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, Mar 21, 2023
Steering catches at highway speeds for a split second.
Service brakes, Mar 20, 2023
Emergency brake failed and gives following code in the dash: Red blinking light- BRAKE Yellow light: Brake System There was a recall back in 2016 because of this same problem. More than 300,000 cars affected.
Steering, Mar 18, 2023
When car is driven above 40 mph the steering wheel sticks. Extra effort is required to maintain midline steering. Extra effort is required to break the persistent sticking pattern, which can cause loss of control.
Steering, Power train, Mar 16, 2023
Steering system console. Remove and replace rack and pinion assembly
Steering, Mar 15, 2023
Steering wheel has become stuck/jerky on the freeway. This causes me to swerve all over the road. The wheel sticks after it's been still for more than a couple seconds. To make a steering correction to stay in my lane I need to apply more force to make a small adjustment. This causes the car to swerve when the steering wheel breaks free. Then it sticks in the new position, and I end swerving the other way when it breaks free again. Dealer says only fix is to replace entire steering rack and wants $3500 for repair. Car has 55000 miles and is no longer under warranty. Called an independent Honda repair shop to get an estimate. The independent shop told me they have replaced a few. Problem apparently affects many Civics from model year 2016 through 2022. Unfortunately, the replacement rack is the same part number and has failed the same way again in some cars. This should be a safety recall and repaired ant Hondas expense.
Steering, Mar 14, 2023
Slight momentary resistance to turning the wheel, usually only on long interstate drives
Service brakes, Air, Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as an ABS System Module failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V725000 (Parking Brake). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Service brakes, Mar 8, 2023
ABS malfunction. The malfunction problem showed up on the dash and the car would not drive properly causing several messages to come on. Once I stopped and turned off the car I started if back up and went a few yard and the car started to malfunction and the message appeared again. I immediately called a foreign car specialist and was told there is a recall. I looked up the recall and it stated the same exact issue for Honda Civics years 2016-2022. I have had the car towed to two auto shops and both stated that there is a recall for the problem I am having and that they are seeing more of this issue on the Civics. I am a dialysis patient and need reliable transportation. I have about 8 months left to pay the car note in full and would really appreciate it if this could be addressed. Sincerely I am, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Feb 22, 2023
Every time my 2016 civic is driven for about 30 minutes straight above 60 mph the steering starts to become stiff and jerky. It feels as if the steering wheel locks into place and you must pull on the steering wheel to get it out of position while driving causing serious danger to myself and those driving near me. People who have driven behind me while the issue has happened have notified me that it looks like a drunk driver is at the wheel due to the jerking that needs to be done to get the steering wheel out of position. Driving speed limit on the expressway after 30 minutes has become a hazard and is very unfortunate due to the car only being about 6 years old. It has been going on for quite some time now and is a frequent issue that is popped up on civic forums for models 2016-2019.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2023
SMALL EVAP LEAK AROUND FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP SEALING SURFACE. TOP OF FUEL TANK IS RUSTED CAUSING PUMP TO NOT SEAL FULLY.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2023
The back up camera does not work if the car is put into reverse immediately after starting the car. The Honda logo appears on the screen and the car still reverses. If you put the car back in park and then move it back to reverse, usually the camera will come on. Sometimes, the car has to be restarted for the backup camera to work. I did not know this was something that needed to be reported until I saw that Ford recalled several of their vehicles for this same issue.
Steering, Jan 26, 2023
Driving on the highway I started to feel the steering stick while keeping the car centered in my lane. To release the steering stick issue a stronger input was needed by me to control the car. It seemed to me the steering sticking issue occurs only at highway speed. This started with about 32,000 miles on the car. Although it never became an actual safety issue there was always the fear the steering would lock up and I would not be able to control the steering. At no time was there any visual indication (warning light(s)) for the condition. I have not taken the car to the dealership for inspection. Police nor insurance company were notified over this issue. The auto is available for inspection.
Structure, Jan 21, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Tires, Dec 28, 2022
On July 19,2021 I purchased a complete 4 set of tires from Pensacola Honda and the service advisor knowingly put the wrong tires on my vehicle and i Didn't notice until today that they were wrong tires that i purchased. tires put on vehicle: Continental pro contact 215/50/R17 CORRECT TIRES SIZES: 215/55/R16
Steering, Dec 24, 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. When make small steering adjustments it has resistance, then suddenly becomes easy. This can cause oversteering when correcting.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2022
EXPLODING SUNROOF: (editing from an email to Honda on June 13, 2022) I have had numerous Hondas (and Civics) over the years and bought a 2016 Honda Civic (with extended warranty (just expired I think). While driving from Oregon to California (for a conference in Asilomar) June 13, 2022 on Hwy 680, I heard a noise and thought someone had hit me - but didn't see any car. I pulled off the freeway and pulled over and examined the car and see that the sunroof had exploded. I stopped at Envision Honda (Milpitas) to ask them about it and see what it would take to repair (they had mentioned they had heard that happening to several others), then proceeded to ValStrough Honda (Seaside) closer to my conference - I asked them to order the part ($541.72 + labor (they didn't have anyone there at the time to quote (the previous dealer thought ~$146). The dealer in Seaside thinks the part should be in on Wed and I hope to have it replaced. I have not had time to see how much of the roof or trunk has been scratched (one of the employees at Envison pointed it out to me) Had I not had the visor closed the glass presumably would have come into the car, and likely causing me to have an accident - this is a HUGE safety issue. The glass did stream behind my car, but luckily did not cause an accident as far as I know. I have started googling the issue and see others such as the person below had a nearly identical experience. I think that Honda should pay for the repairs to my vehicle; as well as put out a warning. I believe that this could easily led to deaths of some drivers in the future. Update: I was charged $541.72 + 245.00= $786.72 for the repair Richard Sniezko 541-954-6793 https://www.wesh.com/article/hundreds-of-sunroofs-spontaneously-exploding/30970599 https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/exploding-sunroof-cases-head-to-court/
Steering, Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2022
1st Steering wheel pops on highway 65+mph, I've taken my vehicle to dealership to get diagnosed supposedly couldn't find anything wrong, I've even taken a service rep for a drive to show them what is happening they noticed but service told him not to do anything! Second issue squealing noise coming from wheel bearings I took my car to 2 different shops, Honda and wheel shop both places can't determine where noise is coming from!
Visibility/wiper, Lane departure, Nov 14, 2022
unknown got on wrong highway because wippers malfunction in heavy rain
Steering, Nov 12, 2022
Typically during highway driving, steering becomes extremely sticky and requires significant effort to make even slight adjustments to keep the car on the road and even forces over correction which has occurred on multiple occasions
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.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated while her husband was driving 60 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the right, the vehicle would drift to the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle needed an alignment. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Oct 20, 2022
TRANSMISSION FAILED
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2022
Paint is chipping around the back windshield and is starting to cause paint chipping towards the top of the vehicle. Have never been in a collision.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2022
Although my car runs fine and the Check Engine Light (or any other warning light) did not illuminate, my car suddenly went into Limp Mode. I was on the I-90 East Freeway out of Seattle, just heading into a tunnel plus a bridge. Everyone was going about 65 (as was I), and suddenly I'm cut down to about 20 mph with no shoulder to turn onto. I'm surprised I didn't cause a huge pile-up - as cars curved toward the tunnel and into relative darkness, they had to suddenly slam on their breaks. I guess it would be one thing if Limp Mode engaged because my engine was about to blow up. But my mechanic found no error codes, nothing wrong. I am reading similar stories all over the Internet and never have I once seen a case in which an engine had a catastrophic problem that justified Limp Mode. Is Honda waiting around for a fatality before they'll issue a recall? They came very close to having one on the day this happened to me, and there have surely been many other near-misses. I'm afraid to drive on the freeway now!
Service brakes, Oct 6, 2022
I HAVE CONTACTED HONDA ABOUT THE ( EPB) PROBLEM. THEY REFUSES TO AKNOWEDGE THE ISSUE BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT SHOW UP. THE PROBLEM IS THERE AND I HAD IT COMFRIM BY A MECHANIC. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE HAND TILL ONE DAY WHEN DAY WHEN ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT ENGAGED. THE ONLY WAY WAS TO CUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT AGAIN. I AM UNABLE TO PARK ON A HILL BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND AFRAID OF THE SYSTEM FAILING ALL TOGETHER.