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 2000 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving I smelled then saw smoke coming out of the gear shift area. I pulled over, turned off and exited my car. I opened the hood and within minutes my car was engulfed in flames. The fire department had to come put it out.
Manual transmission jumps while driving also does not want to go into second gear. Makes wierd grinding sound while driving slow. Car shutters and shakes violently while in 5th gear in excess of 70 MPH. Car shuts off by its self( was told VIN not in sequence for ignition recall). Right front springs sticks and some times makes a ( " boing" ) sound. Car keeps pulling to right even after alignment. When heater or defroster are on they make a loud chirping sound. On cold or rainy days steam will pour out of engine compartment smelling like radiator fluid. Was in 2 minor accidents one front end colision one rear end colission both about 30 MPH and air bags did not deploy. Engine is becoming rusty and coroded. Drivers power window is slow to go up and front seat belts will not retract. Engine light comes on and car loses power and gas mielage. Goes offf when gas tank is filled. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Honda Civic. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact stated had to attempt to restart the vehicle in order to regain power; however, the failure was becoming more prominent. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 02v1200000 (electrical system), which they believed May be related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called bill pearce Honda (780 kietzke lane, reno, nevada 89502; [phone]) who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Car is sluggish up hills and is now stalling around turns with power steering going off. Car is a 5speed and when put on gas it restarts. Mechanic replaced spark plugs and crank sensor but problem got worse. Wondering if ignition switch could be issue as I see it was an issue on other Civic models. Mechanic both at Honda and our personal could not figure out what's wrong and problem keeps coming up despite supposed fixing. We've spent over $1,000 already trying to fix it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Honda Civic. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and made abnormal noises. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the catalytic converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000. Ma 08/05/15 updated 10/19/2017
While driving, car will jerk violently, feels like several cylinders are not firing, then start back up again. After a few seconds of this kind of sputtering, the engine will throttle down and then die. While it is having the problem there is a drastic loss of acceleration. If the gas pedal is pushed nothing happens and it bogs down more. After the car has died it cannot be restarted for several minutes. This car has been to the dealership 11 times since I bought it, owning it a total of 16 months. Twice it had to be towed to the dealer, and once they were able to start it immediately after it was delivered. It has been in service for a total of 29 days. The first time I took it in, I had driven 4,000 miles and only owned the car less than 3 months. …
I got into a car one afternoon and heard a rattling sound, I turned off the A/C to make sure it wasnt the engine. As soon as I turned it off, the sound stopped. I turned it back on and drove down the road and heard something fly out from underneath my car and suddenly the air was blowing hot out of the A/C. I took it to a shop to get it looked at and was told that it was the clutch from the A/C that had broken off and it now needs to be replaced. In replacing the clutch, I was also told that the compressor and drier also needed to be replaced which would cost me a total of $950.00. Before I had taken it in, I was told that if it was still blowing air than it wasn't the compressor, so why would it need to be replaced? Of course, Honda wont stand behind it and pay for the A/C unit being fixed. I bought it brand new in 2000 and havent even had it 3 years yet.
On Monday morning, August 29th, I started my 2000 Honda Civic cx hatchback and the check engine light came on. This is the first time it had ever happened; the car has 82,000 miles on it. I called cush Honda escondido and brought it in for service the same day. They later called me to tell me that their computer showed that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced and the manifold on the catalytic converter was cracked and the entire unit needed to be replaced. The total cost was $1026. I consider needing a catalytic converter replaced at 82,000 miles to be unacceptable. I am aware of other Honda owners who have had the same thing happen. I like having this item wear out to having a transmission or some other major component wear out. It has also been brought to my attention that the catalytic converter has an 80,000 warranty. How convenient!
In February 2004, I noticed a smell of exhaust fumes in the interior of the car. Brought it to a mechanic 3 times. He said he didn't smell it, and could find nothing wrong with the car. I recently brought the car in to a new mechanic for servicing, and he informed me that the "exhaust manifold is cracked." I've been suffering some unexplained health problems, such as headaches, light headiness, and fatigue, and now wonder if the symptoms are related to long term exposure to the exhaust fumes. The mechanic suggested I contact the Honda dealer to request that they fix the problem at no cost. However, the dealer informed me that the part(s) is only covered up to 80,000 mi. My vehicle currently has 82,000 mi. On it. As it is an expensive repair, it has not yet been fixed.
Honda Civic 2000 model. Car only had 15600 miles when the problem started.une 25, 2003 - malfunction indicator light was on. Honda adjusted the valves.June 28, 2003 - malfunction indicator light was on. Honda replaced oxygen sensor. July 3, 2003 - malfunction indicator light was on. Honda changed pressure regulator. July 21, 2003 - car stalled and engine died. Honda replaced fuel filter, fuel pump set, ignition coil, ignition control module. Aug 25, 2003 - car stalled, engine running but no acceleration (does not move), car makes clacking noise. Honda said they will change the fuel tank and fuel pump. Car is still at Honda. My car has been to the dealers for the 5th time in less than 2 months. The down time is more than normal.
Engine complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Honda Civic, 18% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Honda Civic engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Honda Civic, though it has 6 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 2000 Honda Civic engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire 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.