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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

Structure complaints

45 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2017
Structure

SCRATCHES APPEARED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE, LIKE THERE WAS NO CLEAR COAT AT ALL. NOW THEIR ARE SPOTS WITH NO PAINT OR CLEAR COAT ALL OVER THE CAR AND I'M WORRIED IF IT STARTS TO RUST, I COULD GET A LEAK IN THE ROOF.

NHTSA ODI #10956200

75,000 miles · Feb 8, 2017
Structure

SUN VISOR BROKE DURING DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND WOULD NOT STAY UP. BLOCKING VISUALLY. HONDA WAS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT THAT INVOLVED THE SAME YEAR BUT JUST SLIGHTLY OUT OF VIN NUMBER AREA.

NHTSA ODI #10950411

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2016
Structure

PAINT IS PEELING, CRACKING AND CLOUDING OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE... ALMOST IMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE. ALSO THE BRAKES FAILED DURING THE SAME TIME AND HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES, MORE OFTEN THAN WHAT IS NORMAL

NHTSA ODI #10903419

36,000 miles · Aug 6, 2016
EnginePower TrainStructure

I BROUGHT A HONDA CIVIC 2009 IN 2012,APRIL 12. THE HONDA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SOLD WITH A POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO BRING CAR UP TO DATE FOR 36000 MILES/3 YR. HONDA DID NOT OFFER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THESE PURPOSES. THEY CALLED A YEAR LATER TO SEE IF WE WOULD THEN EXTEND THE VEHICLE TO 120 MILES. WE HAD ALREADY PURCHASED AN …

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I BROUGHT A HONDA CIVIC 2009 IN 2012,APRIL 12. THE HONDA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SOLD WITH A POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO BRING CAR UP TO DATE FOR 36000 MILES/3 YR. HONDA DID NOT OFFER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THESE PURPOSES. THEY CALLED A YEAR LATER TO SEE IF WE WOULD THEN EXTEND THE VEHICLE TO 120 MILES. WE HAD ALREADY PURCHASED AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY CALLED ASSURANCE PAY TO PAYLINK APPROX 112.00 MO. WE WERE ONE PAYMENT TO THE LAST AND HONDA FINALLY CALLED , WE PURCHASED THEIR WARRANTY TOO. THE CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN AUTOMATIC FROM THE SALE DATE. DOOR LOCKS AND IGNITION/CYLINDER WORK AND OTHER REPAIRS SUCH AS BREAK WORK HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON VEHICLE SINCE. I AM REPORTING UNFAIR SELLING PRACTICES. DETAILS AND REPAIR WORK WILL BE SUBMITTED UPON REQUEST. THUS VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUES UPON PURCHASE.

NHTSA ODI #10893679

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2016
Structure

THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHIPPING OFF THROUGHOUT VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CAR'S BODY, DOWN TO THE UNDERCOAT. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, OR BEEN REPAINTED FOR ANY REASONS. THE PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AGO. THE NATURE OF THE ISSUE IS DOES NOT PERTAIN TO ANY…

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THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHIPPING OFF THROUGHOUT VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CAR'S BODY, DOWN TO THE UNDERCOAT. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, OR BEEN REPAINTED FOR ANY REASONS. THE PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AGO. THE NATURE OF THE ISSUE IS DOES NOT PERTAIN TO ANY OF THE CONDITIONS DESCRIBED IN THE NOTE SECTION OF THIS VEHICLE INFORMATION FORM. I APPROACHED HONDA REGARDING THE ISSUE, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT CONSIDERED UNDER THE COMPANY'S RECALL POLICY. HONDA VEHICLES ARE WELL KNOWN FOR PROBLEMS REGARDING PAINT, AND HONDA AND SEVERAL HONDA OWNERS ARE FULLY AWARE OF SUCH PROBLEMS. I AM LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE TO ADDRESS AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. PLEASE HELP US CONSUMERS PRESERVE OUR RIGHTS AND GET THE PROTECTION WE NEED AGAINST CORPORATIONS, SUCH AS HONDA, THAT PROFIT FROM US AND DON'T ADEQUATELY STAND BY US BY HONORING THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

NHTSA ODI #10861078

51,250 miles · Apr 17, 2016
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury

MY HONDA CIVIC WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BY A FORD RANGER PICKUP TRUCK. I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON A CITY STREET IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA AND THE TRUCK WAS HEADING SOUTHBOUND AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ACROSS THE LANE THAT I WAS OCCUPYING WHEN I WAS HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG IN THE TRUCK DEPLOYED, BUT THE SIDE C…

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MY HONDA CIVIC WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BY A FORD RANGER PICKUP TRUCK. I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON A CITY STREET IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA AND THE TRUCK WAS HEADING SOUTHBOUND AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ACROSS THE LANE THAT I WAS OCCUPYING WHEN I WAS HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG IN THE TRUCK DEPLOYED, BUT THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG IN MY CIVIC DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS INJURED BY BROKEN GLASS AND IMPACT OF MY LEFT ARM & SHOULDER AGAINST THE DRIVER DOOR. THE IMPACT FOR WAS SUFFICIENT TO BEND BOTH THE A-PILLAR AND B-PILLAR INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I BELIEVE THAT THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG IN MY CIVIC WAS DEFECTIVE. NOTE THAT A LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT SINCE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE, AND WAS TOWED TO A CAR STORAGE YARD AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10859937

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2016
Exterior LightingStructure

INSANE AMOUNT OF CLEAR COAT PEELING IS HAPPENING THIS YEAR. ROOF HAS SOCCER BALL SIZE OF CLEAR COAT DAMAGE. HOOD HAS SPIDER WEB ALL OVER THE PLACE.

NHTSA ODI #10836248

150,000 miles · Dec 9, 2015
EngineExterior LightingStructure

INTERIOR CENTER LED BRAKE LIGHT FAILED, RIGHT SIDE ENGINE MOUNT FAILED, ATOMIC BLUE PAINT ON ROOF AND EDGES OF REAR FENDERS AROUND TRUNK FADED AND CHALKY.

NHTSA ODI #10809356

42,000 miles · Nov 18, 2015
EngineStructureUnknown Or Other

CLEAR COAT ON PAINT FAILED AFTER 3 YEARS. SUN VISORS FAILED AFTER 4 YEARS AND 35K MILES. MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED AT 5 YEARS AND 42K MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10794750

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2015
StructureVisibility/wiper

I HAVE OWNED MY 2009 HONDA CIVIC SINCE JULY, 29TH 2009, I HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE BODY FRAME BETWEEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE DRIVERSIDE WINDOW COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTS MY VIEW OF THINGS INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES, THIS IS WHEN I AM DIRECTLY LOOKING. I FEEL THE BLIND SPOT SIZE IS BEYOND DANGEROUS AND UNACCEP…

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I HAVE OWNED MY 2009 HONDA CIVIC SINCE JULY, 29TH 2009, I HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE BODY FRAME BETWEEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE DRIVERSIDE WINDOW COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTS MY VIEW OF THINGS INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES, THIS IS WHEN I AM DIRECTLY LOOKING. I FEEL THE BLIND SPOT SIZE IS BEYOND DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE, I HAVE ALMOST HIT PEOPLE NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE THEY ARE IN JUST THE RIGHT SPOT TO BE BLOCKED OF VIEW THIS INCLUDES AN ENTIRE VEHICLE!! I FEEL THAT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE BODIES STYLES SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. I NOTICE THIS EVERY SINGLE TIME I MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN I HAVE TO MOVE MY HEAD TO EACH SIDE OF IT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO ONE OR NO OBJECT THERE.

NHTSA ODI #10785872

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.

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