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

395 reports, newest first.

  1. Suspension, Tires, Jun 8, 2013

    ROAD NOISE BECOMING LOUDER AND LOUDER ALONG WITH VIBRATIONS BEING TRANSMITTED INTO THE CABIN. CHECKING THE REAR TIRES, THE INNER 1 1/2" OF TREAD IS MUCH MORE WORN AND UNEVENLY SO THAN THE BALANCE OF THE TREAD. SAME PROBLEM AS I HAD ON A 2006 HONDA CIVIC. *TR

  2. Service brakes, May 15, 2013

    NOTICEABLE METALLIC SOUND COMING FROM FRONT LEFT SIDE WHEN DRIVING. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE INNER BRAKE PADS ARE WORN AWAY (DOWN TO THE WEAR INDICATORS), BUT THE OUTER BRAKE PADS STILL HAVE 50% LIFE AND THE ROTORS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE WARPED, CRACKED, OR WORN. CALIPERS AND PISTONS ARE ALSO FINE. DEALER CAN OFFER NO REASON WHY BRAKE PADS WORE OUT SO QUICKLY. NEARLY ALL MILEAGE IS HIGHWAY MILEAGE, SO THE DEALER'S EXPLANATION OF "DRIVING HABITS" AND "STOP AND GO TRAFFIC" DO NOT SEEM LIKELY. *TR

  3. Suspension, Apr 23, 2013

    RIGHT BUSHING ON SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS BROKEN, WHICH IS NORMALLY SEEN IN OLDER VEHICLES WITH HIGHER MILEAGE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

  4. Air bags, Apr 20, 2013

    RAN OFF ROAD HIT THE MEDIAN HAD 4 YR OLD SON IN CAR AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

  5. 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

  6. Suspension, Visibility/wiper, Dec 26, 2012

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR IN TOWN WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL IN MY VIEW. IT WOULD NOT STAY UP. IT SPLIT INTO TWO PIECES THAT WOULD NOT GO BACK TOGETHER. I WENT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP TO GET 2 NEW REAR TIRES BECAUSE THE CAR KEEPS EATING UP THE REAR TIRES FOR SOME STRANGE REASON. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS VISOR AND A POSSIBLE RECALL AT THAT TIME IN NOVEMBER. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THEY COULDN'T REPAIR MY DEFECTIVE VISOR FOR FREE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME MY RIGHT FRONT SEAL WAS BAD, FRONT BRAKES WERE BAD, AND MY RIGHT REAR SHOCK WAS BAD AND THAT IT WOULD BE ABOUT 1000 TO FIX EVERYTHING. *TR

  7. Air bags, Dec 17, 2012, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED AGAINST A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALTHOUGH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THEY DID NOT INFLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

  8. Service brakes, Dec 14, 2012

    FACTORY BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE, WEARING OUT THE ROTOR WITH ONLY 36,000 MILES ON THE CAR. *TR

  9. Structure, Dec 10, 2012

    PAINT ON HOOD IS FADING IN THREE SPOTS. CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND KEPT OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT. APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH CLEARCOAT. *TR

  10. Service brakes, Nov 28, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

  11. Structure, Nov 18, 2012

    CLEAR COAT FINISH IS DEGRADING AND LEAVING BARE METAL SHOWING, *TR

  12. 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

  13. Structure, Sep 5, 2012

    MY 2009 HONDA CIVIC EX, POLISHED METAL METALLIC, HAS PAINT THAT HAS BEEN FADING ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK. THE SPOTS AFFECTED ARE: BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND SUNROOF, ABOVE THE BACK WINDOW, AND THE TOP OF THE TRUNK LID. I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER IN FEBRUARY OF 2009. THE CAR IS ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD AND NOW HAS 22,800 MILES. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE ISSUES! *TR

  14. Suspension, Exterior lighting, Wheels, Sep 1, 2012

    THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW, AGAIN.. 2012, NOT JUST IN 2010 TIRES ARE ABNORMALLY WEARING EXTREMELY FAST. ABOUT EVERY YEAR SOMEONE IS TELLING ME I NEED NEW TIRES BECAUSE THEY ARE 'CHOPPED' AND WEARING REALLY FAST. THIS LEAD ME TO THE INTERNET TO DO RESEARCH AND FOUND IT IS COMMON WITH THE 2006-2009 CIVICS. SOMETHING ABOUT THE CONTROL ARMS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IN TURN CAUSING THIS PROBLEM AND A WHOLE LOT OF OTHERS LIKE SUSPENSION. I CANNOT AFFORD AND SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PUT NEW TIRES ON MY NEW CAR EVERY YEAR OR 20000 MILES. I AM SO FRUSTRATED AND AT A LOSS OF WHAT TO DO. I HAVE A CALL INTO HONDA BUT HAVEN'T HEARD BACK, I CAN ONLY IMAGE WHAT THEY'RE GOING TO SAY. THE OTHER FAILURE IS MY 'HEADLIGHTS ARE STILL ON' INDICATOR NOISE STOPPED WORKING A YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW. UGH, SO FRUSTRATING. *TR

  15. Service brakes, Aug 17, 2012

    WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE HITS A BUMP OR ROUGH PATCH ON THE ROAD, THE BRAKES FAIL ALMOST ENTIRELY. AS A REACTIONARY MEASURE, I USUALLY RELEASE AND RE-APPLY THE BRAKES AND THEN IT WORKS BUT THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE I APPLY THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I CAN WITHOUT LETTING UP BECAUSE I'M ABOUT TO READ END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IN TOTAL SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR BRAND NEW, I'D SAY THIS HAPPEND OVER 30 TIMES SINCE SEPTEMBER 2009. *TR

  16. Visibility, Aug 2, 2012

    SUN VISOR ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR HANGS DOWN. IT WILL NOT STAY UP IN THE UNUSED POSITION. THIS IS THE SECOND HONDA I HAVE HAD WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HONDA OF AMERICA SAYS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THEY WILL NOT REPLACE OR REPAIR THE PART. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE VISOR BLOCKS VISIBILITY TO THE RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ON THIS PART? THANK YOU. *TR

  17. Tires, Wheels, Jul 31, 2012

    MY VEHICLE WAS AT MY MECHANICS FOR AN OIL CHANGE. PART OF THEIR SERVICE IS TO CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE. A TIRE WAS A LITTLE LOW. UPON PLACING THE AIR CHUCK ON THE VALVE STEM, THE VALVE STEM EXPLODED. POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THE PERSON WHO WOULD BE ADDING AIR WAS LUCKILY AVOIDED. HONDA HAD IN JULY 09 (SAME MONTH WE PURCHASED THIS CAR) ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN CONCERNING USING ONLY A SHALLOW AIR CHUCK ON CIVICS AS THEY MIGHT EXPLODE. HONDA AND THE DEALERSHIP BOTH REFUSED TO REPAIR AT NO CHARGE. CLAIMING THAT THE MECHANIC WAS AT FAULT. NOTE THAT THE MECHANIC WHO WAS OPERATING THE PROPER AIR CHUCK AT MY REPAIR SHOP IS HONDA CERTIFIED AND ONLY USED A SHALLOW AIR CHUCK. HONDA HAS A PRINTED BROCHURE IN THEIR SHOW ROOM THAT EXPLICTLY STATES THAT A DRIVER MUST GO TO A DEALERSHIP OR ANYWHERE THAT AIR IS AVAILABLE AND FILL TO THE PROPER PRESSURE WHEN THE TPMS LIGHT COMES ON. MOST AIR FILL PLACES AT GAS STATIONS HAVE THE LONG HANDLE VERSION OF THE AIR CHUCK, WHICH IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED! NOT ONLY DID HONDA REFUSE TO REPAIR AT NO CHARGE, THEY ALSO CHARGED US FOR A FRONT END ANALYSIS. $175.00 BECAUSE OF A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART. MY WIFE REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE INTERSTATE OR TO GO ABOVE 50 MPH AFTER THAT BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL OF A ROCK OR SOME OTHER OBJECT HITTING THE VALVE STEM. WE HAD MANY TRIPS WHERE WE HAD TO USE MY 1990 JEEP INSTEAD OF THE HONDA AT EXTRA EXPENSE. WE RECENTLY WERE FINALLY ABLE TO GET RID OF THE HONDA AND PURCHASED A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED. WE WERE NOT WANTING TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER TWO YEARS. THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE, AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO THE PERSON PUTTING AIR IN A TIRE IS TREMENDOUS. ALSO, WHAT ABOUT A BLOW OUT, AND THEN A WRECK. ALL FOR AN INEXPENSIVE PART. WE WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER HONDA IF THEY ARE SO BLATANTLY WILLING TO DISREGARD THEIR OWN FINDINGS. *TR

  18. Visibility/wiper, Jun 12, 2012

    THE SUN VISORS ON THE CAR ARE BUILT POORLY AND THE PLASTIC WILL SPLIT, CAUSING THE SUN VISOR TO FAIL. AFTER FAILURE, THE SUN VISOR WILL NOT RETURN TO THE FOLDED POSITION, OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW AS IT STICKS OUT INTO THE CAR, REDUCING VISIBILITY. BOTH AMERICAN HONDA AS WELL AS LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIPS ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FLAW IN THE VEHICLES BUT THEY ARE CURRENTLY RESISTING MY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE MY CAR'S SUN VISORS REPLACED FOR FREE DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. THEY CLAIM THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THE LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST AMERICAN HONDA LAST YEAR HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT IT DOES NOT COVER MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED AS IT IS REOCCURRING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IF THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. HONDA ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NOT ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS ISSUE REPORT THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS WIDESPREAD BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN PLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE OFTEN JUST FIXED ON A CASE BY CASE PROBLEM BUT EVEN REPLACEMENTS OFTEN FAIL AS NO CHANGE TO THE PRODUCT'S FAULTY DESIGN HAS BEEN MADE. *TR

  19. Visibility, Jun 8, 2012

    SUN VISOR SPLIT ON THE TOP AND HANGS DOWN ALL OF THE TIME MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE TRAFFIC LIGHTS. *JS

  20. Electrical system, May 25, 2012

    1.)TAKEN CARE CAR WELL SINCE PURCHASING NEW 2.)HONDA NOT START IN MORNING 1A.) NO RESPONSE FROM CAR WHEN TURN KEY 3.)AAA PERSONNEL ARRIVED TO JUMP BATTERY 4.)BATTERY JUMPED- ON SPOT E-DIAGNOSTIC CHECK PERFORMED 3A.) DIAGNOSTIC REVEALED BATTERY ?DRAIN? 5.)WHILE BEING CHECKED WITH TECHNICIAN ENGINE ?HISSED? & CAR TURNED OFF 4A.) ATTEMPTED TO START CAR- HARD START, HISS AND SHUTDOWN 6.)TOOK CAR TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC 6A.) MECHANIC PERFORMED THOROUGH DIAGNOSTIC CHECK 6B.) DIAGNOSTIC CHECK REVEAL PROBLEMS COULD BE ONE/MORE OF FOLLOWING: FUSE, WIRE, BATTERY, COMPUTER OR COMPUTER SOFTWARE. 6C.) MECHANIC FELT HE NARROWED TO BATTERY, COMPUTER AND/OR COMPUTER SOFTWARE 6D.) BATTERY WAS CHANGED AND CAR TESTED. CAR PERFORMED AS SHOULD (1/2 DAY) 6E.) MECHANIC ADVISED TO LISTEN TO CAR AFTER TURNING OFF ENGINE AS CAR STILL MAY BE RUNNING. IF ENGINE STILL RUNNING MECHANIC ADVISED PROBLEM DEEPER THAN BATTERY 6F.) MECHANIC ALSO FOUND PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE RUNNING TOO HOT/LONG, FREON & COOLANT BEING USED AT HIGH RATE. MECHANIC REFILLED FREON. 7.)2 DAYS AFTER BATTERY CHANGE, TOOK KEY OUT OF IGNITION, CAR ENGINE/FANS STILL RUNNING 2-3 MINUTES AFTER 8.)TOOK CAR TO HONDA DEALER (WHERE PURCHASED). DEALER MECHANIC PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. 8A.) HONDA MECHANIC STATED DIAGNOSTIC CHECK REVEALED DEFECT WITH ?WHOLE CAR? COMPUTER SOFTWARE 8B.) HONDA MECHANIC STATED DEFECT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO HAVE DIFFICULTY SELF-REGULATING (E.G. TOO MUCH/LITTLE COOLANT AND FREON RUN HIGHER/HOTTER IN ADDITION TO RUNNING AFTER KEY TAKEN OUT OF IGNITION (AS STATED EARLIER)) 8C.) TO PATCH, HONDA MECHANIC DOWNLOADED ?NEW SOFTWARE? TO CAR COMPUTER 8D.) NEW SOFTWARE WAS SUPPOSED REGULATE ENGINE 9.)FOLLOWING WEEK ENGINE HAD HARD START 10.)THIS WEEK (21-25 MAY 2012) ENGINE NOT STOP AFTER REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION FOR SEVERAL MINUTES (6E- ABOVE). *TR

  21. Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2012

    2009 HONDA CIVIC GX HAS AN INTERMITTENT COLD START / HARD START / NO START PROBLEM. IT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 30 SECONDS TO EIGHT MINUTES TO GET THE CAR TO STARTED. ON A FEW OCCASIONS I GAVE UP TRYING TO START THE CAR AND DROVE MY TRUCK INSTEAD. ORIGINALLY THE PROBLEM WAS OCCURRING ABOUT ONCE A WEEK TO ONCE A MONTH. I HAVE HAD THE CAR DIE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULDN'T RESTART. SINCE JAN 25TH 2012 MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE HONDA DEALER FOR A TOTAL OF NEARLY 12 WEEKS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS HAD MY CAR FOR THE LAST 9 WEEKS STRAIGHT AND HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE STARTING PROBLEMS. CURRENTLY IT WILL NOT START ABOUT 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME. WHILE MY CAR IS FUELED BY CNG (COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS) I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS 2008, 2009, 2010 AND 2011 HONDA'S WITH HARD START / COLD START COMPLAINTS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEMS MY CAR. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE CARS AND MINE IS MINE IS FUELED BY CNG WHILE THE REST OF THE HONDA CIVICS ARE ALL GASOLINE POWERED. WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=YZKQQQG9L8W IN THIS VIDEO THE CAR HAD ONLY BEEN SITTING 8 HOURS FROM WHEN I LAST STARTED THE CAR. WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=3EICT...EATURE=CHANNEL 2009 HONDA CIVIC COLD START PROBLEM. IN THIS VIDEO I HAD ALREADY ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR FOR ABOUT A MINUTE OR MORE PRIOR TO ME STARTING TO VIDEO IT ON MY PHONE. THE TEMPERATURE WHEN I WAS TRYING TO START THE CAR WAS 44 DEGREES THOUGH THE OVERNIGHT LOW WAS ABOUT 35 DEGREES. *TR

  22. 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

  23. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2012

    THE VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW FROM A HONDA DEALERSHIP IN WAUKESHA WIS. ON 11-28-2008. ONE YR. AFTER PURCHASE WE NOTICED THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE, WHEN BACKING UP, BRAKING. THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DRIVER WOULD NEED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH GREATER FORCE, AND THEN SHIFT AUTO. TRANS INTO NEUTRAL. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 SEPARATE TIMES, AND THEY INDICATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ON ONE OCCASION PER THEIR SUGGESTION WE PURCHASED THE RUBBER ALL WEATHER HONDA FLOOR MATS AT A COST OF $110.00. I DOUBTED THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. IN NOVEMBER 2011 THE SAME PROBLEM WAS EXPERIENCED A FOURTH TIME IN A PARKING LOT. WHILE WAITING IN A PARKING LOT THE ENGINE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY, AND MORE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP OF THE CONTINUING PROBLEM. ON 11-29-2011 WE LEFT THE CIVIC AT THE DEALER, AND WAYNE NICKLAS THE (AHM) WOULD ALSO EXAMINE THE CAR WITH A MECHANIC. THE MILEAGE WAS 26,526. MR. NICKLAS MET WITH US. HE EXPLAINED HOW THEY CHECKED THE TIRE DEPTH, PRESSURE, AND THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE CAR. I THEN ASKED FOR SPECIFICS ABOUT THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND HE INDICATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO MR. NICKLAS, THERE WAS NO ABNORMAL ENGINE CODE, AND IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THE PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR LONG ENOUGH FOR THE COMPUTER TO RECORD IT. HE DENIED OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS REPORTED WITH CIVICS. WE FOUND SIMILAR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FILED ON WEB SITES WITH CIVICS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS. IT WAS SUGGESTED WE TRADE IN THE VEHICLE. WE FELT UNSAFE IN CONTINUING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE HONDA DEALER LEFT US HANGING, AND OFFERED US NO FURTHER HELP WITH TRADING IN THE VEHICLE. WE INCURRED A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS WHEN WE TRADED IN THE CIVIC AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. RESEARCH FOUND THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE BY ANY MEANS. *TR

  24. Suspension, Apr 4, 2012

    ON 8/15/11, VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A HONDA CHICAGO FOR LOF & ROTATE. DROPPED OFF, CAME BACK, DROVE VEHICLE FOUND LOUD ROARING NOISE. TIRES WERE ROTATED THEN DISCOVERED THE TIRE THAT CAME OFF R/R WAS CUPPED. VEHICLE HAS 15K MILES, BARELY DRIVEN BY MY MOM THAT'S IN HER 60S, DOESN'T TRAVEL THE EXPRESSWAYS. HONDA CHICAGO WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING SO I MADE A COMPLAINT WITH HONDA CARE; WAS TOLD BRING IT BACK TO HONDA. HONDA CHICAGO SAID, "SIR, NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SUSPENSION AND MAY POSSIBLY NEED AN ALIGNMENT." I TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR THERE WAS NO COMPLAINT OF PULLING/DRIFTING. DEALER AND HONDA CARE ARE USELESS, NOTHING WAS DONE SO I PAID FOR A NEW TIRE SOMEWHERE ELSE. LAST WEEK, VEHICLE BACK AT HONDA ELMHURST AND THEN TO HONDA DES PLAINES FOR A 2ND OPINION FOR SAMETHING. BOTH DEALERS STATED NOTHING WRONG BUT THE FRONT TIRES CURRENTLY HAVE 3/32S, L/R 2/32S AND R/R 6/32S. THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T EVEN OFFER TIRES TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 18K MILES ON IT, A TICKING NOISE THAT COMES FOR THE VEHICLE WHEN IT'S IDLING IN REVERSE AND THE MYSTERIOUS R/R TIRE CONCERN. I CONTACTED HONDA CARE TODAY SPOKE WITH A CLAIM REP AND REQUESTED TO HAVE A HONDA REGIONAL REP OR SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE DEALERSHIP'S MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE SINCE IT'S BEEN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. I ALSO REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE R/R TIRE THAT WAS REPLACED. I WAS TOLD, "WE'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING AT THIS TIME AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP IN ELMHURST, IL AND TO HAVE THE SERVICE MANAGER GET INVOLVED." THE CLAIM REP ALSO STATED THAT HE SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THAT SAME DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I QUESTIONED THE CLAIM REP STATED THE SERVICE MANAGER WASN'T INVOLVED WITH THE REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE, HIS SERVICE ADVISOR WAS SO OF COUSE HE WOULD TELL YOU WHAT'S ON THE INVOICE. *TR

  25. Air bags, Mar 27, 2012, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED FROM THE REAR AND WAS PUSHED FORWARD INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED FROM THE CRASH. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUFFERED NECK INJURIES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48,800. SM.