The Honda Civic is a compact passenger car. First produced in 1972, it has remained one of the most reliable vehicles in Honda’s lineup since that time. Body styles have changed, ranging from the two-door fastback, the first version, to the more modern two-door coupe.
Each year, this vehicle has modernized and grown to include more technology, features and efficiencies. Over the years, numerous Honda Civic recalls have been issued, each of which should be considered for the model year you’re thinking about purchasing.
Over the years, the Honda Civic has gone through numerous generational changes. This has helped it become a larger and more upscale model than its original vehicle design. In the Honda lineup, the Civic fits between the Honda City and the Honda Accord, both of which are also passenger vehicles. It is also important to note that this vehicle has been sold internationally with slight modifications for each country in which it has been sold.
What Can Honda Civic Owners Do to Find More about Potential Recalls?
Here, you’ll find some insight into both current and previous Honda Civic recalls that have occurred since this car’s initial production. It is also important for you, as a driver, to take the time to contact Honda directly if you are unsure if your car qualifies for or fits the requirements of a recall. The company has made this very easy to do.
Owners can use the Honda Recall Lookup Tool to help them look up recalls to the Civic over the last 15 years. This is a free service, and you don’t have to supply any kind of personal information.
You just need to provide the Vehicle Identification (VIN) number to gather that information, or, if you do not want to do that, you can simply look up the Honda vehicle on the site.
What Honda Civic Recalls Should You Know About?
About 56 recalls have been reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Honda Civic, but the 2020 Honda Civic has not had any recalls as of the time of this writing. Here is a look at some of the largest Honda Civic recalls over the last few years.
Takata Airbag Recall
One of the largest Honda recalls (spanning more than just the Civic) occurred in 2019. At that time, about 12 million vehicles from the manufacturer were recalled because of a defective Takata-sourced airbag inflator.
It was determined that this airbag could injure or even kill occupants if it deployed because of shrapnel contained within the airbag. The recall indicates that these bags have a rupture rate as high as 50 percent, making this a high-level priority.
Over the span of all cars, a total of 63 million airbags were recalled. The NHTSA states other makes and models of the vehicle also contained these airbags. For the Honda Civic, this includes all models for these vehicles from 2001 through 2003.
Improperly Installed Airbags
Another large Honda Civic-related recall was in June of 2018. This recall affected only 492 vehicles. The problem is related to a front passenger airbag that was not installed properly during replacement.
In the event of a crash, there is an increased chance of airbag-related injury. This recall applies to all Honda Civics from 2001 through 2011.
Moisture-related Airbag Problem
Another airbag-related problem for Honda Civic owners applies to several vehicles, including:
- 2001 through 2005 Honda Civics manufactured between March 21 of 2000 through January 20, 2005
- Honda Civic GX models for 2001 through 2004 manufactured from June 14, 2000 through August 19, 2004
- Honda Civic Hybrid model for 2003 to 2005 manufactured between February 24, 2002 through January 18, 2005
This particular recall was related to the passenger side frontal airbag. This airbag may be susceptible to moisture intrusion, which may make it ineffective if there is an accident. The recall notes that the moisture could lead to the inflator rupturing if it is deployed.
The inflator could rupture, which would lead to metal fragments striking the person sitting in this seat or others in the car. This could cause significant injury or death to those in the vehicle.
To fix this, Honda replaced the passenger airbag inflator free of charge for impacted vehicles.
This recall was issued in July of 2015 after an investigation led to the damaged airbag. This recall impacted, in total, nearly 3.5 million vehicles. Other makes and models of Honda vehicles were also a part of this recall.
Steering Column Recall
Honda recalled some of its Civics for model year 2012 due to a problem with the steering column. This recall was specifically for the 2012 Civics manufactured between October 26, 2012 through October 30, 2012. The recall was issued in November of 2012.
The recall relates to the incorrect column assembly. As a result of this poor assembly, the steering column may not get the proper energy-absorbing characteristics necessary. This could lead to an increase in injury risk to the driver if a crash were to occur.
Honda issued a repair for the recall after notifying all owners of it. The dealerships notified the vehicle owners to make the repairs, if necessary, at no charge to the owner.
Headlight Recall
In February of 2004, Honda issued a larger recall for exterior lighting on the Honda Civic models.
As noted by the NHTSA, this recall impacted about 440,000 vehicles. This recall focuses on the unexpected loss of low beam lights. Users reported that, in some situations, the low beam lights simply fail without any type of warning. This could create a high risk for an accident when the vehicle is driven at night.
Honda found that the low-beam terminal on the headlight wire harness was to blame. In some cases, it overheated, leading to the loss of lights. This recall required the dealers to make repairs after inspecting the headlight switch and coupler for any indication of heat damage.
If present, the components were replaced. If there was no damage, the dealership would replace the switch and the mating pin on the coupler.
This headlight recall for the Honda Civic was for model years 2001 and 2002. It also impacted the Honda Insight.
Fuel Pump Failure Risk
The 2018 Honda Civic has a recall related to the fuel pump. This recall impacted the following models:
- Civic Hatchback
- Civic Type R
- Civic Type HR-V
It was applicable on these models for the 2018 and 2019 model years. In these vehicles, low pressure in the fuel pump can occur. This can lead to fuel tank failure in some cases.
This recall impacted nearly 136,000 vehicles, including other Honda models. If this occurred, it could lead to the engine of the vehicle failing or stalling out, leading to the risk of a crash occurring.
As noted by the NHTSA, the manufacturer contacted all impacted owners and dealers. The recall included replacing the fuel pump assembly. The recall was issued in July of 2020.
Magnet-related Recall
This steering-related incident impacts just about 54 vehicles, including the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V for model years 2017 and 2018 (just the specific vehicles with the problem). The recall relates to a magnet becoming dislodged. This leads to a risk of the driver being unable to maneuver the vehicle properly, increasing the risk of a crash occurring.
The magnet controls the torque sensor output on the car. This is used for the electric power steering system on Honda vehicles. If this is not properly secured, it can dislodge and then fall during a full lock turn.
If this occurs, it may lead to the magnet interfering with the ability to turn the vehicle in the opposite direction, leading to an increased risk of a crash occurring.
Honda took action to notify owners and then replaced the steering gearbox assembly of the affected vehicles. This recall was issued in November of 2018.
These are just a few of the Honda recalls that could impact drivers today. Drivers should reach out to Honda if they have any questions or concerns about the recalls or if they want to verify their vehicle was not part of one. It is also a good idea to run the VIN number of any Honda Civic you are thinking about purchasing through the Honda Recall Lookup Tool.
Doing so will allow you to spot potential recall concerns with the vehicle. You can also inquire about the recall status with the seller of the car.
Photos: Honda
