IllustrationON APRIL 20, 2007, I WRECKED MY CIVIC ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY HIT THEIR BRAKES, AND WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES WHICH DID NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING MY CAR FISHTAILED AND RUN INTO THE CEMENT FREEWAY DIVIDER. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS, AND I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. *TR
1996 Honda Civic
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Honda Civic do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 183.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Civic years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 40 of 305 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
67 crash reports4 fire reports33 injury reports
What owners actually said
305 reportsI JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER LAST WEEK (96 HONDA CIVIC WITH 140,000 MI). I NOTICED RIGHT AWAY THAT WHEN I PRESS THE GAS, IT REVS UP A LITTLE AND CATCHES. BASICALLY, ITS CHOPPY WHEN I PRESS ONTO THE GAS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THE COMMON RECALL. IT SEEMS DANGEROUS BC IT SHAKES THE VEHICLE A BIT. *TR
CAR SHIFTS HARD INTO NEXT GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) ALSO DRIVES ROUGH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS A 420 CODE (CATALYTIC CONVERTER). *TR
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA CIVIX DX. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER MAILED HER RECALL 99I002000 REGARDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 24, 2006. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 162,956. *AK UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB…
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TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA CIVIX DX. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER MAILED HER RECALL 99I002000 REGARDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 24, 2006. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 162,956. *AK UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
OUR SRS LIGHT CAME ON ONE SATURDAY WITH NO ACCIDENT OR REASON. WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THE CODE SHOWED THAT THE SRS COMPUTER MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $750. AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS, I WAS SHOCKED THAT THEY DIDN'T TELL US THAT THIS WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND THEY AR…
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OUR SRS LIGHT CAME ON ONE SATURDAY WITH NO ACCIDENT OR REASON. WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THE CODE SHOWED THAT THE SRS COMPUTER MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $750. AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS, I WAS SHOCKED THAT THEY DIDN'T TELL US THAT THIS WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND THEY ARE SO QUICK TO CHARGE US THE MOST EXPENSIVE AMOUNT WHEN IT IS PROBABLY A WEAK BATTERY THAT SET IT OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE!! THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED BECAUSE WE DRIVE AROUND WITHOUT AIRBAGS FOR REASONS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OWNERS!! JUST BECAUSE A BATTERY GOES WEAK, OR YOU SET AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE ON THE SEAT, OUR AIRBAGS SHOULDN'T STOP WORKING!!!! *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. ALSO, THE HAZARD LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REP…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. ALSO, THE HAZARD LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
AIR BAGS: FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE SRS LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON FOR NO REASON, TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE HONDA DEALER. WAS TOLD I HAD TO REPLACE THE MODULE. COST IS AROUND $800 - $ 900. THE CAR SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT. ON A LIMITED INCOME, I DON'T THINK I CAN FIX THIS SOON, DO…
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AIR BAGS: FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE SRS LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON FOR NO REASON, TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE HONDA DEALER. WAS TOLD I HAD TO REPLACE THE MODULE. COST IS AROUND $800 - $ 900. THE CAR SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT. ON A LIMITED INCOME, I DON'T THINK I CAN FIX THIS SOON, DO NOT LIKE DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE SRS LIGHT ON, WORRIED BAGS MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY WHEN I NEED THEM TO. WORRY AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY FOR NO REASON. *JB
WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHES THE OF 75 MPH THERE IS A BURNING SMELL THAT COMES FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED ON A QUARTERLY BASIS. SERVICING INCLUDES AN OIL AND FLUID CHANGE AND A TRANSMISSION CHECK. *NM
THE SRS LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. I'M AFRAID THIS MAY BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *JB
I OWN HONDA CIVIC EX 1996 VIN [XXX]. THE SRS LIGHT TURNED ON AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, THEY SAY THE COMPUTER IS FAULTY AND IT NEED TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THIS AND TILL THEN, THE AIRBAGS WON'T ENGAGE. MY CAR WAS NEVER EXPOSED TO ANY ACCIDENTS OR ABNORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. HONDA HAS A …
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I OWN HONDA CIVIC EX 1996 VIN [XXX]. THE SRS LIGHT TURNED ON AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, THEY SAY THE COMPUTER IS FAULTY AND IT NEED TO BE REPLACED TO FIX THIS AND TILL THEN, THE AIRBAGS WON'T ENGAGE. MY CAR WAS NEVER EXPOSED TO ANY ACCIDENTS OR ABNORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. HONDA HAS A FAULTY COMPUTER SRS SYSTEM AND THIS CAUSES SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHERE AIR BAGS WON'T ACTIVATE. *JB UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Official recalls
220V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 17, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
96V106000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Jun 18, 1996
A SOAPY LUBRICANT WAS USED TO INSERT THE CHECK VALVE INTO THE VACUUM HOSE WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TO STICK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF THE BRAKE'S POWER ASSIST RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE CHECK VALVE BY WASHING THE VACUUM HOSE WITH HOT WATER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2SQ98017 · Throttle Cable Sticking
Opened Sep 11, 1998 · Closed Jun 3, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
DUE TO THE AGENCY'S INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, HONDA AGREED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE 1996-1998 HONDA CIVICS AND INSTALL A POSITIVE FLOOR MAT RETENTION SYSTEM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (GENUINE HONDA) FLOOR MAT.FURTHERMORE, HONDA WILL CONDUCT A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT AND REPLACE CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996 CIVIC THROTTLE CABLES EQUIPPED WITH CABLES NOT HAVING THE LATEST REVISIONS. SINCE EACH THROTTLE CABLE IS DATE CODED THE SUBJECT CABLES ARE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED; FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR WARRANTED.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THIS MATTER IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE FULL CLOSING RESUME FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
DUE TO THE AGENCY'S INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, HONDA AGREED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE 1996-1998 HONDA CIVICS AND INSTALL A POSITIVE FLOOR MAT RETENTION SYSTEM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (GENUINE HONDA) FLOOR MAT.FURTHERMORE, HONDA WILL CONDUCT A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT AND REPLACE CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996 CIVIC THROTTLE CABLES EQUIPPED WITH CABLES NOT HAVING THE LATEST REVISIONS. SINCE EACH THROTTLE CABLE IS DATE CODED THE SUBJECT CABLES ARE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED; FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR WARRANTED.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THIS MATTER IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE FULL CLOSING RESUME FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
DUE TO THE AGENCY'S INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, HONDA AGREED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE 1996-1998 HONDA CIVICS AND INSTALL A POSITIVE FLOOR MAT RETENTION SYSTEM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE (GENUINE HONDA) FLOOR MAT.FURTHERMORE, HONDA WILL CONDUCT A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT AND REPLACE CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996 CIVIC THROTTLE CABLES EQUIPPED WITH CABLES NOT HAVING THE LATEST REVISIONS. SINCE EACH THROTTLE CABLE IS DATE CODED THE SUBJECT CABLES ARE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED; FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR WARRANTED.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THIS MATTER IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE FULL CLOSING RESUME FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
SQ98012 · Condenser Fan Motor Inoperative
Opened Jun 30, 1998 · Closed Nov 2, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.