“Air bags did not deploy. A car in the opposite lane turned in front of my 1996 honda civic lx as I entered the intersection with a green light traveling about 40 miles per hour. I promptly slammed on my brakes and I hit the other car essentially head on. The impact left my civic's front bumper and underlying metal support beam lying in the intersection, along with the antifreeze that was rapidly draining everywhere.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 13, 2010 at 134,000 miles
“While traveling at 45 MPH, another vehicle did not yield and hit consumer's vehicle on front passenger's side. Upon impact, airbags failed to deploy. Please provide any further information.*ak”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 1, 2002
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1996 Civic peaked in 1997, with 72 filed that year. Owners had filed 63 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 20V026000 in January 2020; 2 more have come in since. In 2020 owners filed 2 so far.
17 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V026000
Filed Jan 17, 20201,439,841 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation
Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC
Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Filed May 22, 20061,215 vehiclesJ & A Auto Accessories
Defect. CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.
Defect. CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.
Filed May 8, 2006724 vehiclesAlfaotto Auto Accessories
Defect. CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.
Filed Apr 18, 2006845 vehiclesTom Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN EAGLE EYES AND SONAR HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON 1988-2005 HONDA CIVIC, 1990-2005 HONDA ACCORD, AND 1990-2001 ACURA INTEGRA PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. TOM MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF NONCOMPLIANT LIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOM MOTORSPORT AT 626-968-4007.
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Defect. CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
Defect. CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FEELS ROUGH OR NOTCHY WHEN YOU PRESS IT.
Risk. IT MAY FEEL LIKE THE CAR IS NOT RESPONDING PROPERLY WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS AND ARE REQUIRED TO MOVE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MAKE SLIGHT SPEED ADJUSTMENTS.
Filed May 10, 1999943,005 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.
Defect. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: ACCESSORY DRIVER-SIDE FLOOR MATS USED IN 1996-1998 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DUE TO THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR ON THESE VEHICLES, A MISPOSITIONED FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Risk. THE FLOOR MAT COULD PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Remedy. IF A CUSTOMER HAS A GENUINE HONDA DRIVER-SIDE FLOOR MAT, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A POSITIVE FLOOR MAT RETENTION SYSTEM CONSISTING OF A GROMMET IN THE FLOOR MAT AND A PIN BRACKET IN THE CAR.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings96V106000
Filed Jun 18, 1996160,689 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.
Defect. A SOAPY LUBRICANT WAS USED TO INSERT THE CHECK VALVE INTO THE VACUUM HOSE WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TO STICK.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF THE BRAKE'S POWER ASSIST RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE CHECK VALVE BY WASHING THE VACUUM HOSE WITH HOT WATER.
All 17 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 1996 Civic.
Opened Sep 11, 1998Closed Jun 3, 1999throttle and acceleration
Due to the agency's investigation into this matter, honda agreed to conduct a safety recall to notify owners of the 1996-1998 honda civics and install a positive floor mat retention system on the driver's side (genuine honda) floor mat.furthermore, honda will conduct a product improvement campaign to inspect and replace certain model year 1996 civic throttle cables equipped with cables not having the latest revisions. Since each throttle cable is date coded the subject cables are easily identifiable.this investigation is closed; further use of the agency resources does not appear …
CONDENSER FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVEInvestigation SQ98012Closed
Opened Jun 30, 1998Closed Nov 2, 1998equipment
See resume for details.
Technical service bulletins
125 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1996 Civic. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
transmission 21engine 18electrical system 16visibility 13body and frame 11equipment 8brakes 8fuel system 4
SRS INDICATOR ON WITH NO SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) SET. *TT *JB
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 1, 2020FL
GAS IDLE DIDN'T RETURN BACK AND I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Feb 12, 2020WA
I HAVE 2 RECALLS AND I NEED THE NOTIFICATION FOR THEM GONE ASAP SO I CAN SHIP MY CAR OVERSEAS. THE ISSUES STATED ABOUT THE "AIR BAG" AND "FLOOR MATS" HAVE YET TO CAUSE A CONCERN TO MY DRIVING AND OR HANDLING ABILITY. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO GO THROUGH THESE RECALLS AS I AM MILITARY AND NEED MY VEHICLE SHIPPED BUT THE RECALLS ARE WHATS KICKING ME BACK.
Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 24, 2019235,000 milesMD
THIS HONDA WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT YESTERDAY WITH BOTH SIDE AND FRONT IMPACT WHILE IN MOTION, BOTH IMPACTS BEING MAJOR. BUT NEITHER THE PASSENGER OR DRIVER'S AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED AT ANY TIME. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON ABOUT THE AIRBAG PRIOR TO THIS.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 4, 2017148,000 milesFL
ACCESSORY DRIVER-SIDE FLOOR MATS USED IN 1996-1998 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DUE TO THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR ON THESE VEHICLES, A MISPOSITIONED FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CAR IS IN MOTION. K60
Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2016224,000 milesSC
MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC'S ENGINE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS JUST A RECALL FOR THE NEWER VERSIONS(2016 HONDA CIVICS) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I CANNOT FIND ANY RECALLS ONLINE ABOUT 1996 HONDA CIVICS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING THOUGH. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 24, 2015218,025 milesOH
PASSENGER SIDE SUB-FRAME IS HEAVILY RUSTED AND BROKEN AT THE BOTTOM. PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL MOVES SIDE TO SIDE WITH EASE. THE CAR HAS BEEN OWNED BY ME FOR TWO YEARS WITH NO ISSUE. I DO NOT AND HAVE NOT USED THE A/C, BUT LIKELY RELATED TO THE A/C DRIP TUBE POINTING DIRECTLY ON THE SUB-FRAME AND RUSTING IT THROUGH. IT'S NOT WORTH REPAIRING BUT COULD POSSIBLE BE REINFORCED WITH A WELD. SELLING DEALER DENIES ANY DEFECT UPON ORIGINAL SALE. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS MAINLY RUST FREE, WHAT WAS LURKING UNDERNEATH WAS DEFINITELY NOT SAFETY INSPECTED BEFORE PUTTING ON THE LOT FOR SALE. AT THE TIME I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, I SAW NO OBVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SUB-FRAME AREA. I LATER FOUND OUT THE DAMAGE TO BE CONCEALED BY SANDING AND DARK COLORED UNDERCOATING. PRESUMABLY BY THE SCAM DEALER. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN THE NE, HONDA SHOULD ASSURE THAT CRITICAL PARTS LIKE THIS WILL STAND UP. I CAN'T SAY WHAT WORK HAD BEEN DONE TO THE VEHICLE BEFORE I OWNED IT, OR IF THE VEHICLE WAS GARAGED OR NOT. FROM WHAT I AM READING, THAT DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE THOUGH. HONDA OWNERS, CHECK THIS ITEM. I COULDN'T SEE PUTTING A NEW SUB-FRAME, ALONG WITH STEEP DEALER LABOR PRICES TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. HONDA AMERICA NEEDS TO STEP UP WITH AN ADMISSION OF FAULT AND A RECALL, IF NOT ONLY TO REINFORCE THOSE FRAMES THAT ARE STRESSED.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 23, 2014103,000 milesWA
USING CRUISE CONTROL, SET CRUISE AT 60MPH. CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE. APPLIED FOOT TO ACCELERATOR. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER REMOVING FOOT. APPLIED BRAKE AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE. APPLIED CLUTCH AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO INCREASE ROTATIONS PER MINUTE (RPM). I BELIEVE THAT ENGINE RPM MUST HAVE HIT A THRESHOLD THEN DISENGAGED. *TR
Engine
Filed Aug 4, 201490,000 milesPA
8/4/2014 DEAR AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY, INC. I AM A PROUD HONDA OWNER, AND I CHOSE HONDA AS MY AUTO OF CHOICE FOR ITS COMPACT SIZE, ITS KNOWN RELIABILITY AS WELL AS GREAT GAS MILEAGE. I HAVE BEEN HOLDING ON YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE @ 1-800-999-1009 FOR QUITE A WHILE AND A FEW DAYS, AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SPEAK TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, SO I AM IN THIS LETTER CORRESPONDING MY CONCERNS TO YOU. I OWN A 1997 HONDA CIVIC LX WHICH I PURCHASE IN 6/12/2006 NEW. MY HONDA HAS JUST LEGITIMATELY CLOCKED 90 THOUSAND MILES AS OF 8/4/2014, SO I AM QUERIED I WOULD BE HAVING PROBLEMS. I WAS RECENTLY INFORMED BY A HONDA DEALER AS WELL AS I CHECKED AND READ ON LINE THAT HONDA ISSUED A RECALL ON THESE MODELS FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AS WELL AS THE PAINT CHIPPING OFF IN SEVERAL AREAS. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY KIND OF NOTIFICATION FROM HONDA NOR HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE MY HONDA CHECKED FOR THESE PROBLEMS, ALTHOUGH I HAD MY HONDA SERVICED IN 3 MAJOR PENNSYLVANIA HONDA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT WAS NEVER REPORTED AS A MAJOR CONCERN TO ME, MY AUTO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND OFF AND THE CAR STUTTERS AND JERKS WHILE ACCELERATING INDICATING PROBLEMS, I CAN DRIVE WITHOUT A MAJOR INCIDENT DOING NEIGHBORHOOD CHORES OR PHYSICIANS OFFICE VISITS IF THE AUTO IS GOING 40 MPH OR UNDER, AND WHEN TAKEN TO BE SERVICED BY ME AND CHECKED, IT IS NOT SHOWING UP. RECENTLY MY AUTO BOGGED DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY ONLY GOING 50 MPH WHILE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 70, I WAS FRIGHTENED
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 14, 2014147,000 milesID
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY AND SHATTERED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. UPDATED 8/28/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 11/12/2014 *JS
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed May 2, 2014190,000 milesCA
THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTINUALLY COMES OFF THE TRACK. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED, BUT IT STILL COMES OFF AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET THE WINDOW BACK UP. I HAVE NO CHILDREN AND USUALLY RIDE ALONE TO WORK SO NO ONE 'PLAYS' WITH THE UP/DOWN BUTTON. THE WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL SOMETIMES NOT COME UP. I HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE MANUALLY PULL IT UP WHILE I PRESS THE BUTTON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. *TR
Air Bags
Filed May 2, 2014200,000 milesCA
FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF CRASH OR ALMOST CRASH. THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH IT AND HONDA HAD DID A RECALL BUT MY CAR WAS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD THAT HONDA SET UP SO THEY WOULD CHARGE ME $400.00 TO FIX. *TR
Electrical System
Filed May 2, 2014280,000 milesCA
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY DIE. DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU ARE GOING 20 MILES OR 60 MILES AN HOUR. I CAN CRANK IT AFTER A FEW MOMENTS AND IT STARTS BACKUP. SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL TRIES. WHEN DRIVING, IT WILL SOMETIMES JERK SLIGHTLY LIKE IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL. RECENTLY, IT WOULD NOT START I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT SUBSEQUENTLY STARTED RIGHT UP. THE HONDA DEALER THOUGHT IT COULD BE MY OLD ALARM SYSTEM SO THEY REMOVED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED INTERMITTENTLY. I TOOK THE CAR BACK. THEY AGAIN PLACED IT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND TOLD ME THERE WERE VARIOUS THINGS WRONG WITH MY OLDER MODEL CAR. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING IT TO STALL OUT. DEFINITELY IT WAS A FUEL DELIVERY ISSUE SO THEY SAID REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP COULD BE IT. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP (WITH GENUINE HONDA PARTS) AND STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS INTERMITTENTLY ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS. YOU NEVER KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO START OR DIE WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE HAD A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED AND EVERYTHING I CAN THINK OF CHECKED. I CANNOT AFFORD TO INVEST ANY MORE MONEY IN MY OLDER MODEL CAR AND WITH THE ENGINE STALLING IT IS, OF COURSE, NOT REALLY SAFE TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, WHEN I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM, I LEARNED THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON HONDA CAR MODELS STARTING WITH 1997 MODELS (MINE IS A 1996) FOR IGNITION PROBLEMS THAT SOUND EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE I AM CURRENTLY HAVING THAT THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY. IS THERE ANYTHING LEFT I CAN DO. THE CAR WILL SOMETIMES START R
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 31, 2012223,500 milesTX
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET IN MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC WHEN A 2004 GMC YUKON SUV CAME HURLING AROUND THE CORNER OF AN INTERSECTING STREET AHEAD OF ME. THE DRIVER OF THE YUKON FAILED TO STAY IN HIS LANE AS HE ROUNDED THE CORNER AND HIT MY HONDA CIVIC HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT MY HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD SO HARD THAT IT LEFT A BUBBLE PROTRUDING OUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD. IN THE SHAPE OF MY HEAD ( I HAVE PHOTOS OF WINDSHIELD DAMAGE) RIGHT BEFORE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I WAS ALSO WEARING A SEAT BELT WITH SHOULDER RESTRAINT. AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISION I SUSTAINED A BRAIN CONCUSSION. I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT A DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT WITH SHOULDER RESTRAINT WAS DESIGNED TO KEEP MY HEAD OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD IN THE EVENT OF A HEAD-ON COLLISION. EVIDENTLY BOTH THE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG FAILED TO PROTECT ME FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD IN THE COLLISION I WAS IN. (I HAVE A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT AND PRESENTLY AM STILL IN POSSESSION OF MY TOTALED OUT VEHICLE. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 5, 2012160,000 milesCA
CLEAR PLASTIC OVER HEADLIGHT CLOUDING UP REDUCING LIGHT AVAILABLE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Dec 28, 2011135,000 milesOR
THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT BEARING IS HAVING ISSUES. MAKES NOISE WHEN CLUTCH IS NOT PRESSED IN BUT ITS OK WHEN PRESSED. I HEARD HONDA DID RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.. NEED HELP TO FIX IT.. *TR
Tires
Filed Dec 21, 201098,000 milesTX
UPON INSPECTIONS AT THE TIRE STORE, ALL 4 OF 4 PIRELLI P3000 CINTURATO (P185/65R-14) TIRES ON MY PASSENGER CAR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, PER THE TIRE TECHNICIAN. THE TECHNICIAN SHOWED ME A CRACK IN THE RUBBER RUNNING THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE SIDEWALLS, NOT FAR FROM THE TREAD AREA. EVENTUALLY, HE SAID THE TREAD WOULD SEPARATE FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE IF THE TIRE REMAINED IN SERVICE. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT AND REPLACEMENT RECEIPTS. I BELIEVE THE TIRES WERE BEING RETURNED TO THE PIRELLI MANUFACTURER. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 2010170,000 milesCA
MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC WOULD NOT START ONE MORNING, I HAD INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO THE CHILLY WEATHER. A WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65+ MPH, ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY CAR STALLED AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF!!!! AFTER MY CAR FINISHES COASTING ON THE FREEWAY (AND RESIDENTIAL ROAD), I WILL HAVE A LITTLE PROBLEM TRYING TO RESTART MY CAR, BUT IT WILL EVENTUALLY RESTART! I WAS SCARED FOR MY LIFE FOR THE OBVIOUS REASONS (ONE SECOND YOU'RE GOING 65MPH AND THE NEXT, YOUR CAR DIES ON THE FREEWAY WITH CARS SPEEDING BEHIND YOU)!! I FOUND ONLINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CERTAIN HONDAS & ACURAS (1997 TO 2000 MODELS OF ACCORD, CIVIC, PRELUDE, CR-V, AND ODYSSEY AND SOME 1999 ACURA TL SEDANS AND CERTAIN 1997 TO 1999 CL COUPES). THE PROBLEM IS, MY CAR IS A 1996 CIVIC AND IT IS NOW DECEMBER 2010, SO THEREFORE, IT IS NOT COVERED WITH MANUFACTURE!! I'LL BET MY LIFE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW OF THIS DEFECT WITH THEIR HONDAS BECAUSE #1, THEY PROBABLY WERE NOT THE 1ST OWNER OF THEIR HONDA SO THEY WOULD NOT OF BEEN AWARE OF THE RECALL, AND #2, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN YEARS SINCE THE RECALL, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS STILL A LIFE THREATENING ISSUE FOR MYSELF AND FOR ALL OTHER DRIVERS DUE TO THE MANUFACTURES FAULT!!! THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE RESOLVED AND RE-EVALUATED ASAP, AS LIVES ARE AT STAKE!!!! *TR
Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Jul 13, 2010134,000 milesMO
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A CAR IN THE OPPOSITE LANE TURNED IN FRONT OF MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC LX AS I ENTERED THE INTERSECTION WITH A GREEN LIGHT TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR. I PROMPTLY SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND I HIT THE OTHER CAR ESSENTIALLY HEAD ON. THE IMPACT LEFT MY CIVIC'S FRONT BUMPER AND UNDERLYING METAL SUPPORT BEAM LYING IN THE INTERSECTION, ALONG WITH THE ANTIFREEZE THAT WAS RAPIDLY DRAINING EVERYWHERE. I HIT THE OTHER CAR'S FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE FROM ITS WHEEL WELL TO THE FRONT BUMPER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR
Equipment
Filed Dec 1, 2009IL
SUBJECT WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I55 STEVENSON EXPRESSWAY IN CHICAGO, IL IN 1996 HONDA CIVIC. GAS PEDAL STUCK ON FLOOR MAT CAUSING ACCELERATION. SUBJECT WAS NOT ABLE TO DE-ACCELERATE. THIS WAS DURING EVENING RUSH HOUR STILL DAYLIGHT. SUBJECT PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL PUT HAZARD LIGHTS ON STARTED HONKING AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET CAR ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. SUBJECT PULLED FLOOR MAT OUT AND DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO THE CONTINENTAL HONDA DEALERSHIP ON LAGRANGE ROAD IN LAGRANGE IL TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND HAVE CAR CHECKED. DEALER SAID IT WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. SUBJECT NEVER PUT THE FLOOR MAT BACK ON DRIVERS SIDE. *TR
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Aug 27, 2009TX
FRONT AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY IN CRASH. *TR
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash1 injured
Filed May 29, 200922,000 milesCA
ON APRIL 20, 2007, I WRECKED MY CIVIC ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY HIT THEIR BRAKES, AND WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES WHICH DID NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING MY CAR FISHTAILED AND RUN INTO THE CEMENT FREEWAY DIVIDER. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS, AND I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 7, 2009140,000 milesNY
I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER LAST WEEK (96 HONDA CIVIC WITH 140,000 MI). I NOTICED RIGHT AWAY THAT WHEN I PRESS THE GAS, IT REVS UP A LITTLE AND CATCHES. BASICALLY, ITS CHOPPY WHEN I PRESS ONTO THE GAS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THE COMMON RECALL. IT SEEMS DANGEROUS BC IT SHAKES THE VEHICLE A BIT. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jan 11, 2008VA
CAR SHIFTS HARD INTO NEXT GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) ALSO DRIVES ROUGH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS A 420 CODE (CATALYTIC CONVERTER). *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 1, 2007162,956 milesCA
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA CIVIX DX. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER MAILED HER RECALL 99I002000 REGARDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 24, 2006. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 162,956. *AK UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed May 31, 200692,000 milesLA
OUR SRS LIGHT CAME ON ONE SATURDAY WITH NO ACCIDENT OR REASON. WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THE CODE SHOWED THAT THE SRS COMPUTER MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $750. AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS, I WAS SHOCKED THAT THEY DIDN'T TELL US THAT THIS WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND THEY ARE SO QUICK TO CHARGE US THE MOST EXPENSIVE AMOUNT WHEN IT IS PROBABLY A WEAK BATTERY THAT SET IT OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE!! THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED BECAUSE WE DRIVE AROUND WITHOUT AIRBAGS FOR REASONS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OWNERS!! JUST BECAUSE A BATTERY GOES WEAK, OR YOU SET AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE ON THE SEAT, OUR AIRBAGS SHOULDN'T STOP WORKING!!!! *JB
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Mar 17, 2006125,000 milesTN
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. ALSO, THE HAZARD LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Feb 28, 2006CA
AIR BAGS: FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE SRS LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON FOR NO REASON, TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE HONDA DEALER. WAS TOLD I HAD TO REPLACE THE MODULE. COST IS AROUND $800 - $ 900. THE CAR SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT. ON A LIMITED INCOME, I DON'T THINK I CAN FIX THIS SOON, DO NOT LIKE DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE SRS LIGHT ON, WORRIED BAGS MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY WHEN I NEED THEM TO. WORRY AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY FOR NO REASON. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 27, 2006DC
WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHES THE OF 75 MPH THERE IS A BURNING SMELL THAT COMES FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED ON A QUARTERLY BASIS. SERVICING INCLUDES AN OIL AND FLUID CHANGE AND A TRANSMISSION CHECK. *NM
Air Bags
Filed Feb 26, 2006120,000 milesUT
THE SRS LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. I'M AFRAID THIS MAY BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *JB
Air Bags
Filed Feb 20, 2006CA
I OWN HONDA CIVIC EX 1996 VIN [XXX]. THE SRS LIGHT TURNED ON AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, THEY SAY THE COMPUTER IS FAULTY AND IT NEED TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THIS AND TILL THEN, THE AIRBAGS WON'T ENGAGE. MY CAR WAS NEVER EXPOSED TO ANY ACCIDENTS OR ABNORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. HONDA HAS A FAULTY COMPUTER SRS SYSTEM AND THIS CAUSES SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHERE AIR BAGS WON'T ACTIVATE. *JB UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Oct 11, 200589,000 milesWA
I HAVE OWNED 4 HONDA CIVIC'S OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. AN 1988 4 DOOR SEDAN, 91 HATCHBACK, 95 HATCHBACK, AND NOW A RECENTLY ACQUIRED 96 HATCHBACK. THEY ALL HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELTS FAILING TO RETRACT, AND SOMETIMES LOCKING WHEN NOT DESIRED, LIKE WHEN TURNING MY BODY TO CHECK MY BLIND SPOT MERGING ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY , OR BACKING UP. THEY HANG LOOSELY AROUND THE OCCUPANT AT TIMES, AND GET SHUT IN THE DOORS DAMAGING THE INTERIOR PANELS BECAUSE THEY FAIL TO RETRACT UNLESS FED BACK INTO THE RETRACTOR BY HAND. MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ON THE INTERNET FORUMS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THEY ARE UNSAFE AS THEY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER DURING AN ACCIDENT AND MAY JAM HOLDING THE DRIVER TIGHT IN CERTAIN INSTANCES MENTIONED ABOVE. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS AT THIS TIME, I WILL BE CORRESPONDING WITH OUR HONDA DEALER ABOUT REPLACEMENT SHORTLY. *NM
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Sep 17, 2005SD
MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC HX HAS DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILURE WHERE THE WINDOW FALLS OFF THE TRACK AND WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. ALSO, THE WINDOW MOLDING AROUND THE DRIVER'S WINDOW BUCKLES AND CAUSES THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF THE TRACK. HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RECURRING. HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS AS TO THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND AM WONDERING WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN SOME SORT OF RECALL. *JB
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Apr 26, 200589,000 milesMN
SRS LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON WITH NO TROUBLE CODES. *AK
Suspension
Filed Mar 17, 2005MD
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ,AND PULLED OVER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Air Bags
Filed Feb 8, 200518,000 milesCA
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE SRS WARNING LIGHT WOULD STAY ILLUMINATED UNTIL VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jan 31, 2005CA
THE SRS LIGHT ON THE DASH OF MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC HAD COME ON 5 TIMES THE PAST 18 MONTHS. I HAD TAKEN IT TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP IN SAN BRUNO, CA ON ALL THESE INCIDENTS. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THEIR SHOP, THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE CAUSED BY A WEAK BATTERY. THEN ON THE SECOND AND THIRD INCIDENTS, ALL THEY DID WAS RESET THE ALARM CODE. ON NOVEMBER 24, 2004 I TOOK THE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND COMPLAINED, AGAIN, ABOUT THE SRS LIGHT COMING ON. THIS TIME, I HAD BEEN TOLD THAT THEY PULLED OUT AN ERROR CODE OF DTC 8-5 AND HAD RESET THE ALARM CODE. I HAD BEEN TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THEM IF THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DELAERSHIP TODAY BECAUSE THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN ON JANUARY 27, 2005 (5TH TIME). THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY PULLED UP THE CODE DTC 8-5 AND CLEARED THE CODE. HOWEVER, THEY WANT ME TO SPEND $600 (PARTS AND LABOR) TO REPLACE THE SRS UNIT THIS TIME. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY A FACTORY DEFECT WITH THE SRS SYSTEM OF MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC.*AK
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock
Filed Jan 8, 200571,141 milesAR
I PURCHASED 1996 HONDA CIVIC EX COUPE FROM DEALER ON DEC 23, 2004 CAR WAS CHECKED BY DEALERSHIP BEFORE RELEASING I AM VERY PLEASED WITH VEHICLE HAS RUN WONDERFULLY BUT AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH TRUNK. EVERY TIME IT RAINS THE TRUNK GETS SOAKED, CANNOT FIND ENTRANCE SPOT, THERE IS MOLD ON TIRE COVER MAKING ME THINK THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE. IT APPEARS THAT DEALER HAS PUT A NEW SEAL AROUND TRUNK B/C RUBER LOOKS BRAND NEW, ANY SUGGESTIONS???THANK YOU. *AK
Air Bags
Filed Oct 13, 2004CA
1996 HONDA CIVIC EX SEDAN, SRS LIGHT STAYS ON. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY HONDAS (ACCORDS, CIVICS FROM SEVERAL YEARS). DEALERS CHARGE $90+/- TO DIAGNOSE AND RESET, OFTEN DUE TO FALSE CODES. OR, WORSE YET, THEY MAY RECOMMEND VERY COSTLY REPLACEMENT OF SENSORS, COMPUTERS, ETC. AFTER WHICH THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON ANYWAY. MANY WEBSITES BLOGS, POSTS, ETC. INDICATE OWNERS ARE RESETTING THEIR OWN SRS LIGHTS, OR SIMPLY IGNORING THEM. SOUNDS LIKE A MAJORITY OF 90'S HONDAS & ACURAS ARE DRIVING AROUND WITH POTENTIALLY DISABLED AIR BAGS. HONDA AMERICA HAS AVOIDED RESPONSIBILITY TO THIS POINT. WE DRIVE WITH THE LIGHT ON, ALWAYS USING OUR SEATBELTS, AND HOPING THE AIR BAGS DON'T DEPLOY BY MISTAKE. SAD, FOR SUCH AN OTHERWISE EXCELLENT COMPANY.*AK
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Sep 18, 200487,184 milesVA
1996 HONDA CIVIC SRS LIGHT ON. RESOLVED ONLY AT DEALER COST OF $1100 TO REPLACE CONTROL MODULE. RESEARCH ON INTERNET INDICATES THIS IS A POPULAR RECURRENT PROBLEM YET THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR TSBS. PLEASE HELP. NEED TO KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THX.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2004MD
WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2004MD
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLEED. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 6, 2004106,000 milesWA
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 40 MPH. THE CONSUMER HIT THE BRAKES, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. HE FINALLY WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A GARDEN AND HIT A WALL. THE CONSUMER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS CHECKED OUT AND RELEASED. THE POLICE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. CONSUMER WAS THEN ADVISED BY THE POLICE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. *AK RECALL# 99I002000. *SC
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jun 29, 200489,000 milesTX
THE SRS LIGHT ON MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC REMAINS ON. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS. THE FIRST VISIT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHARGED ME $89.00 TO RUN A "DIAGNOSTIC". I WAS TOLD THE SRS WAS "RETOOLED" AND THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE OKAY. TWO DAYS LATER THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. SERVICE PERSONNEL TOLD ME I NEEDED TO BRING THE CAR IN AGAIN SOON. THERE WAS NO CHARGE, BUT I WAS TOLD IF THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, THE MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE COST IS USUALLY $460.00, I WAS TOLD. ALSO I'D NEED TO CALL AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IN ADVANCE SINCE THE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT STOCK THE MODULE- IT WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED. WHEN I ASKED IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, SERVICE PERSONNEL ANSWERED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THAT WAS LAST WEEKEND. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. AN INTERNET SEARCH I PERFORMED HAS TURNED UP QUITE A FEW CONSUMERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS SIMILAR RUN-AROUNDS FROM DEALERS: HTTP://WWW.AUTOFAN.COM/FORUM_THREAD.ASP?MESSAGE=7364 WILL THE AIRBAGS WORK ON IMPACT? IF I HAVE THE MODULE REPLACED, WILL THE SYSTEM WORK? THESE ARE MY CONCERNS. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY HONDA IS NOT BEING REQUIRED TO ADDRESS AND REMEDY THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed May 14, 2004120,000 milesPA
CIVIC HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 24 HOURS AND WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE MY APARTMENT WINDOW IT WAS ON FIRE. THE FAILURE SEEMED TO START IN THE DASH WIRING SOMEWHERE. THE FIRE STARTED THERE AS THE MOST DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR AND THE DASH WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS NOT DAMAGED, THE REAR SEAT WAS DAMAGED BUT NOT DESTROYED BY FIRE COMPLETELY, AND THE TRUNK WAS UNTOUCHED. FRONT WINDOW BLEW OUT AND THE SAFETY GLASS (MORE LIKELY THE PLASTIC FILM IN BETWEEN GLASS SHEETS) MELTED, BOTH FRONT DOOR WINDOWS BLEW OUTWARDS, AND MOONROOF GLASS SHATTERED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY PUT IT OUT. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. IT WAS JUNKED. NO INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED ON IT BECAUSE IT WAS PAID OFF AND WE WERE ONLY CARRYING LIABILITY ON IT.*AK
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed Apr 20, 200430,000 milesCA
THE DEALER REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL UNIT AT 30,000 MILES. 79,000 LATER THE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. *NM THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WOULD NOT RESET AFTER THE TURN WAS MADE. *NM
Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Mar 4, 2004MO
WHEN THE CAR IS COLD IT IS HARD TO PUT INTO 1ST GEAR AND WHEN RELEASING THE CLUTCH IT JUMPS UNTIL IT HAS WARMED UP.*AK
Equipment
Filed Feb 24, 2004IN
CONSUMER STATED FLOOR MATS WOULD BECAME STUCK UNDER GAS PEDAL. *AK THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE MAT WAS NOT SECURED. THIS ALSO CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL. *SC
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 2004FL
THE COMPUTER CONTROL ISSUE IS UNRESOLVED. THE FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING WERE LOST AFTER A BATTERY EXCHANGE. EXPENSIVE CHARGES FOR HOURLY FISHING EXPEDITIONS HAVE NOT APPEALED TO ME. THE AIR CONDITIONER WORKS IT JUST DOESN'T APPLY TO THE APPROPRIATE BUTTONS ON THE CONTROL PANEL THEY SETTINGS ARE OFF LINE. HONDA WAS NO HELP TO ME. TODAY, MY IGNITION COIL WENT. HONDA SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED VIA FACTORY SERVICE BULLETIN ALTHOUGH THE ACCORD WAS.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 2004NJ
THE AIRBAG/SUPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM CHECK LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE LIGHT WAS RESET. A CHARGE OF $90.00 HAD TO BE PAID FOR THE LABOR COST. THEY SAID THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN BECAUSE I HAD JUS REPLACED THE CAR BATTERY. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND RESET THE WARNING LIGHT. I WAS OF THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE SUPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAS A 10 YEAR WARRANTY, THEREFORE I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED. THE DEALER IS ADAMANT THAT THEY PROPERLY CHARGED ME.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 6, 200470,000 milesNC
I OWNED A 1996 HONDA CIVIC EX, BOUGHT IT NEW. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON JUNE 13TH OF 1998. IT WAS CONSIDERED MY FAULT BECAUSE I PULLED OUT INTO THE PATH OF THE OTHER VEHICAL. BUT I DIDN'T, THE CAR TOOK OFF I COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP. ..I TRYED TO GET IT OUT OF THE WAY OF THE OTHER CAR. BUT WAS UNABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY.WHICH ENDED UP IN AN ACCIDENT TOTALING MY CAR, AND HURTING MY BACK! I STILL TO THIS DAY SUFFER WITH MY BACK. I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THE RECALL ON MY CAR. I DON'T THINK ITS VERY FARE I'VE HAD TO SUFFER ALL THIS TIME AND WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I WAS HIT IN THE SIDE BY A TRUCK DOING 45-50 MILES AN HOUR. MY PASSENGER AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! AND IF MY CHILDERN HAD BEEN IN THE CAR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN!!HAS TO MUCH TIME PASSED FOR ME TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? I HAD TO PAY HIGH INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR 3 YEARS,SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN ALL THE TIME. *AK
Complaints 1-50 of 305, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Civic years to avoid. Owners filed 305 complaints, against about 350 for a typical Civic year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (21%).
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Honda Civic?
The airbags: 65 of the 305 complaints (21%) are about it. Owners most often say it did not deploy its airbags in a crash (31%), shows an airbag warning light (26%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (18%). The typical report comes at 92,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1996 Honda Civic have?
17 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 17, 2020. The largest, 20V026000, covered 1,439,841 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1996 Honda Civic problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 103,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 92,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Honda Civic?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, SQ98017 ("THROTTLE CABLE STICKING"), was opened Sep 11, 1998 and closed Jun 3, 1999.
Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Honda Civic?
The manufacturer filed 125 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (21), the engine (18) and the electrical system (16). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jan 17, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.