2019 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 2019 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
- Fuel system13328.7%
- Steering10322.2%
- Driver assistance5211.2%
- Electrical378.0%
- Engine326.9%
- Brakes316.7%
- Other / unspecified132.8%
- Body & structure132.8%
- Powertrain (other)122.6%
- Visibility102.2%
- Airbags81.7%
- Suspension61.3%
- Seat belts51.1%
- Tires & wheels40.9%
- Interior & seats10.2%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
- Transmission10.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The open recall repair (NHTSA 23V-858) has not been completed. Additionally, there is a separate open recall, NHTSA Recall Number 25E-071 (Manufacturer Recall MMZ), involving 18-inch Honda Genuine Accessory wheels with improperly installed lug seat inserts. Both recalls remain unresolved. Beginning in approximately 2024, the vehicle exhibited intermittent jerking and stalling during acceleration, along with loss of smooth power delivery. No warning lamps were illuminated prior to failure. The vehicle was inspected in July 2025 after Wilkes-Barre Honda declined to provide assistance, and it passed inspection at that time. In October 2025, the engine failed to start, and the vehicle became fully non-operational. The insurance carrier was notified in October 2025 that the vehicle had become inoperable. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or the insurance company. It is currently available for inspection but is not safely drivable. Loss of power while driving presents a risk of collision. Multiple attempts were made to schedule an appointment with Wilkes-Barre Honda regarding the outstanding recall; however, no response was received. The manufacturer was also contacted on several occasions, but no meaningful assistance was provided. Despite repeated requests, the dealership has not conducted a formal inspection or confirmed the cause of the failure. The vehicle has remained inoperable for several months. Under these circumstances, asking me to arrange towing is not reasonable, as delays in addressing recalls have created additional practical barriers to accessing necessary transportation and resources. *Note: I've included a phone number for this complaint but do not have one. Additionally, lack of vehicle access due to unresolved recalls had already created practical barriers in obtaining one.
The fuel pump has been on recall and ive been waiting over 2 years for a part
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPONENT: Electric power steering (EPS) rack and pinion assembly. WHAT HAPPENED: The steering on my 2019 Civic EX binds and catches. Returning the wheel toward center after a left turn, the steering does not return smoothly — it hangs up, then releases suddenly, with an audible clicking noise. The condition is worse after the vehicle has been driven and has warmed up. It occurs at parking lot speeds and at highway speeds during small lane-keeping corrections. It is also reproducible with the vehicle stationary and the engine running. SAFETY RISK: When the steering binds, more force is required to move the wheel. When it releases, the wheel moves further than intended, causing overcorrection that must then be corrected back. On the highway this makes it difficult to hold a consistent lane position. There has been no warning lamp and no diagnostic trouble code at any point. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: An authorized Honda dealer reproduced the condition. Their technician documented that with the engine running and the wheel turned to full left lock, the wheel binds and will not return until physically touched. A master technician at the same dealer confirmed the binding and the clicking noise and identified the power steering rack as the failing component. The dealer noted that this condition is discussed on Honda's internal technical line under the description of Civic steering feeling sticky and pulling in either direction. Their inspection found no other damage or worn suspension or steering components. QUOTED REPAIR: The dealer quoted approximately $5,068 to replace the steering rack assembly. The vehicle is out of warranty. ADDITIONAL NOTE: Honda has issued a recall for the same sticky steering condition on 2022-2025 model year vehicles, attributed to excessive friction from the worm wheel inside the steering gearbox. No equivalent action covers 2016-2021 vehicles, which use a comparable EPS design and generate similar owner complaints. The component is available
My 2019 Honda Civic has been driven for only 35, 775 miles. The steering has become "sticky" or "notchy" and poses a safety risk since it seems to get stuck particularly when making left turns. The dealership's service center has diagnosed the problem as internal failure of the rack steering gearbox causing binding and stickiness in the steering feel. No warning messages were indicated. The problem was first noticed in late 2025. There have been numerous steering complaints reported by other 2019 Honda Civic owners, yet Honda has not issued a recall for this year and model. I have contacted the Honda Customer Service Center about this issue. I have been assigned a case manager and am waiting for a response to my request for compensation.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
While pulling into a parking lot at approximately 10–15 mph around sunset, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly engaged the brakes without any input from me. The abrupt braking caused all of my personal belongings inside the vehicle to be thrown forward. After pausing briefly to assess the situation, I cautiously applied light pressure to the accelerator. The vehicle responded, allowing me to slowly proceed and safely pull into a nearby parking space.
The Honda Sensing automated system suffered a phantom activation. It threw a visual brake warning, violently applied the brakes, and jerked the steering wheel causing a collision impact to other vehicles. This collision led to a major accident with an 18 wheeler and 6 additional cars. The car automated system has done this prior when there were no objects in front of the vehicle.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle's smart entry door handle system was continuously drawing power even when the vehicle was off. This resulted in repeated battery drain and battery replacement (approximately 4 times). The ongoing electrical load also resulted in alternator failure. Once the issue was diagnosed (performed by the dealer), expense was required to resolve the parts. The issue caused repeated no-start conditions and reliability/safety concerns. This took a year to resolve and appears to be a common concern based off online posts. I am submitting this complaint now for documentation and potential reimbursement/recall creation as it is likely that others have had this same issue.
I believe it is the Electric Steering Gearbox is the problem I had the vehicle inspected for this but I was told it needed alignment which was also done last month the problem got worse this is a safety problem for especially the driver having to grip the steering wheel to stay in a lane I have yet to have the gearbox inspected
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am filing a safety complaint regarding an unresolved fuel pump recall on my 2019 Honda Civic. My vehicle became inoperable around October 2025 after passing Pennsylvania state inspection in July 2025. The vehicle is currently not drivable and remains inoperable. A VIN-based recall check confirms an active, unrepaired safety recall related to the fuel pump module (2016–2021 Honda Civic fuel pump impeller defect). This recall warns of potential engine stall or failure to start, increasing crash risk. Despite multiple attempts to schedule repair through Honda MotorWorld and Honda customer service, the recall repair has not been completed. I have contacted both the dealership and Honda corporate through multiple case numbers and written communication. However, repair has not been provided and access to service has been repeatedly delayed or conditioned on phone-only communication, despite my use of written/email communication being accepted in other parts of the case process. As of today, the safety recall remains open and unrepaired, and the vehicle remains inoperable. I am requesting: Investigation into why the open fuel pump safety recall has not been completed Assistance in ensuring the manufacturer provides the required recall remedy Confirmation of appropriate steps to complete recall repair given vehicle inoperability
Rough idling. Currently unknown reason.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
On June 17, 2026, at approximately 4:30PM, while driving to work for an event, my vehicle suddenly applied the emergency brakes right after a message appeared on my dash warning me to brake. There was no vehicle Infront of me that should have caused my car to brake so hard and suddenly. I have contacted the dealership and American Honda about the situation. I have read online reports of similar issues happening and i wanted to report it so i can make as many people as possible aware of the issue.
Noticed when braking, car veered to the right. The day before I dropped it off to the dealership to have it checked, the brakes felt weird a bit hard, and suddenly would not brake for few seconds (functioned again after) as I was approaching a roundabout. I dropped it off to the dealership and they confirmed an issue with the ABS Modulator. I am currently waiting for parts for it.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
went to tysons honda in tysons, va to have service done and the recall completed - the gentleman that greeted me informed me that my vehicle doesnt apply to recall, only to newer vehicles. I thought they would have marked this completed or at least inspected the car. but i just received a notification of an open recall.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding an unresolved fuel pump recall on my 2019 Honda Civic. My vehicle became inoperable around October 2025 after passing Pennsylvania state inspection in July 2025. The vehicle is currently not drivable and remains inoperable. A VIN-based recall check confirms an active, unrepaired safety recall related to the fuel pump module (2016–2021 Honda Civic fuel pump impeller defect). This recall warns of potential engine stall or failure to start, increasing crash risk. Despite multiple attempts to schedule repair through Honda MotorWorld and Honda customer service, the recall repair has not been completed. I have contacted both the dealership and Honda corporate through multiple case numbers and written communication. However, repair has not been provided and access to service has been repeatedly delayed or conditioned on phone-only communication, despite my use of written/email communication being accepted in other parts of the case process. As of today, the safety recall remains open and unrepaired, and the vehicle remains inoperable. I am requesting: Investigation into why the open fuel pump safety recall has not been completed Assistance in ensuring the manufacturer provides the required recall remedy Confirmation of appropriate steps to complete recall repair given vehicle inoperability
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. While the vehicle was parked, the contact opened the trunk to place items inside the trunk; however, after closing the trunk, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the trunk. Upon reopening the trunk, the contact discovered a metal bar. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that there was an unknown TSB related to the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 47,500.
Immediately after closing the trunk, the trunk lid torsion bar snapped. The trunk lid will no longer stay up and is very heavy to open. If this had happened when the trunk was open, it could have broken my neck. Honda is aware of this issue in vehicles from 2016-2020. There is a technical service bulletin (22-013) but no recall. I feel this is a physical safety hazard to anyone who owns these cars.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on interstate vehicle lost power had to weave through traffic to get to pull off lane. Honda dealership states Replace the flywheel, pressure plate, friction disc (Clutch), and release bearing. car has 40k miles.
Some how my steering wheel is crooked, so while going straight, my wheel is around 2 or 3 inches to the left. If I turn it all the way, in either direction the wheel will click, click, click back, moving back the opposite direction with every click. I've changed both front CV axles, sway bar links, brakes, all 4 tires, bought 2 rims so far. Still having issues. Also makes a cluck sound while braking. stalls while stopping and going a lot. Had fuel recalls done already. When a car is coming have to hit the gas pedal to the floor to get it to go. Almost killed me once while automatically braking while switching lanes. There was an 18 Wheeler in front of me to start off with, I turned my signal on to get over in the lane beside of me, which had another 18 wheeler coming a way back. Once I got over the brakes automatically locked down due to sensing the the truck in the other lane. Every since then I keep that feature off. I wouldn't trade her for anything, it's been a wild ride and she keeps me on my toes. Literally. 120,000, 1 owner, 6 years March 2025!
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
In June 2026, the HVAC system in my 2019 Honda Civic 2.0L failed because the evaporator core developed a premature leak or crack. AutoNation Honda O’Hare inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the evaporator core as the failed component. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a serious visibility hazard. During rain and humid conditions, the windshield and side windows fog rapidly. Because the air-conditioning system can no longer adequately remove moisture from the cabin air, the defrost and defog functions do not clear the glass effectively. This can severely obstruct my view of the road, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards while driving. I have also noticed a persistent chemical odor coming from the vents. Because the evaporator core is located inside the HVAC housing, I am concerned that refrigerant, compressor oil, or other HVAC residue may be entering the passenger compartment. This creates a potential exposure concern, especially when the vehicle is operated with the windows closed. I received no specific dashboard warning that the evaporator core was failing. The first noticeable symptoms were reduced cooling, ineffective windshield defogging, and the chemical odor from the vents. Honda has extended warranty coverage for certain air-conditioning condenser and compressor failures affecting this generation of Civic, but it does not cover the evaporator core. I contacted Honda and requested goodwill assistance with the costly repair. Honda refused to provide any goodwill discount despite the known pattern of air-conditioning failures and the safety consequences of losing effective windshield dehumidification. I request that NHTSA investigate evaporator-core failures in 10th-generation Honda Civics and determine whether a safety recall or expanded manufacturer remedy is warranted.
The rear window shattered while driving. I had turned on my rear window defroster to help clear the window of fog. Several minutes later there was a loud pop, and I saw a hole in the lower left corner of the window under the spoiler, and the rest of the glass was cracked. I pulled over to see if something had hit the window, and there was no evidence of that happening.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle went over a bump in the road, and the passenger’s side air bag inadvertently deployed. The contact stated that the air bag deployment struck his wife in the face, but no injury was sustained. Medical attention was not needed. The contact’s wife pushed the air bag back into the air bag compartment and observed that the SRS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
I was driving down the highway near where I live in Hanford California the highway is 198. I was going 68, 69 mph. No one was on the road my car literally slammed on its brakes and jerked to the right.this has happened 2times I have turned off the assist I’m to afraid it will happen again. I am bringing it into the dealership tomorrow and also have them check my airbags the light in the dashboard intermittently keeps coming on then after a bit it will turn off. The first time I brought it in for the airbag lights coming on they informed me that it was due to me pulling the seat back to far I am 5 foot four. I don’t normally pull the seat back. It would be more closer to the steering wheel for me, but there was a problem supposedly with the connection that is under the seat it doesn’t make me feel too safe to think that me moving. My seat is going to prevent my airbags from deploying God for bid if I get into an accident.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has a sticky steering wheel causing overcorrection to either the left or right side. The safety concern is pretty high considering how hard it is to correct the vehicles lane.
On [XXX], I purchased a 2019 Honda Civic Si (VIN: [XXX] ) from Zeigler Toyota of Racine (WI). At the time of sale, the dealership concealed critical safety-related information, including three major prior damage events (roof, front, rear), multiple Illinois auction sales, and pre-installed aftermarket suspension modifications that prevented proper rear alignment. No disclosures were made. After purchase, I was referred to Zeigler Honda of Racine, where a certified Honda technician confirmed the vehicle could not be aligned due to these undisclosed modifications, and would soon become unsafe to drive. Improper rear alignment creates risks of unpredictable handling, tire failure, and catastrophic loss of control. Zeigler Honda attempted to discreetly order parts without warranty company knowledge and failed to document inspection results or service records, indicating concealment efforts. Zeigler Auto Group operates 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, and reports annual sales exceeding $2.2 billion. Given their size and multi-state operations, systemic concealment of structural and mechanical safety defects by affiliated dealerships poses a significant public safety threat across state lines. I have submitted complaints to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, DATCP, WisDOT, FTC, BBB, Honda Corporate, and the Illinois Attorney General. Given the severity of the defects, concealment, and Zeigler’s multi-state reach, I respectfully request NHTSA investigate Zeigler Auto Group for patterns of selling unsafe vehicles without proper disclosure. Supporting documentation is available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
I was in a multi-directional wreck and the driver seat belt didn’t engage/lock holding me in place. I was able to move around enough that I broke the console and hit other areas that should have been out of reach if I had been held in my seat.
I was sold a vehicle with no seatbelt in the middle of back seat . I had called the dealer that sold me the car to explain and they told me that why it took me this long to say something that now they think I took the buckle off myself. Very inappropriate for the manager to tell me that nonsense. I don’t sit in the back so I wouldn’t know until I had to buckle my niece in and I couldn’t because there is no buckle in my middle seat in the back. This is a safety hazard and feel very discourage to even make the report because nobody seem to want to help me!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
In April 2021, I hit went over a large pothole that caused me to get an immediate flat tire on my driver's left front tire (the TPMS system alerted me of low tire pressure). I had the tire replaced. Had no issues until 9/2021 when my TPMS system alerted me that my tire pressure was low. Front left tire was at 26, had problem diagnosed at same tire repair place and they sealed my rim on driver's front left tire. Did not have any more issues until 2022 (unsure of date) but frequently my TPMS system light comes on indicating low tire pressure. I always check tire pressure with gauge at home and my tires are never lower than 29 when I check (front two are supposed to be at 32 and back two are supposed to be at 33). I also live in a warm climate year round. In 2023, my TPMS system alerts me of low tire pressure approximately every 2-3 months when my tires in fact do not have low tire pressure. In the month of December, every time I turn my car on, my TPMS system alerts me of low tire pressure, but they are all normal. I always recalibrate the TPMS system when I get that system alert, but it does not seem to help. My car currently has 30,000 miles and no accidents. I am concerned for the safety of this vehicle in regards to when I may actually have low tire pressure, but because of these frequent and unreliable TPMS alerts I get, I may not recognize if it the tire were actually low while driving. I get my car inspected routinely every 6-8 months when I got my oil changed by the Honda dealership and they have not reported any issues.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering functionality. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle while driving to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked and occupied in the vehicle, the contact noticed the trunk independently opens unintendedly causing the vehicle car alarm to engage. The contact mentioned this also happens while driving at various speeds. The contact also mention the trunk is open warning message illuminated. A independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 205,900.
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
Faulty software in Body Control Module (BCM) causing numerous problems with multiple vehicle components including battery, namely: electrical (key fob and headlights) malfunctions, illumination of several warning dash display lights, repeated parasitic battery draining, and security system problems (car alarm activation). Please see attached letter to manufacturer American Honda Motor Co. for additional information.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2019 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO KEYLESS CVT TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE POWERED OFF WHILE IN REVERSE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT, DID NOT OFFER A SOLUTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint
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 .