2018 Honda Civic Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the fuel pump was surging, and the vehicle was jerking while idling or while driving at undisclosed speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was previously repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and opened an investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 104,661.

NHTSA ID

11744496

Incident

May 16, 2026

Mileage

104,661 mi

The A/C evaporator core failed on my 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback with approximately 67,000 miles, confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership in April 2026. This is my second major A/C system failure in under one year on this vehicle. Approximately one year ago, the same dealership replaced the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seal. Now the evaporator core has failed and requires full replacement at a cost of $1,741.58, plus $381.99 already paid for diagnosis. The failed component is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by the dealership’s technician and documented in the repair order. Safety risk: The A/C system completely stopped producing cold air with no prior warning lights or symptoms. In Atlanta, GA summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F with high humidity. Complete loss of cabin cooling poses a serious heat-related safety risk, particularly for children and elderly passengers. This is a known widespread defect across 2016-2019 Honda Civics. Hundreds of owners have reported identical evaporator failures. Honda has acknowledged the pattern through case-by-case goodwill assistance but has not issued a formal recall. A goodwill assistance case is currently open

NHTSA ID

11732541

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

•I am an Indiana resident. •I purchased a vehicle from a private seller in Ohio (seller operates through an LLC) on 1/16/2026 •Fraudulent title activity was discovered by mechanic on 1/26/26 (taken to mechanic due to sudden and unexpected issues) •The purchase agreement and price ($9,000) were confirmed via text message; there was no written bill of sale and no “as-is” agreement. •Prior to purchase, the seller provided a VIN that belonged to a different vehicle than the one sold. •After purchase, I discovered the vehicle has evidence of odometer rollback; the Ohio title indicates “odometer inaccurate,” which was not disclosed prior to sale. •The vehicle was previously salvage titled and originated from Canada, neither of which were disclosed. •The Ohio title lists an incorrect purchase price of $4,000, despite the agreed purchase price of $9,000. •Title was sold under dealer name permit number XXX •The vehicle was shown and represented as being in “great condition”; however, shortly after purchase, a licensed mechanic determined the vehicle requires a replacement engine, battery, and additional major mechanical repairs, rendering it unsafe and not drivable. Files attached support all of the above. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11719393

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

The engine gasket failed, leaking coolant into Cylinder 3. This created misfires while the vehicle was driving, leading to unpredictable loss of power while driving. Eventually, the coolant purged unbeknownst to the driver and created overheating conditions while driving which could have led to complete engine failure on the road. This behavior was confirmed and reproduced by an independent shop, WenMac Repair, in Hardin County, Ohio. They replaced the spark plugs and coils, thinking the misfire was not necessarily related to the head gasket. The vehicle was then taken to Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, LLC's official repair center for Honda Associates attached to Honda's Marysville Auto Plant 10/1/25 and diagnosed by a Honda master technician. My fiance and I both directly work for Honda. It is currently having the head gasket replaced at a cost of $2,700.00 plus taxes. The vehicle is still in the shop. The failure was observed on vehicle first around 150,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11692552

Incident

May 28, 2025

1.Component or System Failure: •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The air conditioning (AC) system in my 2018 Honda Civic has malfunctioned. Initially, the AC compressor failed and was replaced under warranty in 2018. However, the AC never functioned properly afterward. Recently, the AC failed completely, and the dealership diagnosed a leaking evaporator. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2.Safety Risk: •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The malfunctioning AC system poses a significant safety risk, especially considering the high temperatures in the Central Valley of California. Driving without a functional AC in extreme heat can lead to driver fatigue, reduced concentration, and potential heat-related illnesses, increasing the risk of accidents. 3.Problem Reproduction: •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership. They diagnosed the issue as a leaking evaporator and provided a repair estimate of $2,520.16. 4.Inspection by Others: •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership, which diagnosed the issue. There have been no inspections by police or insurance representatives. 5.Warning Indicators: •Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the AC failure. The only symptom was the AC’s inability to cool the cabin effectively, which persisted since the initial compressor replacement in 2018 and culminated in complete failure recently.

NHTSA ID

11653555

Incident

Oct 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jump-started several times. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be repaired and the motor mounts were replaced under a Lemon Law lawsuit settlement. However, the contact stated while driving and coming to a complete stop later, the vehicle made an abnormal rumbling sound. The vehicle was taken to Mavis Tires to be diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine was moving back and forth due to missing motor mounts. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test to be performed. The failure mileage was 1,585.

NHTSA ID

11649712

Incident

Mar 21, 2018

Mileage

1,585 mi

Engine failure while driving down the highway. Was able to safely get off the highway without being able to accelerate. Car was towed to the Honda dealership where all the maintenance has been done. They said the car had a cylinder misfire and would need the engine replaced. It would cost $13,000. This car had already had the A/C, fuel pump and transmission replaced in the five short years I owned it. It was garage stored and had under 50,000 miles. All the maintenance was done through a certified Honda dealership.

NHTSA ID

11642951

Incident

Feb 7, 2025

March 5th 2020 I finally recorded a message that had been appearing in my dash board during late night drives. Message read as "Adaptive Cruise Control Problem" "Collision Mitigation System Problem" I notified Honda of North Hollywood service department at the time, and they said they could not do anything to fix the problem unless the message was actively displayed on the dash board during the time of service. Unfortunate for me the message would come and go and would not remain on for the service advisor to see. Several times my vehicle would randomly brake abruptly (to a screeching halt) due to a malfunction in detecting cars/objects around me. Luckily I managed to not crash or have other vehicles crash into my car from behind, but it scared me. I've always wondered what the issue was, and was never able to get it resolved because I didn't have proof of the abrupt stops. Fast forward to May 2024 I received a letter in the mail for a recall on the fuel pump module. I think this might have something to also do with not being able to start my car three times within one year... I ended up replacing multiple batteries and cleansing the fuel tank thinking that was the issue and I have been mobile since then. I have contacted Curry Honda in Georgia multiple times to get the recall resolved. 8 months since I received the recall notice, and the issue is still unresolved. Please help. I rely on this vehicle to get to work, and I am still paying on this car. I am concerned of the safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11634049

Incident

Mar 5, 2020

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving on a decline of a public garage road and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the power steering became inoperable. The vehicle rolled at approximately 20-30 MPH and crashed into the wall of the garage. The wall sustained minor damage. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that messages advising of engine system failure, supplementary restraint system failure, and electric power steering failure were displayed on the vehicle mobile app. The front driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed. The emergency units arrived and provided first aid to both the contact and his sister, who was occupying the front passenger's side seat during the incident. The contact's sister sustained chest pain and was in the process of receiving medical assistance. The contact sustained lower back pain and was in the process of receiving medical assistance. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11633908

Incident

Dec 22, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

Stalling, Oil pollution, electrical issues. The car shut off on me in the middle of the highway!

NHTSA ID

11618983

Incident

Oct 9, 2024

Car threw a p0035 code which indicates a problem with the turbo bypass valve solenoid high voltage/circuit. Car suddenly lost power and had many service lights go off. The check engine light, power steering, brakes, stability, and other lights went on. This prevents my car from going over 40 MPH without feeling like the car is struggling to accelerate. The dealership couldn't reproduce or confirm the issue when I went in for service. The code will disappear and reappear after a few starts ups. I noticed that the 2017 type R has this recall but I'm noticing a lot of other owners having this issue as well.

NHTSA ID

11616513

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled while attempting to pull out of the parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and informed the contact that the parts were not readily available. The dealer test-drove the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they referred her to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 7,860.

NHTSA ID

11612238

Incident

Jun 2, 2024

Mileage

7,860 mi

Went to Honda dealership to diagnose why white smoke was coming through the AC vent whenever I would turn on the AC. Honda said that my AC condenser went bad, which is covered under the extended warranty due to others having the same issue but that my AC Evaporator core was stain and also needs to be replaced. I was quoted $2322.16 to have the Evaporator replaced and it needed to be replaced before they could continue with replaced the condenser and recharged the system for free. Please help as it seems the issue has to do with the new Freon Honda is using.

NHTSA ID

11611092

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11608502

Incident

Aug 14, 2024

Mileage

98,000 mi

my AC in blowing hot air on one side and cool air on the other side

NHTSA ID

11600881

Incident

Jun 24, 2024

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID

11595129

Incident

Jun 17, 2024

Headgasket problem Fuel injector Problem Head bolt problem Engine enters limb mode when cold start due to head gasket leak Misfire on multiple cylinders due to fuel injector failure.

NHTSA ID

11594315

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Loss of power during drive. Hesitation while acceleration and check engine light on. Unable to accelerate. Fuel pump recall on other same generation models.

NHTSA ID

11592936

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000.

NHTSA ID

11592724

Incident

Jun 5, 2024

Mileage

175,000 mi

Infant mortality of the entire AC system due to faulty components. Cost of repair is $3000+. It is a common, systemic failure on this generation of Honda Civic. Lack of AC in hot regions can lead to unsafe mold growing in the vents as well as heat related illness potentially leading to death. This is a highly hazardous failure with a high likelihood of occurring, so it is unacceptable to allow this situation to continue without a full recall or reimbursement by Honda.

NHTSA ID

11592426

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

All dashboard warning light turn on flashing at the same time causing confusing and unsecured driving

NHTSA ID

11590363

Incident

May 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that while decelerating, the brakes were rubbing significantly. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated, and the dealer determined that the brakes were functioning properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11573357

Incident

Feb 22, 2024

Mileage

30,000 mi

Poor acceleration after stop, then twice again car loss power, I almost get into an accident due to this.

NHTSA ID

11569978

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

The engine light pops up on the dashboard stating an “emissions” issue. When scanned, it says that the fuel pump is malfunctioning.

NHTSA ID

11565027

Incident

Jan 2, 2024

I got a new alternator because I thought it was draining the battery. A few weeks later I didn’t drive my car for 3 days and the engine would not start but all the lights would turn on. I got it jumped and took it the dealership and they still don’t know what is wrong with it. This is the 4th time this has happened and I changed the battery every time.

NHTSA ID

11559150

Incident

Nov 6, 2023