1,343 of the
20,273 complaints filed about the Honda Civic
are about the other systems —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
While driving my 2025 Honda Civic Touring, the electric steering system suddenly malfunctioned without warning. While entering/navigating a roundabout, the wheels forcibly straightened out on their own, overriding steering input and causing the vehicle to crash directly into the roundabout curb/barrier. Prior to this sudden steering lockout/binding event, there were no known performance or handling issues with the car. Following the impact, the steering remains unsafe to operate, experiencing binding, severe misalignment, and persistent inability to steer smoothly. Mechanics have replaced the passengers lower control arm, ball joint, sway bar link, the passenger side strut tower, and two front tires because of the camber caused damage to the tires, but the vehicle's camber remains out of spec and the underlying steering binding/stiffness remains unresolved. I believe an internal defect or electronic lockup in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system caused the vehicle to lose steering control prior to the impact.
NHTSA complaint #11758615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced repeated A/C refrigerant leaks. In March 2026, a Honda dealer replaced the condenser and compressor shaft seal under warranty. Several months later, the A/C again gradually lost cooling. The dealer diagnosed leaks from the evaporator, expansion valve, and two Schrader valves. The dealer quoted about $2,800 for parts and labor, including dashboard removal to access the evaporator. The repair has not been performed. The repeated loss of A/C may create a safety concern because the system helps defog and defrost the windshield, potentially affecting visibility. The dealer confirmed the leaks. Honda was contacted but denied goodwill assistance based on the vehicle's age. I am reporting this because multiple major A/C components have developed leaks within months of warranty repairs, and I have heard similar reports from other owners of 2016 Civics. I believe the pattern warrants investigation for a possible broader defect.
NHTSA complaint #11757577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The mechanical backup keys on my "key fobs" do not work. When the key fob battery failed on 8/12/26 due to a dead key fob 2032 battery or a loose connection in the fob, I was locked out of my car with no ability to unlock the car. This happened in a garage, however it could happen again on the road or a highway and I would be left stranded with no way to get into my vehicle. When I was able to get the fob working again with new battery, I went to the dealer -San Francisco Honda -and two service representatives confirmed that the vehicle's manual mechanical emergency override fails to unlock the driver's door despite giving an internal "click." They refuse to fix it because the car is out of its general 36 month warranty. They stated I need to pay approximately $300 for the issue to be diagnosed, and then I would have to pay an unknown amount for the repair. I believe this issue has existed since I purchased the car and it should be handled as a safety defect under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11757489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My 2022 Honda Civic has developed an intermittent sticky steering condition. The steering wheel becomes difficult to turn around the center position and requires additional force before it moves normally again. This occurs during normal driving and makes it difficult to maintain smooth and predictable control of the vehicle. I am concerned that this could increase the risk of losing control, especially if an emergency steering correction is needed. In addition, I hear a knocking/tapping noise coming from the front of the vehicle whenever I turn the steering wheel at low speeds. The vehicle has never been involved in any accident, collision, or steering-related damage. There are no warning lights displayed. The problem developed during normal use and has become repeatable. The vehicle has not yet been diagnosed by a Honda dealership, but based on the symptoms and numerous similar owner reports involving 2022 Honda Civics, I believe this may be related to a defect in the steering system. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this is a potential safety issue and request that NHTSA investigate.
NHTSA complaint #11755669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car AC has been having issues as the driver side produces warmer air than the passenger side. Honda issued a 10 year extended warranty for two of the three AC components; the warranty covers only the compressor and condenser. My 2017 Honda Civic has roughly 64k miles on it and the AC evaporator needs to be replaced. The Honda dealership has responded that this would cost out of pocket to replace. Seeing as the extended warranty covers the other components but not the third related one I'm writing a formal complaint. My vehicle doesn't meet the minimum threshold of usage for the AC evaporator to fail having been in use for under 10 years and having about 64k miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11754822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
on 7-28-26 After filling my vehicle with gas at the next red light, all lights on dashboard went on flickering warning (Christmas tree effect). on 7-29-26 After researching online Roadside came out and did Battery and alternator test that passed. I did hard reboot from instructions I found online and after several attempts the lights cleared twice, the morning of 7-30-26 when leaving for work the flickering lights came back on. Vehicle had a slight tremble but cleared after a few seconds while vehicle warmed up. I went to get the battery checked at the shop and it passed also had air filter changed. Lights still on, car is running fine, but I feel unsafe to drive and have an appt at the dealer for a diagnosis check on 7-31-26.
NHTSA complaint #11753827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
AC unit blows hot air only on the left side. Temp in IL is over 90 degrees F. Yes, it has been confirmed by the dealer, but they are saying they are not liable if I pay for them to conduct the service and they cannot fix it. No, but the manufacturer had issues with the a/c compressor and condenser and for this specific 2019 Honda Civic. Those were recently replaced, but now I am still having A/C issues. No warnings. It appeared June 9th. My husband and I bought the same exact vehicle at the same exact location on the same exact date and BOTH vehicles are having this same exact issue only one week apart. Mine occurred on 6/9/2026 and his first occurrence started 7/12/2026.
NHTSA complaint #11753128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In June 2026, the HVAC system in my 2019 Honda Civic 2.0L failed because the evaporator core developed a premature leak or crack. AutoNation Honda O’Hare inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the evaporator core as the failed component. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a serious visibility hazard. During rain and humid conditions, the windshield and side windows fog rapidly. Because the air-conditioning system can no longer adequately remove moisture from the cabin air, the defrost and defog functions do not clear the glass effectively. This can severely obstruct my view of the road, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards while driving. I have also noticed a persistent chemical odor coming from the vents. Because the evaporator core is located inside the HVAC housing, I am concerned that refrigerant, compressor oil, or other HVAC residue may be entering the passenger compartment. This creates a potential exposure concern, especially when the vehicle is operated with the windows closed. I received no specific dashboard warning that the evaporator core was failing. The first noticeable symptoms were reduced cooling, ineffective windshield defogging, and the chemical odor from the vents. Honda has extended warranty coverage for certain air-conditioning condenser and compressor failures affecting this generation of Civic, but it does not cover the evaporator core. I contacted Honda and requested goodwill assistance with the costly repair. Honda refused to provide any goodwill discount despite the known pattern of air-conditioning failures and the safety consequences of losing effective windshield dehumidification. I request that NHTSA investigate evaporator-core failures in 10th-generation Honda Civics and determine whether a safety recall or expanded manufacturer remedy is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11752656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Following a drivetrain repair at Gary Yeomans Honda, the vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe driving condition. Specifically, the technician left unsecured heavy metal tools (a pry bar and screwdriver) loose in the engine bay, failed to torque a structural fastener, and rendered the rear brake light completely non-functional while incorrectly marking it as operational on the inspection sheet. Additionally, the inspection sheet indicated a red-flag warning to 'inspect transmission for leaks' that was categorized as a mistake upon return.
NHTSA complaint #11751684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honda dealership diagnosed my vehicle with an evaporator core leak. FOUND A/C SYSTEM PRESSURES LOW. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND DARK SPOTS ON THE EVAPORATOR. A/C EVAPORATOR LEAKING. The evaporator core is suffering from the exact same chemical reactions to the R1234yf refrigerant that forced Honda to issue 10-year warranty extensions for the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seals (under TSB 19-091 and TSB A23-039).
NHTSA complaint #11749600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honda dealership diagnosed my vehicle with an evaporator core leak. FOUND A/C SYSTEM PRESSURES LOW. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND DARK SPOTS ON THE EVAPORATOR. A/C EVAPORATOR LEAKING. The evaporator core is suffering from the exact same chemical reactions to the R1234yf refrigerant that forced Honda to issue 10-year warranty extensions for the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seals (under TSB 19-091 and TSB A23-039).
NHTSA complaint #11749601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The A/C went out on this vehicle. The A/C only worked half way in the car. It would only cool the passenger side and not drivers side. When I took it in to get it fixed, they said it was the condenser. There was a recall for the compressor shaft seal but not the condenser. They replaced the condenser and compressor shaft seal. As I checked the Internet I found a recall for this problem in Canada but not in the U.S. I asked Honda about it. They said it was VIN specific right now unless enough people complain about this problem. If it happened in Canada it should be dealt with here. According to my search there are others in the U. S.that have had this problem. How many complaints does it take before this is dealt with?
NHTSA complaint #11749531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The component ive seen fail on multiple 2018, 2019, 2020, honda civics is the rear camera allows water into the camera lens area. And it becomes permanently foggy but the lens its self does fail. Becomes hazy and the haziness is on the inside of the lens protector this starts happening when the car is 4 to 5 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11749130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.