Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Jan 11, 2017
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
8%
of 373 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1
What this page shows
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1997 Honda Civic submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 29 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming electrical
The 25 most recent of 29, in the owner's own words
"TAKATA RECALL" MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF WHEN I WAS TURNING AND WENT OVER A A BUMP, AND CRACKED MY WINDSHIELD REALLY BAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE SRS RED LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE THIS. WHEN THIS OCCURRED IT BLEW A FUSE AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. I DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR THE CAR SO INSURANCE DID NOT NEED IT. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK AND WOULD HONK THE HORN WHEN I TRIED TO USE IT
NHTSA ID
10944444
Incident
May 15, 2016
Mileage
169,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed May 2, 2016
I HAD CAR COMPUTER PROBLEMS, AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEM AND PAINT ON CAR BODY IS CRACKING. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED TO HAPPEN GRADUALLY, COMPUTER PROBLEMS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN THE CITY; THE PAINT STARTED TO CRACK FOR MANY YEARS AND THE CAR LOOKS MISERABLE. THE AIR CONDITIONING BROKE DOWN DURING A SUMMER TIME, WHEN I HAD NO MONEY TO REPAIR IT AND HAD TO SUFFER DUE TO THE HIGH HEAT WEATHER. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK SOMEWHERE IN THE ENGINE, NOT SURE WHERE, WHICH CAN MAKE THINGS WORSE.
NHTSA ID
10862668
Incident
May 15, 2010
Mileage
45,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 17, 2014
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON NOW CAR WILL NOT START. NO FAULT OR CEL CODES. *JS
NHTSA ID
10592201
Incident
May 13, 2014
Mileage
244,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed May 9, 2011
Crash reported
THE VTEC-E ON MY 1997 HONDA CIVIC HX IS NOT ENGAGING AT THE PROPER TIMES WHICH IS NOT ONLY AN ANNOYANCE WHEN DRIVING, BUT ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT ENGAGES AT LOW SPEEDS (WHICH IT SHOULD NOT DO) IN TRAFFIC LAUNCHING YOU FORWARD INTO THE BACK ENDS OF OTHER VEHICLES. HAS CAUSED (2) REARENDERS. *TR
NHTSA ID
10399539
Incident
Apr 15, 2009
Mileage
15,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION THE ENGINE REMAINED ON. THE CONTACT HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRED FOUR YEARS AGO FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION IT WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS IF THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS NOT ON. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE 1999 THROUGH 2004 HONDA CIVIC NOT HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134000.
NHTSA ID
10348552
Incident
May 9, 2006
Mileage
85,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 10, 2010
I HAVE A 97 CIVIC DX AND SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL TURN OFF AND IS TO HARD TO CONTROL THE WHEELS, WHEN TURNS OFF THERE IS NO ENGINE LIGHTS & THE CAR DIES TOTALLY AND I TRY TO TURN THE CAR ON BUT IT WONT START I NEED TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES THEN I CAN TURN THE CAR AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH IN THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS TO POSSIBLE COULD BE THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
NHTSA ID
10308254
Incident
Jan 3, 2010
Electrical
Filed Mar 17, 2009
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE JUST QUITS. THERE IS NO STUTTERING, STALLING, OR ENGINE MISFIRES, IT QUIETLY JUST QUITS. THE RADIO, HEATER FAN, BRAKE LIGHTS STILL WORK BUT NOT THE SIGNAL LIGHTS. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM STARTED 1-2X A MONTH AND OVER A PERIOD OF 7 MONTHS HAS NOW BECOME AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE. *TR
NHTSA ID
10262118
Incident
Sep 1, 2008
Electrical
Filed Oct 5, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, BOTH OF THE REAR ELECTRIC DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT AN INSPECTION WOULD COST $150 AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST $500. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMATION WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ UPDATED *JB
NHTSA ID
10205092
Incident
Aug 15, 2007
Mileage
125,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA CIVIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113000. THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE 02 SENSOR AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED AND THE LINEAR SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ID
10190710
Incident
May 7, 2007
Mileage
112,000 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Apr 14, 2005
1- CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH SRS LIGHT FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW 2- NUMBER OF THINGS DONE TO FIX AND STILL NOT FIXED - THIS IS A COMPLETELY STOCK VEHICLE FROM THE FACTORY- NO MOODS! THE DEALER SAYS WITH THE SRS LIGHT ON THE CAR ABSOLUTELY HAS NO AIRBAGS THAT WILL WORK. 3- CHANGED THE BATTERY, TOOK IT INTO A DEALER AND HE RESET IT, STILL NOT FIXED. DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.*AK
NHTSA ID
10116923
Incident
Sep 17, 2003
Mileage
60,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalSeat belts
Filed Oct 15, 2004
Crash reported1 injury reported
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POT HOLE, AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, AND PASSENGER STRUCK HIS FACE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT OPEN AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. *SC
NHTSA ID
10092582
Incident
Sep 14, 2004
Mileage
68,069 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 9, 2003
Crash reported
AFTER RECALL REPAIR OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, 02 120 000, IT MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING IN THE PARK GEAR. *NLM
NHTSA ID
10015511
Electrical
Filed Dec 5, 2002
CONSUMER STATED HAD IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 02V120000 REMEDIED ON 10/4/02. SINCE THEN CAN START VEHICLE FINE, BUT INTERMITTENLY HAVE TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN VEHICLE OFF. SWITCH WILL NOT TURN. TS
NHTSA ID
8023755
Incident
Oct 4, 2002
AirbagsElectrical
Filed May 21, 2002
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON ALL DAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED, OR AIR BAGS WILL MALFUNCTION IN A CRASH.*AKVEHICLE OWNER HAS BEEN SENT A FREE SERVICE REMINDER FOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS WITH ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC, THAT CAUSES IT TO NOT COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT. *JG
NHTSA ID
8010222
Incident
Feb 1, 2002
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Jan 26, 2002
WHEN DRIVING HEADLIGHTS AND INSTURMENT PANAL GET REALLY BRIGHT AND GO BACK TO NORMAL LIKE THEY FLICKER BRIGHT HAVE CHANGED BOTH ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY AND STILL DOES IT. *AK
NHTSA ID
757355
Incident
Sep 17, 2001
ElectricalInterior & seatsVisibility
Filed Apr 17, 2001
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN NOVEMBER OF 2000. DEALERSHIP TESTED BATTERY TO SEE IF THIS WAS CAUSE. MECHANIC REPLACED BATTERY, AND VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. MECHANICS THEN REPLACED ENTIRE ALTERNATOR, AND THIS CORRECTED DEFECT. THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES ON ALTERNATOR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. *AK RUN CHANNEL AND REGULATOR FOR THE POWER WINDOW WAS REPLACED. HOOD RELEASE SNAPPED OFF WHEN CONSUMER PULLED IT. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRMENT OF THE ALTERNATOR. *SLC
NHTSA ID
886087
Incident
Nov 1, 2000
Heating & air conditioningElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 11, 2000
AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING 2.5 HOURS, SMOKE APPEARED FROM UNDER HOOD AND CAR MISFIRED REPEATEDLY. AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM NON-FUNCTIONAL; HALL HONDA ATTRIBUTES TO COOLING FAN FAILURE BUT IS RELUCTANT TO REPAIR UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY CLAIMING PROBLEM IS RELATED TO PREVIOUS ACCIDENT DAMAGE THREE YEARS AGO ALTHOUGH ANOTHER MANAGER FROM SAME DEALERSHIP DISAGREES. *AK
NHTSA ID
725264
Incident
Jul 1, 2000
Electrical
Filed Feb 28, 2000
VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION, DEALER REPAIRED WIRING SYSTEM HOWEVER AFTER REPAIR THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE AS WELL, ADDITIONAL WIRING REPAIRS IN THE HARNESS COMPLETED, THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT DO WIRING REPAIRS PROPERLY AND HARNESS WAS BROKEN WITH SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS DUE TO DAMAGED WIRING HARNESS. *MJS
NHTSA ID
551131
Incident
Jul 21, 1998
Electrical
Filed Nov 18, 1999
HANSEL HONDA STATED TWO MONTHS AGO WHEN WE HAD THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT PROBLEM, THAT IT WAS A FAULTY ENGINE MODULE. THE CAR HAS HAD TWO START PROBLEMS FOR WHICH HANSEL HONDA STATED IT MAY BE DUE TO THE MODULE BUT WAS STILL BACK ORDERED. WITH THE SECOND START PROBLEM, ONE OF THE SERVICE STAFF STATED IT MAY BE THE MODULE PROBLEM BUT STATED THEY WERE HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING THE PART. THE OTHER SERVICE PERSON THAT VERY SAME DAY, STATED IT PROBABLY WASN'T THE MODULE AND THAT THE PART WAS STILL ON BACKORDER DUE TO HIGH INCIDENCE AND REQUESTS OTHER THAN HANSEL HONDA FOR REPLACEMENT MODULE FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART. HE STATED THEY COULDN'T GUARANTEE WHETHER THE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE STARTING WAS DUE TO THE MODULE OR NOT, BUT THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE FOR NOW. HANSEL HONDA STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS A PROBLEM NOT THEM AND STILL COULDN'T DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I ASKED THEM IF SO MANY HONDAS HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERS, WHY THEY HAVEN'T BEEN RECALLED. HE SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW. AS MENTIONED EARLIER, IT HAS BEEN 2 MONTHS SINCE THE PART WAS INITIALLY ORDERED. *AK
NHTSA ID
714933
Incident
Nov 15, 1999
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Feb 1, 1999
SUNVISOR BROKE OFF. MJS
NHTSA ID
608015
Electrical
Filed Feb 1, 1999
REMOTE DOOR LOCK FAILED. *YC
NHTSA ID
607515
Electrical
Filed Nov 17, 1998
WHEN DRIVING THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, AND CONSUMER HAD A FUSE REPLACED AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS STILL COMING ON. *AK
NHTSA ID
829727
Incident
Oct 22, 1998
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Oct 1, 1998
HEADLAMPS/DASHLIGHT VOLTAGE FLUCTUATES.
NHTSA ID
780607
Electrical
Filed Jul 21, 1998
HORN BUTTON PLACEMENT DESIGN IS POOR, DUE TO DELAY IN LOCATING BUTTON TWO ACCIDENTS OCCURRED.
NHTSA ID
541140
Electrical
Filed Nov 20, 1997
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE BURNED UP. *AK
NHTSA ID
523457
Incident
Sep 1, 1997
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own