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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 →

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

Power Train complaints

25 reports
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90,000 miles · Aug 4, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train

8/4/2014 DEAR AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY, INC. I AM A PROUD HONDA OWNER, AND I CHOSE HONDA AS MY AUTO OF CHOICE FOR ITS COMPACT SIZE, ITS KNOWN RELIABILITY AS WELL AS GREAT GAS MILEAGE. I HAVE BEEN HOLDING ON YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE @ 1-800-999-1009 FOR QUITE A WHILE AND A FEW DAYS, AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SPEAK TO A CUS…

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8/4/2014 DEAR AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY, INC. I AM A PROUD HONDA OWNER, AND I CHOSE HONDA AS MY AUTO OF CHOICE FOR ITS COMPACT SIZE, ITS KNOWN RELIABILITY AS WELL AS GREAT GAS MILEAGE. I HAVE BEEN HOLDING ON YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE @ 1-800-999-1009 FOR QUITE A WHILE AND A FEW DAYS, AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SPEAK TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, SO I AM IN THIS LETTER CORRESPONDING MY CONCERNS TO YOU. I OWN A 1997 HONDA CIVIC LX WHICH I PURCHASE IN 6/12/2006 NEW. MY HONDA HAS JUST LEGITIMATELY CLOCKED 90 THOUSAND MILES AS OF 8/4/2014, SO I AM QUERIED I WOULD BE HAVING PROBLEMS. I WAS RECENTLY INFORMED BY A HONDA DEALER AS WELL AS I CHECKED AND READ ON LINE THAT HONDA ISSUED A RECALL ON THESE MODELS FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AS WELL AS THE PAINT CHIPPING OFF IN SEVERAL AREAS. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY KIND OF NOTIFICATION FROM HONDA NOR HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE MY HONDA CHECKED FOR THESE PROBLEMS, ALTHOUGH I HAD MY HONDA SERVICED IN 3 MAJOR PENNSYLVANIA HONDA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT WAS NEVER REPORTED AS A MAJOR CONCERN TO ME, MY AUTO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND OFF AND THE CAR STUTTERS AND JERKS WHILE ACCELERATING INDICATING PROBLEMS, I CAN DRIVE WITHOUT A MAJOR INCIDENT DOING NEIGHBORHOOD CHORES OR PHYSICIANS OFFICE VISITS IF THE AUTO IS GOING 40 MPH OR UNDER, AND WHEN TAKEN TO BE SERVICED BY ME AND CHECKED, IT IS NOT SHOWING UP. RECENTLY MY AUTO BOGGED DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY ONLY GOING 50 MPH WHILE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 70, I WAS FRIGHTENED BY THIS OCCURRENCE AND I FELT THE AUTO WAS GOING TO STOP AND I WOULD BE UNABLE TO GET OUT OF HARMS WAY! I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN ON A FIXED INCOME AND I AM ASKING FOR GOODWILL REPAIRS CONCERNING THESE PROBLEM AS WELL AS A REPAIR FOR THE CHIPPING PAINT. WOULD YOU PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME SO THESE CAN BE RESOLVED? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618839

135,000 miles · Dec 28, 2011
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT BEARING IS HAVING ISSUES. MAKES NOISE WHEN CLUTCH IS NOT PRESSED IN BUT ITS OK WHEN PRESSED. I HEARD HONDA DID RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.. NEED HELP TO FIX IT.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10441428

140,000 miles · Apr 7, 2009
Power Train

I 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

NHTSA ODI #10264425

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2004
Power Train

WHEN THE CAR IS COLD IT IS HARD TO PUT INTO 1ST GEAR AND WHEN RELEASING THE CLUTCH IT JUMPS UNTIL IT HAS WARMED UP.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10060403

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2003
Power TrainCrash

GEAR SHIFT WAS STUCK AFTER VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON WHILE SITTING AT A RAILROAD CROSSING. WHEN THE MOTOR WAS TURNED ON, THREE MINUTES LATER, THE GEAR SHIFTER JAMMED. THE CONSUMER THEN PLACED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BOLTED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTI…

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GEAR SHIFT WAS STUCK AFTER VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON WHILE SITTING AT A RAILROAD CROSSING. WHEN THE MOTOR WAS TURNED ON, THREE MINUTES LATER, THE GEAR SHIFTER JAMMED. THE CONSUMER THEN PLACED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BOLTED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE GEAR SHIFT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. *SCC JB

NHTSA ODI #10026162

67,500 miles · Jun 26, 2003
Power TrainCrash

THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME STUCK, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JB. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE STARTED IN OVERDRIVE. *TT *JB

NHTSA ODI #10019861

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2003
Power Train

THE GEAR SHIFTER STUCK AND CAUSED TO SURGE FORWARD RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10011998

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower TrainCrash

BELTS CAME OF PULLEYS, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL RESULTING IN ACOLLISION. ALSO, REPLACED THROTTLE CABLE/EMISSIONS/IGNITION/CV BOOTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10009619

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

ENGINE FAILED DUE TO FAULTY KEY MOUNT ON CRANKSHAFT, AND 2 BELTS CAME OFF PULLEY, VEHICLE LOSS CONTROL RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, REPLACED WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER, EXHAUST SYSTEM, THROTTLE CABLE, EMISSIONS, AXLES, BRAKES, CV BOOTS, AND FLOOR MAT. *AK 8JB

NHTSA ODI #10007289

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2001
Power Train

AFTER SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN OR OTHER MANEUVER, TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGHLY AS YOU ACCELERATE UNLESS THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED VERY SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY. I'M ASSUMING THE CAR IS DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST OR 2ND GEAR, BUT THERE'S A VIOLENT JERK AS YOU INCREASE THE SPEED FROM THERE AND I'M AFRAID THIS MIGHT HARM MY TRANSMISSION, SO I TR…

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AFTER SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN OR OTHER MANEUVER, TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGHLY AS YOU ACCELERATE UNLESS THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED VERY SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY. I'M ASSUMING THE CAR IS DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST OR 2ND GEAR, BUT THERE'S A VIOLENT JERK AS YOU INCREASE THE SPEED FROM THERE AND I'M AFRAID THIS MIGHT HARM MY TRANSMISSION, SO I TRY TO "BABY" IT, BUT I HATE THAT I CAN'T ACCELERATE NORMALLY.

NHTSA ODI #745848

Official recalls

2

20V026000 · 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

2

SQ98017 · 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.

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