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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.

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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

Visibility complaints

34 reports
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190,000 miles · May 2, 2014
Visibility

THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTINUALLY COMES OFF THE TRACK. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED, BUT IT STILL COMES OFF AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET THE WINDOW BACK UP. I HAVE NO CHILDREN AND USUALLY RIDE ALONE TO WORK SO NO ONE 'PLAYS' WITH THE UP/DOWN BUTTON. THE WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL SOMETIMES NOT COME UP. I HAVE TO H…

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THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTINUALLY COMES OFF THE TRACK. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED, BUT IT STILL COMES OFF AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET THE WINDOW BACK UP. I HAVE NO CHILDREN AND USUALLY RIDE ALONE TO WORK SO NO ONE 'PLAYS' WITH THE UP/DOWN BUTTON. THE WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL SOMETIMES NOT COME UP. I HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE MANUALLY PULL IT UP WHILE I PRESS THE BUTTON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10586078

125,000 miles · Mar 17, 2006
Exterior LightingVisibility

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. ALSO, THE HAZARD LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REP…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. ALSO, THE HAZARD LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI #10153052

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2005
Visibility

MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC HX HAS DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILURE WHERE THE WINDOW FALLS OFF THE TRACK AND WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. ALSO, THE WINDOW MOLDING AROUND THE DRIVER'S WINDOW BUCKLES AND CAUSES THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF THE TRACK. HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RECURRING. HAVE READ MANY OTHER …

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MY 1996 HONDA CIVIC HX HAS DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILURE WHERE THE WINDOW FALLS OFF THE TRACK AND WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. ALSO, THE WINDOW MOLDING AROUND THE DRIVER'S WINDOW BUCKLES AND CAUSES THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF THE TRACK. HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RECURRING. HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS AS TO THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND AM WONDERING WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN SOME SORT OF RECALL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136829

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2003
Visibility

WHILE DRIVING UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE'S WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10051623

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

21,000 miles · Feb 18, 2003
Visibility

COMPLAINT ABOUT THE MALFUNCTION ON MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW,AND THE FACT THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURED OVER THREE TIMES WHILE UNDER HONDA WARRANTY, AND WAS NEVER RESOLVED.

NHTSA ODI #10007761

Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2001
Visibility

DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGERS SIDE POWER WINDOWS HAVE NUMEROUSLLY FALLEN OFF THEIR TRACKING ASSEMBLIES. THE WINDOWS THEMSELVES HAVE FALLEN OFF THERE HOLDING DEVICES, CAUSING THEM TO FALL WITHIN THE FRAMES OF BOTH DOORS; THEY HAVE NOT BROKEN...YET!!!!. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AND INTERIOR MOLDINGS OF BOTH DOORS HAVE BEEN RUINED DUE T…

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DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGERS SIDE POWER WINDOWS HAVE NUMEROUSLLY FALLEN OFF THEIR TRACKING ASSEMBLIES. THE WINDOWS THEMSELVES HAVE FALLEN OFF THERE HOLDING DEVICES, CAUSING THEM TO FALL WITHIN THE FRAMES OF BOTH DOORS; THEY HAVE NOT BROKEN...YET!!!!. THE WEATHER STRIPPING AND INTERIOR MOLDINGS OF BOTH DOORS HAVE BEEN RUINED DUE TO THE INCIDENTS THAT HAVE OCCURED; BOTH WINDOWS FALL OFF AT VARING SPEEDS BETWEEN 30-75 MPH, MAINLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 55 OR OVER. THESE EVENTS HAVE HAPPENED, APPROXIMATELY 4-6 TIMES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #749890

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2001
Visibility

HEATER CORE WENT OUT, AND MELTED DOWN RADIATOR, AND POSSIBLY ENGINE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS WILLING TO FIX PROBLEM AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.

NHTSA ODI #884561

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2001
Visibility

FRONT WINDOWS BIND OR HAVE COME OUT OF THE RUN CHANNEL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #741523

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.

Go deeper into Honda Civic problems