Most problematic years of the Honda Civic are behind its third generation. Nonetheless, some owners have complained about a few alarming issues that pertain to bad wiring, engine stalls, rough transmission shifts, and airbags not deploying.
Key Points
- According to reports from the NHTSA, the 2015 Honda Civic has one recall, 234 registered complaints, and two open investigations about the airbags.
- The most frequent problem pertains to the 2015 Civic’s CVT transmission. Owners reported jerking at highway speeds, as well as acceleration failure.
- NHTSA reports show frequent mention of the airbags not deploying after a crash, causing some 2015 Honda Civic owners severe injuries.
- A number of owners complained about having to replace the battery more frequently than usual, stemming from electrical system issues.
- The model’s complaint count is negligible in comparison to over 335,000 units sold. With proven longevity and plenty of standard tech, the 2015 Civic is an easy car to recommend.
Most of 2015 Civic’s Nearly 250 Owner Complaints Hint at Engine Issues, CVT Transmission Woes, and Weak Acceleration
Marking the last model year of its third generation, the 2015 Honda Civic has only one recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall pertains to faulty software that can damage the transmission drive pulley shaft. Owners can visit a dealership to install the software update.
The 2015 model was relatively a hassle-free year for the compact sedan, with only 234 complaints with the NHTSA. However, issues with the engine and powertrain comprise about 100 complaints, which is almost half of the total.
The most recurring problem concerns the CVT transmission. Some owners noted that their Civic started jerking at highway speeds or not accelerating correctly. While some noticed a torn air intake hose and only had to replace that to get rid of the problem, at least one owner stated having to swap the entire transmission.
Besides problems coming from the notorious CVT transmission, some of the other 107 registered complaints include random engine stalls and unusually loud whining noises.
Airbag Problems Continue to Plague 2015 Honda Civic, with Some Owners Claiming the Units Did Not Deploy Correctly
Like previous model years, faulty airbags remain one of the most common problems for the Honda Civic. Owners have dealt with the check airbag light going on and off sporadically. Some took their car to a dealer to find out one of the airbags was defective and needed to be replaced.
Problems pertaining to airbags don’t end there; several owners reported being involved in severe accidents that totaled the car without having a single airbag deployed.
One 2015 Civic driver involved in an accident on the highway with severe injuries quoted that “the car airbags did not go off when we got hit by someone driving 65 mph.” They noted that their Civic had been hit so hard that it “got hit into a bush causing frontal damage and severe rear driver damage.”
2015 Civic’s Unreliable Takata-made Airbags Led to Two Open Investigations Over Degraded Propellent
Airbag problems have led to two investigations that are still open on the NHTSA website, but it’s not an issue only plaguing the Civic.
If you’ve been looking for a used car anywhere from 2002 through 2017, you’ve probably heard of the infamous Takata airbag inflators problem, something that the NHTSA called “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.”
The problem with these airbag inflators typically occurs after exposure to high-temperature cycles and humidity, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited and ultimately rupturing the inflator during deployment. Ruptured pieces of metal can hit the vehicle occupants and cause serious injuries.
Takata has sold over 50 million airbags to more than 19 automakers, with Honda being one of its biggest customers.
Another open investigation affecting 190 vehicles from manufacturers, including Honda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota, pertains to airbag ACU electrical malfunctions that result in the issue mentioned earlier; airbags not deploying in case of a crash.
Different 2015 Honda Civic Issues Concerning Bad Starts and Battery Discharge Could be Result of Bad Wiring
Owner complaints about the vehicle’s electrical system cover various problems, including the car not starting, the brake and gas pedals not engaging, and a faulty radio and rear backup safety cameras.
But the most frequent issue pertains to the battery dying sooner than it should. Some owners reported replacing the battery twice a year, while others had it much worse. In a report filed in June 2021, one owner said having the battery in their Honda Civic discharged overnight, which resulted in a dead battery.
The majority of the owners dealing with battery problems had to visit repair shops a few times and change the battery only to realize the issue came from poor electrical wiring.
2015 Honda Civic’s Longevity and Technology Make it a Popular Option on the Used Market
You can’t say 2015 was a problematic year for the Honda Civic. With more than 335,000 units sold across the U.S., 234 registered complaints don’t damage the compact sedan’s reputation.
According to reliable sources and data, the 2015 Honda Civic can effortlessly reach 250,000 miles of reliable service with proper maintenance. Some owners on popular forums even boast numbers close to half a million miles.
With a used 2015 Honda Civic going for around $12,531, according to Kelley Blue Book, it is a small, affordable commuter car. Plus, its impressive standard features help you forget the uninspiring 1.8L four-cylinder base engine and its loud noises.
Photos: Honda
