2013 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 2013 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
- Airbags11227.6%
- Electrical399.6%
- Brakes389.4%
- Steering379.1%
- Driver assistance276.7%
- Engine235.7%
- Body & structure235.7%
- Powertrain (other)225.4%
- Fuel system174.2%
- Interior & seats163.9%
- Visibility143.4%
- Tires & wheels112.7%
- Other / unspecified92.2%
- Suspension71.7%
- Seat belts61.5%
- Exterior lighting51.2%
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
Receiving an error message to check my air bag system. Did show - which shows two error codes B0001-13 and B0002-13. Both of which are related to the driver’s side air bag. Spoke to the local Honda dealership which advised me the this issue isn’t covered under a recall or extended warranty - BUT the same issue is covered for passenger side air bags. This MAKES no sense when it is a KNOWN issue - for Honda to not fix both sides of the air bags. My Honda Civic has around 36,000 miles on it.
Air Bag light is on. Dealer said it it probably just a faulty relay switch and turned it off. It came back on. I'm listing the date as today, but this has been going on for over 5 years, no incident, but why is light on? I do not trust the airbag system.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
car inverter failure, 2013 civic hybrid inverter recall for said year but refuse to include in recall lemon
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wheel bearing
Purchased November 2023 not even 1 week warning lamps, messages / adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, brake systems, failure lights alarming at the same time. Took to dealer cleared sensors. A matter of days alarms going off again. Call dealer they want to keep vehicle for diagnostic. When they did diagnostic it was another problem. They repair guy also mentioned not to apply E-brake. He said their is a possibility that it may completely lock. I will be taking vehicle to another dealership for 2nd opinion.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Purchased November 2023 not even 1 week warning lamps, messages / adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, brake systems, failure lights alarming at the same time. Took to dealer cleared sensors. A matter of days alarms going off again. Call dealer they want to keep vehicle for diagnostic. When they did diagnostic it was another problem. They repair guy also mentioned not to apply E-brake. He said their is a possibility that it may completely lock. I will be taking vehicle to another dealership for 2nd opinion.
The VSA modulator is a known issue from honda. Mine went out while going down the highway. So many have gone bad recently that the modular is hard to get due to backorder. Warning lamps: Check brake system, Check ABS system, Check VSA & Check Power Steering. First three were one after another. Check power steering was about 10 seconds after the others.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
car inverter failure, 2013 civic hybrid inverter recall for said year but refuse to include in recall lemon
I was driving 35 MPH toward a busy intersection when I lost my brakes and power. A service message “IMA CHECK SYSTEMS” light lit up on the dash. I lost brakes and power while entering an intersection putting myself and other drivers in danger of an accident narrowly missing a container truck. The car shut off with my front end in the intersection. I was able to restart the car and drive it to the nearest garage. They connected the code machine to the vehicle showing “P1437.” I then had my car towed to the nearest Honda dealership. They told me my VIN was not listed under service bulletin 20-030 even though my car fit all of the parameters and showed the same code(s). After giving me a quote of $1900+ to fix the issue, they are claiming to have fixed the problem but I am questioning if the real issues were fixed and if I am responsible for any costs.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I stepped on brakes and airbags opened up on my steering wheels made me hit
The assembly of the 2013 Honda civic ex was missing the rear bumper impact absorber. The component was not noticed until a collision removed the rear bumper from the car, exposing the interior of the assembly. The omission of the impact absorber in the bumper assembly from the manufacturer directly puts my safety at risk because this part is designed to absorb energy in a collision, and without the part I am more likely to be in a more serious accident. This problem was first noticed by the service shop who had confirmed that the part was missing from the assembly, and that it was a safety feature of the vehicle. The component had only been inspected by the independent service shop. There was no indication of the missing component before the accident
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
car inverter failure, 2013 civic hybrid inverter recall for said year but refuse to include in recall lemon
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The check emission system and check transmission system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 65 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power, jerking, and was slow to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who removed and replaced the speed sensor. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic who sprayed the wires and thought it would repair the vehicle; however, the warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,156.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The hybrid motor DC to DC convert failed. When this fails it stops providing 12 V power to the rest of the vehicle resulting in multiple systems stopping or working very slowly. This vehicle does not have a traditional alternator. There was a TSB and an extended warranty offered to some models, but not all included in the VIN range for this vehicle. The vehicle was scanned and pulls the same codes as the TSB notes as the issue.
Car sitting on level ground, driven previous day with no problem. Upon unsuccessfully trying to start car, I smelled strong gasoline odor. I turned off ignition and opened hood and observed nothing unusual. I backed car up enough to get out to check for gas puddle. There was a puddle about 24 inches across of gasoline where car had been parked. I have arranged to have vehicle towed to independent auto repair. Note: gas was leaking from above rear driver's side wheel.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I got a recall on car seat from amazon where i bought it an others
THE LEATHER IN THE MIDDLE CONSOLE AND THE LEFT ARM REST ARE PULLED BACK FOR JUST RESTING THE ARM THERE.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wiper blade broke in an explosive fashion upon activating throwing plastic and metal components onto the drive way. Since this was in the drive way the components did not cause any harm to any other property but if this was the high way it is likely the components may have caused damage to other vehicles or motorcyclists. Wiper blade was purchased new 3 weeks prior to incident on 10-03-2023 and failed on 10-26-2023, in this time frame the vehicle had not been used frequently as it was having multiple parts repaired so the part should not have much wear and tear. The wiper blade is saved and available to test, it broke into 7 separate pieces in an explosive fashion including 2 metal wires, blade backing broke into 2 pieces, component that holds blade to mechanism broke to two pieces and a single rubber blade. Mechanism that holds blade in place was left in a jagged state. Concern was that if blade was allowed to continue operating it may have caused damage to glass. There are no warnings and component has not been notified to manufacturer yet but I will look into contacting manufacturer after completing this report during their next business hours.
I have sever paint issues and the blades wipers thet go bad faster
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CIVIC EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, SIZE: P205/55R16. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE CONTACT NOTICED UNEVEN MOVEMENT IN THE TIRES. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS SEPARATING IN ALL THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM ALL FOUR TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,469.
WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS YOU CANNOT SEE THE ROAD VARY WELL AT NIGHT HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH,ALSO THE TIRES THAT CAME ON THE CAR ARE HORRIBLE AND CHEAP THEY DID NOT LAST BARLEY 1 YEAR AND ARE NOT RATED FOR MILES. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE ON THE ROAD TIRES WILL HYDRO PLANE AND SLIP ALL OVER THE ROAD WITH SNOW THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ITEM AND HONDA SAID IT IS OUR PROBLEM NOT HONDAS @ 1-800 999-1009 FIRESTONE HAS BEEN MORE COOPERATIVE THAN HONDA I HOPE NO ONE GETS HURT BUY THE TIRES ON HONDA CIVIC .[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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
The lugnuts on the driver’s side front wheel must have become loose somehow. I was driving along and noticed a strange thumping sound. Before I could pull over the wheel became detached and was rolling away. I pulled off safely and called a tow truck. The tires were last rotated by Annapolis Honda 6 months prior to the date of the accident (11.4.25). The damage estimate – the front brakes and rotors need to be replaced. Also body damage to the front left quarter-panel and front bumper. Likely at least $4,000 in total costs. There were no warning lights, the vehicle was repaired at AAA car care center in Annapolis, MD and Caliber Collision in Edgewater, MD.
I got a recall on car seat from amazon where i bought it an others
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
A drunk driver hit my car along with six others, and my car spun into the highway wall and totaled the car with an impact probably 40 or 50 mph and airbags did not go off
I HAD A TOTAL HUB FAILURE. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 9MPH IN A PARKING LOT MAKING A SLIGHT TURN WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. I HAD TO HAVE THE MECHANIC REPLACE THE KNUCKLE, HUB, BEARING, CALIPER AND BRACKET ALONG WITH ABS SENSOR. IF I WOULD'VE BEEN ON THE FREEWAY IT WOULD'VE BEEN REALLY BAD. THE CAR HAS 95K MILES AND MAINTENANCES REGULARLY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver seatbelt, the portion that accepts the buckle when you "buckle up" has become sloppy over time with excessive free play. This part is free to wobble around. I feel this is a passenger safety risk. The restraint and crash systems in a car work together, and with excessive ship and play in the restraint system, it could experience unexpected forces leading to an interesting or improperly restrained driver. I have spoken to two dealership service departments and neither of them actually inspected the seatbelt, I was only told it would not be replaced under warranty. I told them it is a safety issue, but they do not budge. The seatbelt was inspected by my mechanic who said the part would need replaced, saying there is excessive slop and play in the restraint system. No warning lamps or codes, airbags have never deployed, clean title. Going back to Honda dealer tomorrow to have them actually inspect the restaurant system and put in writing that they aren't willing to replace or repair it, when I went yesterday, neither of the two dealership service departments even visually inspected my seatbelt.
After a low impact car accident frint end collision seatbelt on driverside will not release and horn does not work despite no airbag deployment. Also paint on several parts of car look like chalk.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
A drunk driver hit my car along with six others, and my car spun into the highway wall and totaled the car with an impact probably 40 or 50 mph and airbags did not go off
ALSO WASN'T ABLE TO SELECT THE STEERING, THE SPEED CONTROL BRAKES AND THE WHEELS/TIRES. THE CAR HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING GOING 60 ON THE HIGHWAY. SINCE I'VE GOT THIS CAR IT'S BEEN A HUGE PAIN AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NEARLY THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE HAD IT. I'M CURRENTLY MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON IT AND HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2017 AND HAVE PUT OVER $9,000 WORTH OF WORK INTO IT.. IT FINALLY HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN I'VE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR OVER A YEAR BECAUSE I CAN'T CONTINUE TO DUMP MONEY INTO IT. THE ABS LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE HAVE BEEN ON SINCE I'VE GOT IT AND THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON SINCE I'VE GOT IT THE AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS WHILE DRIVING RANDOMLY AND THE ELECTRICAL HAS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AS WELL ALL THE LIGHTS AND RADIO WOULD COMPLETELY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING DURING THE DAY THIS HAPPENED THANK GOD BECAUSE HAD IT HAPPENED AT NIGHT I WOULDN'T OF BEEN ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD. THE CAR HAS HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED MANY TIMES AND THE TIRES CONSTANTLY LOOSE THREADING AND FEELS LIKE THE CAR STEERING IS SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THE CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT LIGHTS BLINK AS WELL RANDOMLY AS WELL WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHTS. MY STERLING WHEEL HAS COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING UNABLE TO MOVE IT AT ALL. THIS CAR HAS COST ME LOADS OF MONEY AND PUT ME IN SUCH A BAD PLACE FINANCIALLY I WISH I NEVER GOT IT.
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 .