2020 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 225 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 15 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 12 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
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerFeb 1, 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Campaign 24V064000 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderJun 29, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Campaign 23V458000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMar 25, 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Campaign 21V215000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
36 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Honda Civic. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 87,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 247,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 30, 2026
The turbocharger bypass control solenoid valve circuit on my 2020 Civic Si has developed an intermittent open, setting DTC P0035. I diagnosed it myself: the solenoid coil measures 45 ohms and functions when commanded via bi-directional scan tool, and supply voltage is present at the harness connector. However, the control circuit reads approximately 9V in the off state when it should be near ground, and the reading fluctuates when the harness is flexed near the connector — indicating a partial break in the wiring consistent with vibration fatigue. This is a safety concern because the ECM fault cascades to other systems. My scan report shows U0401-68 in the ABS module and U0416-68 in both the EPS and Integrated Driver Assistance modules. The result is that VSA stability control is disabled. I first noticed the problem because warning lights appear during hard cornering — precisely when stability control is most needed. Honda has acknowledged this exact failure mode. Service Bulletin 18-044 (NHTSA ID 10142655), issued June 2018, covers the 2017 Civic Type R for DTC P0035 and states the cause as: heat and the natural frequency of the harness cause the coupler wire to oscillate, producing an open circuit to the turbocharger bypass control solenoid valve. The remedy was a replacement engine wire harness kit. The Si shares the same L15B7 engine family and the same bypass control solenoid circuit, but no campaign covers it. Owner forums document numerous P0035 wiring failures on non-Type-R 1.5T Civics. I am requesting that NHTSA consider whether this defect and its effect on stability control warrants a safety investigation and expansion of the existing remedy to other 1.5T Civic models.
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2026
I have owned my vehicle for nearly 18 months and absolutely NO ACTION has been taken on Honda's part to remedy this solution with the capacitor in the circuit board of the front passenger seat weight sensor. Tired of waiting! I want results. This could lead to the front passenger frontal and knee airbags deploying unexpectedly.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2026
The air conditioning system in my 2020 Honda Civic EX has a refrigerant leak at the evaporator assembly, causing very weak or almost no cooling even when set to the lowest temperature settings. This happens consistently, including in moderate to hot outside temperatures, making the cabin uncomfortably warm during drives as it could get pretty hot in inland southern California. The A/C evaporator assembly is the failed component, and the part remains in the vehicle available for inspection if requested. This issue creates a safety risk because reduced visibility from window fogging in humid or rainy conditions (due to lack of proper dehumidification and cooling) can impair safe driving. In extreme heat, it also increases driver fatigue and distraction from discomfort. The problem was confirmed by a Honda dealership through diagnostic testing, which identified the evaporator leaking refrigerant. They previously repaired a related condenser leak under warranty, but the cooling issue persisted and was later traced to the evaporator. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership (manufacturer-authorized) on multiple occasions for this A/C concern. No specific warning lamps or messages appeared on the dashboard related to the A/C system. This appears to be part of a broader pattern reported by owners of similar 2016-2021 Honda Civics, where condenser failures (sometimes covered by extended warranty) are followed by evaporator leaks, possibly related to the vehicle's use of R-1234yf refrigerant and system pressures. I recently received partial goodwill assistance from the manufacturer toward repair costs, but the issue highlights a recurring defect in the A/C system that affects cooling reliability. This car is driven by my 20 years old daughter as a commuter car to college and she is really suffering. I feel I am putting her at risk and need to get it fixed ASAP at whatever cost.
Electrical system, Jan 18, 2026
vehicle turns on in to accessory mode, does not allow me to turn off vehicle sometimes car turns on at night by itself, alarm goes off when parked and locked
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2025
Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: BCM (body mechanical module) became faulty, causing car to turn on ignition by itself. Would be sitting in car with it off and the ignition would turn on causing issues with battery and gas consumption. Also in order to save that until it was figured out what was wrong I had to disconnect the battery causing multiple resets to my electrical system. Yes. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: Would be sitting in car with it off and the ignition would turn on causing startling and issues with battery and gas consumption. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: Confirmed and fixed so far by a small and independent electrical mechanic. Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: No. Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: No.
Electrical system, Jan 25, 2025
The car cuts off while driving
Electrical system, Jan 4, 2025
While driving on interstate highway, main dash display went almost completely dark. Could not see speed, warning lights, gas gauge, engine temp, etc. Pulled over to check out problem and "push to start" button would not turn off engine. It did on second try. Dealer diagnosed fault in gauge control module. Must be replaced.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 3, 2025
The vehicle’s emergency braking system randomly applies the brakes even when the front is not obstructed. Front sensors are kept clear of any debris, dirt, or bugs. I went to Honda of El Cajon in El Cajon, Ca and they could not help me even though the service advisor admitted that another Honda CR-V driver had the same problem the same day. This is a safety concern as my car has applied he brakes while on the freeway and at stop signs at random. Honda has failed to acknowledge the issue.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 7, 2024, crash
I turn my car on To go to work realized I didn’t have my phone. Car was in park. I hadn’t touch the gearshift at all I get out of the car. Approximate 20 seconds after I walk away from the car, my home security camera shows the car creeping extremely slowly backwards up into my driveway going up across the crown of the road… across the street and falls into a 10 foot deep ditch. I am 100% certain that Car was in Park… There were no sounds when I open the door to alert me that it would be anything other than park.. The back up camera was not engaged, so it was definitely not in Reverse… When the tow truck pulled it out of the ditch, it was Still running It had stopped vertically before it hit the bottom of the ditch, and rear tire got stuck in muddy water…. There were no ruts from tire, spinning from the front end at all in the ditch or the grass above the ditch… There is a recall of some 2020 civics for brake failure, parking brake failure…. I strongly believe my car needs to be part of this recall, because obviously something is wrong… My road is 55 mph and a car had to stop to avoid hitting my car… I have video from my home camera That shows a clear delay between when I get out of my car and shut the door and the car starts crawling. I tested it after he pulled it out of the ditch just to see if I had it in reverse from the same exact spot wouldn’t move and it immediately moved so I’m certain something is wrong… Right now the body shop can’t even duplicated can’t even get it to get caught between Park and reverse. Please investigate And this could’ve easily been a fatality. I need to send more photos and videos, but it won’t allow me to do it but there’s definitely more for me to send If someone can give me an email
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2024
The AC condenser has been replaced twice along with the shaft seal.Which then caused my evaporator core to crack and is now leaking and gonna cost me two thousand dollars
Parking brake, Electrical system, Visibility, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact was concerned that the parking brake had engaged without driver input. The contact stated that after closing the windows, turning off the vehicle, and exiting the vehicle, she noticed that the windows and sunroof had opened independently upon her return. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 51,815.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 14, 2024
Gas door opens randomly and it’s happened more than a few times now which is becoming a safety hazard especially because I drive 80 miles daily for work. Also my automatic brake senor is a hazard because it’s going off when cars or objects are farther away; which leads to the 3rd issue with my seat belts which is either to tight on the chest area and possibly choking me when the car automatically brakes when objects aren’t near or in close distance to my car
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 21, 2024
On [XXX], 2023, my car's electrical system malfunctioned, leaving me unable to restart the vehicle after stopping. I had to call my car insurance for roadside assistance, and their representative jump-started the battery, suggesting I replace it. However, on [XXX], 2024, the same issue recurred, causing the car to stall unexpectedly and fail to start while I was out shopping with my wife and [XXX] daughter. Fortunately, I was driving on local roads; I shudder to think what might have happened if I had been on the freeway. Again, I had to rely on my insurance's roadside assistance for help. The safety of my family and me was jeopardized, especially since this is our only vehicle, which we frequently use to travel with my infant. These incidents are documented in two insurance claims. My car is among those recalled for fuel pump issues, but I haven't been able to schedule a repair with the dealer due to no available appointments. The online chat support also refused to book an appointment for the same reason. Additionally, my car has always adhered to Honda's regular maintenance schedule. From March 2024 to May 2024, the car's display screen, including the mileage indicator, intermittently malfunctioned while driving. On [XXX], 2024, when the car stalled, the screen also indicated a brake system error. Finally, I want to report another issue with this car: the cooling system is no longer providing cold air, resulting in the interior temperature being consistently higher than the outside temperature, especially during the recent hot summer days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, May 9, 2024
The body control module is failing, read multiple posts online and Honda is not fixing it. My alarm goes off and I cannot turn it off, have to use my key. The vehicle powers up on its own into accessory mode when parked, vehicle off and no key fob in the car. This causes the alarm to activate, drains the battery and causes temporary safety features- collision warning, lane assist, cruise control etc to not work. As well as drains the battery. Honda has recalled this part on other models but not the 10th generation Civic.
Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 19, 2024, crash
Was T bones September 3rd 2023 exiting the freeway by a Ford F-350. Injury to left side of vehicle mainly . Airbags not side airbags deployed. Went through insurance and was told to report it to the manufacturer. Due to this I now need double knee surgery as I have tears and fluid and now have spinal injury .
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal odor coming from the A/C. The contact stated that there was a dangerous chemical called R1234YF leaking into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor from the leak made his daughter sick. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a leak through the evaporator in the cabin as well as a leak in the condenser and compressor. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 14, 2023
While driving 20 mile/hr. the car's steering wheel got extremely stiff and difficult to steer. Made an appointment with Hoda Village to fix the issue. After diagnosis, service manager told me that it was rates chowing on electric harness and informed me this was not covered under warranty. Repair cost me about $700.00. Unfortunately, now the same issue is occurring, I have check all over the engine and don't see any rodent caused harness issues. Again, I called the dealer and spoke to service manager explaining the situation, they indicated I need to pay additional diagnostic charge plush any parts/labor. It's unacceptable what the dealer is telling me. This issue is extremely dangerous, to my safety and others as it may cause serious injury or death.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 25, 2023
Bought my 2020 Honda Civic si at 48 k miles. Noticed mild clutch slip and vibration on the shift knob. Dealership states I don't know how to drive manual transmission. I've driven manual transmission for 18 years. I'm not stupid. Dealership states it's wear and tear and not part of the warranty. My window motor auto feature does not work. Bluetooth connectivity issues. Collision braking system activated with no vehicle in front of me while I was going 40 miles an hour. Could have been rear ended. I'm at 50k miles not a good buy and bad service from the dealership. Mossy Honda lemon grove ca
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, May 1, 2023
My infotainment center has repeatedly failed during operation. It is distorted while driving, freezes, stuck on previous screen display. This causes all safety features to be inoperable. I can’t see the camera back up display. I can’t see the map or upcoming exit/next direction. The Honda genius features are impacted by this. My vehicle suddenly thinks I am exiting while I’m driving and randomly slams on breaks with no vehicle or object in front of me, it jerks my wheel even though there is no car or barrier next to me. I have resorted to turn off all of the safety features due to the infotainment center glitches making my vehicle very unsafe to operate. I have been in several near miss single vehicle accidents. Picture added to show screen distortion and no direction listed. Should be displaying navigation and upcoming turn but is frozen and distorted.
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2023
Power windows rolled down on their own
Electrical system, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while pressing the key fob to unlock the doors, the doors remained locked. The contact had to manually unlock the doors. The contact attempted to lock the vehicle with the key fob however, the doors failed to lock as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2022
Hello. I have a 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport. The stock audio system makes a VERY loud crackle and popping sound before completely cutting out, this abrupt malfunction frightens me and hurts my ears. Additionally the malfunction of this audio unit may cause other safety problems because it is connected to the back-up camera which can freeze/reboot randomly when the electrical/software malfunction occurs. I listed the most recent incident date below however this problem has been intermittent since I purchased the car new in 2020. My car is now out of warranty and Honda refuses to address the issue even though it was present before 36,000/3 years. Thank you.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 31, 2022
I was driving getting ready to switch lanes and all of a sudden my car made the beeping noise and slammed on the brakes on its own