Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In 1987 I purchased a new Honda accord. About 7-1/2 years later this what occurred. I was pulling into a parking space and all of a sudden the car surged forward at a rapid pace and it hit a building. There was damage to the building and the car. No one was injured. I drove the car 3 years after that. Then I gave the car to my son and in about 1999 the same thing happened to him with the 1987 Honda. In 1997 I bought a Honda Civic (no bells or whistles). About 7-1/2 years later this is what happened. I was parking the car and all of a sudden it surged forward at an uncontrollable speed the same as it did in the 1987 Honda accord. I hit the side of a building, turned the wheel to avoid goinig through the windows of the building, hit another car, then finally the car slowed down some and I put the car in park. Since this has happed to me two times I am petrified to drive my car again. …
In 1987 I purchased a new Honda accord. Seven and 1/2 years later this is what occurred. I was pulling into a parking space and all of a sudden the car surged forward at a rapid pace and it hit a building. There was damage to the building and the car. No one was injured. I drove the car 3 years after that. Then I gave the car to my son and in 1999 the same thing happened to him with the same car. In 1997 I bought a Honda Civic (no bells or whistles). Seven and half years later this is what happened. I was parking the car and all of a sudden it surged forward like the last time. I hit the side of a building, turned the wheel to avoid going through the windows of the building, hit another car, then finally the car slowed down, and I put the car in park. Since this has happened to me two times I am petrified to drive my car again. No one was injured, thank goodness. …
On Saturday, May 8th 2004, when I was coming home from my college graduation, I slightly accelerated in my 1997 Honda Civic ex from 25 to 35 MPH on 26th street in minneapolis, mn around 5:30 MPH. For some unseen, odd and possessive reason, my gas pedal got stuck to the floor and began to accelerate to 65 MPH on a 30 MPH road. Normally I ve never heard of this happening and have always been a fan of Honda automobiles and products. I have never been in an accident and have a clean driving record. Thank god there wasn't any traffic, because for 6 blocks I've never been so scared in my life. While I was driving, my car was red lining (because of the blown speed sensor or throttle gauge according to the dealership that fixed my vehicle), it caused me to question why I drive. …
When pulling into a parking space the car continued to accelerate despite the fact that the brakes were applied. The car continued to accelerate over the curb. The car continued accelerating hitting a fence and a tree before returning to the parking lot. The vehicle stopped only when emergency brake was engaged. During the incident all systems in the car appeared to be ineffective including braking systems. The best analogy is to that of an amusement park ride. There were no mechanical defects found with the car afterwards. The car was recalled previously for floor mat/accelerator problems and was fixed according to Honda's specifications. This accident occured well after these alterations were made.
A vehicle speed control recall (NHTSA campaign id number : 99i002000) related to my vehicle is posted on the NHTSA website. I have the specific problem described in this recall. However, both the Honda dealer and manufacturer said they did not find such a recall on my vehicle and refuses to pay for the fix. My vehicle make, model and year: make : Honda model : Civic year : 1997 the posted recall make, model and year: make : Honda model : Civic year : 1997 the NHTSA campaign id number is 99i002000 I feel the vehicle speed control recall poses a risk to my safety and I would appreciate it if NHTSA would assist me in getting the issue resolved. Thank you for your assistance.
I am continually experiencing the issue listed in campaign id 99i002000 on my 1997 Civic. The defect report indicates that 1997 civics are covered. When I call Honda to arrange resolution of defect, they tell me only 1996 civics are covered. This is frustrating considering I am experiencing the issue and 99i002000 lists my year. I'm nervous that the roughness of the accelerator pedal will cause me to rear-end someone eventually. Please convince Honda that my 1997 should be covered. Thank you.
The accelerator pedal feels rough or notchy when you press it. The car does not respond properly when traveling at low speeds and are required to move the accelerator pedal to make slight speed adjustments. This is the same problem described for 1996 Honda Civic. I have it on my 1997 Civic. Honda will not correct the problem on my 1997 Civic. I am concerned that this is a serious saftey hazard. If the throttle cable sticking problem becomes worse, it could cause the throttle to stick wide open.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle slowly accelerates while applying firm pressure to the accelerator pedal at various speeds. Although the problem persisted, the vehicle was not seen by a dealer. There is a safety improvement campaign, # 99i002000, regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the campaign due to the VIN.
Dt*: the contact stated there was an accident that occurred with the vehicle due to the interference of the driver's side floor mat with the accelerator. There is a recall #99e015000 pertaining to the accessory driver-side floor mats. The manufacturer has been alerted who refuses to honor the recall. The contact expressed that the manufacturer should be responsible for the accident because of the recall.
While stopping at a stop light, foot on brake vehicle surged forward. Consumer was able to stop vehicle. As soon as vehicle was stopped, it surged again. Consumer was unable to come to a stop, and rearended another vehicle. No injuries.
Acceleration complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1997 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1997 Honda Civic, 10% of the model year's 373 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Honda Civic acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1997 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 1997 Honda Civic acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.