FaultScore

2005 Honda Civic airbag problems

128 of the 396 complaints about the 2005 Honda Civic are about the airbag system — 32% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 87,000 miles.

F

128

Complaints

53

Crashes

1

Fires

44

Injuries

Exactly what failed

AIR Bags 112 87.5%
Frontal 12 9.4%
Sensor/Control Module 2 1.6%
Side/Window 2 1.6%

Airbags across every Honda Civic year

1992 18 0.6%
1993 29 1.0%
1994 66 2.3%
1995 83 2.9%
1996 75 2.6%
1997 146 5.1%
1998 97 3.4%
1999 60 2.1%
2000 86 3.0%
2001 323 11.2%
2002 249 8.6%
2003 141 4.9%
2004 136 4.7%
2005 128 4.4%
2006 185 6.4%
2007 158 5.5%
2008 179 6.2%
2009 97 3.4%
2010 98 3.4%
2011 51 1.8%
2012 149 5.2%
2013 113 3.9%
2014 57 2.0%
2015 57 2.0%
2016 28 1.0%
2017 23 0.8%
2018 22 0.8%
2020 29 1.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Centennial, CO

AIR BAGS

The air bag light came on in April of 2022 indicating that the air bag will not deploy in the event of a car accident. We took the car to the Honda dealership and the mechanic diagnosed it as a bad seat-belt tensioner and confirmed that the part is under warranty by American Honda. The dealership requested the part from American Honda and they have failed to provide the part to the dealership stating that is is not available. They have given us ETAs for the part but it has never arrived. We requested a rental car to drive while waiting for the part but were denied by both American Honda and the dealership. American Honda's response is that the car just should not be driven. We cannot sell the car while this light in on but need to continue to drive the car for work. The air bag light remains on and still will not deploy if an accident were to occur causing a significant safety risk. We have not involved police or insurance representatives or any other outside parties aside from American Honda and the dealership. We spoke with a representative,at American Honda today who again confirmed that they do not have the part, do not have an ETA on the part and will not pay for a safe vehicle to drive. Considering the amount of time that has elapsed, they are clearly in violation of their warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11569546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cmch, NJ

AIR BAGS

- Sensor in seatbelt, causing airbags not to deploy (airbag light is on) -Since the airbags will not deploy, this is a danger -The dealer, Avalon Honda, confirmed that replacement of this part is warrantied for life by Honda. They are willing to replace it at no cost but the part has been on "Critical Back Order" status since the problem emerged for us (November 2022). Avalon Honda has not been able to get the part (for the driver's side seatbelt) and my daughter's safety is at risk. Honda warranties this for life BECAUSE it is a safety issue. I've been more than patient and now need help getting Honda to move. -Yes there is a warning light, the airbag light is on. It first appeared in November of 2022. In February Avalon Honda obtained the part "through other means" for the passenger side seatbelt despite the "critical back order" excuse from Honda. Since February I have been waiting for the OTHER (driver's side) seatbelt sensor to be replaced. I was told in February that the part would be available at the end of April. That time has come and gone and I now need help to force Honda to act. -Part number is 04816-S5D-A02ZC

NHTSA complaint #11522672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cranston, RI

AIR BAGS

I took my car to Balise Honda in West Warwick, RI for the recall Tikata air bags. The light went off after repaired. However light then came on for Code 9-3. Seatbelt driver. A part for metal part of belt has been ordered a month ago and can't get answer and I am now due for Inspection and will face suspension of my regestration and will have no use of car.

NHTSA complaint #11519558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kingsport, TN

AIR BAGS

The car runs good but will not stay in 2nd gear this is the 2nd manual transmission the factory did the same then tran#2 did the same now had replaced for 3rd time and this one's doing the same thing.

NHTSA complaint #11476246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winston Salem, NC

AIR BAGS

In 2019 Honda came out to fix the air bag recall. I never had problems with the air bag light coming on until after they fixed the air bag. The air bag light stays on all the time along with a check engine light. Also I’ve had to replace the whole transmission in 2019. In 2018 my engine cracked and I had to replace it with another engine. Currently the rack and pion went bad. The vehicle will at times steer on its own and sometimes the steering wheel won’t turn. I’ve spent thousands of dollars over the past few years. I do not believe Honda put in the air bags correctly. I barely had driven my car anywhere and I should not be having these types of problems. It’s a safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11475190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V370000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact has stated that they were not aware they the vehicle had previously been in a crash or that it was missing an airbag at the time of purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11465453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mableton, GA Crash Fire 2 injured 1 killed

AIR BAGS

My mother in law was driving on a 5 lane highway and pulled out of a driveway onto the road and was attempting to make a right merge to make a right turn traveling about 10-15 mph as she was engaged in a left hand entry onto road and was about 90% complete in her maneuver and was tboned in driver side fender and door by a 2017 Mercedes’ cls at 60 mph. She was unconscious and pulled from vehicle with unknown but assumed head trauma determined later to be left frontal, right frontal, left temporal expanding hematomas in the brain, fractures of c4-c7 vertebrae, rib fractures L#3-6, #10-12, R#3, sacrum, and pelvis. 250ml R hemothorax, 1250ml L hemothorax, 250 ml hemoperitoneum, laceration of left diaphragm leaflet with herniation of left kidney into chest cavity, contusions of chest, abdomen, R arm, L arm, R leg and L leg. She died as a result of the injuries received in accident less than 24 hours later and never regained consciousness since impact. Cause of death was blunt force trauma due to MVA. She was a restrained driver in 2 vehicle MVA and police reports indicate that none of her air bags deployed upon or after impact. Other driver sustained fractured ankle with all air bags deployed. Vehicle collision occurred in state of Georgia susceptible to high humidity and high ambient temperatures. Bystanders pulled my mother in law from the vehicle as she was unconscious because there was reported fire and smoke from underneath the drivers seat that the bystanders deemed it necessary to extricate her from the vehicle prior to EMS, fire or police arrival. I suspect that the airbags SHOULD have deployed at this severe of g-force and trajectory impact. Ironic NONE of the airbags opened. Maybe she would be alive if at least one opened and did it’s job. Accident occurred on 2/9/22 and vehicle was totaled and donated to local governmental agency for fire rescue training. No other passengers were involved other than 2 drivers. Impact recorded on cctv by nearby business.

NHTSA complaint #11463305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Beaumont, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact's grandson owns a 2005 Honda Civic. The contact stated her grandson was driving at approximately 70 mph when he dozed off and crashed into another vehicle. The contact and her husband were driving in front of the grandson's vehicle and the contact's husband witnessed the collision from his rearview mirror. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's grandson later went to the hospital for injuries sustained from the seat belt digging into his chest and had a cut on his arm. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, then to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the mechanics. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. Invalid VIN.

NHTSA complaint #11436479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Homestead, FL

AIR BAGS

Air bag light came on due to cable reel (clockspring) failure. I called Honda and they said I would have to pay for repair and dealer said $450 cost. I bought cable reel at NAPA auto parts for $146 and installed it myself but air bag light stays on. I researched technical service bulletins and find updates to vehicle software to resolve the air bag indicator staying on even when reset. I called Honda again and they said air bags covered until 2022 but I would have to pay a dealer to evaluate the system. I repaired the cable reel at my cost and my labor and I think Honda since air bag related should cover the repair of the cable reel and update the vehicle firmware and if needed replace the air bag under the 20 year safety related federal law. Considering the history of air bag issues I would think Honda would offer to have my vehicle inspected at no cost to me and refund what I have receipts for.

NHTSA complaint #11431689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles la Marada, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V501000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11424393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mesquite, TX

AIR BAGS

THE MANUFACTURER FAILED OR WASN'T ABLE TO REMEDY THE SAFETY RECALL ON MY VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER

NHTSA complaint #11406820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 245,000 miles Milledgeville, TN Crash

AIR BAGS

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I HYDROPLANED AND WENT HEAD ON WITH A TREE YET MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY

NHTSA complaint #11404339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 161,000 miles Valley Village, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

THE AIR BAG WHITE HAS BEEN ON FOR SO LONG AND I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL I SIDESWIPED A CAR IT WAS NOT MY FAULT THE OTHER NIGHT AND THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND I BUMPED MY HEAD

NHTSA complaint #11398317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 233,000 miles Houston, TX Crash

AIR BAGS

WAS RECENTLY TBONED AT A RED LIGHT, DRIVER DOOR, PASSENGER DOOR AND FRAME DENTED IN. I WAS SPUN AROUND THREE TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG AND PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. WINDOW WON'T ROLL FULLY DOWN, DRIVER AND PASSENGER STICK AND HARD TO OPEN, LOCK MAKES A BUZZING SOUND, SEATBELT NOW STUCK AND SEATBELT INDICATOR DINGS EVEN WHEN FASTENED.

NHTSA complaint #11354527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Fort Worth, TX

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROADWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE HAZZARD LIGHT. THE HAZZARD LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND THE HOOD LATCH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,500.

NHTSA complaint #11315600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,707 miles Grand Junction, CO

AIR BAGS

"TAKATA RECALL" REPORTS AND VEHICLE SAFETY TEST REPORTS ARE UN-SATISFACTORY WITH THE 2005 HONDA CIVIC. I HAVE REQUESTED FUCCO HONDA TO RESOLVE AN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD, AND FUCCO HONDA HAS FAILED TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AFTER SERVICE APPOINTMENTS AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS.

NHTSA complaint #11256892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V501000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11245332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 171,000 miles Muskego, WI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. WHILE TRYING TO AVOID THE SPUN OUT VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND NECK INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED ON THE SCENE BY EMS AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS TREATED FOR HIS INJURIES AND RELEASED. THE OTHER DRIVER INVOLVED IN THE COLLISION DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. THERE WERE NO OTHER PASSENGERS IN EITHER VEHICLE. A POLICE WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR COSMETIC DAMAGES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V501000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11245334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,862 miles Grand Junction, CO

AIR BAGS

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD KEEPS WARNING ME. I HAVE ASKED THE AMERICAN HONDA SERVICE TECH ABOUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT, BUT THE SERVICE TECH WILL NOT TURN THE AIR BAG LIGHT OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11206901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Homestead, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE MOUTH, RIBS, AND NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO LARGO HONDA (LOCATED AT 554 NE 1ST AVE, FLORIDA CITY, FL 33034, (844) 329-6036) AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V325000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11152465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80 miles Pace, FL Crash

AIR BAGS

THE CAR WAS TOTALED ON 1/13/2015 THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT BLOW BUT PASSENGER SIDE DID. BOTH OF THE CAR SENSORS HAD BEEN SMASHED IN SINCE THIS WAS A FULL FRONT HIT TO BACK END OF THE CAR IN FRONT. EVEN THE STATE TROOPER ASKED WHY THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT BLOW. NO PASSENGER WAS IN THIS CAR ONLY A DRIVER. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS ADDRESSED SINCE THIS ACCIDENT (1/13/15) THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

NHTSA complaint #11141460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 250,000 miles Boston, VA Crash

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP. WHEN SHE AWOKE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT SHE HAD CROSSED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A SET OF HORSE FENCING POSTS. THE CONTACT WOKE UP AND IMMEDIATELY STEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID FURTHER LIFE THREATENING CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS DESTROYED BY A BOARD THAT FRACTURED A HOLE IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND EXITED OUT THE REAR WINDSHIELD, NEARLY STRIKING THE CONTACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED AN AIR BAG SENSOR FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #11133471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Renton, WA

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HONDA AUTO CENTER OF BELLEVUE (13291 SE 36TH ST, BELLEVUE, WA 98006, (425) 641-3055). THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11129137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chester, NY

AIR BAGS

I'M NOT REALLY SENDING A COMPLAINT. I JUST KEEP GETTING RECALL NOTICES BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN 2009 SO THE VEHICLE NO LONGER EXISTS. PLEASE REMOVE IT FROM THE RECALL LIST. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11123394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stockton, CA

AIR BAGS

I HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO FIX THE ISSUE. A WEEK AFTER BEING REPLACED A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY DASH , I LOOKED UP THE WARNING AND FOUND OUT IT WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT! I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A OIL CHANGE AND TOLD SERVICE ABOUT WARNING LIGHT, WHEN FINISHED WITH OIL CHANGE I RECEIVED A LIST OF CAR ISSUES TO REPAIR BUT NOTHING ABOUT MY AIR BAG WARNING WHICH IS STILL ON.

NHTSA complaint #11120622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100 miles Chatsworth, CA

AIR BAGS

HAVE HAD FRONT AND PASSENGER TAKATA AIRBAGS REMOVED AND REPLACED A FEW YEARS AGO. BUT THE (4-DOOR) DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG (FRONT ONLY) HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED, AS FAR AS MY RESEARCH TELLS ME. THE CAR, WITH APPROX. 55,000 MILES ON IT, JUST SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY NEVER USED SINCE. I HAD THE EXPENSE AND INCONVENIENCE OF LEASING A SUBARU FORESTER TO BE SAFE. I CANNOT SELL IT BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF THE SIDE DOOR AIRBAGS WOULD KILL SOMEONE I SELL IT TO. IT IS NOT SAFE. IF I COULD AT LEAST HAVE THEM REMOVED, THAT WOULD BE SAFER THAN HAVING METAL PIECES ALL OVER ME IN A SIDE IMPACT. SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE IT, HELP!

NHTSA complaint #11110668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Yucaipa, CA

AIR BAGS

DEALERSHIP (SPREEN HONDAY OF REDLANDS CALIFORNIA) FAILED TO COMPLETE AIRBAG REPAIR (DAMAGED OTHER PARTS DURING "REPAIR") AND HONDA OF AMERICA WON'T GET INVOLVED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. DEALERSHIP DAMAGED INTEGRITY OF DASH BY HACKING OUT AN UNSEEN SECTION AS SHORTCUT, USED DUCT TAPE FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING, AND LEFT A PIECE OF DASH PADDING IN MY AC SYSTEM. THIS WAS DISCOVERED JUNE 2018 WHEN CHANGING CABIN AIR FILTER.

NHTSA complaint #11110379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Coral, FL

AIR BAGS

HONDA CIVIC AIR BAG NEVER REPLACED NEVER NOTIFIED

NHTSA complaint #11102364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chatsworth, CA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL PASSENGER/DRIVER FRONT SIDE AIRBAGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY WERE NOT RECALLED WHEN SAME YEAR ACCORDS WERE AND ARE TAKATA. THE FRONT TAKATA AIRBAGS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED YEARS AGO. I NEVER DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR OF A SIDE IMPACT AND CANNOT SELL IT TO ANYONE KNOWING THE DANGER INVOLVED IN A COLLISION.

NHTSA complaint #11097096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Ardmore, PA

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LITE IS ON

NHTSA complaint #11093576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2005 Honda Civic problems

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