1,072 of the 20,273 complaints filed about the Honda Civic are about the braking system — 5% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.
1,072
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
246
Crashes
6
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES
Failure brake suspension
NHTSA complaint #11758741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS misfired and locked my brakes without warning during normal driving. This was without pumping the brakes or any engagement of the brake system.
NHTSA complaint #11745914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped
NHTSA complaint #11745360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
On June 17, 2026, at approximately 4:30PM, while driving to work for an event, my vehicle suddenly applied the emergency brakes right after a message appeared on my dash warning me to brake. There was no vehicle Infront of me that should have caused my car to brake so hard and suddenly. I have contacted the dealership and American Honda about the situation. I have read online reports of similar issues happening and i wanted to report it so i can make as many people as possible aware of the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11744991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Car suddenly had many warning lights. A red “BRAKE” light flashes. Lane keep and adaptive cruise stopped working. The steering feels numb and doesn’t return to center. Took to dealer for diagnostic. They reported a VSA computer module failure. Researching VSA failure I found there is a company that will overhaul used / non working VSA units. The repair involves resoldering connections that work loose from normal driving. The design is awful and it’s not surprising these units fail. Gasket material is pressed directly against the solder joints.
NHTSA complaint #11743043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS system failed and the car crashed and when the ABS system failed the airbag light came on but airbags did not deploy in significant front end collision
NHTSA complaint #11737262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving my car home from work and many warning lights lit up on my car dashboard (brake problem, engine problem, uphill start, steering problem) etc.. I got off the freeway and my car dashboard lit up and notified me “to pull over to a safe location because my car needle (temperature) was on high. I pulled over to a safe location and opened the hood and noticed that the antifreeze coolant compartment was empty) my car could have caught on fire because there was no coolant inside the compartment. After I got home and filled the car with coolant I placed cardboard under the car engine to see if the coolant would leak. There are no signs of leakage. I took my car to my mechanic and he told me that he couldn’t fix the problem and suggested I call Honda USA customer service. The mechanic told me that the problem is with the “head gasket” and that the coolant does leak into other parts of the engine. He didn’t charge me anything for the inspection and added coolant to my car. I called Honda USA customer service and they told me that there are “no recalls” regarding coolant leaks and head gasket problems. I googled problems with “Honda 2016 civics and learned that there is a problem that exists and it’s very costly to fix. I also learned that Honda was sued in Canada and Honda settled with customers regarding this problem. Honda USA simply told me to take my car to a Honda dealer and ask for an “inspection” I asked if they would cover the cost and they didn’t not say they would pay for the inspection. This is a manufacture problem that occurs after a Honda Civic has gone past 70,0000 miles. People still complain about this issue and wonder where the coolant in the car is leaking and where is the coolant going into since the coolant is not visibly leaking. The coolant is making its way within the engine and causing more problems in my car. I have never had a problem like this one. This is the second time that the coolant inside my car leaks into the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11733704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was turning into a parking space in my 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Touring, in a plaza area. As I depressed the brake, I felt some pressure, but then all of a sudden it went straight to the ground, which caused my car to go over a landscape median, and hit the tree in the middle of it, causing my car to hit a stationary vehicle on the other side to the right, which in-turn caused my car to flip on it's drivers side. All of the airbags deployed and my driver's window was broken. My arm was injured and scraped but not broken. As I was waiting for the EMTs while sitting there, I noticed a warning circle with Bright Red Bold Letters that said BRAKE in the middle. My only thought was to shut the car off immediately. The manufacturer and insurance have given me a runaround regarding having someone to investigate/inspect the brake system, no success so far. I have a few days left for the insurance to hold it, being that it's been deemed a total loss. The CHP report is still not out. Hopefully the insurance will give me an extension for the hold. I had reported this by phone to NHTSA on 2/13/2026 and they did give me a claim number, but I don't see anywhere where I can add the claim number.
NHTSA complaint #11727130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and difficult to turn, making it hard to control the vehicle. This happened unexpectedly and created a serious safety risk, as I could have lost control and caused an accident. At the same time, the braking response did not feel normal, which made the situation even more dangerous. This issue has occurred despite previous repair attempts, and the problem remains unresolved. I am very concerned about the safety of this vehicle and the risk it poses to myself and others on the road. No warning lights appeared before the issue happened.
NHTSA complaint #11725418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11722399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The 2022 Honda Civic (Sport) with approx. 13,000 miles had been driving fine for the previous 10 minutes, on and off the highway, when I was almost home and on a more residential 25-30mph road. All of a sudden all of the warning lights went off on the dashboard at once, so I went to brake to slow down and pull over. But the brakes were completely failing - the pedal would just hit the back of the foot well. The emergency brake is electronic, so that wouldn't work either. I was lucky to be immediately next to a grocery store parking lot, so I roll into that. As soon as I make the turn flames began shooting out from under the hood, reaching maybe 6" up the windshield. This is only 5 or 6 seconds after the warning lights had started, and it was clear that the fire inside of the engine bay was substantial. I managed to coast to the back of the parking lot, away from other cars and people, and found a curb "island" that I could run into in order to stop the vehicle. I effectively crashed the car, and at this point the flames had increased. I ran out of the vehicle and shouted for people to call 911. Within a minute the entire front half of the car was engulfed in 10+ foot flames. The fire department showed up a minute later and put out the fire, and after only maybe 3 minutes maximum the only things left in the car were metal and wires. The dashboard was entirely gone, seats were just their metal frames, etc. If the door had been jammed I would have burned alive.
NHTSA complaint #11720872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving my 2026 Honda civic in the early morning hours before sunrise traveling the speed limit of 75 mph on a rural highway in North Texas. Out of nowhere, my vehicle activated the collision mitigation system bringing me to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. I verified that no hazards were present and the system activated on its own. Thankfully no other vehicles were around which could have negatively impacted them.
NHTSA complaint #11719759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I bought my 2026 Honda Civic a month ago and hadn't driven it very far. At a stoplight, the car stalled and various warning lights came on--for the brake, the CPU, and then almost all the warning lights came on. I was stranded at a light and afraid for my life and the safety of th other motorists. After numerous attempts, I got the car started again, but it stalled twice again on the way to the dealership. The problem was inspected by the Honda Dealership, who claim that the ordeal was because of a "puncture" in the radiator which was caused by a road event, and which somehow overwhelmed the CPU. I have tried to take this up with the dealer and Honda corporate, but see no other recourse for letting them know the danger I was put in. As for the "road event," neither myself or anyone else in the car remembers encountering or hearing or experiencing anything resembling an event that could have ruptured the radiator.
NHTSA complaint #11719561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The cotter pin and washer nuts connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster are completely missing from my vehicle. Unsure if it was even installed when I purchased the vehicle in 2024. Noticed the issue last Friday the 13th of February, 2026. brought it into a dealership Tuesday the 17th of February, 2026. They diagnosed that the pin was completely gone, which if such was the case i am unsure as to how i’ve been driving the vehicle normally until Friday, but if its just not there then I have reason to suspect that it was never installed properly in the first place, and through normal wear and tear it finally decided to give? But that still wouldn’t explain why its completely missing, and not in the car.
NHTSA complaint #11718616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed into a parking spot, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to come to a stop. The vehicle drove over a parking median in front and struck a tree. The contact then attempted to steer the vehicle to the left, but crashed into another vehicle on the passenger side. The vehicle flipped onto its driver's side, where it came to a stop. The message "Brake" was then displayed. The air bags deployed, shattering the front driver's side window. OnStar came on the speakers and informed the contact that help was on the way. The EMT arrived, and the contact was able to exit the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact sustained injuries to her left shoulder and arm, as well as a sore neck and stomach. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, but had not yet been deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11717887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to express my frustration and disappointment regarding the ongoing VSA/ABS module failure in my 2013 Honda Civic Si. This issue, common among Honda vehicles from 2013–2017, has caused significant stress, both financially and emotionally. The ABS module in my vehicle has malfunctioned, affecting the vehicle’s anti-lock braking and stability assist systems. This is a serious safety concern, as the failure could impair the car’s ability to brake effectively, especially in adverse driving conditions. The failure of this critical component puts my safety, and the safety of others, at risk.I took my car to two separate service centers, a certified Honda dealer and a Honda tuner shop, both of which confirmed the ABS module failure. They quoted over $2,200 for installation and reprogramming of a new module, which itself costs approximately $1,800. The car has had recurring ABS and VSA warning lights for several weeks prior to the issue becoming critical, and I was not informed by Honda about any recalls or known issues with the module. But this is common. As a loyal Honda customer, I am extremely disappointed that I have to shoulder the cost of what seems to be a widespread design flaw. I am requesting that Honda take responsibility for this issue and assist in covering the repair costs, as this is not an isolated problem but a defect in vehicles from this generation.
NHTSA complaint #11713974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
“Collision mitigation system problem see dealer” warning! Once at unknown mileage around 6,000 and once at around 10,000 miles. Random vehicle braking around 6-8 times in 12,000 miles with no reason. Braking happens while in cruise control. Both times that the warning messages appeared it was along with warnings for adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane departure, lane keep assisting. Many warnings all flashed consecutively with the final warning about collision mitigation system problem see dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11711095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
The vehicle has experienced ongoing steering-related noise and vibration during driving since early ownership. The issue is noticeable at various speeds and road conditions and affects confidence in steering control and overall vehicle stability. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced multiple times at an authorized dealership, but the condition has not been resolved. During prior service visits, the condition was characterized as unlikely to recur; however, the same issue continued to reappear after service. Following the most recent service visit, the vehicle also began exhibiting brake-related issues, including abnormal noise and behavior during braking. These combined steering, braking, and stability issues affect vehicle control and create a safety concern while driving. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11710826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 37 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine, master cylinder, and adaptive cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder, fuel pump, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.