Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 20% | 118,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 22% | 21,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 17% | 90,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 17% | 51,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 18% | 130,000 miles |
| 2008 | 13 | 20% | 50,000 miles |
| 2007 | 22 | 34% | 76,000 miles |
| 2006 | 11 | 20% | 121,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 8% | 189,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 26% | 100,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 18% | 126,000 miles |
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Honda acknowledges that there are battery issues with the 2009 Civic Hybrid batteries and has issued a replacement order for them. They also acknowledge that some of the battery issues are caused by the battery control module but refuse to include that in the covered repair. In this case, the battery is overheating. This is the second battery in a car that is just over 5 years old.
At the end of October 2012, I began to have issues with the ima battery failing on my Honda Civic Hybrid (2009). I took it to the local Honda shop, and the battery failed because of high voltage and deterioration. The software update was tried first. Within 5 miles, the battery failed again. The car stopped using the Hybrid motor, so I had no assist when I was pulling into traffic. The gas engine revved, but it did not move the car. I was in the middle of a busy road with an 85 hp engine that was revving high but going nowhere. I got lucky that I could go into reverse. The next day, I tried to return the vehicle to the shop, but the car and battery were acting funny again. I would get a green light for the battery to charge, the white lights would indicate an assist, but the car would not go in reverse, and it would rev high but not go forward. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle failed state inspection because the check engine indicator was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (dch academy Honda, 1101 u.s 9, old bridge, nj, 08857) where the p0a7f code appeared (Hybrid battery failed). The vehicle was not repaired due to the price of the part. The contact also had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle for a second opinion. Both the failure and part cost were confirmed. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and advised the contact to keep calling the dealer. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. The ima battery was replaced at curry Honda in chicopee, ma in 2014. As consumer reports reported in 2014 the ima batteries are very unreliable. My ima battery recently went bad again and now Honda is saying it's out of warranty. Full disclosure the car has a salvage title. This did not matter in 2014 when it was first replaced. Upon further invertigation I see the warranty on the battery is now 11 years or 162.000 miles. My car has under 130,000 miles and is less than 11 years old. Also the ima battery is listed under the emission system and should be covered for safety issues. Https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/tsbs/2012/sb-10051509-6014.pdf
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. …
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The contact detached and re-attached the battery and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that a fault code would show regarding an issue with the braking system. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V106000 (Electrical System). The mechanic was unable to confirm the exact cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
While driving at about 20 MPH, the transmission disengaged from the engine. When accelerator was pressed, the engine would freely rev to the redline but there was no movement of the car. The car was going up a hill when this happened. The car was rolled backward, almost into traffic at a busy intersection. Car had to be towed to the dealer. At the dealer big island Honda, they did not experience the malfunction and could not solve the problem. We drove the car home. The next day we drove it again and the problem flared up again. This time we managed to get it to the dealer in time while risking our lives to get it there. However, this time the issue was discovered and the car wasn't released to us when they recognized that the issue could indeed contribute to cause a catastrophic failure shutting down all engine operation while driving! …
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
On certain passenger vehicles, certain parts of the integrated motor assist (ima) system are located under a metal cover behind the rear seat-back. Over time the weight of rear seat passengers May cause the metal cover to come into contact with a rubber cap covering an electrical terminal.
Remedy: Dealers will install a plastic cover attached to a metal bracket over the rubber cap. The recall began on February 26, 2006. Owners May contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Civic Hybrid years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (22), 2008 (13), 2006 (11), 2003 (9) and 2004 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 34% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Honda Civic Hybrid engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 07V-034 (engine, Feb 8, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Honda Civic Hybrid engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.