The TRUTH Behind The Honda Civic Transmission Recalls

Jan 19, 2021

Honda has a reputation for making a quality vehicle. However, they have been plagued by transmission issues with many models. Most car manufacturers seem to have one or two Achilles heels. If you own or are considering purchasing a Honda, you should be aware of the Honda Civic transmission recalls.

Honda Civic transmission recalls and concerns involve:

CVT transmission recall
Parking brake recall
Multiple complaints about the Honda Civic transmission

Silver 2021 Honda Civic In Motion

The most recent recalls have involved the Honda CVT transmission. However, the older automatic transmission has its fair share of complaints, even if it isn’t involved in a recall. If you are wondering if your Honda Civic is involved in a recall or you are experiencing transmission problems, we have a few solutions.

CVT Transmission Recall

NHTSA Recall ID: 15V574000

This recall is for the 2014-2015 Honda Civic. The CVT transmission had faulty settings. This caused excess pressure on the pulley, which can cause the pulley to break. The recall was issued in October 2015 and involved 143,676 vehicles.

If the pulley breaks, it can cause the vehicle to stop accelerating and lock the front wheels. This results in a loss of vehicle control and increases the risk of an accident.

If your Honda Civic is part of this transmission recall, you can contact your local Honda dealership, or learn more at the NHTSA website. You can also contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The Honda dealer will update the transmission software to remedy the problem.

Parking Brake not Engaging

NHTSA Recall ID: 16V725000

Car Parking Brake Indicator On The Dashboard

This recall applies to the 2016 Civic. Honda states that the electronic parking brake may not engage in certain circumstances. This recall affected 350,083 and began in October 2016.

This can allow the vehicle to roll away because the driver believes it is in park.

If your vehicle is involved in this recall, you can contact Honda at 1-888-234-213, or visit the NHTSA website. Honda will provide a software update that should fix the problem at no cost to you.

Class Action Suit

The parking brake problem may go beyond the 2016 Civic. A class action suit states that the 2016-2018 Honda Civics roll away because the electronic parking brake malfunctions. The suit also states that the problem wasn’t fixed by the Honda Civic transmission recall of 2016 and that Honda could have created a safer design.

Complaints about Honda Civic Transmissions

There are many complaints about the Honda Civic transmissions failing, but no recall for this issue has been issued. Honda will not provide repairs for the problem if it is out of warranty. The year model with the most problems is the 2001 Honda Civic, with nearly 400 transmission complaints on the NHTSA website. The 2002 and 2003 Civic are a close second in terms of complaints.

Some Civic owners state that the transmission malfunctioned in the middle of the highway or a stoplight, creating a dangerous situation. Honda has had major safety problems in the past, including multiple Takata airbag recalls. The length of time it took for Honda to recall the airbags — and the multiple recalls required — set a concerning precedent for Honda owners.

What to Do if You are Experiencing Honda Civic Transmission Problems

If you are experiencing transmission problems with your Honda Civic, you should first check for a recall. You can search by VIN number or make and model at the NHTSA website. You can also contact your local Honda dealer, or you can contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138.

If your Honda Civic isn’t under recall, you can file a complaint on the NHTSA website. These complaints make Honda aware of issues and allow other car owners to know about it as well.

Owner Reviews

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Carrie Barrett on November 17, 2023

6 transmissions and then engine death

Bought a 2001 honda civic brand new off the lot. Always took it scheduled Maintenance. It was an automatic transmission that showed issues at 45,000 miles, but they were suttle and occured rarely. Transmission failure at 76,000 while driving hwy. Luckily it got stuck in the high gear so it wasn't until I came to a stop that my car died on me. I swear I had purchased the upgraded 100,000 mile power train warranty, but was told it was only to 36,000. Honda refused to help me so I was forced to replace tyranny, which was 4500. At my 500 mile checkup was told transmission barring were going out. Onto tranny 3. Then there was the clicking noise that was super loud, Noone could figure out where it was coming from. I went from tranny 3 to 4, to 5 then 6 in less then 3 months because of that noise and various issues. Luckily everything past 2 was under warranty. The majority of complaints BY FAR for this year is about dangerous and catastrophic transmission failure at low miles. There are numerous documents from the manufacturer, especially just prior to directly after releasing it onto the market for that year, addressing serious power train problems. Why was there never even an investigation? Why were other years involved in recalls or class actions and the 2001 was not, even though it's clearly the same problem. It's been 20 years since I had that car, but I could sure use a reimbursement for that 4500 transmission right about now.

DISTRAUGHT HONDA OWNER on July 6, 2022

‘15 HONDA CIVIC CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE

I’ve owned 2 other Hondas, of which one saved my life in a car accident, and the other went over 275,000 mi which was then sold to another buyer. A little over a week ago my 2015 Honda Civic EX starting acting as if it hadsore throat for a car when I took off…over a matter of a week it progressively got worse. Car began violently shaking, hesitating pressing the gas going out across traffic, Honda dealership laughed and admitted it was a “crappy transmission” and “just what Honda decided to put in.” Admitted it shouldn’t have went out as it wasn’t even at 90k, said the bill would probably be around $9k as they just did a replacement for another girl, showed me the bill, and said I was better off emerging it in water. I have never been so disappointed with a situation in my life. I’ve had Honda’s, as have my family for their Reliability and safety. They also offered “maybe $500” trade in value and said my warranty went out in November even though I hadn’t hit 100,000mi. Very distraught and not sure about doing any more business with Honda

Does it matter on June 19, 2022

Transmission

Had a 2015 Honda Civic ex and barely had it for a year before I was driving on the freeway one day and my transmission blew out. It was considered a total loss and even going thru Insurance I was still left with out a car or any of the claim money. I then also had gap insurance and was told that the gap would t cover the difference which is bullshit.. Seeing how I’m no where at fault for this loss I got screwed and in the end the company’s just robbed me for my money.. I feel like this is a situation that I should be reimbursed and pay back what money should be owed to me instead of the other way around.. It’s not right and just goes to show you how companies are really just there to f**k u over as much as they can. Not even giving two shits about how it wil effect you moving forward causing you to get in a hole that you never even started.. The world is one big mind f**k and it’s just sad how we abs a human race will do anything to get ahead.. And people wonder why we humans just end up commiti Suicide

pauline.p54@yahoo.com on March 20, 2023

2015 Honda Civic Transmission Shot

As a loyal Honda customer I'm very disappointed in your customer service response to not replace my transmission with only 80,000 miles. The 2015 Honda Civic VIN: 19XFB2F80FE062107 was purchased as a certified used vehicle at Nalley Honda in Union City, Georgia. I trusted this Honda would serve me well just as all the previous three I have owned. I just recently purchased a 2020 Honda Passport Touring and my kids purchased Honda. I have always gotten good service from Honda until now, very upset. When my 2007 Honda Accord transmission went out it had more miles than the Civic and you all paid most of the repair cost. It's obvious that Honda vehicles has transmission issues and should have resolved them by now. The mechanic said he had only seen one other vehicle where the top on the transmission exploded; the vehicle could have caught on fire, not to mention my granddaughter age 5, was in the car when it happen. I'm requesting that Honda replace/repair the transmission

Martha on June 28, 2022

Transmission Plug

Bought a brand new 2016 Honda Civic and it was great up until two weeks ago. Stopped for less than a minute to let people walk in front of me and when I pushed the gas to drive forward it would not drive. Car was still running as if nothing was wrong but had to have it towed. No warning lights or issues up to this point. Found the transmission plug off and dealership said they had not taken it off only a couple of days before when they had it for an oil change. They said it pops off due to pressure build up (guess they've seen it before) and who knows how long it had been off. I have found lots of forums and Youtube videos where people have also had this happen to their Honda's and they're just told that the transmission is out and needs to be replaced. I only have a couple months lefts to pay off my car and now they want $7000 for a new transmission and labor.

Danny McDaniel on March 19, 2022

2002 Honda Civic

I have the 2002 Honda Civic and it doesn’t even have 100,000 on it yet and already the transmission is gone out (so a mechanic says) I’ve had a recall on the wiring harness. Every since then it’s had issues there as well. The lights would go dim when the heater was on, the door locks quit working, the key chimes stopped, the delay on wipers stopped working, air conditioner stopped working, then all of a sudden one day it all starts working again and now the transmission is shot..pretty expensive to put have another one put in..they quoted me at $4000..after reading reviews it seems the 01-05 are a big problem with transmissions ..seems they should be better and no so expensive to fix. Just my 2 cents worth..

Traci on April 27, 2022

Transmission Failure

I purchased a 2015 Honda Civic. Had no idea that there was a problem with the transmission cap. I have always taken my car to Honda for service only to find the cap had come off several times. The service manager tells me after I've complained thinking they were doing it on purpose, oh yeah there is a problem with the caps popping off on the 2015 model civics. After a while the rings swell and makes it difficult for the cap to stay on. Now I need a new transmission. He quoted me two prices, $9000.00 and $6000.00 and some change. I might as well get a new car for that price. I am very disappointed with them. Made a complaint through Honda customer service.

Travis on August 23, 2022

2014 transmission plug and cap

This car is such a disappointment! I had 2 kids in the car when apparently the cap blew off and left me stranded in a pool of transmission fluid. I've always heard how great Honda was but I cannot find anywhere nearby that can help with this issue! Honda needs to fix all of these transmission problems as they are causing significant risks to a lot of people! I have absolutely no idea how to fix this and I'm tired of ordering part after part!

Linda on February 18, 2022

2014 cvt transmission recall - 1

Bought 2014 Honda Civic new. There is known CVT transmission problems. Received recall in 2015, took car to dealership for remedy. Dealer performed remedy update the transmission software. Transmission cap blows off while driving and vehicle leaks large amounts transm fluid. Dealership wants me to bring it in every 1,000 miles for check, no repair offered. Unacceptable

Joe on November 27, 2023

2015 Civic Transmission

Have a 2015 Civic with 108,000 miles and the transmission went. I see all of these complaints but no recall and no service bulletin? There is an obvious problem and Honda is not standing behind their vehicle which is not like them. I have had 4 Honda vehicles and am very frustrated by what seems to be an obvious problem that they are not willing to correct.

garyS on March 30, 2022

CVT Transmission Manufacturing defect

Mom had her car serviced religiously at the dealer and then got stuck on the road in danger with transmission fluid leaking past a pressure sensor seal. Under Honda Certified Warranty the dealer said the leak was due to wear and tear and not covered under warranty. This is a known problem and Honda Corporate seems only to be motivated by pressure.

Damon Earnest on December 25, 2021

Transmission failure

I bought my daughter a 2014 Honda Civic new because I didn’t want any problems. My wife has had several Hondas over the years. Daughter’s transmission failed at 112,000 miles and dealer says it’s all on me. $7,400.00 to replace the transmission! Totally unacceptable! This will be our last Honda. Merry Christmas to us!

JOHN on March 18, 2022

Johnshelley.c@gmail.com

I purchased brand new Honda Civic in 2015. I didn't know anything about their CVT transmissions problems until last week when it went out at 121k. I had faithfully completed all their required maintenance schedules and now I'm looking at spending 5k or more for fixing this problem. Terrible transmission to say the least!

Lori Lawrence on May 15, 2022

Bad transmission

I purchased my 2015 Honda Civic at Butler Honda in Milledgeville Ga. It had 8 miles on the odometer after my test drive. I had all the required service done on time.Made my last payment in Feb. 2022. At 1004,00 my transmition is shot it is now March 2022. Last Honda I willhave in my family, not happy.

kb on September 11, 2023

Junk transmission

Bought a honda civic. It has a junk transmission and now im upside down on a car about $9,000. Used transmissions are over $3,000 and why would i put another used junk transmission. I dont have money to waste on JUNK. Honda needs to apologize for their lousy transmission

Shane on January 11, 2022

Junk

Bought a 2014 civic from John hinder thinking its a honda they typically last forever. Not even 2 months of owning and the transmission is out . They want 5200 to install a junk yard transmission. This was my first an last Honda.

Maek Sewell on June 13, 2021

Quality Inspection

I bought a 2014 Honda Civic brand new from Voss Honda dealership in Tipp City OH. Tranmission went iut at 135,000 miles. They said they wouldn't call Honda of America because i didn't get service done through the dealership.

Alisha on February 26, 2024

2015 Civic

Same week I paid off my 2015 Honda Civic my transmission goes out. 115,00 miles and Honda wants 9k to replace it. All of these 2015 Civics with transmission problems and Honda isn’t doing anything about it.

Carrie H