2018 Honda Civic

I am the owner of two 2018 Honda Civic EX vehicles that were purchased new and maintained according to Honda's recommended service schedule. Both vehicles have experienced repeated air-conditioning system failures over several years. Both vehicles previously required condenser replacements under Honda's extended warranty program for known air-conditioning defects. My wife's 2018 Honda Civic EX, with approximately 60,000 miles, recently experienced another air-conditioning failure and required yet another condenser replacement. My second 2018 Honda Civic EX developed similar symptoms including poor cooling performance and cold air from the passenger-side vents while warm air came from the driver-side vents. A Honda dealership diagnosed a failed evaporator core and provided a repair estimate of approximately $1,953. Collectively, the two vehicles have experienced multiple air-conditioning failures despite proper maintenance and normal use. The repeated failures involving major air-conditioning components suggest a systemic defect rather than normal wear and tear. Honda was contacted regarding goodwill assistance but declined coverage based on vehicle age. I am filing this report because two identically equipped 2018 Honda Civic vehicles owned by the same family have experienced recurring air-conditioning system failures involving multiple components.

NHTSA ID

11766678

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Today, an SRS warning message unexpectedly appeared on my vehicle’s dashboard. I drove the vehicle normally earlier in the morning without any warning lights, messages, or other symptoms. When I returned to my vehicle after work and started it, the SRS message appeared for the first time. There was no accident, collision, impact, or other known event that occurred between the time I drove the vehicle in the morning and when the warning appeared. I have had no prior accidents involving this vehicle and am not aware of any damage or circumstances that would have caused a problem with the Supplemental Restraint System. The vehicle had been operating normally prior to this warning appearing. The unexpected SRS warning is concerning because the SRS system includes important safety components such as the airbags and seat-belt restraint system, and a malfunction could potentially prevent these safety features from functioning properly in the event of a crash. At this time, I do not know which specific SRS component has malfunctioned, and the vehicle has not yet been diagnosed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle is available for inspection and diagnosis. I am reporting this issue to NHTSA because the warning appeared suddenly and without any apparent cause, and I would like the issue documented and investigated to determine whether it may be related to a broader safety defect or an existing recall affecting other vehicles of the same make, model, or model year. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this SRS issue is consistent with other reported safety concerns or whether my vehicle’s VIN should be considered for inclusion in a recall or other safety action.

NHTSA ID

11766571

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

I purchased this car used about a year ago from the Honda dealership, since then I have noticed very tight steering when driving straight, people behind me say I look like I’m swerving back-and-forth. Also, when taking slight turns like an on-ramp the wheel completely sticks in that direction, and I have to jerk it back into position. Very concerning since I drive this car with my family and children in it. Luckily I have not gotten into an accident yet, but I’m afraid it will happen if I don’t get this repaired.

NHTSA ID

11765775

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving and making turns on several occasions, the vehicle overcorrected. The contact stated that the steering wheel needed to be yanked while turning to steer the vehicle correctly and avoid driving off the road. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic rack had failed, causing the steering wheel to stick, and the gearbox assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,700.

NHTSA ID

11764781

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Mileage

117,000 mi

The evaporator core failure (leaking). It affects defrosting windshield causing visibility and safety issues. Diagnosed at dealership after condenser and compressor shaft seal extended warranty work completed. Evaporator core diagnosed 3 months after same dealership did warranty work.

NHTSA ID

11763461

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

I own a 2018 Honda Civic Sedan LX and am experiencing a steering problem where the steering wheel feels sticky and notchy instead of turning smoothly. The problem affects the steering and creates a potential safety concern because it can make the vehicle more difficult to steer smoothly and predictably. I took the vehicle to DCH Kay Honda, an authorized Honda dealership, for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the steering gearbox needs to be replaced and stated that the internals of the electric steering motor are binding, which is causing the sticky/notchy steering feel. The dealer provided a repair estimate of $4,133.54. Honda previously issued Recall 18-102 for a steering-related problem affecting certain 2018 Honda Civics. Honda has confirmed that my VIN is not included in that recall. However, my vehicle has now been diagnosed by a Honda dealer with a steering gearbox problem involving binding in the electric steering motor. Honda Customer Service reviewed the dealership's findings and offered goodwill assistance, but Honda has not included my vehicle in the recall or any other applicable safety campaign. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this steering problem and determine whether the same or a related steering defect may be affecting 2018 Honda Civics outside the VIN range currently covered by Recall 18-102. I am concerned that a steering component binding while the vehicle is being driven could create a serious safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11762308

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

My vehicles evaporator is leaking and needs to be fully replaced along with the condenser. I replaced the condenser less than two years ago. My car has less than 50,000 miles. There are thousands of complaints of Honda owners with this same issue and Honda refuses to cover the cost and extend the warranty when it is a known issue. The faulty condenser is causing the evaporator to fail as well. Honda needs to take responsibility for this design flaw. It is very dangerous in these heat waves to drive without AC. Honda is refusing goodwill assistance for me and hundreds of thousands of others.

NHTSA ID

11759892

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

On August 11, 2026, AutoNation Honda Lewisville confirmed that my A/C Condenser and Compressor Shaft Seal failed and required replacement under Honda’s extended warranty (Extension 6A5). However, they identified that the evaporator core—a component within the exact same pressurized loop—failed concurrently due to pipe corrosion, contamination, and pressure imbalances caused by the acknowledged defective parts. AC for this vehicle is already having 10 years for 2 problems condenser seal and compressor shaft seal was leaking. But this issue caused the evaporator core to corrode and hence evaporator core had to be replaced. Honda dealer charges 2600 dollars for this repair. Please open a recall for entire AC system and do not let go Honda unaccountable for such a huge problem with this 10th generation civic. Please have them cove the evaporator core in the AC warranty that is extended for 10 years. Vehicle is a safety hazard to be driven in 110 F heat and is dangerous with AC system fails, there is no other option but to repair such and issue and customer has to foot the bill of 2600 dollars. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11759766

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.

Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or DTCs P0300 through P0304 stored.

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.

Service Bulletin - Oil leak at timing chain tensioner inspection cover due to possible insufficient sealant adhesion on inspection cover.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2020 Accords, 2016-2020 Civics, 2017-2020 CR-Vs, & 2018-2020 Odysseys that have been diagnosed to be in need of the low-pressure fuel pump, fuel strainer, fuel meter or fuel tank replacement.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2020 Accords, 2016-2020 Civics, 2017-2020 CR-Vs, & 2018-2020 Odysseys that have been diagnosed to be in need of the low-pressure fuel pump, fuel strainer, fuel meter or fuel tank replacement. If you have a vehicle that match the qualifiers listed below, AHM requests to have the photos of the lock ring & the low-pressure fuel pump flange taken & sent to TIS (click HERE for example photos).