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 1997 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving, the consumer applied the brakes and they hesitated to stop, which resulted in a front collision. The vehicle was totaled. The dealer had been notified. The problem was diagnosed as the master cylinder. Scc
1997 Honda Civic, unit 1 was driving up to lane 5 exit 151 on the ohio turnpike. Unit 1 was approaching the toll booth when the brakes on the car failed. Unit 1 steered into and struck the crash barrier between the lanes. This action was done to prevent striking another vehicle. Bf according to the police report, the brake pedal went down to the floor. Also, there was fluid leaking from under the vehicle. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0098-90) updated 04/22/11 updated 06/17/11 the consumer stated he does not own the vehicle. It was a dealer vehicle being transported to an auction. Updated 09/19/11
Brakes failed to stop car as it was coming to a halt, rolling forward at about 2mph. Brake pedal was floored, transmission shifted into park, and engine turned off...still kept rolling forward, as if being pushed. Only thing not tried was emergency brake. Ended up hitting car in front on both incidents. Road was dry the first time, wet the second. Cruise control not on in either incident. Honda mechanic could find nothing wrong that would cause this.
The left and right air bags went off inadvertently while driving. Driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. This caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crashed into a sewer drainage hole. Driver sustained minor injuries, and went to the hospital on her own. The vehicle was towed.
While driving 35 -40 MPH consumer tried to apply the brakes and vehicle did not stop, causing the vehicle to rear end another vehicle.dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide any futher information.
The front rotors have now twice failed in 21,000 miles, due to excessive warping. The first failure occurred at 9,000 miles; the second began at approximately 20,000 miles and became increasingly more severe. Honda has provided no colorable explanation for why this would occur. With respect to driving, the local Honda dealer claims that this poses no safety issue. I respectfully disagree. The warping has resulted in severe shimmying in the car (and, at some speeds, a hard and sudden pull) upon application of the brakes, affecting both steering and stopping, and overall handling. Despite the car's relatively low mileage, the local Honda dealer (sf Honda) has deemed this to be a "regular" wear and tear item, and thus only machined down the rotors to resolve the most recent warping. I have never heard of (or experienced) such rotor warping in 15 years of driving. …
Rotors have warped repeatedly, I only noticed due to the pulsation when I applied the brakes. Seems to be consistently happening every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. I have a co-worker who bought the same make and model 30 days before we did who is experiencing the same problem. He has had to have his turned 3 times, and finally bought replacement rotors at 90,000 miles. If this is not caught by the owner, or during a routing inspection, the brake system May fail to function properly, resulting in crashes and possible fatalities.
The power window regulator failed early upon, within warranty. It was repaired by warranty. My power sunroof / moonroof has quit working, I have checked the fuses. I have always had a problem with the front brake rotors warping, part because of my fault I would assume and applying the brakes hard. Doesn\\'t help driving on highway 401 in toronto though. All in all, it has been a great car. I have 362,000 km on it now and she still drives like new.
Dealership told me it was alignment, which it wasn't. Rotors caused shimmy, still under warranty, just purchased. Replaced pads & rotors. Had to replace pads 30K mi. Later. Now I'm at 60K miles and I'm replacing them again. I don't drive it hard, drive it to work and back. Continual squealing at slow speeds, now.
Repeated warping of brake rotor with severe vibration at highway speed whenever brakes applied. Turning (resurfacing) rotor only solves problem for 10,000 miles. Dealer wouldn't cover under warranty & insists vibration does not affect safety. I do not believe this, as steering wheel jerks violently at higher speeds.
Brake complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Honda Civic, 6% of the model year's 373 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Honda Civic brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.