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
1,081 reports, newest first.
Steering, Electrical system, May 29, 2024
Car suffers from sticky steering like the other newer civics and it is a very scary issue. My car does not drive straight and as it is getting hotter in Louisiana my car is acting up more. I am constantly swerving to keep it straight. Almost hit car in another lane and I have to fight against the wheel to make it stay straight. There are no warning lights. I have regular maintenance done. It also tried to turn another way when I go from a slow to fast speed, making merging or turning into an interstate feel dangerous. Honda dealership checked it and found “no issues” they just did an alignment and said that was it. Well the sticky steering still exists and is getting worse. Please make a recall I do not feel safe.
Steering, May 29, 2024
The steering becomes sticky or stuck in position at higher speeds causing me to have to jerk the wheel back and forth to keep the car in the lane. It's very unsafe at highway speeds.
Structure, May 27, 2024
When jacking car to change tire, the lift point crumbled due to corrosion causing the car to fall back to the ground. There was no obvious evidence of extreme corrosion; it rusted from the inside. It is unknown how much more structural rust is inside the unibody but the car may no longer be safe for the road.
Structure, May 26, 2024
Driving the car home at 6pm on a highway, and heard a loud pop sound, but there were no rocks or objects hitting the vehicle. It turn out that the sunroof glass had exploded from the center for no reason. I am only glad the sunroof was not in use/open at the time, otherwise, the shattered glass will definitely lead to some serious consequences.
Steering, May 25, 2024
Sticky and jerky steering at all speeds requiring overcorrection left or right from center and left at about 10 o'clock. No warning lights on dashboard. Dealer confirmed symptoms and replaced steering rack assembly part #53650-TBC-A22.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2024
Rear view mirror is peeling and discoloration is occurring. Causes impaired view while driving.
Steering, May 17, 2024
The steering wheel, when turning either left or right, even slightly, gets stuck almost feels like it locks and when steering to opposite side, you need to tug/jerk the steering wheel to get it unstuck. When you jerk the wheel to get it unstuck, the car wants to veer sharply in the the direction being pulled. There were several close calls evading striking a car in the lane next to my car due to the veering trying to unstick the steering wheel. This locking happens in all modes of driving - straight, fast, slow, and on curves. It does not appear at speeds under 25 mph. The sensation of losing total control of the steering is overwhelming especially when traveling on the highway at highway speeds. The sensation of losing total control is enhanced when in a curve. There is also the sensation of potential total loss of the steering. My first car was purchased in 1968 and over the years I have learned to take notice of potential dangerous conditions in vehicles. I am not a happy camper with the steering on this vehicle. The internet gossip is that it is a known issue. I do not want to wind up injured or causing injury to others because of a manufacturers defect.
Steering, May 14, 2024
Driving down the road while at higher speeds the steering wheel sticks in one spot for minor adjustments. This can cause over corrections on the drivers part and may cause a wreck involving other vehicles. It has been documented on many forums online, about others having problems with the steering with the 2016 Honda civics. This is no exception.
Steering, May 13, 2024
The steering becomes sticky after driving for about 15 minutes or so and seems to occur more on warmer days (above 70F). this occurs both at highway speeds and also at lower speeds. For example when making a slight turn to the left or right the wheel will stick at that position and you will need to force the wheel to go back to center. This can cause you to over steer and end up out of your lane. Additionally at highway speeds making the steering whell will get stuck when making slight adjustments to keep the car in its lane. forcing the wheel each time causes you to ping pong within your lane and sometimes veer out of your lane. This is very dangerous and also makes it look like you are distracted or drunk driving. Issue was confirmed by a honda dealer and indicated that the entire rack needed to be replaced. No warning lights or codes stored for the issue.
Steering, May 7, 2024
My civic (2016) is having the same 'sticking steering wheel' issue as the later year cars that are currently being recalled. This is well documented in the Honda civic forums and YouTube videos. This can lead to a very serious accident as the car can be uncontrollable. The steering wheel 'sticks' then to get it unstuck you have to apply more pressure to 'unstick' the steering wheel which results in the car swerving in the lane, it is very dangerous...
Steering, Wheels, Apr 30, 2024
My steering wheel is very sticky. Doesn't happen until I've been driving at highway speeds for at least 15 minutes. It's also worse when it's warmer. My steering wheel is so sticky to the left to the point where I don't feel safe and feel like I could fly off the curves if don't drive under the speed limit (ie feel need to drive 60mph around bends on a 70mph highway).
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2024
Few years ago I fix (pay about $1300 no body give this money back ) air Conditioning Problem in LAMACCHIA HONDA , Syracuse , NY. and [XXX] again fix air Conditioning Problem( Cover warranty from HONDA Corp.) in LAMACCHIA HONDA Syracuse, NY...now I have same Problem NO WORKING AIR CONDITIONER ..WHAT NOW ? ONE TIMES I PAY ... bellow pictures from my car Hot air coming INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Apr 29, 2024
-Steering seems to stick after long periods of highway driving, yes the car is available for inspection. -Need to overcorrect and at high speeds this could be dangerous. -No, I have taken it in to Honda for service and they cannot reproduce. I don't think they are driving it enough, I only notice it when driving for long distances. -No -No warnings
Steering, Apr 18, 2024
steering is sticking causing over correction when occurs. Most noticeable at highway speeds. Has been happening last 10,000 miles or 8 months.
Steering, Apr 14, 2024
When driving at high speeds on straight roads, the steering wheel “catches” or feels sticky when it hits the middle and makes it hard to keep the car straight and requires extra effort to turn it further. This can be quite dangerous.
Steering, Apr 14, 2024
I have noticed my steering wheel sticking consistently for the past year or so. I mostly notice this when driving on the highway at higher speeds. It requires a forceful tug in the right direction, which causes the car to jerk slightly.
Air bags, Apr 9, 2024
Went over railroad tracks just like any other car and the airbag blew for no reason. The front of the car was not hit.
Service brakes, Air, Service brakes, Apr 1, 2024, crash
The contact's parent owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while the parent was parking into a parking space, and straightening the steering wheel; the brake pedal depressed but the vehicle continued to drive. Several warning messages were displayed "Vehicle Stability Assist Problem", "Power System Steering Problem", "Hill Start Assist Problem", "Emissions Systems Problem", "Brake Hold System Problem", and "Brake System Problem". The driver noticed that the brake pedal failed to respond and the vehicle rapidly accelerated, causing the vehicle to crash into two medians and crash into a parked and unoccupied Ford Edge vehicle at unknown speeds. The stationary vehicle was pushed halfway out of the parking spot. No air bags deployed, and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 29, 2024
I have noticed for a while now. When the light turns green or I'm at a stop and I have enough time to take off the car does not move when I apply the gas. It stalls and that scares me. I have noticed my cruise control shut off the other day when driving on the freeway. And I could not turn it back on. Now when I try to apply the parking bake when I'm parked the parking brake does not turn on nor the brake hold. The lights keep flashing than turn odd My headlight in the front and back passenger don't work. I've switched out the bulbs and it's an electrical problem. I see recalls on some of these matters but honda won't do nothing because it's not on their system when I bought this car in 2016.
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.
Steering, Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and was sticking while turning in direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was more noticeable while driving at highway speeds, and caused the vehicle to drift to either side, causing the driver to make additional adjustments to keep the vehicle driving straight. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Steering, Feb 25, 2024
Power steering locks up a bit after driving for 20-30 mins. The steering is notchy and hard to turn the wheels. Dealership said the power steering assembly needs replacement which is cover for 2017 and later. Not 2016. Even it’s the same generation and same symptoms. This is a safety issue and 2016 year model should be recalled as well.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2024
FRONT BUMPER AND GRILLE O/H bumper assy RT Filler cover w/o fog lamps; Bumper cover; Impact bar; Grille; Molding Lower grille 2.0 liter; Eblem FRONT LAMPS RT HEADLAMP ASSY LT R&I HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY AIM, RT MARKER AC Air bag, MISCELLANEOUS OPERATIONS CoolantTIRE 215/55/16, new SRS module and zero point calibrate ABS module
Suspension, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2024
The past few weeks I’ve been taking my vehicle for service to the Honda Dealership located in Daphne, Alabama and I’ve been complaining about suspension problems and my main concern is my tie rod end and the dealership refuses to repair, then yesterday when I brought it in for service they charged me for a diagnostics without my permission and I asked for the report and won’t hand it over and today [XXX] they did the diagnostic again and won’t hand over the report then lied and said it’s my Mass airflow sensor and there no check engine light on. For the past for weeks I’ve been wondering why the dealership has been mistreating me and it is because of the Honda manufacture, today I called the Honda manufacturer and ask if I’m listed as the vehicle owner in their systems because my vehicle is a 2016 and I haven’t had any open recall associated with my vin in the 4 years I’ve owned it. The Honda dealership gave me a document for a vin check and I’m not listed as the owner so perhaps the recalls aren’t being inserting into the proper file. I called the manufacturer and asked to speak to a supervisor and the representative refused to do so and I have a recorded conversation that I would like to forward to you once an investigation is opened. I also asked if my vehicle is apart of the national recall on the fuel pump and the manufacturer agent said no. Reference number: [XXX] I spoke with Elmer today [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Feb 10, 2024
Steering wheel stocks after about 20 miles of highway driving. Very hard to maintain lane. Major safety issue. Purchased for teen driver now I’m scared to death to let her drive. No warning lights. Lots of complaints on line. This is a major safety concern and should be investigated and a recall for repair. This is unfair to consumers