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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.

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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

Visibility complaints

20 reports
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166,655 miles · Aug 20, 2025
Visibility

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud pop coming from the sunroof. There was no warning light. Illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware of a large hole in the sunroof glass. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diag…

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The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud pop coming from the sunroof. There was no warning light. Illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware of a large hole in the sunroof glass. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,655.

NHTSA ODI #11682010

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2023
Visibility

A/C system.- compressor &/or shaft seal leak- As we were driving our BRAND NEW Honda civic to Las Vegas for our daughter’s wedding on July 12, 2019 in the heat of 115 degrees, the AC stopped working & started blowing hot air, we were forced to continue our 5 hour journey in this unsafe driving condition since it was our daughter…

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A/C system.- compressor &/or shaft seal leak- As we were driving our BRAND NEW Honda civic to Las Vegas for our daughter’s wedding on July 12, 2019 in the heat of 115 degrees, the AC stopped working & started blowing hot air, we were forced to continue our 5 hour journey in this unsafe driving condition since it was our daughter’s wedding. This was at 36,100 miles, just 100 miles out of warranty. The recall had not happened yet & we were unaware other people were experiencing the same issues with this same AC system Honda used. I Took it to my local Honda dealer upon return of the torturous unsafe trip and they wanted $3000 to fix the problem they took no blame for it. I immediately filed a complaint with safecar.gov #11322455. 4 years later, PARTS of the Ac system were recalled & I was sent a letter from American Honda stating show us the invoices you had to pay before the recall happened. I did exactly what they said and they denied all of my expenses. I am in shock. This was not my problem their defected AC system leaked Freon. That was their system that they put into that brand new car that was worthless. They cut corners used a cheaper outside contractor it’s obvious. I have $552.93, in repairs that American Honda has refused to reimburse me for and I went through the whole process they requested it’s not right. I should be paid for what I had to pay on that AC system before the recall. It was not my fault it was their fault.

NHTSA ODI #11537025

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2023
Visibility

My 2016 Honda Civic started blowing warm air and within 24 hours I took it to my local Honda Dealership and had it inspected. I was told that there were two TRBs which may be related to the A/C system. After dealer inspection I was told that the mechanics noted leaks in both the Condenser and the Compressor shaft seal. The re…

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My 2016 Honda Civic started blowing warm air and within 24 hours I took it to my local Honda Dealership and had it inspected. I was told that there were two TRBs which may be related to the A/C system. After dealer inspection I was told that the mechanics noted leaks in both the Condenser and the Compressor shaft seal. The result of the leaks was that the these components would need to be replaced along with the A/C compressor. Unfortunately I was told that the extended warranties on both of these components (10 yr unlimited mileage) would not cover the compressor replacement despite the dealership telling me that the leaks likely caused the A/C Compressor failure. Honda is acutely aware that these types of leaks will cause in AC component failures (Condenser, Compressor and evaporator) because the A/C systems are closed systems and complaints about the A/C system leaks, and their effects, are pervasive on online media forums and the auto community at large. In my case the leaks due to the failure of the condenser and compressor shaft seal resulted in the failure of A/C Compressor. I have had the A/C system inspected by other Honda Certified mechanic shops and all have expressed the causality between the failed components and the compressor catastrophic failure. The fact that Honda has issued "unlimited mileage" extended warranties on these 10th Gen Civic compressor shaft seals and condensers expresses Honda's awareness that these components should not fail in the way they are doing so. Like any mechanical system perfection should not be the goal but when a manufacture is aware of a failure in its product it has the responsibility to make whole those harmed by its failures. Unfortunately customers, like me, who purchased Hondas because the brand's reliability and strong customer service appeal will have to look elsewhere unless Honda chooses to correct this clear and present issue across multiple vehicles in its lineup.

NHTSA ODI #11528369

103,000 miles · Jun 24, 2020
Unknown Or OtherVisibility

2016 HONDA CIVIC. PROBLEM WITH AIR CONDITIONING BLOWING HOT AIR BOTH WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY. I TOOK TO THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD BOTH CONDENSER AND COMPRESSOR HAD LEAKS. CONDENSER IS COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THE COMPRESSOR WAS NOT COSTING IN EXCESS OF $1100 TO REPAIR. WAS INFORMED BY DEA…

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2016 HONDA CIVIC. PROBLEM WITH AIR CONDITIONING BLOWING HOT AIR BOTH WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY. I TOOK TO THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD BOTH CONDENSER AND COMPRESSOR HAD LEAKS. CONDENSER IS COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THE COMPRESSOR WAS NOT COSTING IN EXCESS OF $1100 TO REPAIR. WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THEY ARE RECEIVING 3-4 VEHICLES PER WEEK WITH THIS ISSUE. IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11330517

42,000 miles · Jun 22, 2020
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONER BEING INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS FOGGED UP WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PENSKE HONDA (4140 E 96TH ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240 317-399-9890, BUT WAS NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONER BEING INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS FOGGED UP WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PENSKE HONDA (4140 E 96TH ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240 317-399-9890, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #11330001

35,000 miles · Jun 13, 2020
EquipmentUnknown Or OtherVisibility

A/C BLOWS WARM AIR ON DRIVER'S SIDE. A/C BLOWS SLIGHTLY COOL AIR ON PASSENGER'S SIDE. A/C DOES NOT REACH SET COOLING TEMPERATURES. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM HONDA DEALERSHIP ON 4/25/20. A/C BEGAN GOING OUT ON 6/7/20. VEHICLE HAS ~35,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328702

39,000 miles · Jun 11, 2020
Unknown Or OtherVisibility

AC BLOWING HOT ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND SOME COOL ON PASSENGER SIDE. VEHICLE HAS 39,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328429

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2020
Unknown Or OtherVisibility

AIR CONDITIONER IN 2016 CIVIC FAILED IN NOVEMBER OF 2019. HONDA COVERED THE CONDENSER BUT CHARGE FULL RACK TO REPLACE A CONNECTING HOSE, $450. NOW JUNE OF 2020 SAME ISSUE WHERE A/C IS BLOWING HOT AIR. HONDA DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE CONDENSER AND COMPRESSOR NEED TO REPLACED. CONDENSER IS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. COMPRESSOR WAS RE…

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AIR CONDITIONER IN 2016 CIVIC FAILED IN NOVEMBER OF 2019. HONDA COVERED THE CONDENSER BUT CHARGE FULL RACK TO REPLACE A CONNECTING HOSE, $450. NOW JUNE OF 2020 SAME ISSUE WHERE A/C IS BLOWING HOT AIR. HONDA DEALER TELLS ME THAT THE CONDENSER AND COMPRESSOR NEED TO REPLACED. CONDENSER IS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $1600. THESE PARTS ARE ALL FAULTY NEED TO BE COVERED. CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2018 AS A CPO FROM HONDA DEALER. CAR HAS UNDER 63K MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328317

29,875 miles · Jun 10, 2020
EngineUnknown Or OtherVisibility

A/C QUIT WORKING AT 30,000 MILES ONE YEAR OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER DIAGNOSED COMPRESSOR BEARING FAILURE - NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR DEFECTIVE CONDENSERS. COST TO REPAIR: $2,000 + THIS IS BOTH DANGEROUS DUE TO INOPERATIVE DEFROST/DEFOGGING AS WELL AS RISKING PASSENGER OVERHEATING IN EXTREME WEATHER - ESPECIALLY THOSE…

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A/C QUIT WORKING AT 30,000 MILES ONE YEAR OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER DIAGNOSED COMPRESSOR BEARING FAILURE - NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR DEFECTIVE CONDENSERS. COST TO REPAIR: $2,000 + THIS IS BOTH DANGEROUS DUE TO INOPERATIVE DEFROST/DEFOGGING AS WELL AS RISKING PASSENGER OVERHEATING IN EXTREME WEATHER - ESPECIALLY THOSE OF US WHO ARE SENIORS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328192

38,000 miles · Jun 5, 2020
EquipmentUnknown Or OtherVisibility

AC STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN OCT 2016 AND HAVEN'T EVEN FINISHED PAYING IT AND THE AC IS ALREADY HAVING PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11327430

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