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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

Suspension complaints

31 reports
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220,000 miles · Jan 24, 2024
SteeringSuspension

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left or right turns, there was an abnormal clicking and clacking sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be repla…

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The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left or right turns, there was an abnormal clicking and clacking sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.

NHTSA ODI #11567480

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2019
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11207032

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2016
Suspension

REAR WHEEL BEARINGS MAKINGS LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. IF WHEEL BEARING WERE TO GO OUT IT WOULD BE A BIG SAFETY PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #10894828

120,000 miles · Apr 11, 2016
Suspension

THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT, AND UPON INVESTIGATION I REALIZE THAT THIS IS WHAT HAS BEEN CAUSING SIGNIFICANT TIRE WEAR ON MY CAR OVER THE YEARS AS WELL AS SHAKING AND LOUD BUZZING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. TH…

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THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT, AND UPON INVESTIGATION I REALIZE THAT THIS IS WHAT HAS BEEN CAUSING SIGNIFICANT TIRE WEAR ON MY CAR OVER THE YEARS AS WELL AS SHAKING AND LOUD BUZZING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DIFFICULTY LOADING AND UNLOADING THE CAR DUE TO THE REAR BUMPER COMING WITHIN INCHES OF HITTING THE GROUND BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER BEING SUPPORTED BY THE CONTROL ARM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ODI #10854956

5,971 miles · Jun 30, 2015
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A CLICKING AND POPPING NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN MAK…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A CLICKING AND POPPING NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT END SUSPENSION ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,971.

NHTSA ODI #10731261

89,500 miles · Jun 21, 2015
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

THERE IS A LOUD CLICKING NOISE THAT HAS BEEN CONSISTENT SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2013. THE NOISE HAPPENS WHEN CORNERING OR TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI #10726430

136,000 miles · Sep 27, 2014
SteeringSuspensionTires

I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT ACCOMPLISHED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AT FIRESTONE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPT TO ALIGN THE CAMBER ON THE RIGHT BACK REAR TIRE THEY WERE FORCED TO LEAVE IT AT -1.7...WHICH IS .02 OUT OF TOLERANCE. THE CAMBER ADJUSTMENT ARE IS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER BUT THE MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS A C…

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I HAD UNEVEN WEAR ON MY TIRES AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT ACCOMPLISHED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AT FIRESTONE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPT TO ALIGN THE CAMBER ON THE RIGHT BACK REAR TIRE THEY WERE FORCED TO LEAVE IT AT -1.7...WHICH IS .02 OUT OF TOLERANCE. THE CAMBER ADJUSTMENT ARE IS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER BUT THE MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH 2006-2009 HONDAS DUE TO THE ARMS DESIGN. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE STEERING, SUSPENSION, AND TIRE WEAR ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639547

25,970 miles · Aug 19, 2014
SuspensionTires

WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AN INCREDIBLE NUMBER OF TIRES, INCLUDING MICHELINS, DUE TO VERY IRREGULAR WEAR AND EXTREME VIBRATION, BEGINNING WITH OUR FIRST SET OF TIRES IN 2009. THE REAR END HAS BEEN THE WORST, WHERE ONE WOULDN'T THINK GREAT TIRE WEAR AND FLAT SPOTS ETC. WOULD BE NORMAL -- AS WE ARE VERY BUSY PEOPLE AND LIVE IN A RUR…

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WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AN INCREDIBLE NUMBER OF TIRES, INCLUDING MICHELINS, DUE TO VERY IRREGULAR WEAR AND EXTREME VIBRATION, BEGINNING WITH OUR FIRST SET OF TIRES IN 2009. THE REAR END HAS BEEN THE WORST, WHERE ONE WOULDN'T THINK GREAT TIRE WEAR AND FLAT SPOTS ETC. WOULD BE NORMAL -- AS WE ARE VERY BUSY PEOPLE AND LIVE IN A RURAL AREA, WE HAVE JUST PUT ON NEW TIRES, GOT REPEATED ALIGNMENTS, AND MOVED ON ETC. FINALLY, OUR LOCAL MECHANIC HAS FINALLY ADVISED US JUST A FEW DAYS AGO OUR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM INTERACTION WITH TIRES ISSUE FROM THE FACTORY, THAT HAVE REPORTEDLY OCCURRED WITH THIS 2009 HONDA CIVIC MODEL (THAT HE WOULD SOLVE WITH NEW CONTROL ARM ASS'Y AND ALIGNMENT FOR $842.29). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626478

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesSteeringSuspension

'09 HONDA CIVIC COUPE: 1.) NOTED CLICKING/POPPING/CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. HAPPENS MORE OFTEN AFTER DRIVING OVER BUMPS. COMES FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. 2.) PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK AFTER PUT IN PARK HAVE TO MANUALLY UNLOCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587552

60,000 miles · Jun 8, 2013
SuspensionTires

ROAD NOISE BECOMING LOUDER AND LOUDER ALONG WITH VIBRATIONS BEING TRANSMITTED INTO THE CABIN. CHECKING THE REAR TIRES, THE INNER 1 1/2" OF TREAD IS MUCH MORE WORN AND UNEVENLY SO THAN THE BALANCE OF THE TREAD. SAME PROBLEM AS I HAD ON A 2006 HONDA CIVIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10515781

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