavement where 100+ other vehicles braked normally. The failed system appears to be the electronic brake control (ABS/VSA) and/or its input signaling. Event Data Recorder (EDR) data was professionally extracted and shows: accelerator at 0% for ~3.5 seconds before impact (ruling out pedal misapplication); ABS logged ACTIVE while stability control was "not engaged"; and peak deceleration of only ~0.67 g with a momentary 0.00 g dropout, versus this model's documented ~0.9–1.0 g capability. Notably, the service-brake switch intermittently read OFF while ABS was simultaneously active — a signal inconsistency, since ABS modulates driver-applied pressure. This indicates a possible brake-switch/signal-integrity or ABS/VSA control anomaly that reduced or withheld commanded braking. Safety risk: complete loss of expected stopping power at speed. Had this occurred on a public road with a pedestrian, crossing traffic, or a stopped vehicle ahead, it could have caused serious injury or death. The vehicle was under the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty with a stock, unmodified brake system. Prior symptom: on the immediately preceding run, dashcam footage shows an abnormal brake hop/oscillation, which may have been an early sign of the same fault. The vehicle, EDR data, and synchronized dashcam footage are preserved and available for inspection. The manufacturer extracted the EDR but has not yet performed a root-cause teardown. No dealer, police, or insurance inspection has occurred. Root cause: UNKNOWN pending modulator interrogation.
NHTSA complaint #11761048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Powell, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
During a controlled low-speed autocross event (~55 mph entry), I applied the brake pedal firmly to decelerate for an upcoming turn. The vehicle failed to decelerate at anywhere near its rated capability. Despite full, sustained pedal application, the car would not slow adequately, departed the course, and struck a barrier, resulting in a total loss. No injuries occurred. This happened on smooth, dry pavement where 100+ other vehicles braked normally. The failed system appears to be the electronic brake control (ABS/VSA) and/or its input signaling. Event Data Recorder (EDR) data was professionally extracted and shows: accelerator at 0% for ~3.5 seconds before impact (ruling out pedal misapplication); ABS logged ACTIVE while stability control was "not engaged"; and peak deceleration of only ~0.67 g with a momentary 0.00 g dropout, versus this model's documented ~0.9–1.0 g capability. Notably, the service-brake switch intermittently read OFF while ABS was simultaneously active — a signal inconsistency, since ABS modulates driver-applied pressure. This indicates a possible brake-switch/signal-integrity or ABS/VSA control anomaly that reduced or withheld commanded braking. Safety risk: complete loss of expected stopping power at speed. Had this occurred on a public road with a pedestrian, crossing traffic, or a stopped vehicle ahead, it could have caused serious injury or death. The vehicle was under the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty with a stock, unmodified brake system. Prior symptom: on the immediately preceding run, dashcam footage shows an abnormal brake hop/oscillation, which may have been an early sign of the same fault. The vehicle, EDR data, and synchronized dashcam footage are preserved and available for inspection. The manufacturer extracted the EDR but has not yet performed a root-cause teardown. No dealer, police, or insurance inspection has occurred. Root cause: UNKNOWN pending modulator interrogation.
NHTSA complaint #11761048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Powell, OHCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a controlled low-speed autocross event (~55 mph entry), I applied the brake pedal firmly to decelerate for an upcoming turn. The vehicle failed to decelerate at anywhere near its rated capability. Despite full, sustained pedal application, the car would not slow adequately, departed the course, and struck a barrier, resulting in a total loss. No injuries occurred. This happened on smooth, dry pavement where 100+ other vehicles braked normally. The failed system appears to be the electronic brake control (ABS/VSA) and/or its input signaling. Event Data Recorder (EDR) data was professionally extracted and shows: accelerator at 0% for ~3.5 seconds before impact (ruling out pedal misapplication); ABS logged ACTIVE while stability control was "not engaged"; and peak deceleration of only ~0.67 g with a momentary 0.00 g dropout, versus this model's documented ~0.9–1.0 g capability. Notably, the service-brake switch intermittently read OFF while ABS was simultaneously active — a signal inconsistency, since ABS modulates driver-applied pressure. This indicates a possible brake-switch/signal-integrity or ABS/VSA control anomaly that reduced or withheld commanded braking. Safety risk: complete loss of expected stopping power at speed. Had this occurred on a public road with a pedestrian, crossing traffic, or a stopped vehicle ahead, it could have caused serious injury or death. The vehicle was under the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty with a stock, unmodified brake system. Prior symptom: on the immediately preceding run, dashcam footage shows an abnormal brake hop/oscillation, which may have been an early sign of the same fault. The vehicle, EDR data, and synchronized dashcam footage are preserved and available for inspection. The manufacturer extracted the EDR but has not yet performed a root-cause teardown. No dealer, police, or insurance inspection has occurred. Root cause: UNKNOWN pending modulator interrogation.
NHTSA complaint #11761048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Powell, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
During a controlled low-speed autocross event (~55 mph entry), I applied the brake pedal firmly to decelerate for an upcoming turn. The vehicle failed to decelerate at anywhere near its rated capability. Despite full, sustained pedal application, the car would not slow adequately, departed the course, and struck a barrier, resulting in a total loss. No injuries occurred. This happened on smooth, dry pavement where 100+ other vehicles braked normally. The failed system appears to be the electronic brake control (ABS/VSA) and/or its input signaling. Event Data Recorder (EDR) data was professionally extracted and shows: accelerator at 0% for ~3.5 seconds before impact (ruling out pedal misapplication); ABS logged ACTIVE while stability control was "not engaged"; and peak deceleration of only ~0.67 g with a momentary 0.00 g dropout, versus this model's documented ~0.9–1.0 g capability. Notably, the service-brake switch intermittently read OFF while ABS was simultaneously active — a signal inconsistency, since ABS modulates driver-applied pressure. This indicates a possible brake-switch/signal-integrity or ABS/VSA control anomaly that reduced or withheld commanded braking. Safety risk: complete loss of expected stopping power at speed. Had this occurred on a public road with a pedestrian, crossing traffic, or a stopped vehicle ahead, it could have caused serious injury or death. The vehicle was under the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty with a stock, unmodified brake system. Prior symptom: on the immediately preceding run, dashcam footage shows an abnormal brake hop/oscillation, which may have been an early sign of the same fault. The vehicle, EDR data, and synchronized dashcam footage are preserved and available for inspection. The manufacturer extracted the EDR but has not yet performed a root-cause teardown. No dealer, police, or insurance inspection has occurred. Root cause: UNKNOWN pending modulator interrogation.
NHTSA complaint #11761048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VA
STEERING
Sticky steering at highway speeds
NHTSA complaint #11757847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, TN
ENGINE
I respectfully request that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigate Rick Case Honda for a repair I believe was performed negligently and the dealership's refusal to accept responsibility. On December 2, 2025, Rick Case Honda performed a cylinder head replacement on my 2023 Honda Civic before selling it at auction. I later purchased the vehicle on March 16, 2026, from Newton Nissan South, which had acquired it through the auction. Several months later, the engine developed an oil leak. Newton Nissan South diagnosed the leak at the front crankshaft seal using UV dye and referred me to Honda of Murfreesboro for warranty repair. During disassembly, Honda of Murfreesboro discovered a broken timing chain tensioner retaining bolt inside the engine. I met with the Service Director and a Honda North America Field Technical Specialist, who showed me the failed parts, including the broken bolt, broken tensioner, wear marks on the timing cover, and grooves in the engine block consistent with prolonged movement before the bolt failed. I was advised that this bolt requires only 7-9 ft-lbs of torque and that improper installation can cause delayed failure. Honda of Murfreesboro advised that the last repair involving removal of this component was Rick Case Honda's December 2, 2025 repair. Since then, no repairs have been performed in that area of the engine, only routine maintenance and diagnosis of the oil leak. Rick Case Honda has denied responsibility based primarily on the passage of time and changes in ownership, despite being the last dealership to perform this engine repair. I respectfully request that your office investigate whether Rick Case Honda failed to perform the repair according to Honda specifications and improperly refused responsibility for the resulting engine damage. I am seeking repair of my vehicle and any other relief deemed appropriate.
NHTSA complaint #11747700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saugus, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
The engine is making a knocking noise, but there’s no code or check engine light. The noise is more pronounced when the vehicle is idling and when you apply and release the brakes. Start the car, let it warm up on idle, open the oil cap, apply the brakes, and then release them. The noise becomes louder. It could be the vacuum pump, but Honda has never addressed this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11701996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,500 milesSuamico, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive and unintendedly decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle regained normal functions shortly after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred approximately 2 months later while driving 70 MPH up an entrance ramp. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact who is a certified mechanic, informed the dealer of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V031000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System); however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,500.
NHTSA complaint #11639831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,500 milesSuamico, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive and unintendedly decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle regained normal functions shortly after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred approximately 2 months later while driving 70 MPH up an entrance ramp. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact who is a certified mechanic, informed the dealer of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V031000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System); however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,500.
NHTSA complaint #11639831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,132 milesNanuet, NY
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); 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 stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, while turning right, the steering started sticking. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while turning to the left. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on an uneven road surface, the steering wheel was not responding while making corrections; and the Lane Departure sensor was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure mileage was 13,132. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11622948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNaples, FL
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized in the direction that the steering wheel was turned. The contact stated that because of the failure, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The contact was forced to manually adjust the steering wheel to the center to resume normal driving. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.
NHTSA complaint #11612978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesPisajes De Dorado, PR
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact followed the road with a slight left curve. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left and then attempting to straighten the steering wheel, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact had to use force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V704000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11558489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.