2009 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 395 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 42 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 39 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 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot 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 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 F5F and Q5E.
Campaign 19V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 16, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Campaign 19V378000 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 moduleJan 9, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher 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 air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
Campaign 18V042000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleAug 31, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
Campaign 17V545000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
Campaign 17V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 24, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.
Campaign 16V346000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsOct 14, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 128 MY 2008-2009 CIVIC SEDANS. A BRACKET THAT COVERS THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR IS SECURED WITH A BOLT AND NUT, BUT DURING ASSEMBLY THE NUT WAS NOT INSTALLED.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE WHICH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR. A DAMAGED CONNECTOR COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK AND INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NUT ON THE FUEL FEED HOSE BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 08V535000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
395 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power, and the vehicle to shut off while accelerating. The contact associated the failure with the fuel pump. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Structure, Jun 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the sun visor split over and blocked his driving view. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB Technical Service Bulletin 11-031. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed that the sun visor needed to be replaced. The contact had a paperclip holding the sun visor. vehicle that was not repaired. The contact stated that the sun visor was previously repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Structure, Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and being inspected, the contact became aware that the driver’s and passenger’s side sun visors were split. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Steering, Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that the steering wheel difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115, 000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2025
There are hacks to cars that can control the computers remotely, possibly from devices such as programmable thingy remote control devices that can be programmed with different fuctions, or direct open door remote entry hacks into the vehicle port that remote control the cars functions.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2025, fire
While driving, the hood prop rod dislodged from its securing clip and fell onto the positive terminal of the battery. This caused an electrical short, which led to the rod heating up rapidly and igniting a fire under the hood. The fire damaged the headlight assembly and the surrounding trim panel, though the wiring fortunately did not catch fire. A nearby police officer was able to extinguish the fire before it spread further. This incident posed a serious safety risk and could have resulted in more extensive damage or injury. There were no warning lights or symptoms before the failure. The issue appears to stem from the design or failure of the clip that holds the hood prop rod in place. The vehicle has not been modified and was being driven under normal conditions. A local auto body shop inspected the vehicle afterward and confirmed that the loose prop rod made contact with the battery terminal, creating a serious fire hazard. They advised reporting this as a safety issue. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle. The incident was witnessed by a police officer, and the damage was evaluated by an independent repair shop following the fire.
Air bags, Engine, Dec 28, 2024
There is a recall for the engines and air bags on theys cars handa said so.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 24, 2024
The vehicle will shut off in traffic without any warning from the cars system. Unknown if there is any interference being caused by internal or external.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left or right turns, there was an abnormal clicking and clacking sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Structure, Jul 6, 2023
Pain on my Honda Civic 2009 Is peeling very badly. I read that it was manufacture defect and I would like to have it fixed. It started about two years ago.
Power train, May 17, 2023
My clutch pedal bracket is poorly made after doing research I realized this is a common issue with these cars, the pedal brackets can break while driving and cause an accident if you are stuck in a gear and can’t get out of it
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 22, 2023, crash
Car accelerated into a garage door unintentionally. The brakes did not work. The problem has not been reproduced. The car was taken to a honda dealer twice before the accident for the same reasons of sudden unintentional acceleration. The vehicle has been totaled and has not been inspected by anyone. There were no warning indicators that I am aware of.
Service brakes, Apr 21, 2023, crash
The contact's mother owned a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. The front of the vehicle collided with a garage door. The garage door was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's mother sustained neck and shoulder injuries. The contact received medical treatment for her injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was not able to be repaired. The vehicle was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Air bags, Mar 28, 2023, crash
No codes on the dash, police said the airbags malfunctioned. Car hit an embankment on the front right side then the car flipped over. The steering wheel did not deploy. All of the side airbags, both bottom and top side airbags came out still folded and did not inflate. Car is currently with State Farm insurance at their garage.
Air bags, Jan 11, 2023, crash
My husband made a left turn from a center lane and didn't see a vehicle coming at us because of the blind spot. We hit the other vehicle on the front right side. The airbags deployed and the side airbag exploded and burned my right arm badly. I now have injury scars from the passenger seat airbag exploding. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Air bags, Nov 25, 2022, crash
The contact was a former police officer who had been tasked with investigating a vehicle crash that involved a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at a yet-to-be-determined rate of speed, he hit a dip in the road which sent the vehicle airborne and off the road. The vehicle then went through a guardrail and crashed into a light pole with a large concrete support post. A control box for an electric sign and the guardrail was damaged due to the accident. The passenger-side air bags did not deploy upon impact. The driver was treated for his injuries at the scene by paramedics. The passenger was taken to the hospital where he was treated for injuries to both his head and torso, the passenger died three days later as a result of his injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard and was a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2022
I have the same problem with the readiness codes on my 2009 Honda Civic 4DSD during my inspection this week, October 2022. This also happened in 2019 and I drove the vehicle between 250-300 miles before the codes reset. This time I have driven the vehicle the same amount and the codes have not reset. The same problem is detailed on the following forum: https://www.8thcivic.com/threads/my-readiness-codes-arent-setting-i-need-help.511570/ Funny, I also have a problem with the TPMS. After replacing all of my tires at the dealership, my TPMS light kept coming on. I was unable to get back to the dealership as my spouse had a medical emergency. Today while I was doing an extended highway drive to reset the codes, around 105 miles in, my TPMS light popped on and then shut off. The tires were checked, all good, but my EVAP and Catalyst codes have not reset.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 24, 2022
3 times my fooit has sliped off the brake pedal and on to the gas pedal. In all cases i was able to go back to the break pedal and stop. it seems the break pedal is slipery. In all cases the car lurched foward. This has never happened in any of the other cars that i have driven and continue to drive. Now with this honda it has happened 3 times.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 16, 2022
I am the second owner of this car when I bought it had 40k it's at 92k ..I have had to replace the engine mounts 2x now 3 if you consider the mounts on car when was manufactured :(
Seat belts, Apr 18, 2022
When removing my 4 day old infant (in her brand new car seat), I noticed the seat belt was very loose. I securely fastened her in before leaving to visit family for Easter. When I lifted the car seat, the seat belt buckle was laying in the base. The strap securing the seat buckle detached and came free. My daughter was not securely fastened while I was driving my vehicle!!!!
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2022
The Navigation system's clock automatically resets to Jan 1st 2002 4:00 o'clock and when you try to manually change the clock settings, it just immediately goes back to 12:00. This seems to have effected tons of Civic with the navigation system since Jan 2022.
Engine, Feb 27, 2022
Honda Civic cracked motor block is leaking antifreeze that the car occupants unknowingly are inhaling. I ended up in Mission Viejo Hospital. For kidney and heart problems. I would inhale antifreeze three to four hours a day driving back and forth to work. This is a health crisis because it's deadly. How many elderly, pregnant women and small children or subjected to these poisonous toxin. Needs to be addressed ASAP.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2021
The weatherstripping around the windows has deteriorated.
Seats, Feb 8, 2021
I TOOK THIS SEAT APART TO FIX A WOBBLE. NOW I THINK THERE MIGHT BE A LARGER SAFETY CONCERN WITH THESE SEATS. PROBLEM: THE REAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT BAR ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS YIELDED TO FAILURE ALONG A WELD. THIS BAR IS USED FOR SYNCHRONIZING THE SEAT HEIGHT ON THE REMOTE SIDE AND SENDING SIDE. SYMPTOM: THIS RESULTS IN THE REMOTE SIDE OF THE SEAT'S HEIGHT TO FLOAT, CAUSING A SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TWISTING OF ONE SIDE AS THE (DRIVER'S) SEAT ROCKS ON THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT FEET. SAFETY: THE "TWISTING" ACTION IN A COLLISION COULD CAUSE UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF SEAT. SCOPE: IT SOUNDS LIKE OTHERS PEOPLE MAY HAVE THIS ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.8THCIVIC.COM/THREADS/DRIVER-SEAT-BACK-SLIGHT-PLAY-ANY1-ELSE.258628/. P/N: 81526-SNA-A14 (I THINK) NOTE: "DATE IT HAPPENED" SET TO PURCHASE DATE. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE SORT OF THING Y'ALL DO, BUT WHEN I SAW THE FAILURE, I THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS. HAD A HARD TIME UPLOADING IMAGES, SO ADDED SOME ADDITIONAL ONES HERE: HTTPS://IMGUR.COM/A/CBMHJMC