Owners have filed 384 complaints
about the 2014 Honda Civic with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Honda Civic. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 89
52% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
2611.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
4419.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3213.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4921.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
177.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3213.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
187.8%
150,000+ miles
125.2%
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.
Feb 2014peak 14Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Honda Civic
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.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2014 Honda Civic
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V574000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Civic vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014, to November 6, 2014 and 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to May 12, 2015. The software settings that control the transmission operation may result in damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft.
Risk: If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
14V109000
TIRES:BEAD
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Honda Civic LX vehicles manufactured November 26, 2013, through January 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, during mounting of the tires, the tire bead may have gotten pinched between the assembly equipment and the steel wheel rims, resulting in damage to the tire.
Risk: The tire damage could cause the tire to lose air, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201540125,480 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission, the drive pulley shaft could be subjected to high stress during certain operation modes. During the manufacturing of the drive pulley shaft, some parts may have been produced at the lower end of the hardness specification. If shafts with lower hardness are repeatedly subjected to the specific high pressure modes, it could result in the shaft breaking during operation. If the drive pulley shaft were to break, it could result in a loss of propulsion or the front wheels locking up while driving, which would increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a CVT software update that contains a stress reduction program.
Recall 20140742,314 units in Canada
Tires
On certain vehicles, tires may have been damaged during the mounting process, resulting in a tear in the bead of the tire. This could result in rapid air loss and/or tire failure, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect tires and replace as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lewisville, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The car crashed into the back of the truck in front of it. The crash caused the airbag to go off and either the airbag itself or the area that covers the steering wheel cut my wife’s jaw/throat. She was luck it did not cut her artery or wind pipe she was able to be transported to the hospital and survived.
NHTSA complaint #11569831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Liberty, IACrash3 injured
STEERING
I was approaching a green light, and engaged the brakes to slow down. As I approached the light reaching approximate 10MPH. The car shuddered, and the alternator must have glitched again.The wheel cranked itself back and forth, causing the car to spin and turn into oncoming traffic. This issue has been recalled for this vehicle but not this VIN. I have notified 3 Honda repair shops of this issue, and have been turned away. The problem is with the electromagnet in the electric steering column. It is well documented, and I have video of several instances of thi issue occurring. Additional witnesses of the problem are available. And the incident itself resulting in property damage and bodily harm. Honda was made aware of this problem on multiple occasions, and did nothing to remedy the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11553935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Liberty, IACrash3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was approaching a green light, and engaged the brakes to slow down. As I approached the light reaching approximate 10MPH. The car shuddered, and the alternator must have glitched again.The wheel cranked itself back and forth, causing the car to spin and turn into oncoming traffic. This issue has been recalled for this vehicle but not this VIN. I have notified 3 Honda repair shops of this issue, and have been turned away. The problem is with the electromagnet in the electric steering column. It is well documented, and I have video of several instances of thi issue occurring. Additional witnesses of the problem are available. And the incident itself resulting in property damage and bodily harm. Honda was made aware of this problem on multiple occasions, and did nothing to remedy the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11553935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
While I was driving, a truck hit me from behind causing a 5 car accident. My car was unable to be driven from the scene. The radiator and front collision bar are very bent in, however my airbags did not deploy. The truck was going 60 mph when it hit me hard enough to cause another 3 cars to have damage. This is a potential issue for others and currently I have very bad neck and head pain from the accident. My car had a warning screen saying “check airbag system” after the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11544291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was involved in a multi vehicle crash on the highway at a high rate of speed, approximately 50mph. I was hit from behind and hit the car in front of me totaling my car. My airbags did not deploy and I hit the steering wheel upon impact and suffered 4 compression fractures in my T1-T4 vertebrae. The doctor stated that if my airbags would have deployed I would not have suffered the neck fractures that I did.
NHTSA complaint #11512039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLexington, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side front tire drove over a pothole, causing the driver's side front air bag to deploy. The driver's side air bag struck her on the right arm. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and the vehicle drove off-road, crashing into an embankment that damaged the front end of the vehicle. The contact received medical attention on the scene for cuts and bruises to her right arm. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11485318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Highland, NY
AIR BAGS
I bought a 2014 Honda Civic LX at a used car dealership. The day after I bought it, the passenger-side occupant position sensor came on. I returned the car, and they reset it. It came on again, was reset, and when it came on again, it was replaced. The new one came on again. This time I took it to my Honda dealer, and they reset it. It came on again, and I've been living with it since.I am concerned it might go off unexpectedly or worse, not go off in a crash. I see other years have this as a recall, but my car doesn't come up with a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11745427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought a 2014 Honda Civic LX at a used car dealership. The day after I bought it, the passenger-side occupant position sensor came on. I returned the car, and they reset it. It came on again, was reset, and when it came on again, it was replaced. The new one came on again. This time I took it to my Honda dealer, and they reset it. It came on again, and I've been living with it since.I am concerned it might go off unexpectedly or worse, not go off in a crash. I see other years have this as a recall, but my car doesn't come up with a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11745427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11744572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesCovina, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, the vehicle lost power steering assist, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the vehicle was repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
Very infrequently the airbag light would briefly come on (solid, never flashing). It would only happen when turning the wheel counter clockwise, typically the wheel did not need to be turned very far for this to occur. The light would always go back off and no codes were found. On the night of 12/26/2025, I was driving onto the interstate (turning the wheel counterclockwise) when suddenly the passenger side curtain and passenger seat airbags deployed. My hearing went out, my windows fogged up, and I became disoriented. My vehicle briefly left the roadway and swerved into the narrow shoulder before I slowed down to a near stop. I resumed driving as there were vehicles approaching from behind. The vehicle has no impact damage and has never been in an accident. The airbags had stickers dating back to 2014 from when the vehicle was manufactured. The vehicle is rarely driven now as it is a safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11738449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rpm slighting rising at low mph and it hesitates/jerks a bit
NHTSA complaint #11735152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuquay Varina, NC
AIR BAGS
My Honda civic 2014 has a notice coming often in dashboard saying "Check airbag system". This car do not have major accident (only sight bumper hit on year 2022 on backside) and airbag never went off . Now the dealer was saying I need to pay for airbag change costing about $2,000. I think this airbag is defective and need further investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11734071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covina, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11722399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covina, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11722399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
ENGINE
Knocking sound from engine
NHTSA complaint #11719533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deltona, FL
POWER TRAIN
The Situation: My vehicle has an open safety recall, NHTSA #15V-574 (Honda Recall JU2). This recall specifically warns that a software error causes high stress on the CVT drive pulley shaft, which can result in the shaft breaking during operation. Because this recall was never performed on my vehicle, the drive pulley shaft has now failed exactly as described, rendering the transmission useless. Legal Basis for Total Replacement: 1. Consequential Damage: The software update (the original recall remedy) was designed to prevent physical breakage. Since that remedy was not provided, the physical hardware has now failed. A software update cannot fix a broken shaft; therefore, a total replacement of the transmission is the only viable remedy for this safety defect. 2. Federal Law: Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, manufacturers must provide a remedy for safety defects free of charge. Because the unaddressed defect led to the total failure of the transmission, Honda is obligated to cover the cost of the replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11706784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deltona, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Situation: My vehicle has an open safety recall, NHTSA #15V-574 (Honda Recall JU2). This recall specifically warns that a software error causes high stress on the CVT drive pulley shaft, which can result in the shaft breaking during operation. Because this recall was never performed on my vehicle, the drive pulley shaft has now failed exactly as described, rendering the transmission useless. Legal Basis for Total Replacement: 1. Consequential Damage: The software update (the original recall remedy) was designed to prevent physical breakage. Since that remedy was not provided, the physical hardware has now failed. A software update cannot fix a broken shaft; therefore, a total replacement of the transmission is the only viable remedy for this safety defect. 2. Federal Law: Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, manufacturers must provide a remedy for safety defects free of charge. Because the unaddressed defect led to the total failure of the transmission, Honda is obligated to cover the cost of the replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11706784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesDeltona, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11705893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterville, ME
POWER TRAIN
My car is BROKEN DOWN COMPLETELY. I take care of it extremely well! The transmission went. Out of no where. This needs to be apart of the recall for Transmission Software may Result in Pulley Damage. I’ve had to get the brakes and rotors completely replaced twice in a year and they need to be done AGAIN already. That’s not normal, for brakes to wear that fast. The electric seats do not work and there’s an issue electrically that the trunk keeps popping open I had to unplug it. The battery randomly kept draining over night for a period of a month, then started working regularly again. I want this car to be included in the recalls and I want assistance about my vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11704866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterville, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car is BROKEN DOWN COMPLETELY. I take care of it extremely well! The transmission went. Out of no where. This needs to be apart of the recall for Transmission Software may Result in Pulley Damage. I’ve had to get the brakes and rotors completely replaced twice in a year and they need to be done AGAIN already. That’s not normal, for brakes to wear that fast. The electric seats do not work and there’s an issue electrically that the trunk keeps popping open I had to unplug it. The battery randomly kept draining over night for a period of a month, then started working regularly again. I want this car to be included in the recalls and I want assistance about my vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11704866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterville, ME
SERVICE BRAKES
My car is BROKEN DOWN COMPLETELY. I take care of it extremely well! The transmission went. Out of no where. This needs to be apart of the recall for Transmission Software may Result in Pulley Damage. I’ve had to get the brakes and rotors completely replaced twice in a year and they need to be done AGAIN already. That’s not normal, for brakes to wear that fast. The electric seats do not work and there’s an issue electrically that the trunk keeps popping open I had to unplug it. The battery randomly kept draining over night for a period of a month, then started working regularly again. I want this car to be included in the recalls and I want assistance about my vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11704866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,000 milesOceanside, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like the transmission was in neutral(N), and the front wheels were locked. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Check Transmission" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was undrivable and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the pulley shaft and the drive belt were damaged. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197,000 milesOceanside, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like the transmission was in neutral(N), and the front wheels were locked. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Check Transmission" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was undrivable and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the pulley shaft and the drive belt were damaged. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocono Summit, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Drive shaft front axel is rusted and broke in the middle, not by joint. I see there are recalls for this model, but not under my vin number. The way it broke is not how it would normally break. Which is giving me concern it is a faulty product from being built or if it was replaced due to a previous recall
NHTSA complaint #11694452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Rapids, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Out of nowhere today started my car to go to work and it’s leaking fuel from the fuel pump area, only when it is running, pouring out fuel, I seen that some 2014 Honda Civic’s have a recall for fuel pump manufactured between January 2014 through November 2014 and mine was manufactured in February 2014 and I have this fuel pump leak issue, no recalls come up when I enter my VIN, but this has to be one of them, would only make sense.
NHTSA complaint #11678963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
TIRES
Continental P 195/65 R 15. 89 H. The tire blew and the side wall on the outside on the passenger side front. It looks shredded on the side- not a normal blown tire look. We were in the right lane on a 3 lane highway so we were able to get off as soon as it blew. Our safety was at risk because we had to change tire on the side of a busy 3 lane highway and it was late on a sunday night so nothing was open to replace and had to drive 70 miles back home on a donut. It could've caused an accident. No known issues/warnings/messages/etc. I will never buy another Continental again.
NHTSA complaint #11671487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at high speed on the freeway at 65mph, my Honda Civic Hybrid experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure of the hybrid battery control module (IPU/MCM). This happened without any warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms. The hybrid system instantly shut down, causing a dramatic loss of power and forcing me to pull off the road in high-speed traffic. This placed me and other drivers at serious risk of a high-speed collision due to the abrupt power loss and inability to accelerate. The failed component is still installed and available for inspection. The issue has since been diagnosed and confirmed by an independent hybrid specialist, who identified the malfunctioning IPU. I was told this exact failure is covered by Honda Service Bulletin 20-030, which extends the warranty for affected Civic Hybrids to 10 years or 150,000 miles, however, my VIN is not included, despite the failure being identical in nature. Honda has refused to provide any assistance, stating that only specific VINs are eligible, which I believe is misleading and unjust. This defect is clearly broader than the TSB acknowledges. The sudden failure of a critical propulsion system at high speed without warning is a major safety hazard and should not be limited by an arbitrarily narrow VIN list. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and require Honda to expand the scope of TSB 20-030. This defect compromises driver safety and has caused me significant financial and emotional stress, not to mention the danger it poses to others on the road. This is not an isolated incident. Many other Honda Civic Hybrid owners have reported the exact same issue, sudden IPU failure, no warnings, dangerous loss of power, on public forums and complaint databases. The narrow VIN range in TSB 20-030 is artificially limited and fails to reflect the true scope of the defect.
NHTSA complaint #11668518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downingtown, PA
POWER TRAIN
In a Honda CVT when the filter becomes clogged, pressure will build and the fill cap will come off the transmission on its own to relieve the pressure. There is no warning indication system to tell you when it happens but it seems to be a persistent issue in their CVTs. after the cap blows off fluid will start leaking on the casing and dirt and other contaminates will make their way into the transmission. This poses a massive safety issue as it can cause the transmission to lock up. When going to use professional service websites such as pro-demand and all data Honda gives no information about this issue or even how to fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11663925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UT
AIR BAGS
About a year ago, the transmission failed costing us nearly $5000 to fix it. This incident happened approximately April of 2022, no warning signs at all. Now, the airbag deployed while merging onto the freeway without any impact which was the scariest thing. I’m very concerned there are other issues. There were no warning signs on both incidents.
NHTSA complaint #11640356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
About a year ago, the transmission failed costing us nearly $5000 to fix it. This incident happened approximately April of 2022, no warning signs at all. Now, the airbag deployed while merging onto the freeway without any impact which was the scariest thing. I’m very concerned there are other issues. There were no warning signs on both incidents.
NHTSA complaint #11640356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.