Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On April 20, 2007, I wrecked my Civic on the freeway when the car in front of me suddenly hit their brakes, and when I applied my brakes which did not work properly causing my car fishtailed and run into the cement freeway divider. My car was a total loss, and I had to buy another car.
While driving about 20 MPH in rainy weather consumer put on brakes and the vehicle swerved and turned on the other side of the road, spinned around and hit the back of a another vehicle, consumer stated that the air bags did not deploy. Has contacted the dealer. Also passengers seat collasped.
When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a vehicle collision. Consumer also states that the driver's/passenger's air bags did not deploy. Please give futher details.
Engine failed due to faulty key mount on crankshaft, and 2 belts came off pulley, vehicle loss control resulting in an accident. Also, replaced windshield wiper/washer, exhaust system, throttle cable, emissions, axles, brakes, cv boots, and floor mat. 8jb
I own a 1996 Honda Civic ex,, I am having alot of trouble with rotors going bad. I have changed the brakes bought new roters and I'm having trouble with the ABS not working right.as there been a recall on this problem?
Attempted to stop at a railroad crossing by applying the brakes and the brakes failed and caused the consumer to rearend the vehicle in front. Consumer states this is not vehicle.( attorney for client)
1996 Honda Civic dx experiences sticky acceleration, must apply considerable pressure to accelator when stopped which causes car to lunge forward. This was reported to dealer while under warranty and appeared to be corrected, but condition reappeared. Car was recalled for fuel throttle and repaired, but this did not correct the sticky accelerator. The emergency brake does not engage most of the time. The button to release the brake stays in which keeps the brake disengaged. The windshield whistles at road speeds.
While driving the consumer went to apply the brakes and the pedal went straight to the floor, the vehicle slid about 30ft. Before stopping. Dealer has been contacted. The consumer received a recall notice on brake booster check valve and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer told him the vehicle was in good condition. After a while the vehcile needed new brakes and consumer replaced it at his expense. The consumer is asking for reimbursment.
This vehicle has had numerous problems including: brake failure, transmission failure - causing it to stall and start on occasions, tire blowouts, the electronic doors, windows and locks malfunction, and an air conditioner that does not drain properly causing excessive mold growth.
Whenever the brakes were applied, front brakes would chatter when driving 55mph the brakes would pulsate. At low speed they would not feel the pulsating. Been to dealer numerous times for brakes. Rotors & pads had been changed. So far, only happened 3 times.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
A soapy lubricant was used to insert the check valve into the vacuum hose which causes the brake booster check valve to stick.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the check valve by washing the vacuum hose with hot water.
Brake complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Honda Civic, 20% of the model year's 305 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Honda Civic brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-106 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jun 18, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Honda Civic brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 22 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.