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 1997 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Power windows fail. The incident has occurred at least 7 times in the past five years. Service representatives say that one must lubricate the window runners. The owner's manual either fails to mention this maintenance or the existence of such maintenance. The part is always replaced and always fails.
The power windows have failed at least seven times in the five years I have owned the vehicle. The manufacturer persists to put a defective window motor into the vehicle. Even though the window has failed so many times, Honda nor the service department representatives has corrected this problem.
This vehicle is a lemon -- defective throughout. Major problem is a transmission that has failed twice -- once being replaced by the manufacturer only after two years of complaining about the problem, being unable to drive any distances, and after numerous times I paid to have the problem unresolved. Since it was replaced in July 2001, I began complaining again about problems in May of 2002, only to get the same run around again. Costing me money out of my pocket for their defective CVT transmission for which they refuse to acknowledge their defect. Finally got it fixed and the warranty extended for the second time, but in the meantime, check out the VIN numbers on the NHTSA website and you'll many other Honda owners with transmission problems and very similar VIN numbers. …
First the drivers side window would not roll up all the way and it seemed to off of it's track. The vehicle was not in an accident when this problem occured. I notified the dealership I bought it from and was charged almost three hundred dollars to get it fixed. Two months later the same thig happened to the passenger side door and I have had a car mechanic roll the window up for me but it is not fixed.I also know of another person who purchased a 1997 Honda Civic froma different dealership and his driver side window has done the same thing. I could not find a recall on this model for this problem.
Vehicle would not start in November of 2000. Dealership tested battery to see if this was cause. Mechanic replaced battery, and vehicle still would not start. Mechanics then replaced entire alternator, and this corrected defect. There was approximately 28,000 miles on alternator when this occurred. Run channel and regulator for the power window was replaced. Hood release snapped off when consumer pulled it. Consumer is requesting partial reimbursement for the repairment of the alternator.
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.
Experiencing problem with rearview mirror; whenever mirror is adjusted from day to night and returned back to day, the whole mirror has to be readjusted. Dealer notified, and replaced mirror on two occasions, and problem still occurs. This can lead to a vehicle accident due to adjusting mirror. Asking NHTSA to look into this matter.
I own a 1997 Honda Civic dx coupe and few weeks ago the driver window collapsed while I was driving on a freeway. The only warning was few days before that the handle was slightly harder then usual. I got really scared and almost crashed hearing this loud noise and not knowing what was happening.
Driver's side window kept jumping off the track intermittently. Vehicle been to dealer's shop on three occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Currently informed that track needed replacement due to wear. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Rear view mirror swivels excessively when flipped to reduce headlight glare. Mirror needs to be readjusted while driving causing distraction. Dealer says it's normal, but I don't think so. This is a serious distraction while driving and causes a potenial hazard.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Honda Civic, 9% of the model year's 373 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Honda Civic window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles.
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.