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2016 Honda Civic

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Civic years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Honda Civic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 183.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

494 reports with mileage · 586 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.

  • Steering. Review the 444 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports4 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

1,080 reports
31,000 miles · Feb 20, 2020
Steering

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING GETS STIFF AND WHEN YOU TURN STEERING WHEEL IT DARTS UNEXPECTEDLY TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT . THIS CAR IS A 2016 WITH ONLY 31000 MILES ON IT. I HOPE IT DOESN'T GET ANY WORSE BECAUSE IT'S NOT SAFE. N

NHTSA ODI #11310356

72,910 miles · Feb 18, 2020
Visibility/wiper

I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 30 AT 70 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LARGE EXPLOSION. I PULLED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE TO CHECK MY TIRES AND FINALLY REALIZED THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT WAS NOT RAINING, THERE WAS NOT A DUMP TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, I WAS NOT ON MY PHONE OR DISTRACTED, I WAS PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE ROAD AND THE SUNROOF EXPLOD…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 30 AT 70 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LARGE EXPLOSION. I PULLED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE TO CHECK MY TIRES AND FINALLY REALIZED THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT WAS NOT RAINING, THERE WAS NOT A DUMP TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, I WAS NOT ON MY PHONE OR DISTRACTED, I WAS PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE ROAD AND THE SUNROOF EXPLODED OUT OF THE BLUE. THERE WAS NO POINT OF IMPACT BELOW THE GLASS INSERT, BUT THE ENTIRE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES.

NHTSA ODI #11309827

14,000 miles · Feb 15, 2020
Steering

I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE TO HER DOCTORS APPOINTMENT IN MELBOURNE FLORIDA. AFTER 20 MINUTES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 55-65 MPH I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL SEAMED TO BE STICKING IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION.IF I HAD TO CORRECT LEFT OR RIGHT I WOULD HAVE TO USE FORCE AND IT WOULD SNAP AND JUMP ABOUT AN INCH CAUSING ME TO WEAVE INTO THE NEXT LANE…

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I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE TO HER DOCTORS APPOINTMENT IN MELBOURNE FLORIDA. AFTER 20 MINUTES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 55-65 MPH I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL SEAMED TO BE STICKING IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION.IF I HAD TO CORRECT LEFT OR RIGHT I WOULD HAVE TO USE FORCE AND IT WOULD SNAP AND JUMP ABOUT AN INCH CAUSING ME TO WEAVE INTO THE NEXT LANE. I PULL OFF AT THE NEXT INTERSECTION TO CHECK MY TIRES AND COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. I NOTICED THAT AFTER I SLOWED DOWN TO LESS THAN 40 MPH THE STEERING WORKED FINE, I GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE GOT UP TO SPEED AND IT STARTED STICKING AGAIN.GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE AND TOOK BACK ROADS THE REST OF THE WAY THERE AND HOME. TOOK IT OUT THE NEXT DAY AND IT WOULD NOT DO IT BUT NOW AFRAID TO TAKE LONG TRIPS FOR FEAR OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT. CHECKED THE INTERNET AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND NO RECALL.WHY DOE'S SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE TO GET THINGS FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11309328

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2020
Unknown Or Other

I PURCHASED THIS YEAR AFTER MY 3 YEAR LEASE WAS UP. WITHIN MONTHS, THE AC STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR. I FOUND OUT (ONLY BY LOOKING ONLINE) THAT THERE WAS A REPORTED ISSUE WITH THE AC CONDENSOR. I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA, THEY CONFIRMED THAT IF IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN ISSUE NOT DUE TO DAMAGE, THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE ASSESSMENT ($150)…

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I PURCHASED THIS YEAR AFTER MY 3 YEAR LEASE WAS UP. WITHIN MONTHS, THE AC STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR. I FOUND OUT (ONLY BY LOOKING ONLINE) THAT THERE WAS A REPORTED ISSUE WITH THE AC CONDENSOR. I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA, THEY CONFIRMED THAT IF IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN ISSUE NOT DUE TO DAMAGE, THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE ASSESSMENT ($150) AND THE REPLACEMENT. I TOOK IT IN, THE HONDA DEALER SAID YES, THE CONDENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT ALSO THE COMPRESSOR AND FRONT SEAL, FOR A TOTAL OF NEAR $2000. I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA BACK, THEY CALLED THE DEALER TO CONFIRM AND SIMPLY INFORMED ME THAT YES, I'D HAVE TO PAY. THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY SEEMS LESS LIKE A WAY OF ACKNOWLEDGING AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, AND MORE AS A PLOY TO GET RECENT BUYERS OFF LEASE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HONDA DEALERS. I'VE SEEN MULTITUDES OF PEOPLE REPORT ONLINE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL OR AT LEAST THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SHOULD COVER THE ENTIRE AC SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI #11309093

50,000 miles · Feb 5, 2020
Unknown Or Other

MY 2016 HONDA CIVIC TOURING WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN ABOUT 60 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE RAINING. MY SUNROOF EXPLODED THE CENTER PORTION OF IT WHICH IN TURN DAMAGED MY DRUNK AND IF SOMEONE WAS BEHIND ME COULD HAVE HAD OTHER CATASTROPHIC EVENTS. NOTHING HIT MY CAR I HEARD THE EXPLOSION SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT TH…

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MY 2016 HONDA CIVIC TOURING WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN ABOUT 60 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE RAINING. MY SUNROOF EXPLODED THE CENTER PORTION OF IT WHICH IN TURN DAMAGED MY DRUNK AND IF SOMEONE WAS BEHIND ME COULD HAVE HAD OTHER CATASTROPHIC EVENTS. NOTHING HIT MY CAR I HEARD THE EXPLOSION SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT THEN SEEN THE BIG CHUNK OF GLASS HIT MY TRUNK AND HEARD IT AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11307360

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2020
Unknown Or Other

I BOUGHT MY CAR IN APRIL 2016 AND IN SEPTEMBER 2016 I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE AC BLOWING HOT AIR. HONDA TOLD ME THEY FOUND NOTHING. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HONDA NOVEMBER 2019, THAT THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE CONDENSER. ASSUMING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM I TOOK IT SO THEY CAN TAKE A LOOK AT IT. BECAUSE IT WAS A LEAKY COMPRESSOR AND NO…

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I BOUGHT MY CAR IN APRIL 2016 AND IN SEPTEMBER 2016 I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE AC BLOWING HOT AIR. HONDA TOLD ME THEY FOUND NOTHING. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HONDA NOVEMBER 2019, THAT THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE CONDENSER. ASSUMING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM I TOOK IT SO THEY CAN TAKE A LOOK AT IT. BECAUSE IT WAS A LEAKY COMPRESSOR AND NOT THE CONDENSER, I HAD TO PAY $150 FOR DIAGNOSTICS. FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ HERE, THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH A LEAKING COMPRESSOR. HOW CONVENIENT FOR HONDA!! THEY ARE NOW PROFITTING FROM THESE DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND IGNORING THAT THEIR AC HAS OTHER PROBLEMS. AND TO TOP IT OFF THEY ARE CHARGING $1600 TO FIX A FAULTY AC.

NHTSA ODI #11306817

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2020
Electrical System

SYSTEM THROWS CODES NON STOP RECENTLY ELECTRONIC BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT EMISSION LIGHT SAYING TRANS AND ECU AREN'T ON SAME PROGRAM. EVERY TIME I TAKE TO HONDA THEY WANNA BLAME THE OWNER. I GO THERE WITH TONS OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT HOW OTHERS HAVING SAME ISSUES BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, I'M TOLD I HAVE TO PAY IN ORDER FOR TH…

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SYSTEM THROWS CODES NON STOP RECENTLY ELECTRONIC BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT EMISSION LIGHT SAYING TRANS AND ECU AREN'T ON SAME PROGRAM. EVERY TIME I TAKE TO HONDA THEY WANNA BLAME THE OWNER. I GO THERE WITH TONS OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT HOW OTHERS HAVING SAME ISSUES BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, I'M TOLD I HAVE TO PAY IN ORDER FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AND THAT'S WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BWT. THEY WILL COME UP WITH EVERY EXCUSE NOT TO HELP YOU, HONDA IS PUTTING A LOT OF DRIVERS IN DANGER BY NOT FIXING THESE SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROBLEMS . I WORK FOR A HONDA DEALERSHIP I KNOW WHAT AND HOW MECHANICS ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO

NHTSA ODI #11306425

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

OVER 12 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAS HAD SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES RANGING FROM LOCKING ITSELF WITH THE KEYLESS FOB INSIDE THE VEHICLE DURING A SNOW STORM, ALL WINDOWS INCLUDING MOON ROOF ROLLING COMPLETELY DOWN DURING A RAINSTORM WHEN PARKED OR IN MOTION. WHEN PARKED, THE ALARM BLARING …

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OVER 12 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAS HAD SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES RANGING FROM LOCKING ITSELF WITH THE KEYLESS FOB INSIDE THE VEHICLE DURING A SNOW STORM, ALL WINDOWS INCLUDING MOON ROOF ROLLING COMPLETELY DOWN DURING A RAINSTORM WHEN PARKED OR IN MOTION. WHEN PARKED, THE ALARM BLARING NON STOP FOR HOURS AND THE BATTERY DYING COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING OR DRAINAGE ON MY PART OF ANY KIND. ALL SYSTEMS ON THE CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AFTER LOSS OF POWER INCLUDING THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND YOU CAN DIVE IT THAT WAY. IT BRAKES HARD ON ITS OWN ON THE FREEWAY. THERE IS A USB PORT IN THE CENTER CONSOLE RIGHT NEXT TO CUP HOLDER THAT CAN GET WET IF YOU HAVE A DRINK IN THERE. I NOTICE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CLOUDY, RAINING, OR SNOWING DURING THE MAJORITY OF THE BIGGER ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI #11301757

25,000 miles · Jan 14, 2020
Unknown Or Other

STEERING WHEEL IS PEELING OFF LEAVING STICKY RESIDUE UNDERNEATH

NHTSA ODI #11299304

5,000 miles · Jan 11, 2020
Engine

EVERY TIME I CHANGE OR CHECK MY OIL, THERE IS A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL. WHEN I TAKE THE DIP STICK OUT AND SMELL IT, ALL I SMELL IS GASOLINE.

NHTSA ODI #11298535

Official recalls

5

26V332000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

16V725000 · Parking Brake

Oct 11, 2016

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Civic two door and four door 1.5L turbo and 2.0L vehicles. The electric parking brake (EPB) may not engage if it is applied immediately after turning the ignition off.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the EPB is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to allow the EPB to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KC6.

16V526000 · Exterior Lighting

Jul 11, 2016

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic 2-Door vehicles manufactured February 23, 2016, through May 20, 2016. The affected vehicles may have a damaged LED side marker light circuit board inside the taillight assembly, making the marker light inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a side marker light does not function, vehicle visibility can be decreased to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect both the taillight assemblies, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KB8.

16V074000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Feb 9, 2016

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic vehicles manufactured September 22, 2015, to February 3, 2016 and equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners were mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JX9.

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