Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Automatic transmission on my 1999 Honda accord v-6 coupe began slipping and shifting roughly at approximately 75,000 miles. Aamco diagnosed a lubrication problem causing excessive gear wear, and recommended rebuilding the tranny. Honda dealership concurred with this diagnosis, and replaced the entire transmission. The 2001-2003 v-6 accords have already been recalled for this exact problem. I believe a transmission design failure existed as far back as the 1998 accord models. A quick search on the internet revealed over 200 complaints regarding 1999 accord v-6 transmission failures. There is the potential for a serious safety problem if someone's transmission fails while they are driving. Note: the website does not offer accord as a vehicle model option, so I selected crx, the only option, instead.
I have a 99 Honda accord v6 coupe. My transmission started holding out going into second gear, and had a small jerk. When come to a complete stop, it would downshift hard back into 1st gear. The transmission finally gave up on the highway on my way to work. The trany wouldnt shift out of second gear, and when it did, it would quickly shift back down, and cause the engine to rev at a high RPM. I called Honda and they said they couldnt help me. I had my car put in the shop, and my trany rebuilt. Cost me $1200. I was reading a chat forum, and have discovered a ton of people who are haveing trouble with their transmissions in their hondas'!!
The handle that is the "shifter" for putting the automatic transmission into gear broke off! Completely came off the stick and all the pieces inside the hand held piece fell out, leaving the metal rod exposed which, thank goodness, I could push in and still get the car in gear. It is a 1999 Honda accord that also has the problem of a previous recall where the car will roll even w/the key taken out. I love my Honda but having the gear handle come off is a serious safety hazard and I have no idea if I drive it if it will continue to allow me to shift it. I will have to take it to a dealer? I wanted to report it.
While driving down the highway doing 60mph, my check engine light came on so I pulled into a local parts store had them look up what had made my check engine light to come on and the code that showed up was p0740 (torque converter clutch circuit malfunction). Now my car is having hard times shifting up and down in all speed ranges. I have been researching this problem and have found several complaints but no action taken.
Once putting 1999 Honda Civic ex 4dr, in park I am unable to remove the car keys from the ignition. This has now happened twice in one week. The only way I have been able to remove the keys are by, pushing a screwdriver down the slot on the side of the trasmission shfter, the slot that is used to release the gear lever when one wants to tow the vehicle, so says wilde sun Honda, in sarasota,fl.
I have a 1999 4 cylinder Honda accord with 85,000 miles on it. When accelerating the transmission hesitates sometimes. Also when it shifts from 1st to 2nd it slips, causing the rpms to over-rev badly. I am a first time car buyer and bought a Honda because I figured they were reliable and I wouldnt have to shell out the cash for a new transmission 6 months after my purchase.
Idk I was driving down the road and my transmission started making a weird grinding noise and I fig it would hold up but as I was going up the hill I herd a loud noise and the car came to an stop my shifter is stuck in gear and the trans gears are coming out the gear box trans fluid in flakes someone said its prob my input shift bearing.... Can u help me?
[redacted]; 1999 Honda accord v6, vehicle experienced a problem with the transmission. Vehicle hesitiates when put into gear. Does not go up to 4th. It makes noise. Also leaks fluid.
While driving the transmission made a loud noise and shuddered. The vehicle was taken to shop and both technicians indicted that the vehicle needed a rebuilt, used or new transmission. The consumer contacted the manufacturer but they refused any assistance.
I received a recall notice on my 1999 Honda Civic for the ignition switch in September 2002. I took the car to get a new switch installed. After that I did not see a positive change or faster start up of the car . In fact, it seemed to start slower and slower. When I would press the accelerator I felt a grinding sensation under my foot from the gas pedal, which sounded like the car was struggling to speed up. Also, when I would turn the key in the ignition the car would not start right away, it stalled for about (7) seven seconds or so. I believe this car is a lemon. When I bought it, the gears wouldn't change properly. I would press the accelerator to go up to spped on the highway and it would take a long time for the car to change gears, it sounded very loud because of this. I don't know why it did this, I am concerned and it became very annoying. …
Transmission complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Honda Civic, 10% of the model year's 338 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Honda Civic transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.