1997 Honda Civic

High concern

Owners filed 373 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 16 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
88,000 milesMedian miles at failure

93 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags66
10111
Air Bags › Frontal50
37031
Vehicle Speed Control22
400
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module19
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission16
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls15
000
Tires13
102
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal12
200
Unknown or Other11
301
Tires › Tread/Belt8
000

16 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E050000
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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

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.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
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.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
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.

Exterior Lighting06E044000
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.

Exterior Lighting06E040000
Filed May 15, 20061,648 vehiclesE Speed Racing

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.

Exterior Lighting06E038000
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.

Showing 10 of 16 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 30, 2022CA

The contact owns a 1997 Honda Civic. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V026000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact then received a notice that the parts were available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained in their possession for three months due to the part for the vehicle not being available. The contact then signed a waiver to take liability for any air bag failure that may occur while in his possession. The contact also declined a buyback offer made by the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 28, 2020212,000 milesAZ

GOOD DAY: ON 17 MARCH 2020, HONDA ADVISED ME THAT MY 1997 CIVIC IS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL 20V-026, WHICH AFFECTS THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG MODULE. IN THE RECALL NOTICE, HONDA SAID THE REPAIR PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE, AND PROMISED TO NOTIFY ME WHEN THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS BECOME AVAILABLE. MORE THAN SIX MONTHS LATER, I AM STILL AWAITING WORD FROM HONDA ABOUT WHEN MY CAR CAN BE REPAIRED. MY HONDA DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. I THEREFORE WISH TO ISSUE A FORMAL COMPLAINT THAT HONDA HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THIS DEFECT WITHIN THE 60-DAY REASONABLE TIME PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 15, 2020CO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. HONDA OF GREELEY (4535 W. 29TH ST, GREELEY, CO 80634) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 3, 2020CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GARDENA HONDA LOCATED AT 15541 S WESTERN AVE, GARDENA, CA 90249 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2020CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NORM REEVES HONDA SUPERSTORE HUNTINGTON BEACH (19131 BEACH BLVD, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648, (888) 405-0115) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 5, 2020CA

I GOT A RECALL LETTER SAYING THEY DON'T HAVE MY PART AND I HAVE SIXTY DAYS TO REPLY BUT WITH THIS VIRUS HOW AND WHEN WILL THEY HAVE MY PART

Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 2019CA

MY HONDA IS OVER 15 YEARS OLD. ARE THE AIRBAGS SAFE?

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 13, 20187,500 milesCO

HEADLIGHTS HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT OPERATE ON LOW BEAMS. ONLY ON HIGHBEAMS AND EVEN AFTER FACTORY REPLACEMENT. BLINKERS DO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY AND SEEM TO CHANGE TIMING PATTERN WHEN REAR BLUBS ARE CHANGED FOR A SHORT TIME. ONE BLINKS AT A DIFFERENT TIME THAN THE OTHER EXCEPT WHEN THE FLASHERS ARE ON. IT BLINKS FASTER IN IDLE AT AT STOP LIGHT BUT AS SOON AS YOU ACCELERATE IT SLOWS DOWN. THESE ARE THE AMBER SIDE HEADLIGHTS BUT ON HIGHBEAMS AMBER DOESN'T WORK CORRECTLY. MY VIN HOWEVER DOES NOT SHOW UP ON HE RECALL. HOW CAN I GET THIS REPAIRED? I'VE HAD THE CAR SINCE 1999 AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION EXCEPT WHEN MY MILEAGE MAINTENANCE IS DUE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAG ISSUE AS WELL BUT HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW TO GET IT CHECKED AND IF NEEDED REPLACEMENT BAGS AND LIGHTS PUT IN. PLEASE ADVISE (XXXX) THANK YOU PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags
Filed Dec 8, 2017158,000 milesOR

TAKATA RECALL? WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT THROUGH MY NEIGHBORHOOD BOULEVARD I FELL ASLEEP, CAUSING ME TO QUICKLY ACCELERATTE AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE WITNESSES AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE CAR. MY FACE AND BODY HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, RESULTING IN 4 TEETH KNOCKED OUT, 8 SPINE DISC HERNIATIONS AND INJURIES, A HEART CONTUSION, WHIPLASH, CONCUSSION, CRACKED COLLAR BONE, AND MUCH BRUISING, AND BROKEN EYE GLASSES, RETRIEVED BY AN ATTENDING NEIGHBOR WITNESS. I WAS TOLD BY AN ATTENDING EMT THAT IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED THESE INJURIES WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. WHEN I ASKED MY INSURANCE AGENT HOW TO RETRIEVE MY PERSONAL ITEMS FROM THE CAR I WAS TOLD HE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS AND, WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, MY INSURANCE CO. TRANSFERED MY HONDA TO THE WRECKING YARD TO BE FLATTENED. I SPOKE TO THE ACCIDENT ATTENDING RESCUE RESPONDERS AND FIREMEN. THEY SAID BASED ON THE WAY MY CAR HIT THE TREE HEAD ON AND THE IMPACT SPEED, THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND IF THE AIRBAGS WERE PRESENT IN THE CAR THEY MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE. I HAVE KEPT ALL WRITTEN PAPERWORK RESULTING FROM THIS ACCIDENT.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Sep 6, 2017TX

I ORDERED DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE VALUCRAFT BALL JOINT (PART NUMBER: VFA2084) FROM AUTOZONE.COM FOR MY CAR ,1997 HONDA CIVIC DX 2 DR COUPE ON 5/29/2016. THE BALL JOINTS WERE INSTALLED ON BOTH SIDES AND RAN FINE UNTIL ON 4/21/2017 BETWEEN 10-11PM PASSENGER SIDE VALUCRAFT BALL JOINT BROKE OFF BETWEEN STUD AND BALL WHILE I WAS MAKING LEFT TURN WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGNS. PASSENGER SIDE CV AXLE WAS PULLED OUT OF TRANSMISSION AND BROKE APART AT INNER BOOT AREA. ABOUT 2/3 OF TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED OUT. PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FELL INWARD. THE CAR?S BODY AROUND PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA WAS DAMAGED. MY CAR COULDN?T BE MOVED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. FORTUNATELY, IT HAPPENED ON LOCAL ROAD AND NO OTHER CARS AROUND, OTHERWISE I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. *JS

Air Bags
Filed Jan 11, 2017169,000 milesIA

"TAKATA RECALL" MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF WHEN I WAS TURNING AND WENT OVER A A BUMP, AND CRACKED MY WINDSHIELD REALLY BAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE SRS RED LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE THIS. WHEN THIS OCCURRED IT BLEW A FUSE AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. I DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR THE CAR SO INSURANCE DID NOT NEED IT. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK AND WOULD HONK THE HORN WHEN I TRIED TO USE IT

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 19, 20161,003 milesMD

E-MAIL-[XXX].//.**[XXX]** INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Air BagsCrashFire1 injured
Filed Jun 3, 2016265,000 milesVA

TAKATA RECALL THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE IT HIT A GUARD RAIL, FLIPPED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED!! MY DAUGHTER HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL WITH INJURIES.

Structure › Body
Filed May 4, 2016130,000 milesNY

THE ROOF AND DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BLACK PAINT PEELING. I HAVE SEEN A FEW OTHER SAME CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 4, 2016181,040 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL: ON 11/21/2012 MY SON WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HIM ON A HWY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 50 MPH. MY SON WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND STEER TO AVOID THE COLLISION BUT STILL IMPACTED THE OTHER CAR'S LEFT REAR QUARTER-PANEL. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, HIS AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. HE RECEIVED MAJOR FACIAL LACERATIONS AND FRACTURES IN ADDITION TO AN GAPING WOUND IN HIS WRIST. HE WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL ATTORNEYS THAT SINCE HIS CAR HAD JUST PASSED THE STATUTE OF REPOSE GATE OF 15 YR, HE COULD NOT HOPE TO BRING SUIT AGAINST HONDA/TAKATA. TO DATE, THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY EFFORT TO EXTEND THE RECALL PRIOR TO 2002 FOR HONDA VEHICLES. WHEN THE EXTERNAL CAR DAMAGE IS COMPARED TO THE DAMAGE INSIDE HIS VEHICLE, HIS EXTENSIVE INJURIES, AND IMAGES OF THE AIR BAG HARDWARE ARE STUDIED, THERE IS SUFFICIENT REASON TO SUSPECT THE HONDA AIR BAG'S DETONATION RATHER THAN DEPLOYMENT WAS THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO MY SON'S INJURIES. I UNDERSTAND THE REASONING BEHIND A STATUTE OF REPOSE BUT IN THIS CASE SUSPECT A DESIGN DEFICIENCY EXISTED PRIOR TO THE CAR'S AGE EXCEEDING THE ARBITRARY 15 YR GATE.*DT*JB *TR

Structure › Body
Filed May 2, 201645,000 milesOR

I HAD CAR COMPUTER PROBLEMS, AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEM AND PAINT ON CAR BODY IS CRACKING. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED TO HAPPEN GRADUALLY, COMPUTER PROBLEMS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN THE CITY; THE PAINT STARTED TO CRACK FOR MANY YEARS AND THE CAR LOOKS MISERABLE. THE AIR CONDITIONING BROKE DOWN DURING A SUMMER TIME, WHEN I HAD NO MONEY TO REPAIR IT AND HAD TO SUFFER DUE TO THE HIGH HEAT WEATHER. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK SOMEWHERE IN THE ENGINE, NOT SURE WHERE, WHICH CAN MAKE THINGS WORSE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 201555,000 milesMN

THE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 16, 2015166,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT A CRASH. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAG CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO FRACTURE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED HAND INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 1, 2015168,000 milesCT

I GOT IN AN ACCIDENT BY MYSELF WHEN A DEER JUMPED OUT AND I SWERVED AND HIT A TREE. THE AIR BAG BLEW UP AND I HAVE BURNS ON MY FACE NECK AND ARM AND A GASH ON MY HEAD.I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SHOWED THEM MY ARM. THEY WERE SHOCKED TO SEES THIRD DEGREE BURN ON MY ARM. SUCH A BURN THAT IT LEFT A LARGE HOLE THROUGH MY SWEATSHIRT. A CHARRED HOLE LIKE I WAS SET ON FIRE. THE NURSES AND DOCTORS SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN BEFORE FROM AN AIRBAG. MY CAR NEVER SET FIRE ONCE. I FEEL THE AIRBAGS ARE DEFECTIVE. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 5, 20155,000 milesVA

DATE AND MILEAGE ARE APPROXIMATE. THIS WAS MY WIFE'S CAR WHICH I VERY SELDOM DROVE. NOT LONG AFTER THE CAR WAS NEW, I DROVE IT AND THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED (THE DATE I'VE LISTED IS ONLY APPROXIMATE): I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 20MPH AND HAD TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE RPM DID NOT SLOW DOWN TO IDLE, AND TRIED TO KEEP MOVING THE CAR FORWARD. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CRASH. THIS IS NOT AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL PROBLEM AS I SHALL EXPLAIN LATER. I CALLED THE HONDA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO BRING THE CAR IN. I TOLD MY WIFE WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENED TO HER. EITHER IT NEVER HAPPENED TO HER OR IT DID AND SHE NEVER TOLD ME. MY WIFE DIED AT THE END OF JANUARY 2015. SINCE THEN, I HAVE SOMETIMES DRIVEN HER CIVIC. ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS AGO THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED: I HAD DRIVEN SEVERAL MILES AND HAD TO STOP. THE ENGINE RPM DID NOT SLOW! I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE RPM IMMEDIATELY SLOWED TO IDLE. THIS IS NOT A STUCK ACCELERATOR PROBLEM BECAUSE, IF IT WERE, THE ENGINE RPM WOULD HAVE INCREASED WHEN I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. IT IS NOT A BRAKE PROBLEM UNLESS THE BRAKES ARE SOMEHOW PHYSICALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE RPM. YESTERDAY, MARCH 4, 2015, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE AGAIN AFTER I HAD DRIVEN ONLY ABOUT 3 BLOCKS. IN BOTH CASES I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEAL

20 of 373 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202628000Routine
202570210Routine
2024122310Routine
2023254400Above average
2022881430Above average
2021143420Routine
2020224510Above average
2019428410Above average
2018739641Fatalities reported
2017592660Above average
20161,080540Above average
2015380120Above average
2014291240Above average
2013319010Above average
2012454350High concern
2011168950Routine
2010396852Fatalities reported
2009395861Fatalities reported
2008916760High concern
20071,2049910Fatalities reported
20061,40215213Fatalities reported
20053141593Fatalities reported
20043501561Fatalities reported
20034992451Fatalities reported
200270224144Fatalities reported
20011,07927156Fatalities reported
20002871850High concern
19993381551Fatalities reported
19984351831Fatalities reported
1997 — this page3731620High concern
19963051741Fatalities reported
19951991225Fatalities reported
19941351400High concern
19931461340Routine
1992981330Routine
1991110851Fatalities reported
1990911032Fatalities reported

Compare every Civic year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

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.