RoadVitals

1999 Honda Civic

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
338
Latest Dec 13, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
15
Latest Jan 17, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
66
54 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 338 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Honda Civic, most frequently naming the electrical, airbags and engine categories. 15 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 144 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

15 campaigns cover this model year

View all 15

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V026000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 17, 2020
1,439,841 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number D8J, Z8GView on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 338
Body & structure
Filed Dec 13, 2023

3 out of 4 doors have stopped opening from the outside. The locks still work properly and have no effect on the outside door handles. The doors still open just fine from the inside, except for the driver door. The driver door will not open at all, which is a major safety issue and should have been recalled, especially since the door handles are well known issue for Hondas. Although the car does have minor damages to the body, the door handles have not been affected at all by them. This seems to be an issue that lies inside the door panel itself.

NHTSA ID
11559983
Incident
Jul 15, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 2, 2023

The contact owns a 1999 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel lights were no longer illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ignition switch was corroded at the contact point. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and several other unknown dealers were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11536022
Incident
Dec 2, 2022
Mileage
160,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jun 5, 2023
Fire reported

I left work as usual when shortly after near my work I began to smell a strong gasoline smell and I parked to check the vehicle when I turned off the vehicle it made a slight explosion and caught fire

NHTSA ID
11525417
Incident
May 23, 2023
Airbags
Filed Apr 20, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

Was in a car accident and the airbags did not deploy. I was diagnosed with a fractured sternum as my chest hit the steering wheel

NHTSA ID
11518051
Incident
Mar 26, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 22, 2022

While driving on the highway car engine shut off and completely lost power. After getting on to the shoulder car would not start, electric windows would not operate. Approximately 30 minutes later car started and made it home on city streets. Have not driven it since. Checked and did not find any recalls on this.

NHTSA ID
11461831
Incident
Apr 15, 2022
Airbags
Filed Dec 27, 2021

You listed this VIN as having an airbag recall repair pending. I setup an appointment at the dealer. They went through the motions of doing the replacement and gave me paperwork indicating they had serviced the recall, but I believe you had lied to me and they are lying to me about the recall. This VIN does not correspond to an airbag recall according to multiple other sources. I recently inspected the passenger airbag it definitely not new. That is what clued me to begin checking further. I don't believe they replaced the driver airbag either. In the mean time I had to take buses to and from the dealership, after work, at night, in the rain, in the middle of this Omicron Covid spike. You an the dealer endangered my health and I want to know why and who is responsible.

NHTSA ID
11445149
Incident
Dec 21, 2021
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 20, 2021

Air condition unit stop working the smell of smoke.

NHTSA ID
11421531
Incident
Feb 22, 2021
Airbags
Filed Feb 17, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING WEST BOUND AT 45 MPH, THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO HAD JUMPED INTO THE LEFT LANE WITHOUT USING HIS TURN SIGNAL. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE INTO THE LEFT LANE AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT COLLIDED WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO FRACTURED RIB, SHOULDER AND CONCUSSION DUE TO HIS HEAD COLLIDED WITH THE STEERING THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE CONTACT INSURANCE DEEMED THE VEHICLE AS TOTALED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11396663
Incident
Nov 18, 2020
Mileage
140,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A13-022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

"SERVICE BULLETIN - FOR VEHICLES WITH SCI COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS, HONDA IS NO LONGER REPLACING THE FUEL TANK AND SOLENOID VALVE ALTOGETHER. IF YOU REPLACE THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE, YOU MUST NOW REINSTALL THE ORIGINAL FUEL TANK."

A15070B - 7-2-15

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE - PLANNING ON USING A LEAK CHECK DYE TO HELP FIND A LEAK? HERE’S THE CURRENT LIST OF VEHICLES THAT YOU SHOULDN’T USE DYE ON.

A13-022

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

"SERVICE BULLETIN - FOR VEHICLES WITH SCI COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS, HONDA IS NO LONGER REPLACING THE FUEL TANK AND SOLENOID VALVE ALTOGETHER. IF YOU REPLACE THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE, YOU MUST NOW REINSTALL THE ORIGINAL FUEL TANK."

DLR MSG - HONDA

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

"DEALER MESSAGE - THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 06-015, NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK AND FUEL LINE INSPECTION, HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERING THE CNG FUEL TANK INSPECTION LABELS. THESE LABELS CAN BE ORDERED FROM HELM, INC. EITHER ONLINE AT HELMINC.COM OR BY CALLING 800-782-4356. ASK FOR PART NUMBER Y1041."

DLR MSG - HONDA

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

"DEALER MESSAGE - THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 06-015, NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK AND FUEL LINE INSPECTION, HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERING THE CNG FUEL TANK INSPECTION LABELS. THESE LABELS CAN BE ORDERED FROM HELM, INC. EITHER ONLINE AT HELMINC.COM OR BY CALLING 800-782-4356. ASK FOR PART NUMBER Y1041."

A06-015

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

"SERVICE BULLETIN - THE FUEL TANK IN ALL HONDA NATURAL GAS VEHICLES MUST BE INSPECTED FOR DETERIORATION OR DAMAGE EVERY 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT OF HONDA AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL LINES AND RELATED PARTS SHOULD BE INSPECTED TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE OK."

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Honda Civic by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026250044.1
2025662060.7
20241163162.6
20232514261.8
20228784259.3
20211394056.0
20202195058.8
20194164056.5
20187256058.8
20175796056.4
20161,0715055.2
20153771253.9
20142902261.2
20133160251.1
20124543261.8
20111689058.8
20103968054.2
20093958056.3
20089167052.1
20071,2049049.6
20061,40215052.6
200531415469.1
200435015365.2
200349924667.3
200270224466.3
20011,07927465.9
200028718061.9
1999Viewing33815058.6
199843518162.9
199737316163.1
199630517266.2
199519912064.9
199413514065.0
199314613165.9
19929813165.1
19911108365.0
19909110367.8
1989696368.3
1988468363.2
1987393365.3
1986353362.6
1985152059.8
1984530—
1983900—
1982100—
1981101—
1980001—
1979111—
1978010—
1977030—
1976020—
1975020—
1974020—
1973020—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.