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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 395

Of the 2009 reports, 42 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 39 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernAir bags95 reports · 24% of complaints
Owner complaints395Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship8 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags95
  2. Service brakes51
  3. Structure45
  4. Other or unspecified36
  5. Electrical system35
  6. Suspension31
  7. Engine27
  8. Tires26

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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: engine

39 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Engine, Aug 12, 2013

    WHILE DRIVING A CHATTER STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. DROVE IT TO OUR MECHANIC (1 TO 2 MILES AWAY) AND HE SAID THE STEEL BOLT BROKE THAT HOLDS THE BELT TENSIONER TO THE ALUMINUM ENGINE. HAD IT FIXED AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON AUGUST 8, 2013 WHILE DRIVING. THIS TIME THE CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AND I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP IT AND CALL FOR A TOW. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AGAIN AND HE SAID UPON TALKING TO HONDA DEALERS, THIS HAPPENED IN 2006 AND 2007 AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALL YET FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR A 2009 HONDA CIVIC AND NO PERMANENT FIX. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR JUST QUITS WHILE IN MOTION, THE POWER STEERING IS GONE AND THE BRAKE ASSIST IS GONE, WHICH PUTS LIFE AT RISK. CAN THIS BE LOOKED INTO? *TR

  2. Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Feb 14, 2013

    I WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT TO TURN TO THE LEFT. WHEN THE GREEN LIGHT APPEARED, I ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF 15 WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE I HEARD A BOOM SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS SEEM VERY ABNORMAL TO ME SINCE I HAD BARELY PURCHASE MY CAR 4 MONTHS AGO. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HONDA DEALER TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY CAR. AFTER WAITING A FEW HOURS, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WERE MANY THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE BOOM SOUND WAS MADE BY THE BREAKAGE OF THE WISHBONE THAT HOLDS THE LOWER ENGINE AND BESIDES THAT IT NEEDED 2 TIRES, ALIGNMENT, CABINFILTER, BRAKE FLUSH, P/S RACK. I HONESTLY DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR TO ME THAT I BOUGHT A 2009 CAR FOR IT TO HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS. WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR THE MAN FROM AUTO PLAZA TOLD ME THAT I WOULDN'T BE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR FOR A LONG TIME AND THEN I FIND OUT ALL OF THIS PARTS WRONG WITH MY CAR. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I WENT TO TALK TO THE MAN FROM AUTO PLAZA AND HE TOLD ME THAT WHEN THEY HAD PURCHASE THE CAR THEY DIDN'T INSPECT IT BEFORE PUTTING IT ON SALE.THIS ACTION SEEMS TO ME VERY IRRESPONSIBLE TO NOT HAVE INSPECTED THE CAR BEFORE PUTTING IT ON SALE. I HONESTLY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO AND THIS IS WHY I'M WRITING A COMPLAINT HERE. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY SITUATION. *TR

  3. Engine, Sep 26, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE ENGINE MOUNT WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 10/24/12*LJ

  4. Steering, Service brakes, Engine, May 20, 2012, crash

    MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2009 HONDA CIVIC (PURCHASED NEW ALL REPAIRS/SERVICING SINCE PURCHASE MADE BY THE DEALER AT READING PIAZZA HONDA) WITH MY 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 8:45 PM MAY-16-2012, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME IN HER FRONT OR REAR VIEW WHEN SUDDENLY SHE REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY REVVED UP TO HIGH RPM'S, WHERE SHE STATES THAT SHE LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE 2009 HONDA CIVIC, SHE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AS SOON AS SHE REALIZED THE STEERING CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING,HOWEVER; THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK EITHER. HER VEHICLE CAREENED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD HITTING THE MEDIAN DIVIDER THEN THE CAR CAREENED TO THE RIGHT HITTING THE GUARD RAIL AT WHICH POINT THE SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE MOTOR SHUT OFF. THANKFULLY THEY ARE BOTH ALIVE. MY DAUGHTER STATED THAT SHE FELT SOMEONE WAS PUSHING THE VEHICLE FROM BEHIND SUDDENLY. I AM STILL LOOKING FOR ANSWERS TO THIS UNEXPLAINED SCENARIO MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER REPORTED TO ME, THE 2 LANE ROAD WAS DEVOID OF ANY VEHICLES AT THAT TIME AND AS SHE STATED THIS TO ME, THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH, SHE HAD NO ABILITY TO STEER AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK WHEN SHE APPLIED THEM. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA AND HAVE ASKED THEM TO HELP INVESTIGATED WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED AND AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM ON WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS IN A 2009 HONDA CIVIC. *TR

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2012

    MY 2009 HONDA CIVIC SI, BOUGHT NEW, HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL AFTER OIL CHANGE AND THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT CANNOT FIND WHY IT IS LEAKING EXCEPT THAT IT IS COMING FROM THE FILTER. I WAS CHARGED $100 FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEES THAT DID NOT FIND ANY OTHER FAULT BESIDES A 'LEAKING FILTER'. THE DEALERSHIP SIMPLY ASKED ME TO BRING THE CAR IN, CHANGE THE FILTER, AND CONTINUE THIS CYCLE UNTIL IT DOESN'T LEAK ANYMORE. THE FIRST INCIDENCE TOOK 4 VISITS. I JUST HAD ANOTHER SCHEDULED SERVICE AT A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP, AND THE CAR IS LEAKING OIL HEAVILY IN MY DRIVEWAY AGAIN. MY CAR WAS NOT LEAKING OIL WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE. THE OIL IS COVERING MY SUSPENSION AND VARIOUS UNDERBODY COMPONENTS. *TR

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2011

    2009 HONDA CIVIC. AIR CONDITIONER STARTED TO BLOW OUT WARM AIR. THIS WAS ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I LIVE IN THE UPPER MIDWEST AND THE ISSUE OCCURRED SOON AFTER THE WEATHER WARMED UP. I TOOK IT TO BOYLAND HONDA IN MILWAUKEE, WI WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AND THE AIR WORKED FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER. ONE YEAR LATER I HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ONCE AGAIN BLOWING OUT WARM AIR. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO HONDA OF KENOSHA. I DON'T TRUST THAT BOYLAND ACTUALLY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM SO WOULD LIKE TO TRY ANOTHER DEALER. I ONLY HAVE 12,999 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE BEEN WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. MY WIFE HAS A CR-V (OUR 2ND) AND I HAVE THE CIVIC (ALSO OUR 2ND) I HAVE ALWAYS HAD GOOD LUCK, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE ENCOUNTERED AN ISSUE LIKE THESE. *TR

  7. Engine and engine cooling, May 25, 2011

    I OWN A 2009 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. THE HYBRID SYSTEM RECENTLY STOPPED WORKING (LEAVING ONLY THE UNDERPOWERED GASOLINE ENGINE AS THE MEANS TO POWER THE CAR). THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE ISSUE IN DECEMBER. THEY PERFORMED AN IRREVERSIBLE SOFTWARE UPDATE WHICH HAS, AS A RESULT, MADE THE HYBRID SYSTEM WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATES THERE IS NO WAY TO REVERSE THIS CHANGE. AS A RESULT, THE HYBRID BATTERY/MOTOR ASSIST WILL SUDDENLY STOP WORKING DURING AN ACCELERATION (FOR INSTANCE MERGING ON THE FREEWAY) WITH A DRAMATIC LOSS OF POWER. STEPPING MORE ON THE ACCELERATOR INCREASES RPMS TO 4-5,000 BUT DOES NOT RESULT IN ANY SIGNIFICANT POWER TO THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER, THEY STATE THEY HAVE HAD MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS BUT DO NOT HAVE A FIX. I FEEL THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN GIVEN THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF WHEN THE POWER LOSS OCCURS, AND USUALLY OCCURS WHEN A DRIVER MOST NEEDS POWER. *TR

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 17, 2011

    I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE OF MY 2009 HONDA CIVIC WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED TO 4000RPM. I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT 4000RPM. THE ENTIRE INCIDENT LASTED ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND THEN THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLING SPEED AND I CONTINUED ON MY WAY. THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAS ABOUT 11,000 MILES, IS CURRENTLY AT A HONDA DEALER FOR EVALUATION. *TR

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2010

    I CURRENTLY AM THE LESSEE OF A 2009 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID STARTING THIS JANUARY, THE HYBRID BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL GOES FROM ALMOST FULL (8-10 OUT OF 10 BARS) TO VIRTUALLY ZERO (1 BAR) EVERY OTHER WEEK (THE TECHNICAL TERM FOR THIS IS A "RECALL" OR RECALIBRATING). THIS SUMMER, IT STARTED HAPPENING EVERY 3-4 DAYS, AND WHENEVER I HAD THE A/C ON. THEN, IT STARTED TO HAPPEN EVERY 100 MILES (WHICH MADE IT VERY PREDICTABLE). THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN IN THE 'RECALL' STATE, THE CAR IS ALMOST UNRESPONSIVE AND DOES NOT ACCELERATE MUCH, IF AT ALL. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS WHEN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC HAS A BLIND SPOT, OR IS COMING AROUND A CORNER. IT ALSO IMPACTS FUEL EFFICIENCY SUBSTANTIALLY. I HAVE SEEN ABOUT A 7 MILE-PER-GALLON DROP IN FUEL ECONOMY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THERE WERE NO CODES IN THE SYSTEM BUT THERE WERE 3 SOFTWARE UPDATES, SO THEY INSTALLED THOSE AND THAT IF I STILL HAD THE PROBLEM, TO COME BACK. I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM SO I SCHEDULE THE APPOINTMENT AND I TAKE THE MECHANIC FOR A TEST DRIVE AND HE SEES THE CHARGE DROP RAPIDLY AND STATES THAT IT'S COMPLETELY NORMAL. I ARGUE THAT IS HAPPENS TOO OFTEN AND HE STILL SAYS "IT'S FINE." ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER THE IMA LIGHT AND 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT COME ON. TURNS OUT, IT WAS A BLOWN FUSE (FOR THE A/C ELECTRIC DRIVE, FUSE #22) SO THEY REPLACE IT, AND TELL ME THAT THEY CHECKED THE CURRENT DRAW ON THE A/C JUST TO BE SAFE AND CLAIMED EVERYTHING WAS FINE. NOW, ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, EVERY TIME I START THE CAR IT DOES A RECALL. THIS IS BEYOND ANNOYING AND NOW I'M STARTING TO SEE DROPS OF ABOUT 10 MPG BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, AS OPPOSED TO THE PREVIOUS 6 OR 7. I'M THINKING THAT HONDA KNOWS THAT THEIR NIMH BATTERY CELLS ARE PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE. *TR

  10. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2010

    A ROCK CAME THROUGH THE GRILLE OF A 2009 HONDA CIVIC DAMAGING THE A/C CONDENSER. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT IT IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE THE ROCK CAUSED THE DAMAGE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME. A SIMPLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET BRINGS UP LOTS OF LINKS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM FOR HONDA, AND VERY FEW FOR OTHER CAR MAKERS. APPARENTLY THEY CHANGED THE GRILLE DESIGN ON THE ODYSSEY TO LESSEN THE CHANCES OF A ROCKS COMING THROUGH THE GRILLS. TO ME IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. *TR

  11. Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2010

    WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASING A 2009 HONDA CIVIC IN NOVEMBER 2009, MY AC STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT A ROCK HIT MY AC CONDENSER. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 700 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. WHILE DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO PLENTY OF OTHER HONDA OWNERS. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PLENTY OF OTHER HONDA OWNERS WHO SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS STILL TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. WHEN PLENTY OF PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEM, THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FLAW AND WE SHOULD NOT BE PUNISHED FOR IT AND HAVE TO PAY 700 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIX THIS FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF. *TR

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2010

    IMA CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. *TR

  13. Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Jul 21, 2009, crash, fire

    I WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND ON I-84 IN DANBURY CT, IN THE LEFT HAND LANE. IT FELT AS IF I HAD HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR VEERED INTO THE GUARDRAIL, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS RIPPED OFF THE CAR, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY - BREAK DOWN LANE. I FELT HEAT UNDER MY SEAT, I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, WITH IN 3 - 5 MINUTES THE CAR WAS FULL ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *TR

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Jul 13, 2009

    I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2009 HONDA CIVIC LX IN DECEMBER OF 2008. IN MARCH 2009, ONLY 3 MONTHS AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE AND ONLY 3,000KM TOTAL ON THE VEHICLE, I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING AN INCONSISTENT AND DISCONCERTING PROBLEM AFTER DRIVING THIS CAR OFF THE LOT. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE AN INTERMITTENT STARTING ISSUE WHERE ON RANDOM OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. ONCE TRYING TO START IT, IT CRANKS, LIKE IT IS TRYING TO TURN OVER TO START FOR A RANGE OF 5-15 SECONDS. IT EVENTUALLY STARTS ON THE 2ND OR 3RD ATTEMPT. I HAVE CONSULTED IN THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. AFTER 2 MONTHS OF TAKING THE CAR IN, THE DEALERSHIP AND HONDA CANADA WANTED TO INSTALL A COMPUTER RECORDER ON MY CAR TO TRY TO GET THE PROBLEM RECORDED, SINCE THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE NOISE. AFTER HAVE THE RECORDER INSTALLED FOR JUST OVER A MONTH, THE PROBLEM FINALLY REPRODUCED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN WHICH THEY TOOK OUT THE MONITOR TO HAVE IT SEND FOR AN ANALYSIS. I HAD MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS THE WORST ONE, BECAUSE NOT ONLY DID IT CRANK FOR ABOUT 8 SECONDS, IT JUST DIED - DID NOT CATCH OR KEEP CRANKING. I CALLED 2 WEEKS AFTER TO GET AN UPDATE IN WHICH I DID NOT GET A RESPONSE AFTER LEAVING A MESSAGE FOR GEORGE (HEAD OF SERVICE). I CALLED AGAIN 2 WEEKS LATER IN WHICH GEORGE STATED HE HAD HEARD BACK A FEW DAYS PRIOR BUT WAS TOO "BUSY" TO CALL ME. HE STATED THAT THE RECORDER SAID IT WAS 8 SECONDS AND STARTED, AND 2 TIMES WHERE IS WAS 5 SECONDS AND STARTED. HE THEN TOLD ME IF I WAS NOT HAPPY TO DEAL WITH HEAD OFFICE AND WE WOULD CONTACT TECH SUPPORT. I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM GEORGE, 2 BUSINESS DAYS LATER, AFTER TRYING TO CONTACT HIM. I SPOKE WITH HEAD OFFICE WHO TOLD ME THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL FOR MY CAR NOT TO START. I AM STILL IN THE DARK AS TO WHAT THE ISSUE COULD BE, AND I'M TIRED OF SPECULATING. FOR ALL I KNOW IT COULD BE THE OEM BATTERY WITH THE INSUFFICIENT COLD-CRANKING AMP RATINGS, THE MAIN FUEL RELAY OR A FAULTY CAM/CRANK SENSOR. *TR