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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,080 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2024
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

The evaporator core is leaking, which is causing reduced visibablility out of the windows due to condensation on the windows, mold-like smells from moisture from the interior cabin (it is available upon request). I took it into the dealer - they examined the issue (the shaft seal had just been replaced in April of this year) a…

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The evaporator core is leaking, which is causing reduced visibablility out of the windows due to condensation on the windows, mold-like smells from moisture from the interior cabin (it is available upon request). I took it into the dealer - they examined the issue (the shaft seal had just been replaced in April of this year) and let me know that this time the evaporator core was leaking. For context and why I bring it to the attention of the NHTSA is in early to mid-August of this year my AC not only took an extended time to get cool, it only got cooler, and not cold. Unfortunately, I am now well acclimated to the signs of a faltering air conditioning system after dealing with three like episodes on the same vehicle, occurring within 2 to 3 years of each other (the car isn’t even nine years old). In fact, this vehicle’s air conditioning has been in a rhythmic pattern of failing ever since I purchased the vehicle. Over 8 years there have only been a few summers which haven’t been negatively impacted by this inconvenience. Honda is aware of the issue, because they have offered "good-will" subsidies which sometimes cover partial replacements of these components. But, they have yet to take responsibility for anything outside of the condenser. Hence, the consumer is on the hook to pay for a vital piece of the car (not just the convenience) that removes moisture out of the car.

NHTSA ODI #11621969

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2024
Steering

While driving the steering wheel becomes sticky. It is difficult to turn and requires varying levels of force, reducing accuracy and resulting in jerky movements, difficulty staying in the lines, and increasing risk of crash. No warning lights or errors are coming up for this issue. No other symptoms. Issue has been going on for…

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While driving the steering wheel becomes sticky. It is difficult to turn and requires varying levels of force, reducing accuracy and resulting in jerky movements, difficulty staying in the lines, and increasing risk of crash. No warning lights or errors are coming up for this issue. No other symptoms. Issue has been going on for about a year. If necessary I can get supporting documentation from a mechanic for this issue. No inspection from insurance or police.

NHTSA ODI #11621968

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2024
Unknown Or Other

My AC gave me problems 2years ago, after a couple times at dealer finally, needs to replace Compresor and condenser and hoses. Honda put me in waiting list for the replacement of the parts. (covered under 10 years extended warranty) finally got call to repair the car. Now my AC again stop working only hot air. Took the car to Ho…

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My AC gave me problems 2years ago, after a couple times at dealer finally, needs to replace Compresor and condenser and hoses. Honda put me in waiting list for the replacement of the parts. (covered under 10 years extended warranty) finally got call to repair the car. Now my AC again stop working only hot air. Took the car to Honda, now the evaporator is leaking. They want $ 2,450 to replace.

NHTSA ODI #11621858

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

The differential inside the transmission is making a knocking noise and shakes really badly check engine light came on and traction control light both are on and break system light and I have not even had it for a year

NHTSA ODI #11621847

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2024
Steering

When driving at highway speeds (generally around 50 to 80 mph), the steering wheel has a "sticky" feeling when trying to maintain a straight line. Making minor adjustments with the steering wheel requires excessive force to correct minor lane adjustments. This, in turn, creates a very unpleasant and unsafe driving condition as i…

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When driving at highway speeds (generally around 50 to 80 mph), the steering wheel has a "sticky" feeling when trying to maintain a straight line. Making minor adjustments with the steering wheel requires excessive force to correct minor lane adjustments. This, in turn, creates a very unpleasant and unsafe driving condition as it feels like you are constantly fighting the steering wheel, just to maintain the center of your lane. Driving long periods like this also causes the driver to some what "fight" against the issue causing fatigue in the drivers hands, wrists, and arms. The larger concern is if this issue continues, or gets worse, this could easily lead to an increased risk of loss of control of the vehicle and/or crash. This seems related to a similar recall just issued by Honda for 1.7 million vehicles (including Civics) for 2022 - 2025 models by NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI #11621487

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2024
Steering

Anytime I drive on the highway, the steering wheel begins to stick, causing me to need more force to correct, which causes overcorrection. I then have to correct the overcorrection which causes an overcorrection in the other direction because the steering wheel does not move smoothly. It's extremely frustrating and almost every …

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Anytime I drive on the highway, the steering wheel begins to stick, causing me to need more force to correct, which causes overcorrection. I then have to correct the overcorrection which causes an overcorrection in the other direction because the steering wheel does not move smoothly. It's extremely frustrating and almost every time someone is following me, they call to ask if I'm all right due to the swerving. This can be a serious safety issue because of constant swerving due to how difficult it is to correct the car in the lane without overcorrecting, starting an overcorrection snowball. It also doesn't stop until the car is shut off and turned back on, in which case it starts up again once getting over 45mph.

NHTSA ODI #11621277

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2024
Structure

These vehicles have major paint issues. I experienced the paint flaking off the side back panel near the window and had to go through a somewhat annoying process to have the dealer look into it. After I had this issue I looked online to see if anyone has this same problem and it came to my attention that it is a nationwide issue…

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These vehicles have major paint issues. I experienced the paint flaking off the side back panel near the window and had to go through a somewhat annoying process to have the dealer look into it. After I had this issue I looked online to see if anyone has this same problem and it came to my attention that it is a nationwide issue that is not being addressed. Here is a link of other people who have experienced this issue, [XXX] . The paint is too thin and loses it's clear coat easily then the color breaks and flakes off. I honestly believe this is a manufacture defect as so many cars are affected with the exact same issue. Now my car paint is peeling near the top of the window and I would like an investigation done. I have taken very good car of the vehicle, hand washes and it only has 15k miles. I paid over 28k for this car and didn't expect the paint to be so thin or poor. Please help myself and the many others that are having this issue by formally opening an investigation. I appreciate your time and your assistance. Take care! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11620851

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

The vehicle had a light for emissions. Brought to Honda dealer. Charged me for two diagnosis fees. The tank / neck and fuel pump all rusted out at connection. No rust under or on the vehicle. Obviously the manufacturer has poor quality tank. This does not happen on 8 yr old vehicle and they want $4500 to fix.

NHTSA ODI #11620461

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2024
Steering

Steering becomes noticeably "sticky" at highway speeds (50+). Steering wheel "sticks/freezes" near the center point and it takes some force to turn/unstick it ... then I am forced to over/re-correct the opposite direction making the car swerve right/left or vice versa. On a slick road this could cause a complete loss of contro…

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Steering becomes noticeably "sticky" at highway speeds (50+). Steering wheel "sticks/freezes" near the center point and it takes some force to turn/unstick it ... then I am forced to over/re-correct the opposite direction making the car swerve right/left or vice versa. On a slick road this could cause a complete loss of control ... luckily I don't drive at highway speed on a daily basis. Car mileage is currently 57,860. This has been happening for at least a year, and I just finally remembered to Google it last night and discovered that this is a known issue with Civics.

NHTSA ODI #11620040

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2024
Steering

I started having steering issues from the steering wheel being stiff and having to fight against it to keep the car in the lane of traffic. I took the car into the dealership, and the service writer stated he knew exactly what was wrong. He stated it could have gotten dangerous and could lead to a crash. I was charged 4500.00 f…

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I started having steering issues from the steering wheel being stiff and having to fight against it to keep the car in the lane of traffic. I took the car into the dealership, and the service writer stated he knew exactly what was wrong. He stated it could have gotten dangerous and could lead to a crash. I was charged 4500.00 for an electric power steering rack. After seeing the recent recalls and other same sounding issues, I am thinking the recall for the newer models, is potentially what was wrong with my 2016 Civic. I only had 33K miles on it. I had this repaired exactly 1 year ago. I feel that this recall should go back to cover the older models like mine. Seeing the other complaints from other people, it sounds like they should be covered.

NHTSA ODI #11619973

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