Honda

Civic (7th)

2001-2005 · Compact Sedan ยท 7 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.0)
3,121 NHTSA Complaints
31 Recalls
50 Fire Reports
496 Crash Reports
Includes data from: CIVICCIVIC GXCIVIC HYBRIDCIVIC SI
View all 5 generations of the Honda Civic → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

D17A7

1.7L 4-cyl / 100 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.0)
11 complaints 2.2 per year Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
7
electrical
1
brakes
1
exterior
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (7 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

LLY

6.6L 8-cyl Turbo
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.3)
27 complaints 9.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
9
engine
6
cooling
4
electrical
3
body
2

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (9 complaints)
Engine Issues (6 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (4 complaints)

LDAI

1.3L 4-cyl / 85 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.8)
268 complaints 67.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
129
safety systems
48
electrical
43
engine
27
cooling
21

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (129 complaints)
Typical onset: 71,537โ€“118,500 mi Est. repair: $1,250โ€“$4,411 (15 reports)
Safety Systems Issues (48 complaints)
Est. repair: $806โ€“$7,975 (6 reports)
Electrical System Issues (43 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,550โ€“$3,250 (7 reports)

Same engine used in

K24A4

2.4L 4-cyl / 160 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.8)
14 complaints 8.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

D17A2

1.7L 4-cyl / 127 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
913 complaints 180.4 per year Gasoline
15 fire reports 9 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
328
transmission
235
interior
72
electrical
72
engine
61

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (328 complaints)
Typical onset: 80,500โ€“154,380 mi Est. repair: $295โ€“$800 (37 reports)
Transmission Issues (235 complaints)
Typical onset: 87,000โ€“140,000 mi Est. repair: $1,800โ€“$3,000 (49 reports)
Interior Issues (72 complaints)
Est. repair: $227โ€“$548 (12 reports)

D17A1

1.7L 4-cyl / 115 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
472 complaints 94.4 per year Gasoline
9 fire reports 13 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
191
transmission
71
engine
47
body
42
electrical
37

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (191 complaints)
Typical onset: 96,061โ€“184,000 mi Est. repair: $350โ€“$700 (13 reports)
Transmission Issues (71 complaints)
Est. repair: $856โ€“$2,575 (14 reports)
Engine Issues (47 complaints)

14 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Battery & Propulsion Reliability

Hybrid (HEV)

Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2001-2005 Honda Civic

โœ… Recommended
22 battery-related complaints 7.0 per year 0 battery-related recalls

That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Within the normal range for the category.

2 fire reports

What kind of battery complaint?

Among the 22 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about โ€” not how reliable the vehicle is overall.

Hybrid Drivetrain 8 (36%)

Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.

High-Voltage Battery 7 (32%)

Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.

Electric Propulsion 4 (18%)

Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.

Thermal Events 2 (9%)

Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.

Charging System 1 (5%)

Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.

Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
  • [2003] THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS BRAND NEW, AND CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. WHILE SLOWING DOWN, AND IF THE CAR GOES OVER A BUMP OR ROUGH PATCH IN THE ROAD, THE ELECTRICAL BRAKING BY THE HYBRID SYSTEM TURNS OFF. THIS CAUSES THERE TO BE NO BRAKING AT ALL ON THE CAR FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME. THE REGULAR BRAKING SYSTEM WILL ENGAGE BUT IT REQUIRES MORE FORCE AND TIME THAN NORMAL TO S
  • [2003] I WISH TO MAKE NOTICE TO NHTSA THAT THE ISSUE IN BRAKING FOR PRIUS VEHICLES WOULD SEEM TO ME TO BE RELATED, IN GENERAL, TO HYBRIDS, BUILT IN JAPAN, AND NOT JUST TOYOTA. I HAVE AN '03 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID, AND IT HAS ISSUES. IT HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BACK IN '05 AND WHAT WAS THE ISSUE? BRAKING! THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL UNDER HEAVY BRAKING (THOUGH ALL THESE VEHICLES HAVE 4 WHL ABS) IN AN "ANIMAL-A
  • [2003] THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, ONGOING FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS. THE FAILURE IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK, THERE ARE NO BRAKE LIGHTS, THERE IS NO BRAKE REGENERATION IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM, AND THE AUTO STOP FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK. OVER THE LAST 24 DAYS THERE THE CAR HAS BEEN STARTED 75 TIMES WITH 24 TIMES FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO WORK. I'VE KEPT A LOG SINCE THE LAST DEALER V
High-Voltage Battery
  • [2003] WE PURCHASED A 2003 HONDA CHC IN 2006 WITH APPROXIMATELY 34,000 MILES. AS OF JANUARY 2010, THE CAR HAS 155,010 MILES. FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, THERE HAS BEEN A SHUDDER WHEN DECELERATING FROM 40+ MPH. WE HAVE ONLY TAKEN THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE AND HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THAT SHUDDER IS FROM AN "OVERLOAD".
  • [2003] I HAVE A 2003 HONDA HYBRID WITH 146K ON IT...THE CAR STARTED MAKING SLIPPING AND GRINDING NOISES WHEN COMING OUT OF A FULL STOP. I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AT VARIOUS INTERVALS AND ARE GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM HONDA DEALERSHIPS-REPLACING TRANSMISSION FLUIDS, BRANDISHING, ETC. ONLY FOR THE PROBLEM TO RETURN. AT THIS POINT I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT COSTS ENOR
  • [2003] WHEN COMING TO A SLOW STOP, WITH BRAKE LIGHTLY APPLIED, THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING. DUE TO USE OF THE ENGINE AS A GENERATOR TO CHARGE THE PROPULSION BATTERY AT THIS POINT, THE FRICTION IS SUBSTANTIAL AND CONTRIBUTES GREATLY TO BRAKING. WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE
Electric Propulsion
  • [2003] THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR HAS BEEN RECALLED. I CAN REPLACE IT FREE. BUT THE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AN ACT OF FUTILITY BECAUSE THE SRS LIGHT IS ON, THE SENSOR IS PROBABLY BROKEN, AND IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG WON'T GO OFF. (I HAVE NOT SCHEDULED THE POINTLESS ACT.) I SPOKE TO SOMEONE IN COMPLAINTS. IF THE SRS LIGHT IS DUE TO A SENSOR PROBLEM, REPLACEMENT WILL COST ANOTHER $190
  • [2004] I WAS DRIVING IN THE MORNING COMMUTE AS USUAL, LEFT LANE, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. AFTER, SOME SLOW DOWN I ACCELERATED BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TRIED TO SHIFT TO THE LOWER GEAR DID NOT WORK ETHER. I HAD TO CUT THROUGH TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC (BARELY MISSED A CAR) TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT AND DOESN'T RESPOND TO ANY GEAR (R, D, S, L). THE ENGINE REVS WHEN PUT ON ANY GEAR, BUT T
  • [2005] WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I HIT A DEER HEAD ON. THE DEER DESTROYED MUCH OF MY FRONT END BUT THE MOTOR WAS STILL GOING . I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND COULDN'T BE STOPPED. SINCE IT WAS A HYBRID IT FELT LIKE THE ELECTRIC MOTOR KICKED IN FOR SOME STRANGE REASON AND THE CAR COULDN'T BE STOPPED. IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR I PUT IT IN TO PARK WHIL
Thermal Events
  • [2004] WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE'S TRUNK CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. *JB IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERIES ELECTRICAL WIRING AND CABLES ARC CAUSING THE FIRE. *NM
  • [2005] This car had not been driven or started in 36 hours. it was sitting at the end of my driveway . there were no vehicles near it or close to any traffic. i noticed a black smoke coming from rear seat/trunk area of drivers side. This is where the batteries were located..I called fire dept. It suddenly burst into flames. The car burned up. The fire was so hot the doors blew open. Glass exploded and s
Charging System
  • [2005] COMPONENT 1 IMA (HYBRID) BATTERY ASSEMBLY FAILURE, NOT CHARGING PROPERLY COMPONENT 2 CVT TRANSMISSION, 'START CLUTCH' SLIPPING & GRINDING WHEN STARTING UP FROM A STOP

Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN โ€” high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Honda Civic regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (578 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Transmission Issues (461 complaints)
transmission critical
Electrical System Issues (153 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (146 complaints)
engine critical
Interior Issues (72 complaints)
interior critical

Recalls (31)

19V499000Jun 26, 2019critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

19V501000Jun 26, 2019critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

19V182000Jun 2, 2019critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

18V268000Apr 25, 2018serious
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

15V320000May 27, 2015critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

15V370000Jun 14, 2015critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.

14V353000Jun 19, 2014critical
Air Bags

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

14V700000Apr 10, 2014critical
Air Bags

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

12V136000Mar 29, 2012serious
Exterior Lighting

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.

10V364000May 7, 2010serious
Electrical System

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

09E025000Nov 4, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

08E050000Nov 7, 2008serious
Exterior Lighting

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."

07E104000Nov 11, 2007serious
Visibility

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

07V512000Jan 10, 2007serious
Fuel System, Other

ON CERTAIN COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES, IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE INTERIOR FIRE IN THE AREA OF THE REAR SEAT, THE CNG TANK MAY BE HEATED UNEVENLY, PREVENTING THE PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE FROM VENTING THE CONTENTS OF THE TANK AS DESIGNED.

06E060000Jun 28, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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."

06E026000Mar 22, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E044000May 21, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E025000Mar 20, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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."

06E032000Apr 17, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E064000Jul 16, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E040000May 14, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

06E023000Mar 12, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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."

06E038000Aug 4, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

04V086000Feb 23, 2004serious
Exterior Lighting

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW BEAMS TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.

04V550000Nov 17, 2004serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME FRONT SEAT BELT ANCHORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH AN INCORRECT WASHER, WHICH COULD RESTRICT ANCHOR MOVEMENT. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELT MAY BE IMPROPERLY POSITIONED FOR CERTAIN OCCUPANTS.

02V051000Aug 1, 2002serious
Seat Belts

CERTAIN SEDANS AND COUPES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." CERTAIN REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.

01V329000Oct 21, 2001serious
Engine & Cooling

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS, THE AIR CLEANER BOX COVER MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, AND A BROKEN PLASTIC PIECE COULD TRAVEL INTO THE INTAKE CHAMBER.

01V380000Dec 12, 2001serious
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SEDANS AND COUPES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." CERTAIN REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.

01V183000Jun 5, 2001serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER MAY HAVE BEEN LEFT IN THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AFTER TESTING. THIS RESIDUAL WATER COULD CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO FAIL DUE TO CORROSION.

01V182000Jun 5, 2001serious
Fuel System

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDANS AND COUPES. THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FILLER NECK TUBE HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2005 Honda Civic problems?

The 2001-2005 Honda Civic has accumulated 3,121 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Transmission, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Honda Civic engine is most reliable?

The 2001-2005 Honda Civic was offered with 21 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.671480528L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2001-2005 Honda Civic a good used car?

The 2001-2005 Honda Civic can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 3,121 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2005 Honda Civic have?

The 2001-2005 Honda Civic has 3,121 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2001-2005 Honda Civic?

There are 31 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Honda Civic?

Before buying a used Honda Civic, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Transmission, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Civic have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001-2005 Honda Civic. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,121 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver