2023 Honda Civic Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 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
- Steering19163.9%
- Driver assistance3010.0%
- Electrical155.0%
- Brakes134.3%
- Airbags82.7%
- Engine82.7%
- Other / unspecified62.0%
- Powertrain (other)62.0%
- Suspension51.7%
- Exterior lighting41.3%
- Tires & wheels31.0%
- Body & structure31.0%
- Seat belts31.0%
- Interior & seats20.7%
- Fuel system20.7%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
steering feels sticky & i have to apply force just to keep the steering wheel centered when traveling at a high rate of speed as it feels as if the steering wheel is stuck causing me to over correct my steering. when driving through a curve, my steering wheel gets stuck and i can let go of the wheel and it will remain in place. this happens every single time i drive. i have taken my car to the dealership when the recall came out and it was "fixed" temporarily however the issue has since returned. ive informed honda and they state it's my alignment.
I bought a 2023 Honda Civic Sport from Carvana four months ago. Ever since I bought the car I have been experiencing sticky steering and rattling in the front of my car. It is constant, and even worse at high speeds. I had it diagnosed at Honda, and the Power Steering Rack needs replaced. As far as I can tell from all of my research online this is a KNOWN issue with my vehicle, but there is no recall on the issue yet. My vehicle is out of warranty, and the dealer wants to charge me $4000 for the new part. That’s an astronomical amount of money for someone to pay, when 1.6 Million vehicles are experiencing the same issue. I don’t have $4k laying around to just drop to replace my steering rack. There is also an ongoing lawsuit against Honda, for the issues with their steering racks. Every mechanic I have spoken to, says the steering rack should not need replaced on a 2023, with only 66,000 miles.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Phantom braking when there is no cars or anything on the road. The car would immediately brake out no where. It could cause an accident randomly braking when using cruise control.
I am reporting repeated electronic safety system malfunctions in my 2023 Honda Civic Sport sedan that occurred while driving at highway speeds and present a serious safety concern. In June 2025, while driving at highway speed, multiple warning lights and messages suddenly appeared, including: Brake System Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System Warning, Parking Brake/Brake Hold Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control Warning. These warnings appeared simultaneously without prior notice, raising concern about whether the braking and safety systems were functioning properly while the vehicle was in motion. I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealer did not identify a specific electronic or mechanical defect and instead claimed the issue was caused by liquid spilled near the electronic parking brake switch. I was told the repair was not covered under warranty and paid approximately $600 out of pocket. No evidence was provided explaining how this would cause failures across multiple safety systems. In January 2026, the same group of warning lights appeared again under similar conditions while driving at highway speed. This recurrence strongly suggests the issue was not caused by driver error but may be related to an intermittent electronic, sensor, or control system defect. I have a scheduled dealer appointment tomorrow to address this second occurrence of electronic malfunctioning. Because these warnings involve critical braking and collision mitigation systems and occurred while the vehicle was in motion, they present a potential safety risk. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can document and evaluate whether this represents a broader safety defect.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting repeated electronic safety system malfunctions in my 2023 Honda Civic Sport sedan that occurred while driving at highway speeds and present a serious safety concern. In June 2025, while driving at highway speed, multiple warning lights and messages suddenly appeared, including: Brake System Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System Warning, Parking Brake/Brake Hold Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control Warning. These warnings appeared simultaneously without prior notice, raising concern about whether the braking and safety systems were functioning properly while the vehicle was in motion. I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealer did not identify a specific electronic or mechanical defect and instead claimed the issue was caused by liquid spilled near the electronic parking brake switch. I was told the repair was not covered under warranty and paid approximately $600 out of pocket. No evidence was provided explaining how this would cause failures across multiple safety systems. In January 2026, the same group of warning lights appeared again under similar conditions while driving at highway speed. This recurrence strongly suggests the issue was not caused by driver error but may be related to an intermittent electronic, sensor, or control system defect. I have a scheduled dealer appointment tomorrow to address this second occurrence of electronic malfunctioning. Because these warnings involve critical braking and collision mitigation systems and occurred while the vehicle was in motion, they present a potential safety risk. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can document and evaluate whether this represents a broader safety defect.
On over a dozen occasions my vehicle’s check engine light randomly comes on and then my car stalls out while driving and begins decelerating quickly. It is very dangerous and scary when this has happened on the freeway or in places where there is nowhere to pull off the road. My Honda Civic is less than 2 years old and has already been in the service department at Honda for a combined total of more than 30 days. Honda keeps trying to replace things but the issue keeps happening and they haven’t been able to properly diagnose or fix the problem. It is unsafe to drive this car and Honda has been unable to fix it. I bought this car brand new with 0 miles and the issues started early on before I reached 20,000 miles. I attached one of the most recent invoices from Honda where they noted the fuel injectors failing and codes of misfires in all cylinders. They most recently tried replacing the fuel injector but it still hasn’t fixed the problem. This car is unsafe to drive and has been in the shop multiple times for more than 30 days for the same issue that they can’t seem to fix.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I rear ended a vehicle and my brakes did not respond nor the emergency system activate I gave a dash cam on the incident and no one has inspected the car for that failure
The steering wheel start shaking, delayed, hard to steer because it was stiff. I had gotten into a collision on the freeway due to not being able to control the steering wheel. There no other vehicle involved in the accident. On October 5th 2024, the recall was issued but I didn’t receive any warnings till I went online to do research. Honda did not reach out in an orderly fashion. The police and my insurance company were both there to aid the situation. There was no warning lamps at all. My vehicle is currently at LIA Honda located in Albany, NY. It has been 2 weeks since I called to file case with Honda’s Headquarters and still have not been assisted.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
During a collision on July 7, the airbag initiated but did not deploy. The car is available for inspection upon request. The safety of the driver was put at risk because the airbag did not deploy when intiated. The driver is not injured, but the car cannot be driven due to the airbag posing a risk to the driver. No one has inspected the vehicle. A call was made to Honda Headquarters on Friday, July 10 to report the critical safety and restraint system failure. The car was functioning properly before the accident, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The airbag deployment warning was lit after the accident. And there is a systems warning that appears on the dashboard as well when the vehicle is turned on.
Gentlemen: On August 11, 2025, the 2023 Honda Civic, VIN # [XXX] , was involved in an accident on the Miami/Gainesville Highway, resulting in a side impact with a truck. Fortunately, nothing serious happened to the health of my son, who was driving the vehicle. However, I am writing to you, motivated by the fact that I notified Honda USA approximately a month ago of the following information, and I have not received a response. I consider it important that the vehicle be inspected because the airbags never operated despite the serious collision. This can be verified by inspecting the vehicle, which was a total loss, Progressive Insurance Company case # 25-759026303. I believe it is my duty to notify you of this situation and find out what happened to prevent further harm. Today I spoke with Honda USA via the chat on their website, and the response was that the case still doesn't have a manager assigned to service it. I think that's irresponsible. Thank you for your efforts in this regard. I remain at your service. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Premature Head Gasket Failure at 75,000 miles
Clutch began to slip at 20,000 miles. This caused unrepairable damage to the flywheel. This put my safety at risk as clutches wearing out could cause the car to slip out of gear and/or damage the maneuverability of the vehicle. This problem was fixed by the dealer, but they blamed me for the damage and claimed clutch is a wear component. I was charged $3,000 for the clutch and an additional $2,000 for the flywheel. I have seen many reports online of people with the same car (2023 Civic Sport Touring Manual) with the same issues. All people have been ignored by Honda corporate, citing user error. This has not been inspected by the manufacturerer as I am aware No messages of the problem, other than the cruise control stopping under load.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
when driving the steering gets stuck and have to abruptly jerk the steering wheel to get it unstuck, this is related to Recall Number23V-704 and Honda is refusing to replace the steering rack and pinnion as resomended by my local honda dealer.
I got a recall notice in Nov,2024 for my 2023 Honda civic, I called the Honda dealer to make an appointment to get my car fixed,The gentleman told me I can't make my appt now he told me I gotta wait because he doesn't have what they need to fix it, he also said I would get another notification about my car's recall..Here it is Jan,2024 still nothing.The parts that got recalled on my car is nothing to sit around and wait,It's dangerous to take a chance on me driving and my EPS does what the recall said can happen.How long does a dealer have to fix a customer's recall its been months and 1 wk.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The headgasket failed prematurely at 76,000 miles causing coolant to begin leaking out of the vehicle. The safety of myself and others is put at risk because a head gasket blowing caused the car to lose power on the way home from work which has caused me to have to slow down and not be able to start again. This causes other vehicles to have to break or go around me on the highway. The car is a 2023 Honda Civic. This premature head gasket failure is a known issue. The warnings appeared at 5PM when I was leaving work as soon as I started the car. Every light in the car went off. The vehicle was brought to the Honda Dealership in Lawrence, KS. They showed that the head gasket blew. The Vehicle is available for inspection upon request at the Honda Dealership in Lawrence, Kansas.
Clutch began to slip at 20,000 miles. This caused unrepairable damage to the flywheel. This put my safety at risk as clutches wearing out could cause the car to slip out of gear and/or damage the maneuverability of the vehicle. This problem was fixed by the dealer, but they blamed me for the damage and claimed clutch is a wear component. I was charged $3,000 for the clutch and an additional $2,000 for the flywheel. I have seen many reports online of people with the same car (2023 Civic Sport Touring Manual) with the same issues. All people have been ignored by Honda corporate, citing user error. This has not been inspected by the manufacturerer as I am aware No messages of the problem, other than the cruise control stopping under load.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Following a drivetrain repair at Gary Yeomans Honda, the vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe driving condition. Specifically, the technician left unsecured heavy metal tools (a pry bar and screwdriver) loose in the engine bay, failed to torque a structural fastener, and rendered the rear brake light completely non-functional while incorrectly marking it as operational on the inspection sheet. Additionally, the inspection sheet indicated a red-flag warning to 'inspect transmission for leaks' that was categorized as a mistake upon return.
I bought a 2023 Honda Civic Sport from Carvana four months ago. Ever since I bought the car I have been experiencing sticky steering and rattling in the front of my car. It is constant, and even worse at high speeds. I had it diagnosed at Honda, and the Power Steering Rack needs replaced. As far as I can tell from all of my research online this is a KNOWN issue with my vehicle, but there is no recall on the issue yet. My vehicle is out of warranty, and the dealer wants to charge me $4000 for the new part. That’s an astronomical amount of money for someone to pay, when 1.6 Million vehicles are experiencing the same issue. I don’t have $4k laying around to just drop to replace my steering rack. There is also an ongoing lawsuit against Honda, for the issues with their steering racks. Every mechanic I have spoken to, says the steering rack should not need replaced on a 2023, with only 66,000 miles.
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
Following a drivetrain repair at Gary Yeomans Honda, the vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe driving condition. Specifically, the technician left unsecured heavy metal tools (a pry bar and screwdriver) loose in the engine bay, failed to torque a structural fastener, and rendered the rear brake light completely non-functional while incorrectly marking it as operational on the inspection sheet. Additionally, the inspection sheet indicated a red-flag warning to 'inspect transmission for leaks' that was categorized as a mistake upon return.
This is to bring attention to the hazards associated with the LED car lights in new cars. You must be aware of complaints that these car headlights are beyond too bright and pose risk to drivers at night. I specifically try not to drive at night because of this hazard. These light are blinding when viewed from oncoming traffic. This is a hazard and must be addressed.
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
Less than 10k miles on 2023 the original tire exploded
Tires had 17,000 miles on them and had to be “warrantied out” by the manufacturer. These tires had no grip and weren’t made for a car with sound dampening materials. I was told by the manufacturer that the reason the road noise got worse was the technologies were fighting against each other. More importantly, I experienced rapid wear. These are an 80,000 mile tire and with 17,000 miles on them I was already in the “consider replacing” time frame. Alignment was checked and good so it wasn’t due to the vehicle itself. Poor quality tire.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear hatchback fills internally with water and only drains when tailgate is raised. Standing water and freeze/thaw cycle has potential to damage electrical components (taillights, rear camera, license plate light, rear defroster, rear wiper). This issue has been confirmed by Honda dealer, but they have been unable to fix it after 3 attempts.
Rear hatch holds water inside after rain
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
On 12/03/2023, We were involved in serious accident. During this accident, only driver door air bag was deployed. No other air bags were deployed.My wife was on passenger side. She was seriously injured and hospitalized for several days. She is still under medical care. I think air bags on passenger side was defective. Due to defective air bags system, my wife had serious injury and had to go for medical treatment, pain and suffering. We like to investigate defect in air bags. My wife was wearing lap and shoulder seat belt.However, seat belt was not activated and remain loose. Due to loose seat belt, she was injured. Please help. Thank you.
Sticky steering wheel, lock steering, clicking sound, Terrible rear seats buckle, hard to click it. i have a 2023 Honda Civic, with all the recall issues, but my Vin number didnt make it to the recall. I've taking my car to Honda of Long Beach, Ca. They didnt find or fix anything. please help! I don't know what to do!
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 2023 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat was shaking, and the recliner was wobbly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and it was determined that the front driver’s side seat was not installed properly. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat was repaired on three separate occasions; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V859000 (Seats); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Driver seat and the seat belt squeaking. Started at 3k miles. Usually at lower speeds, sometimes the seat belt is squeaking even just if I’m breathing. Makes me worry about the quality of the assembly of parts.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
On over a dozen occasions my vehicle’s check engine light randomly comes on and then my car stalls out while driving and begins decelerating quickly. It is very dangerous and scary when this has happened on the freeway or in places where there is nowhere to pull off the road. My Honda Civic is less than 2 years old and has already been in the service department at Honda for a combined total of more than 30 days. Honda keeps trying to replace things but the issue keeps happening and they haven’t been able to properly diagnose or fix the problem. It is unsafe to drive this car and Honda has been unable to fix it. I bought this car brand new with 0 miles and the issues started early on before I reached 20,000 miles. I attached one of the most recent invoices from Honda where they noted the fuel injectors failing and codes of misfires in all cylinders. They most recently tried replacing the fuel injector but it still hasn’t fixed the problem. This car is unsafe to drive and has been in the shop multiple times for more than 30 days for the same issue that they can’t seem to fix.
Car bought at 405 mph gas ⛽️ filled. Subsequently this mph gas started reducing from 405 to 395 to 390 to 380 to 375 and now it is on 367. Thus, the description of this vehicle with a full tank of 400 plus is false and wrong. Got pictures of some of these changes.
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 .