2013 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 319 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 29 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
319 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2024
Intelligent inverter unit need replace, there was a recall on Honda Civics with this problem. "But our civic was not on the recall list, which it should have been no reason was given why it was not, it fit all the recall criteria but was not recalled. Could have broken down on the highway in an unsafe area. Sterling Honda inspected the unit and said it needed to be replaced, which we did at a cost of $2500. Would like to know why it was not recalled. It fit all the recall criteras.
Air bags, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed front driver's side air bag clock spring and inflator. The contact was informed that the front driver's side air bag clock spring and inflator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2024
Recently purchased vehicle. When test driving airbag light did not light. Now airbag light goes on intermittently indicating fault in srs airbag protection system. Multiple owners of this vehicle have reported this problem on this make and model on internet.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2024
ABS (Antilock Brake System) failure which also affects the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist).
Air bags, Jul 13, 2024
Airbag system warning appeared in front of the dashboard without any accident or fault. We need the specific concerned government or entity for recall action of Honda company with this for safety purposed before its too late.
Engine, Jun 7, 2024
Evap system light also comes on at lower temperatures, and sporadically at warmer temperatures. It used to happen only once every couple of weeks, but now it comes on (and eventually turns off again) every day. Throws the codes P0497 - Evaporative Emission System Low Purge Flow and P145C - Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Range/Performance Problem. I've had my purge flow valve replaced, and not even two months later both errors have come back. My mechanic has looked at the car and cannot figure out what's going on, but lots of people online are having the same issue, which makes me think it's not just me.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 7, 2024
The airbag light comes on sporadically - almost all of the time when it's cold, and then on/off when it is warmer. Throws the code B0001-13 - Open or Increased Resistance in Driver's Airbag Inflator. Brought it to the dealership and they told me that I needed to get the whole driver's side airbag replaced (to the tune of $1300 dollars). With the plethora of recalls surrounding 2000s to 2010s Civics, I have a hard time believing this shouldn't be covered under some sort of recall, especially with the amount of other people online who have experienced the same issue.
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 3, 2024
Purchased November 2023 not even 1 week warning lamps, messages / adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, brake systems, failure lights alarming at the same time. Took to dealer cleared sensors. A matter of days alarms going off again. Call dealer they want to keep vehicle for diagnostic. When they did diagnostic it was another problem. They repair guy also mentioned not to apply E-brake. He said their is a possibility that it may completely lock. I will be taking vehicle to another dealership for 2nd opinion.
Air bags, Mar 26, 2024
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding a recurring issue with my vehicle's airbag system. Despite no physical damage to the vehicle and no apparent impact on the functionality of the airbag system, I am consistently receiving a "Check Airbag System" warning code. This message intermittently appears and disappears, causing significant uncertainty and raising serious safety concerns. Given the critical role of airbags in ensuring passenger safety, any inconsistency or potential malfunction in the system poses a significant risk. Even though there have been no visible signs of damage or issues, the persistent appearance of this warning message suggests an underlying problem that demands immediate attention. As a conscientious vehicle owner, I place the highest priority on the safety of myself, passengers, and fellow road users. Consequently, I implore Honda, as the manufacturer, to conduct a thorough investigation and promptly address the recurring issue with my vehicle's airbag system. Ensuring that the airbag system operates reliably and consistently is paramount to safeguarding lives in the event of an accident. Regrettably, when I approached the Honda dealership for assistance, I was informed that I would be held accountable for the cost of diagnostics and potentially the repairs. This response is unacceptable. Honda should assume responsibility for resolving a safety concern of this magnitude. I urge Honda to reconsider their stance and take decisive action to rectify this matter without imposing financial burdens on their customers. By assuming accountability and prioritizing safety above all else, Honda can uphold its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Thank you for your immediate attention to this pressing issue. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Air bags, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was acquired and equipped with air bags. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently and now the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was scheduled for a service appointment in several days. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2024
Amid sliding briefly on ice, the driver side front and rear curtain airbags of my 2013 Honda Civic deployed. No collision or impact occurred to trigger this and, correspondingly, no external damage to the vehicle was sustained. Post-airbag deployment, despite the unexpected bodily impact, sudden jolt, and visual obstruction caused by the airbags, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and maneuver to a nearby parking lot. Upon visual inspection of the vehicle, I confirmed no evidence of collision. The following day, Honda ran full diagnostics on the vehicle. The dealership indicated tests would reveal certain codes triggered w/ airbag deployment (what caused them to deploy). Inspection results, however, revealed no codes found in the proprietary computer, nor other detectable evidence of any cause. I asked whether a defect was possible and was told this could neither be confirmed nor ruled out. Per the dealer's explanation, only the presence of improper codes could reveal this with absolute certainty. In essence, the only explanation I received was that no explanation could be found. Honda denied my request to put these details in writing. I was given only a vague summary of the damage and a list of costs required for repair, totaling to over $10,000 (invoice attached). Geico said damages caused by airbag deployment are not covered by any policy unless a collision is reported. If deployment occurs w/o collision but other valid causal factor(s) are detected by inspection, damages may be covered under collision; However, if no cause is determined and no collision has occurred, damages are not covered. I am now left with a vehicle that is extremely unsafe to drive, over $10,000 worth of damage that neither insurance nor manufacturer will cover, and a left-side rib injury obtained by airbag impact, w/ associated ER costs. Although I obtained only minor physical injuries from this incident, myself and/or others could have been seriously injured or killed.
Air bags, Jan 26, 2024
Passenger side curtain airbag deployed on its own as car slowed down approaching a stop sign. No accident occurred. Vehicle inspected by Honda dealership also reported no sign of accident occurring
Air bags, Dec 7, 2023, crash
Vehicle received large amounts of front end damage at approximately 45 mph and totalled with no air bag deployment
Structure, Nov 27, 2023, crash
The assembly of the 2013 Honda civic ex was missing the rear bumper impact absorber. The component was not noticed until a collision removed the rear bumper from the car, exposing the interior of the assembly. The omission of the impact absorber in the bumper assembly from the manufacturer directly puts my safety at risk because this part is designed to absorb energy in a collision, and without the part I am more likely to be in a more serious accident. This problem was first noticed by the service shop who had confirmed that the part was missing from the assembly, and that it was a safety feature of the vehicle. The component had only been inspected by the independent service shop. There was no indication of the missing component before the accident
Visibility/wiper, Oct 26, 2023
Wiper blade broke in an explosive fashion upon activating throwing plastic and metal components onto the drive way. Since this was in the drive way the components did not cause any harm to any other property but if this was the high way it is likely the components may have caused damage to other vehicles or motorcyclists. Wiper blade was purchased new 3 weeks prior to incident on 10-03-2023 and failed on 10-26-2023, in this time frame the vehicle had not been used frequently as it was having multiple parts repaired so the part should not have much wear and tear. The wiper blade is saved and available to test, it broke into 7 separate pieces in an explosive fashion including 2 metal wires, blade backing broke into 2 pieces, component that holds blade to mechanism broke to two pieces and a single rubber blade. Mechanism that holds blade in place was left in a jagged state. Concern was that if blade was allowed to continue operating it may have caused damage to glass. There are no warnings and component has not been notified to manufacturer yet but I will look into contacting manufacturer after completing this report during their next business hours.
Air bags, Sep 19, 2023
My "Check Air Bags" light came on last week. It now stays on. I am unsure as to why. I have never had my air bag deploy. Is this due to the mileage on my vehicle, which is at 81,300+ miles?
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Sep 15, 2023
I have sever paint issues and the blades wipers thet go bad faster
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2023
Car sitting on level ground, driven previous day with no problem. Upon unsuccessfully trying to start car, I smelled strong gasoline odor. I turned off ignition and opened hood and observed nothing unusual. I backed car up enough to get out to check for gas puddle. There was a puddle about 24 inches across of gasoline where car had been parked. I have arranged to have vehicle towed to independent auto repair. Note: gas was leaking from above rear driver's side wheel.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 26, 2023
Warning lights appeared on my dashboard one morning. I took it to a honda dealer in frisco tx and they advised that my VSA module that controls my ABS system has failed. They advised the part is on back order and could not provide any repairs due to that. Currently my ABS system does not function due to the the failed part that Honda can not replace. They also would not provide repairs even I could source a used part.
Service brakes, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 8, 2023
The VSA modulator is a known issue from honda. Mine went out while going down the highway. So many have gone bad recently that the modular is hard to get due to backorder. Warning lamps: Check brake system, Check ABS system, Check VSA & Check Power Steering. First three were one after another. Check power steering was about 10 seconds after the others.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 30, 2023
The component that has failed is the abs modulator system. The problem with the abs modulator failing on me puts me and my family at great risk including death because the abs modulator works alongside with the brakes, power steering and the vsa system all of which are the main components to a cars safety. Yes I have take my Honda to a certified technician who informed me that the and modulator has gone bad and will need to be replaced immediately due my safety alongside everyone who is on the road. Lastly when I first purchased the car everything my worked fine and their were no problems whatsoever until one day I was driving down the road and suddenly the abs light, power steering light, vsa light, and brake light all turned on which led to my car having horrible performance alongside my brakes feeling sloppy as well as my steering literally moving even though I was going straight. Overall I hope that you will finally do something about this problem because it is very frustrating.
Power train, Jul 20, 2023
I have to turn on my car start driving it no more than like 15 to 10 mph and then it shakes it jerks and cut off and it does that repeatedly until I pass second gear
Steering, Jul 16, 2023
Car gives the following codes: Check Power Steering, Check Brake System, Check ABS, Check VSA, it would turn on and off at random times starting around November 2022, was initially informed that it could be a software update by the local Honda dealer, with a 2-3 hour labor charge to update and it might fix it. Eventually the lights would remain on most of the time and I could now pay for a diagnostic which determined the VSA modulator was defective (Code DTC 121-11). This diagnosis was generated on March 18, 2023, as of this date, July 16, 2023 there is no ETA for the part to arrive but have been informed 9 other VSA modulators have been ordered and I am 6th in line, none have arrived to this particular local Honda parts department. Looking online there appears to be a trend of car owners of 2012-2014 Honda Civics and Honda Accords that have observed their VSA modulators fail. The modulator is only manufactured by Honda and currently it does not appear that there is any viable solution apart from purchasing a new part and programing it to the vehicle by the Honda dealer. From my understanding this component ensures the stability of the vehicle in different terrains and ensures the stability of the vehicle in wet conditions.
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2023
All lights are on the 2013 Honda Civic LX. I took it to the dealer and turns out to be a faulty VSA Modulator... they quoted me $2000 for labor and parts. After extensive research, noticed many other Hondas in the same generation have the same issue. Should be a recall!
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 30, 2023
Dash looks like a Christmas tree. All came on at one time. Changed everything we can think of