2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Engine Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  212%
• 25k–50k
  212%
• 50k–75k
  424%
• 75k–100k
  529%
• 100k–150k
  318%
• 150k+
  16%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Tl* the contact owned a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. While driving approximately 72 MPH with the cruise control activated, the contact attempted to deactivate it, but the vehicle accelerated to 100 MPH on its own. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The contact crashed into the concrete barrier on the rear driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle spun 360 degrees and crashed into the concrete barrier on the front passenger side. The front and rear passenger side air bags deployed. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 08/12/16

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that "integrated motor assist system compromise" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to Honda motorwerks (500 4th st s, la crosse, wi 54601, [phone]) where it was diagnosed with an internal battery failure that needed replacement. The battery was not replaced due to cost, but the contact was advised that the vehicle was still able to operate using the Hybrid system or fuel. The contact stated that using the Hybrid system was fine during the summer, but during the winter months, due to colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, the vehicle would lose power without warning. The contact stated that it was a known issue that the internal battery degrades over time and failed to keep a longer charge. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 06581479. …

This vehicle is not safe for highway or city driving. It decelerates when you need power, making it very dangerous to merge in high speed or heavy traffic conditions. In the summer when the A/C is running, acceleration is extremely unreliable. The driver's side has severe blind spots. I have also experienced long delays in the engine restarting after pulling out into traffic from a dead stop at lights or stop signs. I have nearly been hit by oncoming traffic -- planning for adequate gaps in traffic is a challenge and very different from the other vehicles I drive. I am an experienced driver with over 37 years behind the wheel and an excellent driving record. I have owned 4 hondas and this so-called Hybrid has been an engineering disaster.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. While driving 65 MPH, the ABS, power steering, and integrated motor assist warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the radio lights blinked, the air conditioner turned off, the power steering became loose, and the engine stalled. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and had it towed home. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that the vehicle had too many miles and the contact was not the original owner. The failure mileage was 169,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that the ima battery failed, the vehicle was slow to accelerate, and the low beam headlights failed to illuminate. In addition, the ima warning light flashed and the service engine light dimmed. One mechanic provided testing and a second mechanic also inspected and diagnosed the failures, but was unable to provide a repair solution. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. While the contact's wife was driving 5 MPH, the contact made a left turn and depressed the accelerator pedal when the integrated motor assist (ima) warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle seized. The vehicle was taken to south tacoma Honda (7802 s tacoma way, tacoma, wa 98409, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the ima battery failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was advised to call NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that the el-1 iam battery was not working and the service engine and several unknown warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to prescott Honda (3291 willow creek rd, prescott az, 86301) where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 76,081.

Ever since Honda did a software update on my car's engine to extend the life of the battery, my car has had intermittent accelerations issues. For example, last summer, I was at a stop light and when it turned green, my car didn't seem to want to "go". I had to press on the gas pedal about 3 times to get it to "engage" and actually move. Many times the car is sluggish to start from a stop, or accelerate, but it does "go", just not as promptly and quickly as it should. The most recent incidents occurred last month and has prompted this complaint. Both involved merging onto a freeway. In the first instance, I was in the right lane, which I knew would turn exit only a mile or so down the road. There was a truck on my left, followed by a long line of slow moving cars. So I thought, since the truck was right next to me, I would speed up a little bit and bit and get in front of it. …

We own a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. We strongly believe this car is unsafe. In 2010 we brought the car into a Honda dealer after the ima light came on. Instead of replacing a bad Hybrid battery, the dealer instead "upgraded" the ima software. As a result, the car has lost mileage. But far more importantly, it has lost any acceleration. The software doesn't use the ima (electric booster motor) in a manner that provides any acceleration to the car. In fact, as best as we can tell, the ima (integrated motor assist) is mostly turned off. So we have a smaller combustion engine than the conventional Honda Civic doing the work of what should be two engines. The primary and booster. We constantly have a difficult time in gaining freeway speed to properly merge onto the highway. This is impossible if the on ramp is on a hill or incline. We have had several close calls and near accidents. …

The Honda Civic Hybrid ima system has been inconsistent and a worry since I bought the car. The charge level varies wildly within minutes, releasing the braking charge mode unexpectedly while traveling downhill, resulting in rapid acceleration. While going uphill the ima system suddenly shows no charge and the engine is unable to keep the car's speed constant, resulting in rapid deceleration. The software update that was said to fix these problems resulting in no change to the problems but a considerable reduction in mpg. The engine refuses to stop at red lights and instead remains at idle - wasting gas. I have service records covering the entire history of this car which documents my concerns and complaints. The Honda service department was never able to find any problems with the ima. I continue to drive this car but am concerned for my safety and the car's reliability. …

Engine complaints in other Civic Hybrid years