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.
Air bags, Jan 26, 2026, crash
2016 Honda civic EX steering wheel airbags and front passenger airbags didn’t deploy during my husbands wreck. He totaled the car…
Steering, Dec 27, 2025
There is a jerky/sticky issue with the steering while driving. The steering wheel seems to get stuck and I end up almost over correcting to get it to unstick. I’ve read multiple complaints of this issue and my car’s year is 2016 purchased in October 2025.
Steering, Dec 5, 2025
Steering is very stiff and fights you while trying to make minor corrections at highway speeds (45mph+). Not safe to drive the vehicle on road trips or for extended periods of time on the highway. As I understand it, the 11th generation civics have a recall on the same component. It seems the recall needs to be extended to the 10th generation civics as well.
Steering, Dec 1, 2025
UNKNOWN - The steering wheel sticks in the center position when driving on the freeway or highway. When I go to adjust the wheel to correct my direction the wheel sticks and I have to turn harder and it results in an overcorrection and jerks the car. This seems to be a common problem and from what I have read online and it is either the EPS system or the clock spring in the steering wheel. People have said it can be very costly to repair. It has been happening continuously for a couple of years now but sometimes there are gaps when it is bad and when it doesn't happen a lot. It is definitely a safety concern.
Steering, Dec 1, 2025
2016 Honda Civic LX. Electronic power steering has sticky feeling when traveling at highway speeds, does not return to center. This leads to a danger situation as car becomes difficult to control when traveling at highway speeds. Honda is away of this issue on newer generation of Honda's. Upon inspection, the mechanism that is having an issue is almost identical in Honda's 10th generation of vehicle.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 26, 2025
My A/C system experienced a total failure at around 79,000 miles. I took the vehicle to a service center, and they confirmed the failure is the A/C Evaporator. This component is now broken and available for inspection upon request. This evaporator failure is an extremely common, widely reported issue across this generation of vehicles and is almost certainly due to a manufacturing defect. The failure creates two major safety risks: First, the loss of defrost capability causes the windshield to fog up immediately in rain or humidity, which completely blocks the driver's view. Second, the extreme interior heat caused by the lack of A/C creates severe driver fatigue and distraction, which impairs safe operation of the vehicle. This issue has been confirmed by the dealership, and there were no warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2025
My transmission light has been on for over a year. After visiting to private mechanics- diagnostic testing from both confirm an EVAP leak. They did smoke tests and nothing came back. After visiting credit karma. Under property, as I own my vehicle it states that there is a “Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump recall” documented on March 29, 2024. After contacting Honda directly they have stated that my VIN is not under the recall. After fueling up at the gas station. My vehicle inside and outside smells of gasoline for over 2-3 days. Which is not the norm. I’m pregnant and this is extremely dangerous. I am not going to bring my vehicle into a dealership to be told what I already know and be charged.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2025
I am reporting confirmed odometer fraud involving a 2016 Honda Civic. CarMax documented the vehicle as “ROLLBACK / NOT ACTUAL MILES / TRUE MILEAGE UNKNOWN.” Experian verified a mileage discrepancy. A prior Michigan title contains inconsistent mileage. Selling dealer: Car Tec Enterprise Leasing & Sales LLC, Deer Park, NY. I am requesting investigation under the Federal Odometer Act.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 19, 2025
My 2016 Honda Civic has a recurring safety-critical defect that began approximately 2–3 weeks after purchase. While turning (most often left turns), the vehicle suddenly shuts off without warning. When this occurs, the power steering assist locks, brake assist is lost, and the electrical system cuts off and then reboots. This has happened more than 5–6 times and nearly caused collisions. I had to apply extreme brake pressure to avoid hitting another vehicle during one incident. The steering becomes rigid, the dashboard goes dark, and the car restarts on its own while still in motion. Before I purchased the vehicle, a diagnostic inspection was performed and no issues were reported. Since owning the car, it has also been taken to a mechanic multiple times, and no diagnostic code or mechanical explanation for this shutdown issue has ever been identified. The defect appears intermittently and leaves no trace or error codes, making it extremely difficult to detect or repair. This is a serious safety hazard that could cause injury or death. The problem appears to be a latent defect that was present at the time of vehicle sale. I am reporting this so NHTSA can investigate whether this is a known issue with this model or whether other consumers have experienced similar sudden shutdowns.
Steering, Nov 10, 2025
The entire steering rack has an issue especially when driving on the highway. To make slight adjustments and wide turns it feels like you have to turn out of a notch and can’t make any smooth minor adjustments. I took it to the dealership near me and they test drove it and confirmed there was a “notch” in the steering rack and the entire steering rack had to be replaced.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Nov 9, 2025, crash
My front driver side wheel completely detached from the vehicle’s body while I was driving home causing the left side of my car to collide with the street pavement and skid to a stop. The driver door airbags deployed, fluid leaked from under the vehicle and the bottom driver side of the car was damaged including the back left wheel/tire. The car had to be towed and an insurance claim was filed for review.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2025
Fuel door is making a noise when I unlock my vehicle and sometimes fuel door doesn’t unlock.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Honda Civic in October 2024. The contact stated that while attempting to trade the vehicle at the dealer, the Carfax Report indicated a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the odometer reading was 109,000; however, the Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 172,000 in 2023.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 14, 2025
Blown Head gasket failure due to coolant leak into cylinders Evaporator Leak for A/C due to condenser and compressor shaft.
Steering, Oct 13, 2025
Steering wheel seems to get stuck with minor corrections, and then “gives way” causing a serious over correction. This is mostly noticeable at high way speeds (45+) but can be felt even when the vehicle is stopped. Vehicle is Not lane assist equipped. Appears to be a sticky Rack or Pinion gear.
Engine, Sep 19, 2025
- The engine failed. The engine block warped and both had to be replaced. I have pictures from the dealer. The cost was $8,194.56 at the dealer for a replacement engine with 89K miles on it. - My son's safety was put at risk because he is in a rural area. Every warning lamp on the dashboard turned on after Indy Honda replaced the coolant (Maintenance minder A125). Then the lights would turn off. Then Andy Mohr Honda inspected it (for the first time) and their diagnosis was a pvc pipe crack. We paid for that repair. The second time was the head gasket and the engine was destroyed. - The problem was confirmed by Andy Mohr Honda and Indy Honda in the state of Indiana. Andy Mohr confirmed the turbo engine for the Honda Civic has a known issue and than we should have purchased the 2.0 liter instead of the 1.5 liter because of the load the turbo puts on the engine. American Honda Motor Co., Inc disagrees and stated there was no issue. - The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer via pictures taken at Andy Mohr Honda. - Prior to the coolant service in June 2025 there were no warning lamps. There were no symptoms. The Civic has only been maintained by Honda Dealers. The first time (approximate date) we noticed the issue: [XXX]. My son videoed it. Please note the text from Andy Mohr Honda stating the engine was overheated. The coolant was replaced by Indy Honda a week prior to the overheating. It should not have occurred. This is the link to the engine replacement invoice: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Steering, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring the steering wheel to be manually returned to center after completing a turn. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2025
Component that failed: The air conditioning system evaporator core failed, causing refrigerant leakage. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a Honda dealership, which confirmed the failure and provided a written quote for replacement. The component is still installed and available for inspection. Safety risk: When the evaporator leaks, the A/C system loses refrigerant and stops cooling. This prevents the defrost/defog system from working properly, which can lead to poor visibility through the windshield in humid or rainy weather. In hot conditions, lack of cooling can also cause driver fatigue and heat stress, creating a safety risk for occupants. Confirmation of problem: Yes, the problem was confirmed by a Honda dealership after the condenser was already replaced under Honda’s extended warranty. Inspection by manufacturer/others: Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership. Honda corporate was contacted but declined to cover the evaporator, even though the condenser was covered under warranty due to a known defect in the A/C system. Warning lamps or symptoms: There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The only symptom was a loss of A/C cooling. After recharging the system, the A/C worked temporarily but will lose effectiveness again as refrigerant continues to leak. Summary: This is a premature failure of a critical climate control component that is widespread among 2016–2018 Honda Civics. Honda already extended warranty coverage for defective condensers in these models, but evaporator failures are also common and part of the same defective A/C system. The high cost of repair (quoted over $2,000) combined with the safety risks of poor windshield defogging and cabin overheating warrant NHTSA investigation and corrective action.
Steering, Aug 29, 2025
I purchased my '16 civic in 2018. The following summer, I started to notice that the steering wheel would "stick" in straight or shallow turn positions, requiring excessive force to break free and start turning. This is especially noticeable during highway driving, when the sticking steering wheel results in minor corrections being impossible. The end result is the car is impossible to keep in the center of the lane all the time, and must continuously be corrected, over-corrected, and over-corrected again. Being unable to correctly control the car is a major safety problem, especially for older drivers that may have difficulty overcoming the force of the steering wheel "sticking." This problem has reappeared every spring. 11th generation civics have this problem and a recall/warranty for the offending components, but not the 10th generation. There are no warning lights or messages from the vehicle about this problem.
Steering, Aug 25, 2025
After about 30mins of driving car would start pulling to left even if the steering wheel was straight. When trying to correct it the steering wheel would feel stuck like to magnet and when it would release car would over correct to the right. Found out its a common issue among hondas 2015 and above no matter the model, took my car in to the dealer to replace the gearbox and the rack and pinion which fixed the problem. There are no warning lights or codes for this.
Structure, Wheels, Aug 24, 2025
Body: underneath part came unsecured out of nowhere on my collage daughters car. It was scary for her as it scraped bottom and rattled out of no where on highway. She stopped and since nothing on hand, she had to push it up with feet and it bent to hold till she got to shop. They quick fix with zip tie or something. Someone hit her from back and she took to shop. I mentioned it that some noise coming after the fix and was supposed to to bring it to them this week. It just rattled but nothing else. Drivable still. Than middle of no where, that bottom popped again and she panicked. It was Sunday so no one is open. I had to have her park at work and pick her up which is an hour away. This is very dangerous as when we googled, this has happened to soooo many Honda civic owners! Need to do recall and fix this issue for good. It’s underneath the car so hard to tell till it drops to flow. We love the car but this issue is greater. Also, she has tire sensor light always comes up. We got new tires also!
Visibility, Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud pop coming from the sunroof. There was no warning light. Illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware of a large hole in the sunroof glass. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,655.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2025
2016 Honda civic has 28 000 miles and the air conditioning went out. took it to Honda dealership, compressor, and evaporator and gasket is not working. everything but the evaporator is covered. Been driving in hot weather and unable to maintain comfortable temperature. Unsafe during hot weather to be driving in a car that has no air conditioning, may lead to heat related illness such as heat stoke in long drives. this is a well documented issue with these Hondas. Has been inspected by Honda dealership. unknown.
Steering, Aug 11, 2025
Sometimes when driving the steering wheel will tend to “jerk”, or appear “stuck” when trying to turn. This has started to happen recently and I have noticed it when NOT using lane “assistance” this issue has not only been seen from me, but rather by many others as seen in forms such as the following: [XXX] This issue has yet to cause a wreck for me, but this does pose a safety risk as it could prevent me from moving out of the way of cars, or worse prevent me from turning causing me to hit someone or something around my environment. I hope that this is something that can be fixed or recalled for as I am not the only one experiencing this and does genuinely pose a risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)