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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

Structure complaints

45 reports
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32,178 miles · Feb 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

I WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT TO TURN TO THE LEFT. WHEN THE GREEN LIGHT APPEARED, I ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF 15 WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE I HEARD A BOOM SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS SEEM VERY ABNORMAL TO ME SINCE I HAD BARELY PURCHASE MY CAR 4 MONTHS AGO. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HONDA DEALER TO SEE WHAT WAS GOI…

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I WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT TO TURN TO THE LEFT. WHEN THE GREEN LIGHT APPEARED, I ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF 15 WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE I HEARD A BOOM SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS SEEM VERY ABNORMAL TO ME SINCE I HAD BARELY PURCHASE MY CAR 4 MONTHS AGO. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HONDA DEALER TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY CAR. AFTER WAITING A FEW HOURS, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WERE MANY THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE BOOM SOUND WAS MADE BY THE BREAKAGE OF THE WISHBONE THAT HOLDS THE LOWER ENGINE AND BESIDES THAT IT NEEDED 2 TIRES, ALIGNMENT, CABINFILTER, BRAKE FLUSH, P/S RACK. I HONESTLY DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR TO ME THAT I BOUGHT A 2009 CAR FOR IT TO HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS. WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR THE MAN FROM AUTO PLAZA TOLD ME THAT I WOULDN'T BE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR FOR A LONG TIME AND THEN I FIND OUT ALL OF THIS PARTS WRONG WITH MY CAR. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I WENT TO TALK TO THE MAN FROM AUTO PLAZA AND HE TOLD ME THAT WHEN THEY HAD PURCHASE THE CAR THEY DIDN'T INSPECT IT BEFORE PUTTING IT ON SALE.THIS ACTION SEEMS TO ME VERY IRRESPONSIBLE TO NOT HAVE INSPECTED THE CAR BEFORE PUTTING IT ON SALE. I HONESTLY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO AND THIS IS WHY I'M WRITING A COMPLAINT HERE. PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10498164

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2012
Structure

PAINT ON HOOD IS FADING IN THREE SPOTS. CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND KEPT OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT. APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH CLEARCOAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10487807

36,000 miles · Nov 18, 2012
Structure

CLEAR COAT FINISH IS DEGRADING AND LEAVING BARE METAL SHOWING, *TR

NHTSA ODI #10485072

19,965 miles · Sep 5, 2012
Structure

MY 2009 HONDA CIVIC EX, POLISHED METAL METALLIC, HAS PAINT THAT HAS BEEN FADING ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK. THE SPOTS AFFECTED ARE: BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND SUNROOF, ABOVE THE BACK WINDOW, AND THE TOP OF THE TRUNK LID. I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER IN FEBRUARY OF 2009. THE CAR IS ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD AND NOW HAS 22,8…

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MY 2009 HONDA CIVIC EX, POLISHED METAL METALLIC, HAS PAINT THAT HAS BEEN FADING ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK. THE SPOTS AFFECTED ARE: BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND SUNROOF, ABOVE THE BACK WINDOW, AND THE TOP OF THE TRUNK LID. I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER IN FEBRUARY OF 2009. THE CAR IS ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD AND NOW HAS 22,800 MILES. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE ISSUES! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10473989

25,448 miles · Sep 8, 2011
Electrical SystemEquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

2009 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. CONSUMER STATES AIR CONDITION FAILURE AND PROBLEM WITH INDICATOR LIGHTS *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT RODENTS EATING ACORNS HAD DROPPED THE SHELLS INTO THE AIR CONDITIONER INTAKE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PARK AND DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PARK LIGHT WAS STEADY, WHILE THE DRIVE LIGHT…

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2009 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. CONSUMER STATES AIR CONDITION FAILURE AND PROBLEM WITH INDICATOR LIGHTS *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT RODENTS EATING ACORNS HAD DROPPED THE SHELLS INTO THE AIR CONDITIONER INTAKE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE PARK AND DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PARK LIGHT WAS STEADY, WHILE THE DRIVE LIGHT BLINKED ON AND OFF. THE CONSUMER SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY DETERMINED A RODENT HAD DAMAGED A CABLE. ALSO, THE TRUNK FAILED TO OPEN ON COMMAND, THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DETAILED WHICH CAUSED THE PROTECTIVE GASKET TO LOSE ITS PROTECTIVE LUBRICANT. THE GASKET WAS LUBRICATED AND THE TRUNK LID NOW OPENS ON COMMAND. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE TIRES WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/26/13

NHTSA ODI #10424809

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.

Go deeper into Honda Civic problems