FaultScore

2017 Honda Civic body problems

37 of the 764 complaints about the 2017 Honda Civic are about the body and structure — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 9,250 miles.

C

37

Complaints

4

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Body 35 94.6%
Bumpers 1 2.7%
Structure 1 2.7%

Body & Structure across every Honda Civic year

1991 13 1.7%
1995 12 1.5%
1996 19 2.4%
1997 18 2.3%
1998 28 3.6%
1999 19 2.4%
2000 10 1.3%
2001 30 3.9%
2002 20 2.6%
2003 26 3.3%
2004 17 2.2%
2005 25 3.2%
2006 80 10.3%
2007 71 9.1%
2008 85 10.9%
2009 45 5.8%
2010 43 5.5%
2011 10 1.3%
2012 35 4.5%
2013 23 3.0%
2015 18 2.3%
2016 48 6.2%
2017 37 4.7%
2018 21 2.7%
2019 12 1.5%
2022 14 1.8%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Alexandria, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY

About one month ago, I noticed that the paint on my rear quarter panel (to the right of my rear window) was peeling. It continues to peel. My insurance will not cover the paint failure, as the adjuster stated that they "will not touch my car because there are several class action lawsuits again Honda for the paint on this specific model and color of white" '. I have contacted Honda and they stated that after looking up my VIN, there are no lawsuits or recalls associated with my specific VIN. I am at a loss because the paint looks like a paint failure - not as though something hit or scratched the paint and caused it to peel. I am looking for assistance for reimbursement or how to get this covered. Because this is not an at fault event, I am unsure of next steps because the paint will continue to peel and then there is a possibility that the car will rust.

NHTSA complaint #11753059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint on the rear trunk area has failed and it is chipping off in large amounts. The missing paint exposes the area to corrosion and reduces structural integrity of the components. American Honda was informed about the paint defect and the car was inspected by Hendrick Honda on 5/27/26 as requested by American Honda.

NHTSA complaint #11743099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kingsport, TN

STRUCTURE:BODY

My white 2017 Honda Civic was brand new when I bought it and has always been garage kept. At the beginning of April, when washing my car, I noticed the paint was peeling around the top of my back windshield. A couple of weeks later, while washing my car, the paint peeled off in several larger areas along the back drivers side window. When I called the dealership that I purchased my car from I was told Honda had extended the warranty 7 years but unfortunately that extension ran out in 2024. I bought touch up paint from a local Honda dealership and tried to fix it but it still looks awful and is still bubbling so bad I’m afraid to even wash it anymore.

NHTSA complaint #11735713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fairfield, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint is peeling from my Honda civic hatchback EXL. The color is sonic gray. The paint started to peel off slowly and hasn’t stopped. The side view mirror covers is where I noticed the peeling first. Then under the hood and door handles. Upon further inspection I noticed that rust had developed in the door jambs of the liftgate as well. Other areas that look like will start peeling are the fenders and hood. Dealer has inspected car but won’t address issue because this color hasn’t been recalled. Called Honda and they say the paint warranty has expired and this color hasn’t been recalled.

NHTSA complaint #11701880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hope Mills, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY

My paint has been coming off for a while now and now I have serious rust issues. I have gone in for inspection at the local Honda dealership and they recommended for me to contact Honda of America. I contacted them and they said that there was nothing that they could do. I shouldn't have to fork out money for a bad paint job. My car is rusting. Please help me.

NHTSA complaint #11668401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pocatello, ID

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint is flaking off in big chunks around the back window!!

NHTSA complaint #11659593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flagstaff, AZ

STRUCTURE:BODY

Our Honda Civic is white. On the right rear quarter panel where the rear window glass meets the quarter panel. The paint is bubbling, flaking and pealing off.

NHTSA complaint #11651478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shelbyville, IN

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint is coming off the car down to the metal. The paint has been recalled on other Honda vehicles. Paint #NH788P. . Several areas where paint has come off when driving on highways behind other vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11648333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Paso, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint and finish bubbling and peeling on hood, roof, some on trunk. In the worst spots paint is worn away down to the metal, creating rusting hazard. On hood, peeled paint can blow onto the windshield, interfering with vision and distracting the driver. Vehicle has been inspected by a USAA insurance adjuster and by Rudolf Body and Paint in El Paso, TX.

NHTSA complaint #11631680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hendersonville, TN

STRUCTURE:BODY

I have noticed that the paint on my Honda Civic 2017 is flaking and peeling off. The issue is most apparent on the side of the rear view glass and near the right-side tail light which seems to be worsening over time. It was my sister’s car before she gave it to me. She took care of it before she passed away and now I’ll continue to take good care of her car and have not had any repainting or significant damage in the affected areas that I know of. This seems to be an issue with the paint adhering properly, and I am concerned about further damage, including potential rust which I’m starting to notice. I kindly request that Honda evaluate this as a possible manufacturing defect and let me know if it can be addressed under warranty. Attached are photos of the affected areas for your review. Please let me know the next steps to resolve this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11628154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, NV

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint is peeling around the back window. Down to the primer/metal. I first noticed it around 3/15/2022. It first started to bubble. Now it's flaking off. The color of the vehicle is Modern Steel Metallic.

NHTSA complaint #11628005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hamden, CT

STRUCTURE:BODY

The NH-788P White Orchid Pearl Paint that was given an extended warranty due to a "paint peeling problem" on the Fit and HR-V models is now affecting Civics. I currently own a 2017 Civic Hatchback with the same paint, from the same country of manufacturing origin, within the same time frame, and was never given an extension warranty and currently am being denied help. The worst paint peeling, under the trunk, is actually protected from weather ... this is easily a defect that originated from Honda. Honda is denying any responsibility at the moment, refuses to help me via phone calls or email defaulting to the response of "Your car isn't under warranty." even though they have acknowledged issues and provided coverage for different models AND Canada covers my situation unlike the USA: [XXX] Had I know about this defect with my car with an official statement from Honda, it would have impacted my choices back in 2020 and 2021. I would of sold it around 2021 or contacted Honda earlier to settle these issues that would of happened under the extended warranty if I was given one. Honda's constant inaction once again damages consumers everywhere where the repair for paint is roughly 60% of the value of the car itself ... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11619646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gwynn OAK, MD

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint on my Honda Civic 2017 began peeling off the back window of my vehicle starting in 2022. I've since then paid to have it repaired, but now peeling is starting to occur on other places of the vehicle, such as the front hood, the fender, and the bumper. Honda has already admitted that a manufacturing issue involving the paint on the back window has been reported. This peeling problem is becoming too expensive to handle and Honda will not extend the paint warranty beyond the 3-year time frame. This is a serious issue as having too much of the car body exposed with lead to rusting.

NHTSA complaint #11613446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Villa Rica, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY

There is paint just falling off the drive door in large chucks, and still getting worse.

NHTSA complaint #11606720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moreno Valley, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

I was driving on the freeway traveling about or higher than 65 mph with high wind resistance (my opinion) when the front lower bumper shield started dragging under the vehicle causing to pull over in high traffic with my kids. Upon my own investigation the front lower bumper seem to rip and fold down ward causing it to drag.

NHTSA complaint #11595835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moreno Valley, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

I was driving on the freeway traveling about or higher than 65 mph with high wind resistance (my opinion) when the front lower bumper shield started dragging under the vehicle causing to pull over in high traffic with my kids. Upon my own investigation the front lower bumper seem to rip and fold down ward causing it to drag.

NHTSA complaint #11595835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tucson, AZ

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint on roof is peeling off near rear window.

NHTSA complaint #11582877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlottesville, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint began flaking off in dime size chunks after a car wash. primarily around the back windshield but also around the gas door cover. I brought it to a body shop to be checked on. They said this was a common thing they see in civics from 2017, and it is a manufacturing defect.

NHTSA complaint #11581604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dublin, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

2017 Honda Civic paint falling off in large chunks.

NHTSA complaint #11561654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, SC

STRUCTURE:BODY

Trunk will open seemingly at random. Occurs while driving, parked, turned off, etc. Widespread problem as it has been reported on multiple car forums, all with the same response from dealers; can’t reproduce issue or they don’t know what’s wrong.

NHTSA complaint #11561409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oxnard, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

I started to wash my car and the paint on the roof between the windshield and sunroof started peel quite significantly. I showed my local Honda dealership and they told me to call American Honda Motor and they told me there is nothing they can do. I went to 5 different body shops in my area and they all have said that Honda should be covering the repair due to it being a manufacturing issue.

NHTSA complaint #11545043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Round Rock, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY

2017 Honda Civic hatchback Paint cracking up Vin: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11502638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sayville, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint is peeling from section of roof between windscreen and sunroof. Case opened with Honda NA and New York State Attorney General's Office.

NHTSA complaint #11500757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bakersfield, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

This vehicle was purchased in May 2017 and in April of 2021 the paint started peeling off the exterior around the rear window. This does not put my safety at risk but I do see that Honda has had this problem with many of their vehicles in recent years. This problem was reported to American Service Honda on June 4 2021, but because I am days past the expiration date of warranty Honda refuses to diagnose the issue without cost to me. I did not immediately report it when first noticed because I had not realized how recent this car was purchased. But like stated prior, Honda has confirmed the same issue for other of their models in recent years. I have owned other vehicles like toyotas and other brands to which do not have the same issue so it is not due to sun damage nor wear. Another issue is that the window trims on all passenger and driver windows are breaking shrinking and falling apart. Again this is also known problem with honda cars in consumer reports.org all throughout the U.S . This may be of safety concern if they fall off while driving I wouldn't want it to land on another cars front window or perhaps the windows can be damaged or cracked. One last thing that is also a common issue for hondas, that is an issue for mine is that the front bumper is very low it gets stuck on parking bumpers this causes the sides to start breaking and if it were to fall off it would be a major safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11419676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lubbock, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE PAINT AROUND THE REAR WINDSHIELD IS PEELING OFF OUR 2017 HONDA CIVIC. IT STARTED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND NOW THE LEFT SIDE HAS STARTED PEELING PRETTY QUICK. THERE'S ONE SPOT WHERE THE PAINT IS CRACKED AND SOME RUST CAN BE SEEN AROUND THE EDGE. THERE HAS BEEN NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND STAYS INSIDE THE GARAGE WHEN WE ARE AT HOME.

NHTSA complaint #11384416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 250 miles Boca Raton, FL

STRUCTURE

THE CAR HAS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE UNDER CARRIAGE COVER TO THE ENGINE SECTION. WHEN A SPEED HUMP IS ENCOUNTERED, THE UNDERCARRIAGE HITS IT AT THE SLOWEST SPEEDS. EVENTUALLY, IT WILL CAUSE DAMAGE. THE CAR HAS UNDER 11, 000 MILES AND IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER'S ATTENTION AND I AM TOLD THAT THE CAR IS LOW TO THE GROUND. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW SINCE EVERY SPEED BUMP HITS THE UNDERCARRIAGE COVER.

NHTSA complaint #11339045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,832 miles Tampa, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY

CAR IS ONLY A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS OLD AND THE AIR CONDITIONING IS BLOWING HOT AIR! THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR IS ONLY 22832. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER & THEY SAID THE CONDENSER IS DAMAGED & THE COMPRESSOR IS LEAKING DUE TO "ROAD DAMAGE". CALLED HONDA CORPORATE FOR THIS SINCE IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THEIR HONDA CIVICS 2015-2019 ABOUT A FAULTY COMPRESSOR GETTING HOLES PUNCTURED IN CAUSING THE FREON TO LEAK OUT AND THEY ALSO DENIED THE PAYMENT CLAIMING A ROCK HIT MY CAR AND CAUSED THE CONDENSER TO GET DAMAGED. CLEARLY HONDA NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS FAULTY COMPRESSOR AND RECALL THE CARS OR JUST PAY FOR THE AC TO BE FIXED INSTEAD OF CHARGING CUSTOMERS $2300 TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT CAN OCCUR AGAIN! THERE ARE EVEN LAWSUITS AGAINST HONDA FOR THIS ISSUE!

NHTSA complaint #11331126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,412 miles Mesa, AZ Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN 2018. IT IS NOW BEING REPORTED ON CARFAX AS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DUE TO A $74 BRACKET THAT WAS REPLACED ON THE BACK. THE CAR IS NOW UNDERVALUED DUE TO THIS. THE CAR WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN SOMEONE RAN A STOP SIGN AND COLLIDED WITH THE BACK LEFT FENDER OF THE CAR. THE CAR THAT WAS HIT WAS AT A STAND STILL.

NHTSA complaint #11326616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY

I WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY INVOLVING MY 2017 HONDA CIVIC. TRAFFIC WAS AT A SLOW/STOP ON THE FREEWAY AND A TAHOE COLLIDED INTO MY VEHICLE. I WAS SANDWICHED IN-BETWEEN A NISSAN TITAN AND CHEVY TAHOE. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK. DESPITE THIS MAJOR IMPACT, NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEFLATED.

NHTSA complaint #11246242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,500 miles Philadelphia, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

CAR TRUNK OPENS WHILE DRIVING (MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES TO DATE); WINDOWS DESCEND WHILE LOCKING CAR FROM OUTSIDE; GAS CAP COVER UNLATCHES WHILE LOCKING CAR. CAR DOORS HAVE ALSO UNLOCKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND THIEVES RANSACKED CAR ON 2 OCCASIONS. I RAISED ISSUES TO DEALER (WHO SAID THEY WERE IMPOSSIBLE) AND WROTE MANUFACTURER APRIL 22; HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. RUST ON TIRE RIMS. THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE BEEN RECURRING SINCE FIVE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR TO THE PRESENT DAY.

NHTSA complaint #11233000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 Honda Civic problems

← Full 2017 Honda Civic report