Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
I had car computer problems, air conditioning problem and paint on car body is cracking. These problems started to happen gradually, computer problems happened while I was driving on the road in the city; the paint started to crack for many years and the car looks miserable. The air conditioning broke down during a summer time, when I had no money to repair it and had to suffer due to the high heat weather. There is also a crack somewhere in the engine, not sure where, which can make things worse.
Date and mileage are approximate. This was my wife's car which I very seldom drove. Not long after the car was new, I drove it and the following happened (the date I've listed is only approximate): I was driving at about 20mph and had to stop for a red light. I took my foot off of the accelerator and stepped on the brake pedal. The engine RPM did not slow down to idle, and tried to keep moving the car forward. I turned off the ignition to keep from having a crash. This is not an accelerator pedal problem as I shall explain later. I called the Honda dealer and was told that if it happened again to bring the car in. I told my wife what to do if it happened to her. Either it never happened to her or it did and she never told me. My wife died at the end of January 2015. Since then, I have sometimes driven her Civic. …
After vehicle warms to operating temp. And the rpms are between 2000 and 3000. The vehicle bogs down, releasing the throttle or pushing in the clutch pedal and the vehicle idle is normal. If the throttle is pushed down and the rpms rise, the problem goes away. When this occurs the vehicle can bog down and then straighten out the speed will resume to where it should be. This is an intermittent problem with no rhyme or reason associated with it. I have had the vehicle in the shop several times and have asked countless number of people. Internet search had shown that other people are having the same problem and no one has an answer as to the cause or the relief. This has been happening as long as I have owned the car and I noticed it the first time I drove it. I bought is used and it had no warranty. Vehicle needed exhaust manifold and tires when I bought it. Nothing else was mentioned. …
Exhaust manifold is cracked and leaks. Manifold makes noise and exhaust gas can be smelled in the passenger compartment. This does not comply with FMVSS requiring all exhaust gases be vented behind the passenger compartment.
Consumer states while pulling out of driveway the vehicle suddenly accelerated and collided into a tree. Consumer also stated the engine continued to "revv" loudly after collision occurred. Mr
I brought my 1997 Honda Civic in for a recurring problem which was covered under an warranty issued by Honda for resetting an emissions problem in 1997 civics. This is the seventh time I had to have this light reset. The warranty was for up to 150K miles. This time I had 152K miles. I was told from now on I would have to pay a $85 diagnostic fee plus repair. This is unfair as this is a recurring problem that has not been corrected. As this occurs on average every 12,000 miles I could have to pay this diagnostic fee of $85 plus parts for a recurring problem that has not been fixed. Note that a coworker who has the same car had brought the car in nine times. This dealer replaced the catalytic converter on her car and the light has not come back on. …
I had the checked at kolbe Honda when the check engine light came on. I thought the porblems related with the check engine would be covered by mfg warranty it was not. After I have learned that three sensors defected as found in diagnostic process. I went on to replace all three sensors and the check engine light still comes on. Something is not right, I do plan on making a appointment with kolbe to further more on diagnostic and determine if this is covered by manufactory recall or warranty coverage. I also have a transmission problem, after 45 minutes of driving on city streets. The transmission starts to slip or hesitate at take off, from second gear to fourth shift speed also changes. …
Since oct '02, I have had my car in and out of the dealership due to the recall for emissions. Each time, the check engine light has come on, I have taken it to the dealership and had the problem fixed. The first time, the computer went bad and was replaced. The second time, the o2 sensor went bad and the car stalled out on a busy interstate in nc where construction is being done and there are no shoulders to pull off on. I believe Honda should replace the entire emissions system covered under the warranty instead of costing their consumers time and a lot of aggravation by fixing the problems one at a time. This will absolutely be the last Honda I own due to this one situation. I'm sick of spending time in the dealership having to wait for them to tell me what the current problem is. …
Emissions control unit failed in July 1999. Unit is directly linked to the on board diagnostics system (OBD). Honda dealer noted problem in July 1999, after I brought the car in for testing, because the "engine problem" light stayed on for a few days. Dealer claims to have ordered part, which is on back order. Have been trying to get in touch with the manufacturer, American Honda, to find out when the part will be available. I have not met with any success. Difficult to get in touch with someone about the problem. Promises to return my calls are never kept. Car does not drive properly. Idles very rough...drives sluggish. Can you help??
The engine light came on and I took it to the shop to determine the cause. They told me that the exhaust manifold had cracked. They also told me that this is a common occurrence for the Honda Civic. The cost of repair will be over $600.00 provided that this did not damage the oxygen sensor. If that is the case, then the cost will be an additional $100.00 to $200.00 more. Given that this is a common occurence, I felt that it May warrant further reporting to your organization.
Engine complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Honda Civic, 8% of the model year's 373 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Honda Civic engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.