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 1999 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving on the highway car engine shut off and completely lost power. After getting on to the shoulder car would not start, electric windows would not operate. Approximately 30 minutes later car started and made it home on city streets. Have not driven it since. Checked and did not find any recalls on this.
I was driving my 1999 Honda Civic lx and out of no where it stalled coming up to a stop sign. No warning lights on the dash came on. It also gave a little shake while holding onto the steering wheel.it took a few ignition turns before it started back up. This was the start of many to come stalling out or several attempts at starting the vehicle. This happens intermittently. It will start...it won't start...it stalled...it did not stall. The car had a mind of it's own. Now, we took it to repair shop and they couldn't get it to not start. It started everytime while at the shop. In order to do a diagnostic test on the vehicle it would need to not start. It is dangerous to drive this vehicle as a result of stalling out without any warning and at any speed where a crash is inevitable. I researched this vehicle afterwards to find any recalls on it. Sure enough there was. …
Car stalls unexpectedly. This happened twice, luckily on local streets and at very slow speeds. Both times car restarted easily. Honda had replaced the ignition switch on recall back in 2003 by the original owner--I'm the second owner-- but now with over 200,000 miles the problem seems to have returned. Called American Honda and they suggested I have the problem diagnosed at a Honda service center at my expense. $110 cost. If the ignition switch is proven defective, they will reimburse all expenses but only after approval from American Honda for a second replacement. Decided to have my own mechanic fix the problem and then send the bill to Honda with documentation. To be continued...
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately three minutes. The vehicle was taken to (vandergriff Honda 1104 w interstate 20 w, arlington, tx 76017) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of this issue. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
Engine periodically stalls without warning while driving. After a few minutes, engine re-starts, but May then stall again. It has happened all times of day [morning, afternoon, etc] and at various speeds [ under 20 MPH, at 60mph] . This is now happening with increasing frequency. Was initially once every few months, and is now every few days.
The Honda Civic 1999 will not pass state emissions test not because of the catalytic converter (which from what I understand is covered no matter what), but because of the oxygen sensor. Honda claims even after the warranty is up any problems associated with failing emissions test are covered no questions asked. My question is why hasn't there been a recall on this piece. Many who have this model are complaining about the exact problem. I have put a lot of money into this car and it seems more problems occur. I was told until I get the sensor replaced, I should put a higher level of gas(89/93) in the car, which means more money out of my pocket. Also, the car vibrates uncontrollably at high speeds and while stopped, it feels as if it is going to stall. I was never informed of the recall on the ignition piece. Hopefully, Honda will fix that problem. …
On 4/12/06 at 153,000 miles my check engine light came on while I was driving. My husband took my vehicle to an automotive shop and was told that the o2 sensor had gone out. My husband paid $300+ to have the o2 sensor replaced. Upon further review, the mechanic informed us that there was a crack in the manifold and that it would cost about $1000 to correct the problem. The mechanic stated that this is a recurring problem they see will hondas. The mechanic stated that when he called a local Honda dealership to get a price on the parts required to fix the problem and the lady who answered the phone finished his sentence. Apparently they have had other customers bring their vehicles in for the repair of this same problem. This appears to be a defect in the vehicle and should be corrected by Honda as $1000 is a lot to pay for something that Honda should fix.
The check engine light came on. My husband took the car to a local automotive shop and was told that the o2 sensor had gone out. Upon further review, the mechanic found that there was a crack in the manifold and that I would cost about $1000 to repair. My husband paid $190 to have the o2 sensor replaces but was told that the o2 sensor May fail again due to the crack. The mechanic states that when he phoned a local Honda dealership to obtain a price quote on the parts the lady who answered the phone finished his sentence. The mechanic also said to me that this is a recurring problem that they have seen in Honda vehicles. This appears to be a defect in the vehicle as the same problem is happening at dealerships as well as other mechanic shops. This problem should be corrected at Honda's expense.
Tl*- the manifold of a 1999 Honda Civic was cracked, and there was no warranty on the vehicle. The failure was similar to the one in the model years: 1996 to 1998. The manifold's crackwas near the oxygen sensor. The contact called Honda corporation ,who stated that the warranty expired and they would not speak with her. She should call America Honda customer relations. She was informed that the warranty and the problems that she was having was VIN specific and the recall did not apply to this vehicle. This failure started in 2005, and she replaced the cracked manifold. Now, the catalytic converter malfunctioned.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Civic. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle as it resumed normal operation. The failure recurred sporadically on several occasions while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but he was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact replaced the alternator and battery himself but the failure continued to recur intermittently. The dealer advised there was not a recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 170,000.
Engine complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Honda Civic, 13% of the model year's 338 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Honda Civic engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Honda Civic, though it has 3 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 1999 Honda Civic engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 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.