2016 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,081 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 36 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeOct 11, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Civic two door and four door 1.5L turbo and 2.0L vehicles. The electric parking brake (EPB) may not engage if it is applied immediately after turning the ignition off.
If the EPB is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to allow the EPB to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KC6.
Campaign 16V725000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 11, 2016
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic 2-Door vehicles manufactured February 23, 2016, through May 20, 2016. The affected vehicles may have a damaged LED side marker light circuit board inside the taillight assembly, making the marker light inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
If a side marker light does not function, vehicle visibility can be decreased to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect both the taillight assemblies, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KB8.
Campaign 16V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineFeb 9, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic vehicles manufactured September 22, 2015, to February 3, 2016 and equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip.
If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners were mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JX9.
Campaign 16V074000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
36 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2026
Honda civic is stalling while driving due to faulty fuel pump or fuel delivery component. Computer not coordinating correct power.
Power train, Engine, May 7, 2026
2016 Honda Civic EX-T 1.5L turbo. Coolant is disappearing with no visible external leak. Diagnosed by mechanic as likely head gasket failure. This is a known defect affecting 2016-2022 Civics with the 1.5T engine. There is an active class action lawsuit (Alcantara et al. v. American Honda Motor Co.) regarding this exact issue. Vehicle has approximately 190,000 miles.”
Power train, Sep 12, 2025
The CVT transmission causes the car to stall when gaining acceleration past 20 mph-40 mph from a complete stop and when slowing down and then trying to gain rpm with flow of traffic whether on streets or highways. This can cause a safety concern for the driver if the car stalls out in the middle of oncoming traffic in the streets or highways that could potentially lead to death of owner and others. The car was taken to the dealership and no warning lamps were on. The tech had mentioned that they see this problem a lot with this model containing the CVT transmissions.
Power train, Jul 16, 2025
Upon a quick right turn into traffic, the right front drive axle shaft snapped in two, leaving the vehicle without propulsion.
Power train, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, the contact was informed that both CV axles were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Engine, Nov 11, 2024
Over a several month period the car was losing radiator fluid. I figured it was probably a stuck thermostat and the fluid was coming from the overflow. But only once did I see a minimal amount of fluid. Not near the amount that had been lost in the cooling system. Fast forward a few months and I am driving home. Top speed starts out at the speed limit of 70 and slowly slips to 65 then 60. Giving it more gas would increase the rpms but no power or forward thrust was making to the tires. It was as if, it was falling into neutral. The next morning drive to work was much worse. starting with a top speed of 65 within 10 miles on the highway the top speed went to 55 then to 45 then 35. When the top speed was 45 mph I took the first exit and made it through a stop sign on the service road. With a crawling speed of 10 mph it limped into a strip-center parking lot. Once it was stopped, pushing the gas pedal would increase rpms but no forward movement. So, I assumed a new transmission (CTV) was in my future and had it towed to a local dependable, honest, five-star reviewed auto shop. They found it misfiring and upon investigation find radiator fluid in the oil. So, they tell me the engine died and they could not even check the transmission. In the end, a used engine with 40K miles was put in it, a newer used transmission, and a new turbo (it was bad too). $14,000 + dollars is what the shop charged in June of 24 and Dec of 23. I tried to no avail to have the turbo covered under a lifetime warranty of an autobody shop that had replaced it following a road hazard claim that damaged it.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 23, 2024
The air conditioner does not blow cold air. The heating and fan work just fine, but no cool air. I was told by Honda that if it’s not because of the recall, that I would have to pay, and that just wasn’t feasible at the time.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2024
- HONDA CVT TRANSMISSION: 4356 - Went out. Is available for inspection within the week. - My daughter was driving on the freeway in the fast lane when vehicle started making loud hum noise then, came to a stop. She had to coast to the side of the road, where she was almost hit by multiple vehicles. - Yes Vehicle has been inspected by a independent service center - towed by USAA insurance. - Has been inspected by other: Davis Auto Clinic, Davis, CA 95616 - No warning lights came on, or symptoms of the problem. Only hum noise which began 5 minutes before car stalled in middle of freeway. First appeared at time of stall, no warning at all.
Power train, Engine, Jun 4, 2024
Turbo charger malfunctioned went out
Power train, Mar 7, 2024
Transmission shifted out of gear into neutral driving down the highway with no available gear options no warning lights nothing.
Power train, Aug 9, 2023
My Honda Civic with manual transmission, suddenly would not go into gear and lost power (engine still running). Fortunately, I was able to coast to the opposite side of the road across oncoming traffic, since there was no right shoulder. After a tow home, I discovered that the manual clutch slave cylinder was detached from the engine block (photo attached) and of the 2 connecting bolts (photo attached), one was sheared and the other was intact but unconnected. The last service to the vehicle was with Manly Honda service in Santa Rosa, CA replacing the AC condenser and compressor. I called them to see if they had not secured the 2 bolts after completing the AC service. The service manager said that they would not have removed this clutch slave cylinder in the AC service. I advised the service manager that if the clutch cylinder had not been removed by them, then it could be a safety hazard issue that should be reported to Honda Motors. After some online research, I have discovered that this problem has been experiened by other Honda Civic owners.
Steering, Power train, Mar 16, 2023
Steering system console. Remove and replace rack and pinion assembly
Power train, Engine, Nov 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while the vehicle was idling or driving at various speeds, she depressed the accelerator pedal however, the RPM’s increased and the engine revved; however, there was an extended delay before the vehicle responded. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Power train, Oct 20, 2022
TRANSMISSION FAILED
Steering, Power train, Sep 17, 2022
Steering wheel has some extra resistance (sticking, stiff and jerky) when making small corrections at any speeds, resulting in extra pressure being applied to break the resistance, resulting in sharp (hard) correction changes.
Power train, Dec 23, 2021
I experienced a total catastrophic failure of the transmission with less than 55000 miles and only 5 years and 1 month old. The transmission needed to be replaced.
Power train, Aug 16, 2021
When driving for over 15-20 minutes started to noticed my steering begin to become stiff then would being to stick. Found the longer I drove the stiffer it would become, as well if I was going over 55 mpg it would stick more and more. Took it to the Dealership had no error codes and they couldn't find anything. Have taken back to the Dealership after having a private mechanic look at it as well as doing some research and other people having the same issue and they have confirmed the issue being with the Power Steering Assembly(Part # 53650-TVC-A21). This issue is sporadic and gradually gets worse.
Power train, Jul 6, 2021
The contact's son owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while her son was driving 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle temporarily stalled. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred whenever the gear shifter was shifted to DRIVE. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the transmission needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
Power train, May 10, 2021
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR 7 MONTHS AGO FROM ELITE MOTORS IN SACRAMENTO I ALSO NOUGHT A WARRANTY FOR POWER TRAIN. IMMEDIATELY THE A/C WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. THEY FIXED IT. NOW IT'S BLOWING HOT AIR AGAIN. I WENT TO A SHOP TO FILL FREON THEY SAID THERE IS STILL PRESSURE IN IT AND TGAT THEY NEED A DIAGNOSIS FIRST BECAUSE IT COULD BE A CONDENSER. I DO NOT HAVE $260 TO DIAGNOSE THIS CAR. CAN HONDA BE FORCED TO REPAIR THIS?
Power train, Sep 26, 2020
MY 2016 HONDA CIVIC EXL A/C SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKING. FOR THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE I WOULD THINK THE A/C SYSTEM WOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS YET. I GOT A NOTICE IN THE MAIL THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CONDENSER SYSTEM DUE TO LEAKS, SO I TOOK IT IN THINKING THIS WAS GOING TO BE THE ISSUE. I FIND OUT I'M OUT $100 FOR THE INSPECTION EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T THE CONDENSER AND THAT THE ISSUE IS INSTEAD THE COMPRESSOR THAT IS LEAKING! THESE PARTS ARE SO CLOSELY RELATED THAT HONDA SHOULD BE DOING A COMPLETE RECALL ON THE WHOLE AC SYSTEM! I LOOKED ONLINE FOR OTHERS TO SEE IF THEY WERE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND OF COURSE THEY ARE! WHAT A SURPRISE, IT SEEMS AS IF HONDA IS ALSO AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ARE DOING NOTHING TO RESOLVE OR FIX THEIR FAULTY AC SYSTEMS. THERE COMPRESSORS ARE ON BACK ORDER 3-4 WEEKS OUT. I BELIEVE HONDA SHOULD RECALL THEIR COMPLETE HONDA CIVIC'S 16-18 FOR FAULTY AC SYSTEMS!
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 17, 2020
FIRST, THE NEW "NO FUEL CAP" FUEL PUMP SUCKS.. IT ALWAYS GET STUCKED WHEN I'M PUMPING GAS AT ANY GAS STATION. OIL WILL SPILL OUT. BTW (THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM) SECOND, AC PARTS! YES, I KNOW THAT HONDA HAD A LAWSUIT FOR THEIR AC AND DID A RECALL ON THEIR AC CONDENSER. THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER PARTS THAT HAVE DESIGN ERRORS BUT HONDA REFUSED TO ACKNOWLDEGGED THEIR MISTAKES. FOR EXAMPLE, AC EVAPORTATOR? AC COMPRESSOR? PLEASE HELP ALL THE HONDA CIVIC BUYERS! THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2020
TRANSMISSION FILL PLUG CAME OUT AND LEAKED FLUID ALL OVER MY TRANSMISSION. THE FLUID WAS CHANGED AT MY LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. ONLY NOTICED WHILE I WAS CHANGING MY OIL ON 9/6/2020. I HAVE NO IDEA TO WHEN THE PLUG CAME OUT AND STARTED LEAKING. I LOOKED IT UP IN ONLINE FORUMS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID IT WILL GET DIRT OR OTHER MATERIALS IN MY TRANSMISSION AND MESS IT UP. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO IT BY TAKING THE AIR-INTAKE OFF AND PUTTING THE PLUG BACK IN PLACE. WILL BE REPORTING THIS TO MY DEALERSHIP AS WELL.
Power train, Engine, Jul 7, 2020
A COUPLE OF TIMES WHILE IM STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT MY CAR STALLS, I TOOK IT TO A HONDA DEALER BUT THEY DIDNT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I'M WORRIED THAT I GET IN TO A CAR ACCIDENT IF MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPS WHILE IM DRIVING.
Power train, Engine, Jun 15, 2020
OVER THE LAST YEAR MY 2016 HONDA CIVIC FELT LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I DIDN'T KNOW IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG UNTIL IT DID IT WHEN MY HUSBAND DROVE IT. A FEW WEEKS AGO I GOT AN OIL CHANGE AND 2 DAYS LATER I WENT GROCERY SHOPPING AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START IT FINALLY DID AND I MADE IT HOME. LATER THAT AFTERNOON I STARTED MY CAR AND MY CABIN FILLED WITH THE WORSE SMELL OF GAS AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER GAGGED. MY DIPSTICK FOR OIL SMELT I F GAS TOO. I GOOGLED THIS AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS AN OIL DILUTION PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID NOTHING IS WRONG BASICALLY BECAUSE IT DID NOT THROW A CODE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ON. HONDA HAS NOT RECALLED THUS BUT THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THEY ARE OFFERING A UPDATE BUT ONLY TO OWNERS BACK EAST IN COKD WEATHER STATES. WELL I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG AND MY DEALER SAID I CANT GET UPDATE UNLESS THEY SEE THAT CODE. I CAN'T CONTACT HONDA DIRECTLY BECAUSE THEY ARE UNAVAILABLE I MAY LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BUT I LIVE IN T HE MOUNTAINS AND ITS COLD AND SNOWY HERE 6 TO 8 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR SO I SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO THIS UPGRADE ALSO. BUT LOCAL DEALER CAN'T DO ANYTHING SO NOW I DRIVE IT AND CAUSE MORE HARM TO MY ENGINE I AM AWARE THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ON HONDA FIR THUS OIL DILUTION ISSUE AND B THEY NEED TO DO A RECALL. I WANT MY CAR FIXED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 28, 2020
MY CAR AC IS BLOWING HOT AIR SINCE JANUARY 2019. MY CAR IS MAKING SOUND WHENEVER I TURN ON. FEBRUARY 28, 2020, MY CAR WAS SUDDENLY STOPPED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY.