2004 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 350 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 47 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 37 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
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.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
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.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
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."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, other, storage, tank assemblyNov 1, 2007
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.
THIS COULD RESULT IN A TANK RUPTURE, EXPLOSION, AND EJECTION OF THE TANK FROM THE VEHICLE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEAT INSULATOR MATERIAL TO THE REAR SEAT BACK. AN INTERIM OWNER LETTER WAS MAILED TO OWNERS BEGINNING NOVEMBER 26, 2007. WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE RENOTIFIED ASKING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 07V512000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
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.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 18, 2006
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.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
TOM MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF NONCOMPLIANT LIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOM MOTORSPORT AT 626-968-4007.
Campaign 06E032000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
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."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageNov 18, 2004
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.
AN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED BELT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SEAT BELT ANCHORS FOR RESTRICTED MOVEMENT. IF AN ANCHOR DOES NOT ROTATE FREELY, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE WASHER WITH A COUNTERMEASURE WASHER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 04V550000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
16 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 25, 2012
INPUT SHAFT BEARING FAILURE ...THOUGHT IT WAS ORIGINALLY THE CLUTCH, RELEASE BEARING AND FORK PAID AND REPLACED AND PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED...THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR AND IS A CONSTANT PROGRESSION OF NOISE AND INHIBITS ACCELERATION AND SMOOTH DRIVING ...I FEEL AS IF THE CAR IS READY TO COMPLETELY FAIL AND I'VE DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS ALL MY LIFE SO USER ERROR IS NOT THE CAUSE... I'VE ALWAYS STOOD BY HONDA AND THERE PRODUCTS ALL MY LIFE AND HOPE THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LOYALTY IS STILL OF HIGHEST VALUE AND THE RIGHT ACTIONS ON THEIR PART ARE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS RECURRING ISSUE IN THERE PRODUCT. I DRIVE OVER 100 MILES A DAY AND HOPE ONE DAY I AM NOT STRANDED OR WORSE IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO MY CAR SUDDENLY HALTING DUE TO MISALIGNED GEARS ON THE FREEWAY... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT WHERE THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER WAS LOCATED, A SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE TIMING BELT TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,695.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 4, 2011
ENGINE HEAD GET SO HOT THAT IT MELTS THE SPARK PLUG TO THE HEAD, EVEN MELTING THE HEX NUT ON THE SPARK PLUG. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 4, 2010, fire
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY HONDA CIVIC LX, 2004 . WE HAVE BEEN USING THIS CAR SINCE LAST 6 YEAR WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. ON NOV. 1ST WE WERE DRIVING THIS CAR TO GO TO WORK; CAR WAS RUNNING PERFECT SMOOTH WITH NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM. DURING EVENING HOURS WHEN SHE WAS DRIVING BACK TO HOME AFTER WORK. CAR STARTED FINE AS USUAL BUT SHE DROVE ABOUT 5 MILES AND AS SOON AS SHE REACHED ON THE WALT WHITMAN BRIDGE (NJ) SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, SHE PULLED OVER CAR IN THE SHOULDER LANE AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. SHE CALLED THE POLICE FOR HELP, AS SOON AS POLICE OFFICER ARRIVED ON THE SCENE, CAR BUSTED IN THE FLAMES. POLICE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP AND SOON WHOLE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND STARTED TO BURN WITH HIGH FLAMES. BY THE TIME FIRE TRUCK SHOWED UP WHOLE CAR WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. IT WAS VERY UNUSUAL THAT THE RUNNING CAR WITH NO PROBLEM FOR 6 YEARS AND FINE RUNNING CAR ALL OF SUDDEN CAUGHT IN FIRE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE IS SOME FAULTY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND MAY BE DUE TO MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I AM VERY FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS NO INJURY OR DEATH IN THIS INCIDENCE. HOWEVER MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURN DOWN AND DESTROYED. I WILL APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS. DID ANYONE BEFORE REPORTED THIS KIND OF PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL OF CAR WHICH MAY SUGGEST MANUFACTURE DEFECT? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2010
2004 HONDA CIVIC LX SEDAN 60,300 MILES, USED CERTIFIED VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM HOWARD COOPER DEALERSHIP IN ANN ARBOR MI. ENGINE DID OVERHEAT AT IDLE, 1/2 QUART OF COOLANT SPILLED ON THE FLOOR OF MY GARAGE. COOLANT LEVELS WERE TOPPED AFTER EVENT, AT RADIATOR AND BOTTLE WITH 1/'2 QT OF COOLANT. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT DEALERSHIP, CYLINDER HEAD GASKET DAMAGED, PERHAPS HEAD DAMAGED AS WELL. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO TELL ME WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS EVENT. SUFFICIENT COOLANT WAS PRESENT AT FAILURE. CAUSE OF OVERHEAT UNKNOWN. WAS IT THE THERMOSTAT, THE WATER PUMP, THE COOLING FAN..? NO SERVICE LIGHT OR DUMMY OVERHEAT LIGHT EVER CAME ON. NO BCM HISTORY CODES APPEAR TO EXIST RELATED TO OVERHEATING ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT IS STRANGE THAT A CAR CAN COOK ITSELF JUST LIKE THAT, WITH COOLANT IN IT. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE WEB RESEARCH AND I FIND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR RELATED COOLING SYSTEM MISHAPS, ON HONDA CIVICS. MY PERSONAL OPINION IS THAT THIS DESERVES SOME INVESTIGATION. I FIND IT ODD THAT NO DEFINITE ANSWERS ARE OFFERED BY THE DEALER ON WHAT WENT WRONG. NO HISTORY CODES? IS THERE A DIAGNOSTIC FAULT SIGNAL FROM THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR, FAN MOTOR, WATER PUMP ETC TO THE BCM? WILL (SHOULD) SUCH SIGNALS SET A CODE? VERY STRANGE. I WAS BEING CHARGED $1400 FOR THE REPAIR, BUT THERE IS A CHANCE THAT THE WARRANTY MIGHT PICK UP THE COST. I DON'T KNOW THIS FOR SURE YET SINCE ANALYSIS OF PARTS IS BEEN DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I AM SORRY, EXCUSE ME BUT I SMELL A RAT HERE. IT WAS LIKE PULLING TEETH TO GET THE DEALER TO LOOK DEEPER INTO THIS MATTER. I HAD TO WRITE A LETTER TO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THIS DEALERSHIP TO GET SOME REAL ATTENTION ON THIS. COME ON, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG HERE. *TR UPDATED 02/01/10.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 12, 2009
I DRIVE A 2004 MANUAL HONDA CIVIC. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT ABOUT 70 MPH. SUDDENLY, I FELT MY CAR SPEED UP SUBSTANTIALLY AND WHEN I LOOK AT THE SPEEDOMETER I WAS TRAVELING OVER 85 MPH. I IMMEDIATELY CANCELED CRUISE CONTROL BUT MY CAR CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED. I HIT MY BRAKES WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO SHUDDER VIOLENTLY. WHEN MY FOOT WASN'T ON THE BRAKES, MY CAR CONTINUED TO QUICKLY GAIN SPEED. I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST TO A STOP, BUT WHEN I PUT THE CLUTCH IN MY RPM'S ROSE TO ABOUT 8,000 AND DIDN'T GO DOWN EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE CAR ALSO CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN SPEED EVEN WHEN IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. I MOVED BACK INTO 5TH GEAR AND CONTINUED DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING BETWEEN 85-95 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN THAT SPEED ONLY WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. I PLACED A CALL TO 911 AND INFORMED THEM THAT I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR. THE 911 DISPATCHER CONTACTED HIGHWAY PATROL WHO SET OUT TO CATCH ME. ONCE A HIGHWAY PATROLMAN WAS BEHIND ME, I WAS INSTRUCTED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, EVEN THOUGH THE RPM'S WOULD SHOOT UP, AND COAST TO A STOP. THE CAR SHOOK ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND EVEN AT A COMPLETE STOP IN NEUTRAL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE RPM'S WERE AT ABOUT 8,000. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TURNED THE CAR ON AND WITNESSED THE RPM'S IMMEDIATELY SHOOT UP TO 8,000 AGAIN. AFTER LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THE INCIDENT. WHEN THEY TURNED THE CAR ON AGAIN IT STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY. NO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS DONE, AND LUCKILY THE FREEWAY WAS UNCROWDED SO AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA CIVIC-HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY FOUND NO FAILURES; HOWEVER, THEY RESET THE SENSOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE ENGINE FAILED, HE WOULD BE UNAWARE BECAUSE THE INDICATOR IS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2008
1. NO PRIOR WARNING, OTHER THAN A SLIGHT LURCH WHILE ACCELERATING WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY EARLIER THE SAME DAY. 2.&3. TRANSMISSION FAILURE/ P0370 INCORRECT GEAR RATIO RESULTING IN A PULLING LURCHING SENSATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 10MPH WITHOUT AVOIDING THE LURCHING, HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST RESIDENTIAL AREA THEN GET IT TOWED IN THE MORNING TO A MECHANIC WITHIN 3-4 MILES OF WHERE I WAS PARKED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS INDEED ON AND WAS TURNED OFF ONCE THE ERROR CODE WAS RETRIEVED BY THE TRIPLE A MECHANIC, WHO RECORDED IT AS A P0370 INCORRECT GEAR RATIO ISSUE. AS IT IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, HONDA'S POLICY IS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ENTIRELY. AT THIS POINT, I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST HONDA DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE IT WAS A FAR MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM THAN I HAD ANTICIPATED. HOWEVER, SINCE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF NOW AND WITH IT, THE ERROR CODE, HONDA'S SERVICE CENTER HAS STATED THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE BY THEM UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REAPPEARS AND THE LURCHING OCCURS AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT WHETHER THAT HAPPENED ON A SIDE STREET OR FREEWAY, IT WAS OF NO CONCERN TO THEM AND THAT THE SITUATION WAS OUT OF THEIR HANDS. THE SITUATION I HAVE WITH MY CAR MIRRORS THE EXPERIENCE OF THE MANY 2001 HONDA CIVIC OWNERS, HENCE MY CONCERN AND FRUSTRATION WITH THE AIRPORT MARINA HONDA DEALERSHIP. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT I WILL HAVE TO FORCE A LURCHING, JERKING CAR SAFELY OFF THE FREEWAY BEFORE HONDA WISHES TO DEAL WITH MY VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2007
I DRIVE A 2004 HONDA CIVIC WHILE COMING OUT FROM WORK WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN PUSH ON THE GAS AND NOTICE MY CAR HAD SHUT DOWN, ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT JUST BOUGHT A USED CAR IN JAN THIS HAPPENED IN THE BEGIN OF MARCH. THIS WAS NOT THE ONLY THING THAT HAPPEN MY CAR WOULD HAVE THIS LATE CRANK WHEN YOU START IT. IT HAPPENS OCCASIONLY TOOK IT TO HONDA DEALER SHIP AND THEY RAN A TEST ON IT AND THE GUY SAID THAT HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHAT HAD HAPPEN . *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 11, 2006
I RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY HONDA PILOT. WE TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND HAD THEM HOOK IT UP TO THEIR DIAGNOSTICS MACHINE. THE CODE "P1399" RESULTED. HOWEVER, WE WERE TOLD THAT WE HAD TO CONTACT HONDA TO FIND OUT WHAT THE CODE MEANT BECAUSE IT WAS A GENERIC CODE THAT HONDA PUTS OUT. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND ASKED WHAT THE CODE MEANT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO BRING MY VEHICLE DOWN TO THEM TO PUT IT ON THEIR MACHINE: FOR $95.00. HONDA HAS CREATED THEIR CODES SO THAT AUTO ZONE AND OTHER REASONABLY PRICED PLACES CAN NOT ASSIST HONDA OWNERS. WE ARE FORCED TO PAY THIS OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT BECAUSE ONLY HONDA CAN TELL US WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR VEHICLES. I DID MANY HOURS OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS "P1399" CODE IS QUITE COMMON, AS WELL AS THIS KIND OF PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE HONDA PILOT HAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT AND VTM LIGHT COMING ON AROUND 30-40 THOUSAND MILES. THE ENGINE MISFIRES, AND THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT IS "CHUGGING". IT SEEMS THE TIMING OF THIS PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT WITH THE WARRANTY EXPIRING. I HAVE READ THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, YET HAVE FAILED TO ADDRESS IT. IF YOU LOOK AT WWW.HONDA.ORG YOU WILL SEE THE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MECHANIC FAILURE. I WOULD LIKE THIS PROBLEM TO BE INVESTIGATED, AND HAVE HONDA BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FAULTY PARTS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2006
TIMING BELT FAILURE AT 26,450 MILES ON ENGINE STARTUP. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2005
VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW NOV 2004 - THREE OCCURRENCES OF ENGINE STALLING WHILE IN GEAR AND CAR IN MOTION - DEALER SAYS DIAGNOSTICS DO NOT SHOW A PROBLEM - EXTREME SAFETEY HAZARD - CAR IS UNSAFE - DEALER HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 22, 2004, fire
INFO COPY TO NHTSA OWNER OF 2004 HONDA CIVIC ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE VEHICLE DESTROYED. *BF THE CONSUMER NOTICED A SMELL COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. SECONDS LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AS WELL AS RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 3 MONTHS OLD AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH MAIN REAR CRANK SHAFT SEAL ON 2004 HONDA CIVIC. *MR *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2004
THE ADVERTISED MPG OF MY HONDA HYBRID FOR CITY DRIVING IS 48 MPG. I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN BETTER THAN 38 MPG. HONDA SAYS THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT AND JUST ADVERTISING THAT IT WILL GET 48 MPG DOESN'T MEAN IT WILL GET THAT ACTUAL MILEAGE. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD AT LEAST BE CLOSE, NOT 20% LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I PAID EXTRA TO BUY A HYBRID AUTOMOBILE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO PERFORM MUCH BETTER THAN IT DOES. FALSE OR MISLEADING ADVERTISING FOR ANY CONSUMER PUCHASE SHOULD NOT BE PERMITTED, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS A MAJOR PURCHASE FOR AN AVERAGE CONSUMER TO MAKE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2004
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2004 HONDA CIVIC LX IN CALIFORNIA. THE NIGHT I DROVE HOME AND PULLED OVER, I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I OPENED THE HOOD AND REALIZED THE NOISE HAS BEEN COMING FROM THE BELTS. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY TURNED ME AWAY AND SAID THE PARTS ARE PROBABLY TOO NEW AND THEY NEED SOME TIME TO 'BREAK IN'. THE MILEAGE ON MY CAR JUST OVER 1000 MILES AND I AM VERY CONCERNED OF THAT NOISE IF IT WILL CAUSE ANY MAJOR CONSEQUENCES. PLEASE ADVISE. *JB