2018 Honda Civic Owner Complaints

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

The air conditioner on this car has broken 8 times since 2020 and it will not defog the car when it does not work. The car also gets dangerously hot. Honda will not admit to faulty parts that repeatedly fail. 8/25/26 evaporator core replacement Expansion valve and AC conditioner pipe 6/8/26 - replaced Compressor shaft leaking & replaced 4/10/26 Condenser replace 6/10/25 - 8/8/24 compressor o rings and shaft seal Condenser replace 5/2/24 7/19/23 replaced compressor seal and condenser replaced 2/3/22 compressor replaced 9/10/20 condenser replaced

NHTSA ID

11759583

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

2018 Honda Civic is having the same issue as Honda noted on a safety notice below: [XXX] My steering wheel clicks when turning, often sticks, and can be heard if standing outside the vehicle. The dealer ship which sold me this car is Dick Brooks Honda in Greer, SC. I went to them about the issue and they refuse to help. I had 2 private mechanics look at the car and both mechanics agree it is the same issue as the one listing in this media release. I am more than happy to have a member of NHTSA see, drive, and observe the vehicle. This is dangerous and Honda nor their dealership are doing anything about it. One of the Mechanics I took the car to called Honda and they did nothing to address the issue. Dealership offered to fix it for $5873. This is a safety issue that I guess affects more than just my care and I would like some help please in getting this recalled and fixed. Thank you so much! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11758748

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

The steering wheel was sticking when the wheel was turned. Problem for several months, progressively got worse. Checked for a recall and spoke to a Honda representative and was told my car was not manufactured at the facility that had the recalls for the Honda civic 2018 models. I had to pay $4578.90 out of pocket to have the same trouble as the other recalled models.

NHTSA ID

11758269

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

Rear window wiper failed to operate when transmission put in reverse. Should have operated automatically. Rear window wiper failed to respond to switch position when selected to on. Scan tool shows body control module receiving switch input but no output to wiper motor. Rear window washer comes on without switch being moved to on position when car is turned on and will not turn off unless car is turned off or fuse is pulled. Unable to control wiper washer system. No warning lights noted and no faults found during scanning. There has been recalls on other model's of this year and brand of car for defective body control module. Rear wiper motor and switch stalk were replaced with known good parts, no fix.

NHTSA ID

11757930

Incident

Aug 30, 2024

When driving at faster speeds on the highway, the steering gets kind of sticky - it sticks, then when you slightly move it - it jerks to over correct. I have talked to a few people, and they think it's a mechanical issue with the Electronic Power Steering, EPS, rack. The people I mentioned said its a widely documented defect, and Honda should do a recall to fix the issue - but I ran the search and saw nothing, so I wanted to reach out. I have a 2018 Honda Civic Ex-T, and have about 70,000 miles. This has happened for about a year now, and my wife keeps telling me to report it as it's not safe.

NHTSA ID

11757618

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

2018 Honda Civics have a steering defect. This was recalled in 202q2 to 2023 in NHTSA Campaign Number 23V704. This is the exact problem I experience in my vehicle. The steering wheel gets sticky at freeway speeds, and it feels unsafe. As of now no recall exists. Drivers experience a momentary "sticky", "notchy", or catching feel in the steering wheel. This requires unexpected extra force to overcome and can lead to jerky or delayed steering corrections

NHTSA ID

11757256

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

This is a 2018 Honda Civic with only 30,000 miles on it. The a/c system has now broken down for the 7th time. I am [XXX] old this has caused me to be stranded and has also caused me to become dizzy, nauseous and have blurry vision because I cannot tolerate the summer heat without air conditioning. I have tried to have it repaired 7 times & the dealership even though Honda has "warrantied" it has also forced me to pay over $1400 for a faulty system they never actually fix. It is absolutely a safety hazard for me and also elder abuse. I have ALL the invoices but it's too many to send. I can send the 3 from the FIRST year it started. But it's happened EVERY SUMMER since! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11757002

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

Vehicle: 2018 Honda Civic EX Sedan VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 150,000 miles Component: Steering / Electric Power Steering (EPS) I am reporting a potentially serious steering safety issue with my 2018 Honda Civic EX sedan. The steering wheel has developed a sticky/notchy feeling when turning to the right. When making a right-hand turn, the steering does not feel smooth and at times feels as though something is holding or resisting the steering wheel while it is turned. The steering feels normal when turning left. The problem occurs at both low and high speeds, but it becomes significantly more noticeable at higher speeds. It is especially noticeable when taking highway exit ramps or other longer right-hand curves where I have to maintain the steering wheel in a right-turn position. During these situations, the steering can feel like it is resisting my steering input rather than moving smoothly. Normal right-hand turns at lower speeds also exhibit the problem, although it is less noticeable. The left side does not exhibit the same behavior. This is concerning because the steering behavior is inconsistent between left and right turns and becomes more pronounced at highway speeds. A steering system that sticks or resists steering input during a highway curve could cause the driver to make an unexpected additional steering input or overcorrect, potentially increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I have checked the vehicle’s VIN for open recalls and there are currently no unrepaired recalls associated with the VIN. I am reporting this issue because I believe the steering behavior may represent a safety defect, particularly given that the problem occurs during normal driving and becomes more pronounced at highway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint for possible similar steering/EPS issues affecting other 2018 Honda Civic vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

NHTSA ID

11756894

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

There has been a recall in a certain number of honda civic vehicles due to this issue and mine was not recalled as well. While driving for more than 5 minutes, the wheel starts to stiffen making it harder to turn and drive straight. The car wobbles when the wheel isn't being turned and jerks itself either left or right depending on which side of the road I am traveling on. This started back in 2021 and it wasnt as bad but now I am experiencing the wheel sticking in one place and having to nearly turn it for it not go off road.

NHTSA ID

11756880

Incident

Jan 20, 2021

Honda has known about an issue with their 2016-2020 vehicles where the evaporator stops working. They continued to use the same part for the AC and because the evaporator does not work any longer, the windshield doesn’t correctly defog and it obstructs my vision.

NHTSA ID

11756214

Incident

May 1, 2026

AC system has engineering problem. It uses new regfirgirant type and it corrodes the shaft seal and the compressor and also the Evaporator core. Honda has an extended warranty on shaft seal and the compressor leak but not on Evaporator. But overall system is an issue. My shaft seal and the compressor were replaced under the extended warranty in 2024 but again the same thing happend and now Evaporator core is also needing the replacement. The cost of that part replacement is close to 2600 dollars. This is a theft and you should hold Honda responsible for this faulty Ac system and its engineering.

NHTSA ID

11753877

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

Evaporator failure in Honda Civic 2018, causing upwards of $2,000 for repair. This is a major safety issue that in extreme heat (such as california weather) can cause driver fatigue, and electrical failure from overheating as well. I personally was not covered under the Honda extended warranty for the condenser seal replacement because my evaporator was also not working. Especially as someone who is working in my car most of the time, driving between facilities, I need to have functioning air conditioning for my own safety. Multiple times now I have experienced nausea and fatigue while driving, with no remedy other than parking at a store and sitting in the AC until I could cool off. This is not right, and Honda is not being helpful with solving this issue that should be covered. I first discovered this in early 2025, got it fixed through an extended warranty, and now my AC has failed again because of the evaporator failure. No warning lights, problem has been confirmed by a dealer.

NHTSA ID

11753849

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Steering catches and sticks while driving and you have to tug to get it to release to get control back. This has happened several times that has caused me to almost wreck numerous times. I do not feel safe driving it but it is my only vehicle. Dealership said it is more than likely the epf system, or the electrical steering system that is faulty.

NHTSA ID

11753786

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

So my 2018 Honda Civic has been affected by the known AC condenser leaks and compressor shaft seal leaks, that Honda has provided an extended warranty for. However they have also found a massive leak at the evaporator. To which Honda has not provided an extended warranty for. This is a huge concern because I am unable to defog my windows without AC and makes it very difficult to see while driving in conditions that my window my fog up. I have not been in an accident currently, but I see this as a massive problem for myself and other Honda owners. Customer service has just formally denied my claim for a curtesy repair for the evaporator. It is very disheartening and Honda should be held responsible.

NHTSA ID

11753377

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

Steering sticks when driving in straight line for extended time. Requires extra effort to make small adjustments Also becomes jerky when making adjustments

NHTSA ID

11753208

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

Internal failure of the gearbox as diagnosed by the Honda dealer. Repair completed July 24, 2026. Car has less than 36,000 miles. Steering was binding and sticking. Unable to steer vehicle properly.

NHTSA ID

11752789

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

‘Sticky’ steering has developed over the last few thousand miles driving this vehicle. It began with the car resisting turning when driving straight. More force than expected is necessary to turn the car and it is unpredictable for when it occurs, which raises a major safety concern. When I discussed this issue with Honda they said it’s likely the whole rack and pinion and they knew it was such because many other drivers of this car had the same issue. There is clearly a fault with this part in the car failing, thus causing many drivers of this car to have to get this repair. Over the past few years, this part has been on back order due to the frequency of this part failing. The fact that Honda is aware of the issue and has done countless replacements of this part indicates there is a substantial fault with a critical part of the car for safe driving. This car has been in no accidents or hit/run over anything that would warrant the rack and pinion to fail. Something like a tie rod or control arm is a more typical replacement, but the whole steering rack failing is questionable for the integrity of the part.

NHTSA ID

11752739

Incident

Jul 6, 2026