122 of the
884 complaints about the 2018 Honda Civic are about the
other systems — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
27,200 miles.
This is a 2018 Honda Civic with only 30,000 miles on it. The a/c system has now broken down for the 7th time. I am [XXX] old this has caused me to be stranded and has also caused me to become dizzy, nauseous and have blurry vision because I cannot tolerate the summer heat without air conditioning. I have tried to have it repaired 7 times & the dealership even though Honda has "warrantied" it has also forced me to pay over $1400 for a faulty system they never actually fix. It is absolutely a safety hazard for me and also elder abuse. I have ALL the invoices but it's too many to send. I can send the 3 from the FIRST year it started. But it's happened EVERY SUMMER since! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Costa Mesa, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Evaporator failure in Honda Civic 2018, causing upwards of $2,000 for repair. This is a major safety issue that in extreme heat (such as california weather) can cause driver fatigue, and electrical failure from overheating as well. I personally was not covered under the Honda extended warranty for the condenser seal replacement because my evaporator was also not working. Especially as someone who is working in my car most of the time, driving between facilities, I need to have functioning air conditioning for my own safety. Multiple times now I have experienced nausea and fatigue while driving, with no remedy other than parking at a store and sitting in the AC until I could cool off. This is not right, and Honda is not being helpful with solving this issue that should be covered. I first discovered this in early 2025, got it fixed through an extended warranty, and now my AC has failed again because of the evaporator failure. No warning lights, problem has been confirmed by a dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11753849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coppell, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AC system has engineering problem. It uses new regfirgirant type and it corrodes the shaft seal and the compressor and also the Evaporator core. Honda has an extended warranty on shaft seal and the compressor leak but not on Evaporator. But overall system is an issue. My shaft seal and the compressor were replaced under the extended warranty in 2024 but again the same thing happend and now Evaporator core is also needing the replacement. The cost of that part replacement is close to 2600 dollars. This is a theft and you should hold Honda responsible for this faulty Ac system and its engineering.
NHTSA complaint #11753877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colfax, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Honda refused to cover failed AC evaporator under extended warranty or goodwill warranty. They cover the compressor and condenser but not the evaporator. This is the 4th time my AC has gone out on my 2018 Civic. There is a film on the inside of my windshield and I am also concerned about what I may have been breathing in while the AC is on. I have read that issues with your condenser can cause issues with your evaporator. I don't understand why the evaporator isn't covered. I have all the receipts from the prior repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11751845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kearny, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 07/08/2026, the Infotainment system on my 2018 Honda Civic EX failed throughout the entire day into the morning of 07/09/2026. The screen became pixelated and would then turn black, not allowing me to see the screen at all. No matter how many times I attempted to reboot the unit or restart the vehicle, the issue did not resolve. Although this is not an urgent safety issue since it is related to the radio unit, this screen does display other components that are critically related to safety, such as the backup camera and passenger’s side blind spot camera. While being unable to see the screen, these added safety features are not available to the driver because they are not functional. Being that the vehicle is not equipped with backup/blind spot sensors as most other modern vehicles are, a driver would be dependent on these cameras to avoid a crash. I then serviced the vehicle at Planet Honda on Route 22 in Union, New Jersey, where the technicians completed a full diagnostic inspection. After running several electrical codes, technicians found no mechanical/electrical issue with my vehicle that would cause the system to fail. The service advisor stated that this is a common issue among many Honda owners and the issue lies within the system itself. Unfortunately the only fix would be to replace the entire unit totaling almost $2,700.00. If this is a common issue with other Honda vehicles, why has Honda not addressed this? My brother also owns a CRV and has noted that he has similar issues with his display. The entertainment system of the vehicle contains everything related to the vehicle, between camera views, settings, etc. If it is failing for many Honda owners and the only remedy is an expensive replacement, Honda should be held responsible. I cannot afford to pay almost $3,000.00 for something so essential.
NHTSA complaint #11749387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. Component/System: HVAC evaporator core. Total loss of climate control. Vehicle is a 2018 model. Prior to this, it had the known AC condenser defect covered under TSB 19-091. The condenser was repaired under warranty, but the AC loop continued to have underlying issues. Failed evaporator available for inspection. For the 2018 Honda Civic specifically, there are over 600+ total consumer complaints filed with the NHTSA, and the overwhelming majority are dedicated exclusively to the failing air conditioning system. 2. Safety Risk: Immediate safety hazard from extreme environmental exposure. In regional desert temperatures exceeding 115°F-118°F, the complete loss of cabin cooling creates a severe risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat-induced physical impairment for the driver while operating the vehicle on public roads. Additionally, during high humidity, the system emits a chemical-smelling mist/vapor from the vents causing an acute burning sensation in the driver’s eyes. 3. Reproduced/Confirmed: Yes. Right Honda (Scottsdale, AZ) inspected the vehicle and confirmed the evaporator leak on 07/11/2025. I have also observed the chemical mist/vapor emission, which was corroborated by a witness while driving in California. 4. Inspected by Others: Reviewed by Right Honda service department. Escalated to American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Case #16391364). Despite 5 years of ownership and previous failures in the same AC loop, the manufacturer refuses to cover the repair of this systemic defect. 5. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: No dashboard warning lamps. Initial symptoms began at ~59,857 miles with a gradual decline in AC performance, degrading to total loss of cooling at idle. Most recently, during high humidity, the system began emitting a chemical-smelling mist from the air vents, which causes a burning sensation in the eyes upon contact.
NHTSA complaint #11743563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11740874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ponce, PR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11734643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11732541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11726534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11723660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Americus, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Windshield has a sudden crack after snow. I don’t know how it came to be.
NHTSA complaint #11714742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have replaced my battery twice. I have purchased a new door handle so it wouldn’t drain the electric in my vehicle. I was told to drive my car every day to keep my battery charged. I just walked out the door and my battery is dead. This has happened approximately 12 times since I have owned this vehicle and I believe there should be a recall because you cannot find the parasitic draw. Please help me. I cannot afford all these repairs and this should be a recall. I have seen lots of articles about the 2018 Honda Civic sedan please file this under a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11698697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AC did not work at all when the outside temperature was hot. Service Bulletin 19-091 performed. AC blew cold after the repair. 1 year later AC did not work at all again. Dealership said the extended warranty will not cover it because it is an evaporator leak. This is a known issue and many have complained. If there is a leak in the evaporator then I would assume the refrigerant is leaking into the car and not outside the car. Risks of R1234yf Refrigerant: Flammability: R1234yf is classified as mildly flammable (A2L), meaning it requires a significant heat source to ignite but can burn. Toxic combustion products: When burned, R1234yf produces highly toxic and corrosive substances, such as hydrogen fluoride. Asphyxiation risk: A leak can displace oxygen, leading to a risk of asphyxiation in poorly ventilated areas. More information with others having this issue and difficulty with Honda acknowledging the defect: https://www.civicx.com/forum/threads/2016-2019-evaporator-failures-leaks.52319/ https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/auto-news/honda-class-action-alleges-civic-ac-defect/
NHTSA complaint #11694663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinez, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ac evaporator leaking along with ac condenser and ac compressor confirmed by honda dealership
NHTSA complaint #11683287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The air conditioning unit has failed and has continual problems, despite having repairs made through the dealership on four separate occasions. The AC condenser and seals have been replaced during each service. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The lack of air conditioning and dark exterior paint results in a high internal temperature of the vehicle, posing a significant risk of heat stroke and syncope to the driver and passengers. After driving for twenty minutes in the vehicle during a hot day, I was unable to continue driving as I was near syncope. The problem regarding the AC has been reproduced and confirmed by both the dealer and another independent service center. The only indication of the problem within the vehicle is when the AC is turned on. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure of the system. The problem was first noted during the summer months of 2021.
NHTSA complaint #11680775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Byron, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint job on this vehicle is awful 3+ yrs ago it started peeling and flaking off now there is no paint on my side mirrors Contacted Honda just to be ignored
NHTSA complaint #11672792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2018 Honda Civic that is subject to an open fuel pump recall. My vehicle suddenly became completely inoperable. When attempting to start the car, all of the dashboard lights come on, but the engine will not start or crank. The vehicle has power but will not turn over at all. This failure happened without any prior warning. I contacted Nalley Honda in Union City, GA, and they confirmed that the issue is related to the fuel pump recall. However, they refused to provide towing for the vehicle and told me the earliest appointment available would be over a week out, despite the vehicle being undrivable due to this known safety defect. This situation puts my safety and my family’s safety at risk, as I am now stranded without reliable transportation because of a manufacturer defect. The problem has been acknowledged by the dealership but has not been resolved because of their refusal to assist with towing or provide a timely repair. There were no warning lights or error messages prior to the failure—this happened suddenly. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this issue further, as it presents a serious safety concern. I also want to report that Honda has not provided towing assistance or a loaner vehicle while the safety recall repair is pending, which leaves me without any transportation.
NHTSA complaint #11669881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crowley, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Body Control Module The part was detected by Honda agency and they changed it because the battery was discharging. This Honda part already had problems with another model, but I don't want to admit that it also has them with the Civic models. The repair has a cost of $1000
NHTSA complaint #11667796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westminster, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello my name is [XXX] I sold this car to a buyer and would like to double remind the buyer about the recall so they can get it done, but they are not responding so I would like if you guys can remind them about the recall for safety measures thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11667303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clifton, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HONDA RECALL THE 2018 CIVIC FOR AC COMPRESSOR SHAFT SEAL AND THE DEALER REPAIR THE AC SYSTEM 3 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIX. ALSO HAS A RECALL FOR A FUEL PUMP MOTOR BUT IM NOT SURE IS WAS CORRECT IT FOR THE OLD OWNER.
NHTSA complaint #11656975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Bruno, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When i tried to open my gas tank on the neighborhood station to put gas it got locked and cannot be opened, the other drivers tried to help me and the station attendant. But to no avail I have to bring it to the local Honda dealership where I bought my car and it cost me almost $300.00, the problem was there was no way it can be opened manually, one driver even tried to Google it. Also, with this model, I received a recall notice about the Fuel injection and tried to call the Honda dealer about the situation they always told me no parts available yet, but I am quiet scared because I don't want to get accident associated with the recall parts. The technician always said, "you are safe the car won't stop" but for how long? I also told them "How come they keep sending recall notice but every time I bring my car to the shop, they answered was "no available parts"
NHTSA complaint #11653339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waveland, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11644695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am the original owner. Had the compressor fail on year 4 (got it replaced)and now in year 6 the evaporator has failed. Dealer inspected and determined both. In Phoenix, AZ with heat advisories throughout the summer it’s not safe/healthy to be in the car exposed to such heat. It seems the entire A/C system is flawed but extended warranties only apply to condenser and compressor.
NHTSA complaint #11643420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
March 5th 2020 I finally recorded a message that had been appearing in my dash board during late night drives. Message read as "Adaptive Cruise Control Problem" "Collision Mitigation System Problem" I notified Honda of North Hollywood service department at the time, and they said they could not do anything to fix the problem unless the message was actively displayed on the dash board during the time of service. Unfortunate for me the message would come and go and would not remain on for the service advisor to see. Several times my vehicle would randomly brake abruptly (to a screeching halt) due to a malfunction in detecting cars/objects around me. Luckily I managed to not crash or have other vehicles crash into my car from behind, but it scared me. I've always wondered what the issue was, and was never able to get it resolved because I didn't have proof of the abrupt stops. Fast forward to May 2024 I received a letter in the mail for a recall on the fuel pump module. I think this might have something to also do with not being able to start my car three times within one year... I ended up replacing multiple batteries and cleansing the fuel tank thinking that was the issue and I have been mobile since then. I have contacted Curry Honda in Georgia multiple times to get the recall resolved. 8 months since I received the recall notice, and the issue is still unresolved. Please help. I rely on this vehicle to get to work, and I am still paying on this car. I am concerned of the safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11634049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Pedro, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The standard OEM key fobs for Honda Civics, for several model years, and possibly for other Honda models, have a "feature" that seriously affects driver and passenger safety, and that cannot be disabled. If two buttons are depressed simultaneously on the key fob for a period of time, all of the windows go down and the doors unlock. I have encountered dozens and dozens, perhaps hundreds, of owner complaints about this "feature" on various Internet bulletin boards. Typically, the stories go, "I parked downtown in an unsafe area and I came back to my car and found that it was unlocked with all of the windows open and someone stole everything from my car," or "I parked outside just before a rain storm and I returned to my car to find all of the windows open without my knowledge and the interior of my car was soaked." Single women could encounter this problem and be attacked by people hiding in the back seat. Apparently, if anything in one's pocket depresses the keys on the fob, without one's knowledge, this occurs. It has happened to me, where I'll bend down to tie my shoe and walk away and I'll return hours later to find all the windows open during a rain storm or in a bad part of town. I've asked American Honda numerous times for a way to disable this unwanted "feature" and they've said that they've not interested in addressing it unless they're forced to do so by the government. This is a serious safety issue, not only implicating potential crime, but a wet soaked car interior could affect electrical and navigation systems in a life-threatening way. If you respond, I can upload several Internet pages with owner comments and complaints about this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11631307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coral Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1) Caused by faulty Body Control Module (BCM). 2) Can't enter car, key fob won't unlock car. Dashboard is illuminated when car is off, I can see it through my window. 3) Alarm horn went on when car is off. 4) Turn on my car, multiple errors, go to drive the car thinking I need to reset it from battery change. Shut off my car, but go to turn it back on. Car cranks but won't turn on, shows multiple errors on dash. 5) Dash shows "keyless start system problem" and car won't turn off. When pushing button to turn off car, head lights and a/c turn off but the engine still runs, push/start button flashes. Disconnected battery, still runs. Had to pull fuel or ECU fuse to stop the car running. 6) Can't reliably get my car to start. Issue is intermittent.
NHTSA complaint #11623284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cibolo, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Stalling, Oil pollution, electrical issues. The car shut off on me in the middle of the highway!
NHTSA complaint #11618983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitestown, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A/C went out on a road trip. Temperatures were in the 90s. No cold air. When it happened there was a really odd odor that we smelled that made us feel sick and nauseous. Took it to the dealer to look at it. They charged 360 just to look at it. Ended up replacing the condenser under warranty but that didn't fix the issue. Turns out it was the compressor that was the issue and not covered under warranty, Honda wants $1242 to repair the clutch, field and pulley assembly. With the number of complaints regarding the AC issues on these cars, there needs to be a recall or class action lawsuit to protect consumers. This is dangerous due to the smell and leaks and also due to no AC on hot days. My car has less than 60k miles and is a 2018, ridiculous!
NHTSA complaint #11611856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eastvale, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Went to Honda dealership to diagnose why white smoke was coming through the AC vent whenever I would turn on the AC. Honda said that my AC condenser went bad, which is covered under the extended warranty due to others having the same issue but that my AC Evaporator core was stain and also needs to be replaced. I was quoted $2322.16 to have the Evaporator replaced and it needed to be replaced before they could continue with replaced the condenser and recharged the system for free. Please help as it seems the issue has to do with the new Freon Honda is using.
NHTSA complaint #11611092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.