Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
The window on the driver's side continually comes off the track. I have had it fixed, but it still comes off and it is very difficult to get the window back up. I have no children and usually ride alone to work so no one 'plays' with the up/down button. The window on the passenger side will sometimes not come up. I have to have someone manually pull it up while I press the button. This has been going on for a number of years.
Dt*: the contact stated the power windows were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where it was determined the wiring harness needed to be replaced. It was taken to the dealership for repair. Also, the hazard light was inoperable. The dealership determined the hazard light switch needed to be replaced.
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
Drivers side and passengers side power windows have numerouslly fallen off their tracking assemblies. The windows themselves have fallen off there holding devices, causing them to fall within the frames of both doors; they have not broken...yet!!!!. The weather stripping and interior moldings of both doors have been ruined due to the incidents that have occured; both windows fall off at varing speeds between 30-75 MPH, mainly at highway speeds of 55 or over. These events have happened, approximately 4-6 times.
My 1996 Honda Civic hx has driver side window failure where the window falls off the track and will not go up or down. Also, the window molding around the driver's window buckles and causes the window to fall off the track. Have had it repaired several times and still has the exact same problem recurring. Have read many other complaints as to this same problem, and am wondering why there hasn't been some sort of recall.
Both headlight got water in them when car washed-replaced seals and lenses-warranty, windshield made howling noise at freeway speeds-resealed twice-warranty, left front seat would not move back and forth-replaced track-warranty, dead battery-replaced-warranty, rt front seatbelt would not retract-installed new seatbelt-warranty.
Ongoing problem with driver's side window coming off track during cold weather. Vehicle been in dealer shop on five occasions, and the problem kept reoccurring. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Complaint about the malfunction on my driver side window,and the fact that this problem occured over three times while under Honda warranty, and was never resolved.
Belts came of pulleys, vehicle lost control resulting in acollision. Also, replaced throttle cable/emissions/ignition/cv boots and windshield wipers.
Windshield wipers fail to operate when temperatures are below 30 degrees. Owner is aware of another w/same failure. Wiper motor on back order. Please describe.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Honda Civic, 10% of the model year's 305 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Honda Civic window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1996 Honda Civic, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Honda Civic window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.