2003 Honda Civic Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Honda Civic, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags14023.7%
- Transmission8414.2%
- Electrical559.3%
- Engine457.6%
- Driver assistance406.8%
- Brakes345.8%
- Body & structure264.4%
- Exterior lighting233.9%
- Seat belts213.6%
- Fuel system203.4%
- Interior & seats193.2%
- Tires & wheels172.9%
- Powertrain (other)172.9%
- Steering152.5%
- Suspension122.0%
- Visibility122.0%
- Other / unspecified71.2%
- Heating & air conditioning40.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and attempting to proceed at a green light, the front passenger side of the vehicle crashed into the front driver-side of another vehicle. The air bags were not deployed. The contact noticed that there were bruises on both of her knees and endured neck and back pain from the impact. Medical attention was sought. No one else was injured that was not in the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a dealer; the vehicle received a diagnosis stating that the vehicle was totaled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,311.
Air bag light came on for no reason. [XXX]
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2003 WITH CVT TRANSMISSION, IT SHUDDERS AND VIBRATES ENTIRE CAR WHEN ACCELERATING SLOWLY. ALSO IN NEUTRAL IT HESITATES GOING IN REVERSE. I AM REQUESTING A RECALL AS I SEE MANY HAVING THIS PROBLEM ON THE WEB. HONDA CLAIMS THE CAR HAS NO PROBLEMS AND THAT IS THE ENGINE LURKING FORWARD. *TR
HAVE AN 03 CIVIC HYBRID WITH CVT TRANSMISSION. I GOT IT CERTIFIED USED AT ABOUT 36,000 MILES AND IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE FRESH TRANS FLUID AND I BELIEVE IT DID. THE POWERTRAIN IS WARRANTED TO 100,000 MILES SINCE IT WAS CERTIFIED USED. I AM AT 74,000 NOW. AT ABOUT 66,000, WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DUE FOR IT'S TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE, IT WAS MAKING A SLIPPING/GRINDING SOUND WHEN STARTING OFF, ESPECIALLY ON A HILL. IT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN VERY SMOOTH AND QUIET. IT GRADUALLY BECAME A PROBLEM. IT WAS NOT ALL OF A SUDDEN. IT WAS HARD TO KNOW FOR SURE THAT IT WAS NOT MY IMAGINATION, EXCEPT FOR IT BEING REAL OBVIOUS ON AN INCLINE AND IT WAS GETTING WORSE. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC HEARD THE SOUND, TOO, AND SAID LET'S START WITH THE FLUID CHANGE IT WAS DUE FOR. THE CHANGE MADE IT GREAT AGAIN, BUT ONLY FOR A FEW THOUSAND MILES. WHEN I WENT BACK THEY SAID THEY HAD LEARNED ABOUT A PROCESS CALLED BURNISHING THE TRANSMISSION BAND. I BELIEVE THEY PUT THEIR FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHILE PUTTING ON THE GAS, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF STALLING (I THINK) TO CLEAN UP THE BAND. MINE WOULD BE THE 2ND CAR THEY WOULD DO IT ON. IT ALSO REQUIRES A CHANGE OF FLUID AFTER BECAUSE IT IS SUPPOSED TO TAKE THE CRUD FROM THE PARTS AND PUT IT INTO THE FLUID. THEY DID IT FOR FREE SINCE I HAD ALREADY ASKED THEM TO WORK ON THIS PROBLEM, AND I HAD PAID FOR THE FLUID CHANGE TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM. AGAIN, AFTER THEIR WORK IT WAS NICE AND QUIET AND SMOOTH, BUT ABOUT 3,000 MILES LATER IT IS COMING BACK AGAIN. I DON'T KNOW IF THEIR PROCESS DID ANYTHING, OR IF IT WAS JUST THE FRESH FLUID THAT HELPED LIKE IT DID THE FIRST TIME. I AM CONCERNED REPETITIONS OF THE PROCESS MIGHT DECREASE THE LIFE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE BEST OUTCOME FOR ME WOULD PROBABLY BE A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 99,000 MILES BECAUSE THEN I CAN GET A NEW ONE. ANYBODY HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS? *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car was not in an incident it has a lot of recalls I would like fixed
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start up. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOBILE AND, UNABLE TO BE TRANSPORTED TO HAVE THE AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BUCKEYE HONDA (2615 N MEMORIAL DR, LANCASTER, OH 43130). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING AND THERE WAS ALSO AN OIL LEAK. ADDITIONALLY, THE HORN, FOG LIGHT SWITCH, AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN COVER WAS CUT. IN ADDITION TO THE FAILURES, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S FRONT DOORS WERE UNABLE TO BE OPENED WITH THE KEY. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY ABLE TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH REPAIR WHERE THE KEYS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Alternator
TO VERIFY MY DEFECTIVE ACTUATOR CLAIMS.. ALL OF MY REPAIR HISTORY IS LOCATED AT BOCH HONDA,279 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY, NORWOOD MA. 02062 781-619-6776 I PURCHASED NEW A 2003 HONDA CIVIC EX (7/2003) . SINCE I PURCHASED IT, I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DOCUMENTED ISSUES WITH DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK . I HAD THE DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACED TWICE FIRST 7/20/13 MY MILAGE BEING 44,129 AND AGAIN NOW 8/19/19 WITH ONLY 71,718 MILES. ON 1/25/14 I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND I HAD TO HAVE TUMBLERS REPLACE AND LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED. THE PAST 3 YEARS I HAVE COMMENTED AND HAD THEM CHECK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF LOCK NOISE AND ALIGNMENT. I HAVE ALL MY REPAIRS DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR SO THEY CAN PROVIDE MY COMPLETE VEHICLE REPAIR HISTORY IF NEEDED. MY CAR IS IN A GARAGE SO IT IS LESS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS AND I NEVER WAIT TO HAVE ANY CONCERNED CHECKED AND TAKE GREAT CARE TO KEEP MY CAR SAFE. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN STATIONARY WHEN THE PROBLEM AROSE IN PARK OR WHEN I AM OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR. I HAVE A RECORDED VIDEO OF THE ACTUAL NOISE THE LOCK MADE FROM 8/19/19 BEFORE THE REPAIR WAS MADE. I HAD MY VEHICLE IN 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH FOR A AIRBAG RECALL AND A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND A GAS DOOR ISSUES THAT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED AM MENTED EACH TIME THE NOISE OF THE LOCK WAS GETTING LOUDER.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL PREVIOUS COMPLAINT IN FEB. 2018, AND NO ACTION TAKEN, COMPLAINT # 11079970, AIR BAG RECALL, RESULTING IN NO ACTION TAKEN FROM HONDA, HEAD-ON ACCIDENT OCCURRED, AND AIR-BAGS SHOULD'VE DEPLOYED, BUT DIDN'T. INJURIES INCURRED. HONDA HAS REFUSED ANY PARTAKING ON MATTER. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, IN THE TURNING LANE, CAR APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE, AND I HIT HER HEAD-ON TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT BUMPER, LIGHT, TIRE. THIS WAS A NO-FAULT ACCIDENT ON THE POLICE REPORT.
TAKATA INFLATORS, WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING STILL, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON & STAYS ON, BRAKES FAULTY WHILE DRIVING LOUD NOISE, AND I HAVE TO PRESS DOWN HARD ON THE BRAKES FOR IT TO SLOW DOWN, DRIVING/STABILIZED LOW VISIBILITY DUE TO LIGHTS, IT'S VERY HARD TO TELL IF THE LIGHTS ARE ON OUR NOT INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING NOTICED THE BRAKES ARE UNSTABLE. AIR BAG SENSOR IS ALWAYS ON, OPEN DOOR INDICATORS DON'T WORK, DROVE CAR AND DOOR WASN'T FULLY CLOSED ALTHOUGH I KNEW I CLOSED THE DOOR FULLY, DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY. TRUNK DOOR OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY, TROUBLE KEEPING IT CLOSED, GAS DOOR DOESN'T OPEN/CLOSE PROPERLY. LOUD NOISE IN MOTION, TROUBLE PICKING UP SPEED
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLEAR COAT FAILURE. NOTICEABLE CLEAR COAT FAILURE STARTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. I CONTACTED HONDA AND THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY CLAIM IT IS ONLY AN ISSUE ON 2005 AND LATER CIVICS, WHICH OBVIOUSLY ISN'T TRUE. CLEAR COAT FAILURE ON ROOF, TRUNK, AND ABOVE THE DOORS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BUCKEYE HONDA (2615 N MEMORIAL DR, LANCASTER, OH 43130). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING AND THERE WAS ALSO AN OIL LEAK. ADDITIONALLY, THE HORN, FOG LIGHT SWITCH, AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN COVER WAS CUT. IN ADDITION TO THE FAILURES, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S FRONT DOORS WERE UNABLE TO BE OPENED WITH THE KEY. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY ABLE TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH REPAIR WHERE THE KEYS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car was not in an incident it has a lot of recalls I would like fixed
I HAD TO REPAIR A KNOWN HEADLIGHT ISSUE FOR 2003 CIVICS. THE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING ON DIM, AND THE WIRES HAD COMPLETELY MELTED AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL INFORMATION FOR AFFECTED CIVICS. MY VIN IS NOT LISTED AS PART OF THE RECALL. ALSO, MY GEAR SELECTOR CAN BE ACCIDENTALLY PLACED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT PRESSING A BRAKE OR BUTTON ON THE KNOB. FOR EXAMPLE, MY DAUGHTER REACHED TO CHANGE THE RADIO STATION, AND ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE GEAR SELECTOR. THE CAR SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WITHOUT PRESSING OF BREAK OR BUTTON. WE WERE IN MOTION, AND AT FIRST, I THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, AND I LOOKED DOWN TO REALIZE IT HAD BEEN PLACED INTO NEUTRAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON ACCIDENT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2003 BRAND NEW FROM A HONDA DEALERSHIP, AND I AM THE ONLY OWNER.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, a semi-truck unexpectedly crossed into his lane which caused him to crash the truck's land gear. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and the seat belt pretensioners failed to restrain the contact. The contact was taken to the hospital via ambulance and was treated for multiple torn ligaments, a chest injury, and back pain. The other driver did not suffer any injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard and was later towed back to the contact's residence where it remained in his possession. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure. A case was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was unknown.
2003 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SELT BELT BUCKLE FAILED LATCH AFTER A ROLL-OVER CRASH. THE SOLE OCCUPANT (DRIVER) WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CRASH WAS FATAL.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car was not in an incident it has a lot of recalls I would like fixed
Gas leak because of faulty fuil filter that sits on top of tank under back seat. So many honda civic have had this problem should be a recall
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. DETERMINED IS WAS CODE 9-3 DRIVER SEAT BELT SWITCH. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK AND BACK. THE SECOND DRIVER ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON A SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD STREET AND WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP AT A VERY SLOW SPEED (2 MPH). I HAD NOT HIT NOR DID I HIT ANYTHING IN THE STREET. REAR PASSENGER TIRE POPPED AND WENT FLAT. RUPTURE WAS ON THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED 28TH WEEK OF 2013. TIRES WERE PUT ON MY 2003 HONDA CIVIC LX ON JULY 30, 2014 AT 53496 MILES AND BETWEEN JULY 30 AND DECEMBER 20, 2014 I HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 2,000 MILES. *TR
I INSTALLED 4 GOODYEAR INTEGRITY TIRES ON MY 2003 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. ON 5/17/2011 I DROVE IT ON RAIN GROOVED CONCRETE (US 287) AND WHEN IT HIT THE GROOVED PAVEMENT, IT WENT INTO A VIOLENT SHIMMY. THERE WAS A CROSS WIND BUT THE TIRES PERFORMED NORMALLY ON SMOOTH CONCRETE, ASPHALT, AND IN THE SAME CROSS WIND ON E-W AND N-S HIGHWAYS. WHEN I CAME TO THE RAIN GROOVES I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH AND I HAD TO SLOW TO LESS THAN 45 MPH TO HAVE ANY SECURE CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT FELT LIKE THE STEERING COLUMN HAD COME LOOSE OR THE WHEELS WERE GOING WILDLY. THE CAR LURCHED 1-2 INCHES LATERALLY WHILE ON THE RAIN GROOVED CONCRETE. I HAD TO CHECK A BOX FOR WHICH TIRE POSITION BUT IT WAS AT ALL TIRE POSITIONS THAT THE CAR WAS SHIMMYING. THIS TIRE IS DEFINITELY NOT A SAFE TIRE ON RAIN-GROOVED CONCRETE HIGHWAYS. *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IF I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND COAST, THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF 5TH INTO NEUTRAL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HUNTINGTON HONDA (1055 JERICHO TURNPIKE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11743, PHONE NUMBER: (631) 423-6000) TO BE REPAIRED FOR AN UNKNOWN AIR BAG RECALL. WHILE DRIVING FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS STICKING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK, THE RADIO FAILED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A HIGH CURB, WHICH PUSHED THE ENGINE BACK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN FOOT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NARDY HONDA SMITHTOWN (559 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, PHONE NUMBER: (855) 738-2920). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HUNTINGTON HONDA (1055 JERICHO TURNPIKE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11743, PHONE NUMBER: (631) 423-6000) TO BE REPAIRED FOR AN UNKNOWN AIR BAG RECALL. WHILE DRIVING FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS STICKING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK, THE RADIO FAILED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A HIGH CURB, WHICH PUSHED THE ENGINE BACK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN FOOT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NARDY HONDA SMITHTOWN (559 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, PHONE NUMBER: (855) 738-2920). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL VIOLENTLY JERKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN SHIFTING AUTOMATICALLY RESULTING IN NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE.VEHICLE DOES NOT LOCK DOORS.DEALERSHIP FAILED TO COMPLETE OR INFORM ME OF ANY KINDS OF HAZARDS AS I OVERLOOKED THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS WHEN PURCHASED USED CAR. I PAID OVER 3400 DOLLARS FOR JUNK.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
"TAKATA RECALL"..THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN MY CAR RANDOMLY COMES ON A LOT, I WORRY THAT IT WILL DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING. 2ND CONCERN: SUSPENSION IN MY CAR IS VERY BAD, I HAD MY MECHANIC CHECK IT AND HE SAID HE HAD LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS IN LOTS OF CIVICS, HE CAN'T FIND PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMBER UNIT WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THE REAR OR FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT ALL TIMES TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO WORK INTERMEDIATELY. HAD FUSES AND RELAYS CHECKED (NOT THE PROBLEM). SOON AFTER DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. HAD BULB CHANGED, WORKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 DAYS THEN BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT ALONG WITH BOTH HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS. HAVE TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC IN WHICH THE TURN LEVER WAS REPLACED AND STILL DIDNT REPAIR ANYTHING. NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALL SYMPTOMS SEEM TO FALL INTO CATEGORY WITH RECALL #:12V136000 BUT WHEN ENTERING MY VIN RECALL ISNT SHOWN. PLEASE HELP! I AM TAKING A HUGE RISK DRIVING IN THE DAY AND ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT
ISSUE 1) DRIVER-SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE OFF WHILE REPOSITIONING TO BLOCK OUT OBSTRUCTIVE GLARE; CAUSED DRIVER TO PULL OFF ROAD AS GLARE PREVENTED SAFE DRIVING; SUN VISOR WAS REPLACED AT CONSUMERS EXPENSE IN 2012. ISSUE 2) DURING 2012, DRIVER-SIDE DOOR LOCK BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK, INITIALLY INTERMITTENT ISSUE. HONDA DEALERSHIP SAID NOT A PROBLEM. JUNE 2013 THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK/UNABLE TO UNLOCK OR LOCK DOOR CONSISTENTLY; THEREFORE LOCK WAS REPLACED AT CONSUMERS EXPENSE. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEFT REAR TIRE EXPLODED AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHICH CAUSED A SEVER ACCIDENT INCLUDING THE CAR ROLLING OVER 3 TIMES LEAVING ME UPSIDE DOWN TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE PURCHASED NEW 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. HAD VERY FEW MILES ON THE TIRES.
THE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK USING THE KEY. THE KEY EITHER GETS JAMMED IN THE DOOR OR WONT GO IN. WHEN IT DOES GO IN, IT WONT COME BACK OUT. FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I CANT LOCK/UNLOCK MY CAR WITHOUT A BREAK-IN KIT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY AIR CONDITION JUST DIED , ITS NOT A FUSE , MIGHT BE ELECTRICAL , MY MECHANIC SAYS EVEN AFTER 7YRS IT SHOULD NOT HAVE DIED. DRIVING AROUND IN 95 DEGREE WEATHER , LOTS OF RAIN WITH NO DEFROST EITHER. WIPERS WORK, NEED HELP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM -EXPENSIVE IF ITS A SENSOR?DO NOT KNOW THE PROBLEM AT ALL. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT DOES NOT BLOW COLD AIR. IN MAY 2006, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CONDENSER. IN MAY 2007, THE CONDENSER FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALER WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE AIR CONDITIONER STILL DOES NOT OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 65000 AND THE ORIGINAL FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS LACK OF PROTECTION OFFERED BEHIND THE VENTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT BUMPER TO PROTECT THE AC CONDENSER FROM BEING DAMAGED BY ROAD DEBRIS. UPDATED *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .