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.
Structure, Aug 23, 2021
The paint on my civic began to peel after a few years. Honda did repaint some of the panels for free but others were not fixed. It has continued to peel on many other panels. I went to get an estimate on selling my car from a dealer yesterday and was told that the peeling paint was causing over a $1000 in lost resale value.
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition switch, the ignition switch would not turn, and the engine could not be started. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The ignition switch was replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Air bags, Aug 2, 2021
The air bag indicator light goes on intermittently. Just started and very concerning. Based on review of NHTSA site this has been reported many times. Should be investigated for recall before someone is seriously injured.
Air bags, Jul 11, 2021
"CHECK AIR BAG SYSTEM" KEEPS COMING ON AND THEN IT TURNS OFF BY ITSELF, IT DISAPPEARS FOR A MONTH OR SO THEN IT COMES BACK AGAIN, WHEN IT COMES BACK, MESSAGE SHOWS UP FOR A FEW DAYS TO A WEEK THEN GOES AWAY AGAIN... VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE THE CAR. NOT SURE WHY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE YET. IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND HAVE THE SAME ISSUE PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT SO THIS ISSUE GETS ADDRESSED.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2021
Put the car into reverse, backed up, put the car into drive, applied pressure to the gas peddle, then car then jerked, shook, had to pull over to let car rest, drove slow back home. Since then around 3000 rpm the car will hesitate. Replaced spark plugs, put in Sea Foam engine cleaning solution Diagnostic computer does not show anything wrong.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2021
Black Crystal Pearl Paint fading on roof
Visibility/wiper, Jul 9, 2021
Driving through a thunderstorm in 2019 on SB highway 49 in Arkansas. Large bolt of lightning in the distance with very loud thunder. My windshield wipers cam to ta complete stop and started up again within a few seconds. Date of occurrence is only approx.
Steering, Jul 5, 2021
My 2013 Honda Civic has just 80000 miles. 4 lights came on recently: ABS, Brakes, Power Steering and VSA lights. I took it to the honda dealership to get it diagnosed. They said it's the VSA modulator that has gone bad and needs replacing. The part is $1500 not including labor. This part is a known problem for civic and accord models and other honda models. My car still drive normal but those lights indicate a huge risk. I would like to get it repaired but the dealer said they don't have that part, it's on back order with no ETA. This means that it is a common problem where everyone is looking for it and supply ran out. Also I was told that Thailand did a recall on this part and honda agreed to the recall. This is a safety issue and many cars out there have same issues at even lower mileage than mine. And my car 80k miles is still very new. Would you please open an investigation and hopefully have honda do a recall on this part asap. Thanks, jeremy
Service brakes, Jun 1, 2021
THE VSA MODULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE AND PART ARE CURRENTLY WITH A DEALERSHIP [FOR ONE MONTH AT TIME OF MESSAGE] AND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. THE VSA CONTROLS WHEEL SPIN AND BRAKING ALONG WITH OTHER FUNCTIONS WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MADE IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD. BRAKING WAS NOT THE SAME. THE PART WAS INSPECTED BY DEALERSHIP MECHANIC WHO STATED THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT WORK ON. AS A RESULT THE PART MUST BE REPLACED. WHEN CAR STARTED ABS, POWER STEERING, AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING. THE LIGHTS WOULD OCCASIONALLY TURN OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING.
Air bags, Apr 22, 2021
THE PASSANGER AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM UNTIL THIS YEAR.
Service brakes, Apr 20, 2021
UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, I HAVE HAD MY CALIPERS AND ROTORS CHANGED 6 TIMES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT'S A HONDA CIVIC DESIGN ISSUE. THAT BEING SAID ON NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS COMING OFF AN INTERSTATE OR MANY STOPS IN THE CITY MY CAR WILL NOT STOP NO MATTER WHAT. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS TO BE PULLED. IT IS WORSE WHEN PEOPLE ARE IN THE CAR. THE BRAKES HEAT UP SO MUCH THAT I CAN'T DO ANYTHING.
Air bags, Apr 10, 2021
FEW MOTHS BACK AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ONE HAD IT CHECKED THEY THOUGHT A PINCHED WIRE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS THE PROBLEM 400 LATER SAID IT WAS FIXED. THEN RECENTLY EXACTLY 3 MONTHS LATER IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN CHECKED IT AGAIN AT HONDA AFTER 4 HOURS THEY FINALLY FOUND OUT WAS WRONG ITS THR DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG INFLATAR. DID A CLAIM BUT WAS REFUSED DUE TO THE FACT APPARENTLY MY 2013 ISN'T UNDER RECALL AND DUE TO THE FACT MY 2013 HAS BEEN ON ROAD FOR A WHOPPING 8 YEARS ITS JUST PLAIN WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE THE CLAIM ADJUSTER COMPARED IT TO CHANGING THE OIL IN MY CAR. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE AND AIRBAGS AND INFLATORS ARE USUALLY CONSIDERED A LIFETIME GUARENTEE FOR CARS. SO I HAD TO SHED 1400 FOR THE INFLATOR . I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE MY CAR ANYWHERE TILL IT'S FIXED. WHAT BUGS ME IS THE FACT IT'S NOT WITH THE RECALL EVENTHOUGH IT'S THE SAME ISSUE. THE CLAIMS PERSON BASICALLY CONFIRMED IF I DROVE IT MORE I HAVE A HIGHER CHANCE OF IT EXPLODING.
Structure, Apr 8, 2021
CLOUDINESS IN PAINT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. TODAY, A HUGE PIECE OF PAINT TORE OFF MY TRUNK LID AT THE CAR WASH.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 23, 2021
I WAS DRIVING NORMAL ON A BUSY STREET (WITH GAS IN MY TANK) AND SUDDENLY MY CAR AIRBAG LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE SCREEN AND KEPT FLASHING. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ABS EMERGENCY BREAK LIGHTS SHOWED UP ON THE SCREEN AND EVERYTHING IN MY CAR STARTED FLASHING AND AUTOMATICALLY TOOK OVER. THE CAR WOULDN'T BREAK EVEN WHEN I WAS PRESSING ON THE BREAK, IT KEPT MOVING EVEN WHEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TOOK OVER! MY CAR SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY STREET BY ITSELF. THE EMERGERNCY BREAK LIGHTS ALSO DIDNT TURNED OFF! IT WAS A VERY SCARY MOMENT BECAUSE, I WAS ABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITH THE CAR LOCKED AND SHUT OFF. RIGHT NOW I HAD TO GET AAA TO TOW IT TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE, NOTHING IS TURNING ON. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS AN MANUFACTURING ISSUE OR NOT?!
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2021
TWO LIGHTS ON MY DASH CAME ON , ONE LIGHT IS FOR ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING AND THE OTHER IS FOR VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST. THESE LIGHTS CAME ON RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AT LESS THAN 15 MILES PER HOUR PULLING AWAY FROM A CURB. AS A RESULT, MY POWER STEERING BECAME HEAVY, ALTHOUGH IT STILL FUNCTIONS. VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL IS NO LONGER USABLE. FURTHER INSPECTION FROM A CODE READER SHOWS THAT THESE LIGHTS CAME ON AS A RESULT OF A GROUND TO BODY SHORT.
Air bags, Nov 22, 2020
MY 2013 HONDA CIVIC CONSISTENTLY HAS THE "CHECK AIR BAG SYSTEM" INDICATOR COMES ON 75% TO 80% OF THE TIME WHEN I BEGIN TO DRIVE IT. IT'S UNKNOWN WHY THIS OCCURS? IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY OR ON THE HIGHWAYS. MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET FROM FELLOW CIVIC OWNERS. THIS OCCURS ONLY ON THE MODEL YEAR 2013. MY CONCERN IS IF I WOULD BE IN AN ACCIDENT, I'VE BEEN TOLD IF THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL NOT DEPLOY AND POSSIBLY COULD CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO HAVE SUCH A QUALITY AUTOMOBILE COMPANY LIKE HONDA NOT TO INVESTIGATE AND HAVE THIS FIXED. MY CAR LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 30K MILES ON IT. I'VE CHECK MY VIN NUMBER FOR RECALLS BUT THERE ARE NONE. I WENT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD RUN A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK FOR $139.00 BUT SAID THAT WOULDN'T GUARANTEE A FIX SOLUTION. AND INTERNET OWNERS HAVE PAID FOR THIS TO NO AVAIL FOR A FIX SOLUTION. THEN MORE DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS WOULD BE REQUIRED AND WHO KNOWS AT WHAT EXPENSE? I'M ASKING TO PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILIES WELL BEING AND SAFETY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 11, 2020
MY WIFE CAME OUT TO USE THE CAR AND SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT SHE SAID THAT SHE COULDN'T DRIVE IT, STEERING WAS SO HEAVY TO TURN ETC. I WAS SO GLAD IT HAPPENED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND NOT IN THE STREETS OR FREEWAY WE'RE I THINK SOMETHING BAD WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY WIFE AND THE CAR.
Steering, Nov 9, 2020
TURNED ON VEHICLE, PUT IN REVERSE BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED SUDDENLY. WHEEL WAS TIGHT AND SHAKY. THE POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE AND ICON ONLY APPEARED AS FAILURE OCCURRED. I PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE. TURNED VEHICLE BACK ON, POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE WAS GONE BUT ICON WAS STILL THERE. I PUT GEAR IN DRIVE, WHEEL STILL TIGHT AND SHAKY AND DROVE FOWARD BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANICS, THEY SAID I NEED ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING UNIT. I THEN DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP TO GET THEIR DIAGNOSIS.
Structure, Oct 26, 2020
MY 2013 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN WITH LESS THAN 54,000 MILES ON IT, HAS THE PAINT PEELING PROBLEM AS OUTLINED IN HONDA'S TSB #14-034 WHEREAS THIS MODEL YEAR IS GRANTED A 7 YEAR EXTENSION ON ITS PAINT. HOWEVER, HONDA HAS PUT IN SOME ESCAPE WINDOWS TO GET OUT OF THIS, THE MAIN ONE BEING WHEN YOU ACTUALLY ROLLED THE CAR OFF OF THE DEALERSHIP'S LOT. AFTER TAKING MY CIVIC IN TO HAVE THE PAINT REPAIRED, THEIR DPSM (A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE), WOULD NOT ALLOW IT TO BE FIXED AT THEIR COST. I AM ALMOST 60 YEARS OLD NOW, AND FOR OVER 20 YEARS, I WAS A PROFESSIONAL AND CERTIFIED MECHANIC, AND SERVICE MANAGER AS WELL. I HAD ALSO WORKED ALMOST 6 YEARS IN THE ONLY MERCEDES-BENZ FACTORY LOCATED IN THE U.S. BETWEEN 1980-1990 WHEN IT CLOSED HERE IN OUR AREA OF VIRGINIA. WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE, AND THIS OBVIOUS FACTORY PAINT DEFECT, ONE WOULD THINK THAT A COMPANY SUCH AS HONDA, WOULD HONOR THE QUALITY STANDARD OF THEIR PRODUCTS. NOT THE CASE AT ALL HERE. AFTER GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH THEIR FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE AT AMERICAN HONDA ON THE TELEPHONE JUST NOW, THEY ARE ONLY WILLING TO COVER ABOUT $850 OF A $3100.00 PAINT JOB. BEING A FORMER MECHANIC AND SERVICE MANAGER WHO HAS WORKED FOR YEARS WITH TSB'S AND SAFETY RECALLS, THIS TRULY ASTOUNDS ME HERE. SWITCHING OVER TO TOYOTAS NOW AFTER 43 YEARS OF BEING A FAITHFUL HONDA CUSTOMER. AS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC, I WOULD STAY CLEAR OF THESE HONDA VEHICLES DUE TO THIS ISSUE, AND IT GOES ACROSS THEIR MANY PRODUCT LINES OVER MANY YEARS TOO. MECHANICALLY FOR THE MOST PART, HONDAS ARE GREAT VEHICLES. BUT IT IS SHAMEFUL TO SEE THEM RUNNING AROUND HERE ONLY A FEW YEARS PAST NEW, WITH THEIR PAINT JOBS PEELING OFF. THEY NEED TO HONOR THESE REPAIRS. THERE IS ONLY RIGHT AND WRONG IN LIFE, NEVER AN IN-BETWEEN. STAY AWAY FROM HONDAS.
Air bags, Oct 19, 2020
AIRBAG WARNING TURNS ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WARNING COMES ON RANDOMLY, SOMETIMES A FEW SECONDS AFTER START, OTHER TIMES HOURS, OTHER TIMES IT REMAINS OFF. IF VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, WARNING GOES AWAY. WARNING CAN REMAIN OFF FOR DAYS AND RE-IGNITE FOR NO REASON. WARNING TURNS ON WITH OR WITHOUT PASSENGER. WHEN TESTED, NO CODES COME BACK. VEHICLE AT 61,316 MILES.
Air bags, Oct 12, 2020
MY CAR STARTED SHOWING AIRBAG WARNING STATING "CHECK AIR BAG SYSTEM". THE CAR DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING JUST TO GET THE ERROR CODE FOR THIS MESSAGE.
Air bags, Oct 1, 2020
MY CAR AIRBAG NEET TO BE REPLACE SO I NEED RECALL TO REPLACE IT THANKS
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2020
MY 2013 HONDA CIVIC HAS 43,000 MILES AND THE STARTER IS ALREADY BREAKING. I READ THAT THE 2013 ACCORD WAS RECALLED FOR THE STARTER BUT NOT THE CIVIC. ACCORDING TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP THE SAME STARTERS WERE USED IN BOTH CARS, BUT THE CIVIC WAS NOT RECALLED. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AS WELL, BUT HONDA TOLD ME THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO REPLACE THEM. HOWEVER, THEY SAY I AM RESPONSIBLE SO REPLACING THE STARTER.
Structure, Aug 24, 2020
PEELING PAINT ON MY 2013 HONDA CIVIC LX. AMERICAN HONDA REFUSES TO COVER COST OF PAINTING EXCEPT FOR $1,500 OF THE DEALERSHIP'S $6,000 ESTIMATE. THE PEELING STARTED ON THE ROOF AND IS SPREADING ALL OVER MY CAR.
Air bags, Jul 16, 2020
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING IT