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2009 Honda Civic

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Civic years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Honda Civic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 183.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

268 reports with mileage · 127 unknown

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 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

42 crash reports6 fire reports30 injury reports

Engine complaints

27 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2024
Air BagsEngine

There is a recall for the engines and air bags on theys cars handa said so.

NHTSA ODI #11632898

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

The vehicle will shut off in traffic without any warning from the cars system. Unknown if there is any interference being caused by internal or external.

NHTSA ODI #11579166

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2023
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

Car accelerated into a garage door unintentionally. The brakes did not work. The problem has not been reproduced. The car was taken to a honda dealer twice before the accident for the same reasons of sudden unintentional acceleration. The vehicle has been totaled and has not been inspected by anyone. There were no warning indica…

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Car accelerated into a garage door unintentionally. The brakes did not work. The problem has not been reproduced. The car was taken to a honda dealer twice before the accident for the same reasons of sudden unintentional acceleration. The vehicle has been totaled and has not been inspected by anyone. There were no warning indicators that I am aware of.

NHTSA ODI #11518402

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2022
EngineService Brakes

3 times my fooit has sliped off the brake pedal and on to the gas pedal. In all cases i was able to go back to the break pedal and stop. it seems the break pedal is slipery. In all cases the car lurched foward. This has never happened in any of the other cars that i have driven and continue to drive. Now with t…

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3 times my fooit has sliped off the brake pedal and on to the gas pedal. In all cases i was able to go back to the break pedal and stop. it seems the break pedal is slipery. In all cases the car lurched foward. This has never happened in any of the other cars that i have driven and continue to drive. Now with this honda it has happened 3 times.

NHTSA ODI #11486205

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

I am the second owner of this car when I bought it had 40k it's at 92k ..I have had to replace the engine mounts 2x now 3 if you consider the mounts on car when was manufactured :(

NHTSA ODI #11464913

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2022
EngineInjury

Honda Civic cracked motor block is leaking antifreeze that the car occupants unknowingly are inhaling. I ended up in Mission Viejo Hospital. For kidney and heart problems. I would inhale antifreeze three to four hours a day driving back and forth to work. This is a health crisis because it's deadly. How many elderly, pregnant wo…

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Honda Civic cracked motor block is leaking antifreeze that the car occupants unknowingly are inhaling. I ended up in Mission Viejo Hospital. For kidney and heart problems. I would inhale antifreeze three to four hours a day driving back and forth to work. This is a health crisis because it's deadly. How many elderly, pregnant women and small children or subjected to these poisonous toxin. Needs to be addressed ASAP.

NHTSA ODI #11454361

165,000 miles · Dec 8, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I STARTED MY VEHICLE UP AFTER WORK AND IT WAS IDLING ROUGH BUT THEN STABILIZED SO I PAYED IT NO MIND. SOON AS I MERGED ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. I IMMEDIATELY LOSS POWER AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE. I TURNED ON MY HAZARDS, PRESSED ON THE PEDAL TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS BOGGIN…

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I STARTED MY VEHICLE UP AFTER WORK AND IT WAS IDLING ROUGH BUT THEN STABILIZED SO I PAYED IT NO MIND. SOON AS I MERGED ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. I IMMEDIATELY LOSS POWER AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE. I TURNED ON MY HAZARDS, PRESSED ON THE PEDAL TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS BOGGING AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE PASS 50MPH. I SAFELY GOT OFF ON THE NEXT EXIT AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. I TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON AND MADE IT HOME SAFELY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. I CHANGED MULTIPLE PARTS ON THE VEHICLE SINCE THEN, YET IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT.

NHTSA ODI #11378565

154,000 miles · Sep 23, 2019
Engine

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF = CAR ENGINE BLOCK BURNED UP THER WAS NO FLUID IN THE ENGINE VIN: 2HG VEHICLE MILEAGE: 153,684 DESCRIPTION: WARRANTY EXTENSION: ENGINE BLOCK SUPERSEDES 10-048, DATED DECEMBER 18, 2013, TO REVISE THE INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW. AFFECTED VEHICLES YEAR MODEL TRIM V…

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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF = CAR ENGINE BLOCK BURNED UP THER WAS NO FLUID IN THE ENGINE VIN: 2HG VEHICLE MILEAGE: 153,684 DESCRIPTION: WARRANTY EXTENSION: ENGINE BLOCK SUPERSEDES 10-048, DATED DECEMBER 18, 2013, TO REVISE THE INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW. AFFECTED VEHICLES YEAR MODEL TRIM VIN RANGE 2006'08 CIVIC ALL ALL VINS BEGINNING WITH 1HG OR 2HG ' CHECK ELIGIBILITY WITH A IN VIN STATUS INQUIRY. 2009 CIVIC ALL ALL VINS BEGINNING WITH 1HG, 19X, AND 2HG ' CHECK ELIGIBILITY WITH A IN VIN STATUS INQUIRY. THEIR OWN INTERNAL FINDING ABOUT DEFECTIVE MOTORS. WE UNDERSTAND THAT WERE A SMALL PERCENTAGE, BUT THAT NOT DOES NEGATE US HAVING A BIG ISSUE. WE ARE BEING PENALIZED FOR SOMETHING THAT THE HONDA KNOWS TO BE A ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11257257

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2019
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

AFTER NUMEROUS VISITS TO OCEAN HONDA OF BURLINGAME TO DISCUSS THAT THE CAR I PURCHASED WAS NEVER ACTUALLY COMPLETELY "PROPERLY CERTIFIED" AS WAS DISCUSSED; AND THE FACT THAT I BROUGHT IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES. - I HAVE HAD NO COOPERATION. PLEASE VERIFY WITH LISA MENDEZ WHO JUST VERIFIED TO SALES MGR VAN THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN PROBELE…

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AFTER NUMEROUS VISITS TO OCEAN HONDA OF BURLINGAME TO DISCUSS THAT THE CAR I PURCHASED WAS NEVER ACTUALLY COMPLETELY "PROPERLY CERTIFIED" AS WAS DISCUSSED; AND THE FACT THAT I BROUGHT IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES. - I HAVE HAD NO COOPERATION. PLEASE VERIFY WITH LISA MENDEZ WHO JUST VERIFIED TO SALES MGR VAN THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN PROBELEMATIC SINCE PURCHASE AND SHOULD BE TRADED OUT. I DO NOT FEEL AND HAVE NOT FELT I'M DRIVING A COMPLETELY SAFE OR DEPENDABLE CAR. MOST RECENT VISIT TO DISCUSS ISSUES WAS 09/06/19 AND I HAD BEEN THERE ALREADY 3 TIMES WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 2 WEEKS FOR CONTINUING ISSUES WITH LIGHTS COMING ON AFTER I HAD SERVICE AND AFTER I HAD ASKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING NEEDED . I WAS TOLD I WAS ALL GOOD !!... NOW JUST SPENT $460 TO FIND OUT THAT I NEED $1700 WORK AND THERE ARE RECALLS I WASN'T NOTIFIED ABOUT. THERE IS PREVIOUS DOCUMENTED COMPLAINT I FILED ON THIS CAR A LONG WHILE BACK. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THEM TO TAKE IT BACK SINCE I GOT IT DUE TO ONE THING OR ANOTHER. JUST DOESN'T FEEL STABLE OR SECURE. THEY SHOULD TAKE IT BACK AND DEAL WITH IT THEMSELVES. INITIAL COMPLAINT LOGGED WAS DUE TO A REPLACED SEAL OF SOME SORT THAT THEY BROKE AND REPLACED AGAIN, I WAS DRIVING AND IT STARTED MAKING A BURNING SMELL. THEY REPLACED AGAIN, BUT STILL SEEMS NOT RIGHT AND ENGINE HAZARD LIGHTS COME ON -- AND THEY CLEAR THEM AND TELL ME ITS OK.... DOES NOT FEEL OK, AND WAS NOT OK. I AM NOT WAITING FOR AN ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN HOWEVER MY NUMEROUS VISITS AND PLEAS TO EXCHANGE AND TAKE BACK THE CAR HAVE GONE UPON DEAF EARS AND THEY (SALES) HAVE NOW BECOME RUDE. I FEEL LIKE DROPPING OFF THE CAR TO THEM AND GIVING THEM THE KEYS AND THEY CAN DEAL WITH IT HOWEVER I'M SO UPSET THAT I "MUST HAVE A CAR" SO I AM TRYING TO FIND A NEW CAR NOW AND HAVING NO LOCK SINCE MY CREDIT IS RUINED.

NHTSA ODI #11256047

138,000 miles · May 21, 2019
Engine

THE CAR OVERHEATED ON THE FREEWAY WITH LEAKING COOLANT AT ABOUT 138K MILES. IT WAS FOUND THAT IT IS A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK NEAR THE WATERPUMP. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH THE VIN NUMBER AT HONDA. WE ARE JUST OUTSIDE THE 10 YR MARK BY 7 MONTHS (PURCHASED USED 1 WK OUTSIDE OF THE 10 YR MARK).

NHTSA ODI #11208889

Official recalls

8

19V502000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 27, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

19V378000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 16, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

18V268000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Apr 26, 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

18V042000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.

17V545000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Aug 31, 2017

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.

17V030000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 10, 2017

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.

16V346000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

08V535000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 14, 2008

HONDA IS RECALLING 128 MY 2008-2009 CIVIC SEDANS. A BRACKET THAT COVERS THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR IS SECURED WITH A BOLT AND NUT, BUT DURING ASSEMBLY THE NUT WAS NOT INSTALLED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BRACKET MAY BECOME LOOSE WHICH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR. A DAMAGED CONNECTOR COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK AND INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NUT ON THE FUEL FEED HOSE BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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