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2014 Honda Civic Electrical Problems

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.
38
Latest Jun 21, 2026
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.
13%
of 290 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.
6
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4

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 2014 Honda Civic submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 38 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 38, in the owner's own words

AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jun 21, 2026

I bought a 2014 Honda Civic LX at a used car dealership. The day after I bought it, the passenger-side occupant position sensor came on. I returned the car, and they reset it. It came on again, was reset, and when it came on again, it was replaced. The new one came on again. This time I took it to my Honda dealer, and they reset it. It came on again, and I've been living with it since.I am concerned it might go off unexpectedly or worse, not go off in a crash. I see other years have this as a recall, but my car doesn't come up with a recall.

NHTSA ID
11745427
Incident
Sep 8, 2025
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 13, 2025

My car is BROKEN DOWN COMPLETELY. I take care of it extremely well! The transmission went. Out of no where. This needs to be apart of the recall for Transmission Software may Result in Pulley Damage. I’ve had to get the brakes and rotors completely replaced twice in a year and they need to be done AGAIN already. That’s not normal, for brakes to wear that fast. The electric seats do not work and there’s an issue electrically that the trunk keeps popping open I had to unplug it. The battery randomly kept draining over night for a period of a month, then started working regularly again. I want this car to be included in the recalls and I want assistance about my vehicle

NHTSA ID
11704866
Incident
Nov 26, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jun 23, 2025

While driving at high speed on the freeway at 65mph, my Honda Civic Hybrid experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure of the hybrid battery control module (IPU/MCM). This happened without any warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms. The hybrid system instantly shut down, causing a dramatic loss of power and forcing me to pull off the road in high-speed traffic. This placed me and other drivers at serious risk of a high-speed collision due to the abrupt power loss and inability to accelerate. The failed component is still installed and available for inspection. The issue has since been diagnosed and confirmed by an independent hybrid specialist, who identified the malfunctioning IPU. I was told this exact failure is covered by Honda Service Bulletin 20-030, which extends the warranty for affected Civic Hybrids to 10 years or 150,000 miles, however, my VIN is not included, despite the failure being identical in nature. Honda has refused to provide any assistance, stating that only specific VINs are eligible, which I believe is misleading and unjust. This defect is clearly broader than the TSB acknowledges. The sudden failure of a critical propulsion system at high speed without warning is a major safety hazard and should not be limited by an arbitrarily narrow VIN list. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and require Honda to expand the scope of TSB 20-030. This defect compromises driver safety and has caused me significant financial and emotional stress, not to mention the danger it poses to others on the road. This is not an isolated incident. Many other Honda Civic Hybrid owners have reported the exact same issue, sudden IPU failure, no warnings, dangerous loss of power, on public forums and complaint databases. The narrow VIN range in TSB 20-030 is artificially limited and fails to reflect the true scope of the defect.

NHTSA ID
11668518
Incident
May 22, 2025
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Feb 3, 2025

About a year ago, the transmission failed costing us nearly $5000 to fix it. This incident happened approximately April of 2022, no warning signs at all. Now, the airbag deployed while merging onto the freeway without any impact which was the scariest thing. I’m very concerned there are other issues. There were no warning signs on both incidents.

NHTSA ID
11640356
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 2, 2024

ABS/VSA system module failing because of circuit board. Circuit board does not have all wires soldered onto system. Issue by manufacturer. This affects braking system, abs/VSA module, power steering and tpms sensors. Car is unsafe for driver and other vehicles on the road. Inspected by Honda and given code 123-11 for failing ABS solenoid. Highly dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11606178
Incident
Aug 2, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 5, 2024

The issue with the engine start/stop button in Honda cars is a concerning matter that has drawn attention due to its potential safety implications and inconvenience for drivers. Reports have surfaced indicating that some Honda vehicles equipped with this feature may experience intermittent or complete failure of the engine start/stop button to function as intended. One notable manifestation of this problem is the inability to start the engine despite repeated attempts to press the start/stop button. In some cases, the button may become unresponsive altogether, leaving drivers stranded and unable to operate their vehicles. This malfunction poses not only a significant inconvenience but also a safety risk, particularly in emergency situations where the ability to start the engine promptly is crucial. The root cause of this issue is not always clear, as it may stem from various factors such as electrical failures, software glitches, or mechanical defects within the start/stop button mechanism itself. Regardless of the underlying cause, the consequence remains the same—an unpredictable and unreliable operation of a fundamental component in the vehicle's ignition system. For Honda owners experiencing this problem, it can lead to frustration and concern about the reliability of their vehicles, especially if the issue persists despite attempts to rectify it through repairs or maintenance. Additionally, there may be associated costs involved in diagnosing and fixing the malfunction, adding further inconvenience and financial strain to affected individuals.

NHTSA ID
11592569
Incident
Jan 1, 2024
ElectricalSteering
Filed Nov 7, 2023
Crash reported3 injuries reported

I was approaching a green light, and engaged the brakes to slow down. As I approached the light reaching approximate 10MPH. The car shuddered, and the alternator must have glitched again.The wheel cranked itself back and forth, causing the car to spin and turn into oncoming traffic. This issue has been recalled for this vehicle but not this VIN. I have notified 3 Honda repair shops of this issue, and have been turned away. The problem is with the electromagnet in the electric steering column. It is well documented, and I have video of several instances of thi issue occurring. Additional witnesses of the problem are available. And the incident itself resulting in property damage and bodily harm. Honda was made aware of this problem on multiple occasions, and did nothing to remedy the problem.

NHTSA ID
11553935
Incident
Nov 5, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 11, 2023

Push start button clicks and doesn't turn the engine on. Countless attempts can be made without a different result.

NHTSA ID
11537996
Incident
May 1, 2023
Electrical
Filed Jun 26, 2023

The contact's friend owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11528821
Incident
Jun 19, 2023
Mileage
75,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 14, 2023

This vehicle's VSA modulator is faulty. Lots of people have issues with this system. HONDA instead of helping, they have monopoly on parts and no other mechanic will fix it because honda is not allowing them so they can charge 2000$ to fix faulty VSA modulator. It's absurd that consumers doesn't have choice to fix their car from a faulty part that can only be fixed at Honda dealership. Please investigate this, I think they're doing this intentionally because it's making them money and they have no one to compete. Other similar Hondas have same faulty vsa modulator as well. Thank you

NHTSA ID
11517159
Incident
Apr 14, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 24, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that all three keys failed to turn over and start the vehicle after multiple attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had spoken to several unknown dealers who all provided estimates to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11480923
Incident
Aug 1, 2022
Mileage
88,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated upon inserting the key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle, he was unable to turn the key and the steering wheel was locked. The contact wiggled the steering wheel and attempted to turn the key in the ignition switch; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition lock needed to be replaced. However, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,800.

NHTSA ID
11479404
Incident
Aug 9, 2022
Mileage
70,800 mi
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Feb 20, 2022

1- vsa mod Yes we hav the part. still in the car as it is costly ti repair. 2- the break is stiff and doesn't work on first try at times. But not always. have ended to use emergency brake a few times. 3- confirmed by a Honda dealer. 4 - Honda dealer 5- no.

NHTSA ID
11453158
Incident
Sep 8, 2021
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Nov 22, 2021
Fire reported

I had rear brake driver side light change on Tuesday November 16, 2021 at the Hondas dealer Downtown Los Angeles. On Wednesday November 17, 2021 the 3rd rear brake light started a fire in my truck. The light bult overheated melted the cover, burned the fuse and my dress and suit in the trunk started to burn. It smelled horrible. I immediately called the dealer and Honda. The dealer made a diagnosis that the fuse burned but they cannot explain why or if it will happen again if it gets replaced. I am paying $496.62 to the dealer for repair but they cannot determine what cause it? I am very upset because my son is 2 years old and he seats in the rear. I am a single mother and I was dropping him to school when this happened. I don't imagine being exposes to fire or any safety hazard. The driver rear breake light was previously replaced on February of 2021. I found it strange and asked the dealer why is it being replaced too many time and just one side but they cannot explain why. I want an investigation or some kind of explanation why my vehicle catch fire. I dont know if Honda is manufacturing vehicles with faulty electric wire in the trunk causing fires and damages. I want to prevent future deaths. It was a very scary, stressful situation, traumatic experience. My dress has a hole and my suit inside the truck were damage expenses adding to $1,512.00.Please help me investigate this matter. Thank you.

NHTSA ID
11441388
Incident
Nov 17, 2021
Electrical
Filed Mar 13, 2021

AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, CAR DEVELOPS A ELECTRICAL DRAIN TO BATTERY. BATTERY WILL SLOWLY DISCHARGE UNTIL DEAD OVER 2-4 DAYS. NOTHING ABOUT THIS OR HOW TO PREVENT THIS IN MANUAL. NOTHING IN MANUAL ON HOW TO CORRECT.

NHTSA ID
11402823
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Mileage
90,000 mi
ElectricalTires & wheels
Filed Jun 1, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS AT SPEEDS, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH CHECK TIRE PRESSURE MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TIRE PRESSURES WERE CHECKED AND VERIFIED THAT THE CORRECT PRESSURE FOR EACH TIRE WAS CORRECT HOWEVER, THE WARNING MESSAGE REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 221,000.

NHTSA ID
11326773
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Mileage
221,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Mar 30, 2019
Crash reportedFire reported

COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR KEPT GOING WITH FULL SPEED FLYING WITH NO CONTROL TO STOP IT . I DID GET TO MAKE THE FULL STOP OF AVOIDING HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME . BUT I DID GET REAR ENDED .

NHTSA ID
11192684
Incident
Jan 30, 2019
Mileage
44,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 3, 2018

THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON IT. THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM HAS A MINE OF IT OWN. DOOR WILL UNLOCK DURING LEFT HAND TURNS, OR WHEN I PRESS ON THE INSIDE DOOR PANEL OF DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. I AM NOT TALKING A LOT OF PRESSURE, ONE FINGER PRESSING ON THE ARM REST OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE AND BEHIND THE ARM REST WILL OPEN THE LOCKS AND GENERATE A WARNING MESSAGE. MOST OF THE TIMES WHEN THIS OCCURS THE CAR IS IN MOTION, BUT I CAN DUPLICATE THE FAULT IF THE CAR IS RUNNING AND IN GEAR.

NHTSA ID
11091577
Incident
Apr 12, 2018
Mileage
40,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 7, 2018

THE ACCESSORY POWER OUTLET FAILED WITHOUT TRIPPING THE FUSE. THE OUTLET FAILED AFTER AN AIR COMPRESSOR, THAT HAS BEEN USED IN 5 OTHER VEHICLE MODELS WITH NO ISSUES, WAS CONNECTED TO INFLATE THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP, PIAZZA HONDA OF POTTSTOWN, PA. I REPORTED THE CONCERNS VIA AN EMAIL TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET CONFIRM THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE TWO SAFETY CONCERNS. 1 - THE POWER OUTLET BURNING OUT BEFORE THE FUSE TRIPS COULD LEAD THE AN OVER-HEATING AND WEAKENING OF WIRES RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FIRE AND 2 - THE DEFECTIVE POWER OUTLET CAN LEAVE A MOTORIST STRANDED IF THE TIRE CAN NOT BE RE-INFLATED OR KEPT AT PROPER INFLATION LEVELS.

NHTSA ID
11083720
Incident
Mar 11, 2018
Mileage
30,138 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 27, 2018

THE FRONT WINDOW DIVER HAS A LEAK AND THE WINDOW GET FROST IN SIDE THE WINDSHELD IN SIDE THE CAR .WHEN IT' GET 28' DEGREE OUTSIDE AND LOWER. THE TRUNK DOES NOT ALWAYS OPEN WIH THE KEY.

NHTSA ID
11065415
Incident
May 21, 2017
ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Dec 4, 2017

THE BATTERY IS DISCHARGED WITHOUT REASON AND THE TIRES SENSOR SHOW LOW PRESSURE.

NHTSA ID
11052135
Incident
Nov 2, 2017
Electrical
Filed Aug 15, 2017

CAR JUST RANDOMLY DIED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. HAPPENED FEW TIMES WITHIN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS- THIS IS TOTALLY UNWNATED AND PAINFUL ORDEAL. NO ISSUE WITH BATTERY NOTHING WRONG WITH ALTERNATOR AND EVERYTHING JUST AS GOOD FOR A 2014 CIVIC BUT WTF MOMENT DID TAKE PLACE AND I AM SO HELPLESS ABOUT WHAT TO DO WITH IT, DEALERS ARE ALSO SPEECHLESS AS I DID TWO DIAGNOSIS ....DONT

NHTSA ID
11015613
Incident
Aug 15, 2017
Mileage
100,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 5, 2017

MOTOR MADE FUNNY NOISE WHEN PASSING AND WOULD NOT STOP CLICKING. CURRENTLY AT HONDA DEALERSHIP IN OR NEED NEW MOTOR BEARINGS CEASED 3 YEAR OLD CAR 60,300 MILES. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. CURRENTLY GETTING MOTOR REPLACED

NHTSA ID
11012956
Incident
Jul 31, 2017
Mileage
63,300 mi
Electrical
Filed May 22, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE INDICATOR WAS RESET; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FOURTEEN OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,317.

NHTSA ID
10991011
Incident
Sep 22, 2014
Mileage
72,317 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalFuel system
Filed Feb 28, 2017

I HAVE A LEASED 2014 HONDA CIVIC EX, MY LEASE BEGAN 11/2014. IN 9/2016 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH ON A SIDE ROAD WITH SPEED LIMIT 45MPH WHEN MY CAR LOST POWER TO THE GAS PEDAL, I COULD FLOOR IT WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE, AND NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON (POWER STEERING, VSA, HILL START ASSIST, TPMS, EMISSION, TRANSMISSION, ETC). I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SAFETY AND WAIT FOR A TOW. UPON ARRIVAL AT HONDA, THE CAR WAS 'BACK TO NORMAL' AND THE TECHS COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM SO THEY CALLED IT A FLUKE AND RETURNED IT TO ME. 2 WEEKS LATER I WAS JUST LEAVING MY HOUSE, ABOUT 5 MPH OUT OF MY SPOT AND UP TO A STOP SIGN, AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SAME HONDA AND WAITED. I WAS TOLD A WEEK LATER THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM TO KEEP LOOKING. NOT HAPPENING AS IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. I IMMEDIATELY OPENED A CLAIM WITH HONDA. THEY LOOKED FOR A WEEK MORE WITH NO LUCK AND WERE ABOUT TO RETURN MY DANGEROUS AND UNDIAGNOSED CAR TO ME WHEN IT HAPPENED FOR THEM; I AM UNAWARE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THEY KEPT IT ANOTHER TWO WEEKS WHEN THEY GUESSED IT WAS A FAULTY COMPUTER AND PUT A NEW ONE IN IT. FAST FORWARD TO 2/2017 AND IT HAS HAPPENED YET AGAIN. I WAS GOING ABOUT 7 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, PULLING UP TO A STOP SIGN, AND ABOUT TO TURN ONTO A 50 MPH, 5 LANE ROAD WHERE I FOR SURE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT HAD IT OCCURRED THERE. IT HAS BEEN TOWED TO HONDA AND I HAVE ZERO INTENTIONS TO TAKE THIS DEATH TRAP BACK, AND I HAVE EVEN LESS FAITH THAT AN ACTUAL PROBLEM WILL BE FOUND YET AGAIN. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE LIGHTS ON THIS MOST RECENT TIME, TAKEN WHILE IN PARK. YOU CAN SEE THE LIGHTS ON, D LIT UP WHILE IN PARK, AND THE NEEDLE AT 1 EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT MOVING.

NHTSA ID
10957582
Incident
Feb 27, 2017
Mileage
27,000 mi

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.

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