IllustrationACCESSORY DRIVER-SIDE FLOOR MATS USED IN 1996-1998 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DUE TO THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR ON THESE VEHICLES, A MISPOSITIONED FLOOR MAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CAR IS IN MOTION. K60
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Civic years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
31 reportsUSING CRUISE CONTROL, SET CRUISE AT 60MPH. CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE. APPLIED FOOT TO ACCELERATOR. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER REMOVING FOOT. APPLIED BRAKE AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE. APPLIED CLUTCH AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO INCREASE ROTATIONS PER MINUTE (RPM). I BELIEVE THAT ENGINE RPM MUST HAVE HIT A THRESHOLD THE…
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USING CRUISE CONTROL, SET CRUISE AT 60MPH. CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE. APPLIED FOOT TO ACCELERATOR. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER REMOVING FOOT. APPLIED BRAKE AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE. APPLIED CLUTCH AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO INCREASE ROTATIONS PER MINUTE (RPM). I BELIEVE THAT ENGINE RPM MUST HAVE HIT A THRESHOLD THEN DISENGAGED. *TR
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA CIVIX DX. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER MAILED HER RECALL 99I002000 REGARDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 24, 2006. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 162,956. *AK UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB…
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TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA CIVIX DX. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER MAILED HER RECALL 99I002000 REGARDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 24, 2006. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 162,956. *AK UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 40 MPH. THE CONSUMER HIT THE BRAKES, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. HE FINALLY WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A GARDEN AND HIT A WALL. THE CONSUMER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS CHECKED OUT AND RELEAS…
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THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 40 MPH. THE CONSUMER HIT THE BRAKES, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. HE FINALLY WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A GARDEN AND HIT A WALL. THE CONSUMER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS CHECKED OUT AND RELEASED. THE POLICE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. CONSUMER WAS THEN ADVISED BY THE POLICE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. *AK RECALL# 99I002000. *SC
I OWNED A 1996 HONDA CIVIC EX, BOUGHT IT NEW. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON JUNE 13TH OF 1998. IT WAS CONSIDERED MY FAULT BECAUSE I PULLED OUT INTO THE PATH OF THE OTHER VEHICAL. BUT I DIDN'T, THE CAR TOOK OFF I COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP. ..I TRYED TO GET IT OUT OF THE WAY OF THE OTHER CAR. BUT WAS UNABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY.WHICH E…
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I OWNED A 1996 HONDA CIVIC EX, BOUGHT IT NEW. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON JUNE 13TH OF 1998. IT WAS CONSIDERED MY FAULT BECAUSE I PULLED OUT INTO THE PATH OF THE OTHER VEHICAL. BUT I DIDN'T, THE CAR TOOK OFF I COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP. ..I TRYED TO GET IT OUT OF THE WAY OF THE OTHER CAR. BUT WAS UNABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY.WHICH ENDED UP IN AN ACCIDENT TOTALING MY CAR, AND HURTING MY BACK! I STILL TO THIS DAY SUFFER WITH MY BACK. I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THE RECALL ON MY CAR. I DON'T THINK ITS VERY FARE I'VE HAD TO SUFFER ALL THIS TIME AND WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I WAS HIT IN THE SIDE BY A TRUCK DOING 45-50 MILES AN HOUR. MY PASSENGER AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! AND IF MY CHILDERN HAD BEEN IN THE CAR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN!!HAS TO MUCH TIME PASSED FOR ME TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? I HAD TO PAY HIGH INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR 3 YEARS,SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN ALL THE TIME. *AK
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1996 HONDA CIVIC WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY, AND USUALLY IT DOES NOT WORK. AT TIMES WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH ON THE RARE OCCASION THAT I HAVE GOTTEN THE CRUISE CONTROL TO WORK, IT JUST CLICKS OFF BY ITSELF. I AM DISABLED AND MUST HAVE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN DRIVI…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1996 HONDA CIVIC WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY, AND USUALLY IT DOES NOT WORK. AT TIMES WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH ON THE RARE OCCASION THAT I HAVE GOTTEN THE CRUISE CONTROL TO WORK, IT JUST CLICKS OFF BY ITSELF. I AM DISABLED AND MUST HAVE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN DRIVING FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT PERIOD OF TIME. I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE IS A FIX FOR THIS. *JB
BELTS CAME OF PULLEYS, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL RESULTING IN ACOLLISION. ALSO, REPLACED THROTTLE CABLE/EMISSIONS/IGNITION/CV BOOTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. *AK
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
WHEN PRESSING ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT WOULD STICK. VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY JERK FORWARD OR REVERSE, IF PRESSED TOO HARD. WHENEVER THIS HAPPENS, VEHICLE WOULD RUN ROUGH.*AK *SLC
VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER 4-5 TIMES TO REPAIR THROTTLE.VEHICLE HESITATES AT ANY SPEED WITH NO WARNING. WHEN THROTTLE GETS STUCK CONSUMER HAS TO PRESS DOWN ON THROTTLE. THEN EASE UP, AND REAPPLY TO ACCELERATE. DEALER HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO REPAIR IT. RECALL 99I002000 DOESN'T AFFECT CONSUMER'S…
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VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER 4-5 TIMES TO REPAIR THROTTLE.VEHICLE HESITATES AT ANY SPEED WITH NO WARNING. WHEN THROTTLE GETS STUCK CONSUMER HAS TO PRESS DOWN ON THROTTLE. THEN EASE UP, AND REAPPLY TO ACCELERATE. DEALER HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO REPAIR IT. RECALL 99I002000 DOESN'T AFFECT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE DUE TO VIN. *AK
Official recalls
220V026000 · 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
2SQ98017 · 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.