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 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. …
2000 Honda Civic lx automatic transmission failure. The transmission started to shift hard on my 2000 Honda Civic lx which has 73,000 miles on it. Then the gears started slipping and delaying, so I took it in to have it looked at (local transmission shop). The transmission is failing and has to be replaced. We just had the transmission replaced in our other Honda (1997 Honda accord with 150,000 miles) last week, and this problem was a huge shock to us. We are replacing two Honda transmissions within a two week period!!! I think that it is ridiculous that a 2000 Honda Civic with less than 73,500 miles on it has to be replaced. Transmission failure is a serious safety hazard. Our other Honda transmission went out while we were on the interstate, and we were almost hit by another car because our car slowed down so rapidly. …
My 2000 Honda Civic was recently repaired due to a minor fender bender with a curb. The transmission was replaced as part of these repairs with a transmission from a salvage yard. While driving this vehicle, the check engine light came on and after a diagnostics test, the code p0240 continued to show up after being reset numerous times. This light turns on about three miles of driving after being reset. After researching this code and the handful of causes of it to appear, it is possible that some vehicles will not even be running due to it. The transmission is not shifting correctly around 50-60mph with just a delayed shift. The research I have done shows this code May be removed by changing the tcc solenoid, transmission and oil filter, but in most cases; replacing the transmission.
I have a 2000 Honda Civic dx. My transmission gave me no warning it was about to go out. I bought it brand new with only 10 miles on it. It now has 116,000 miles on it. I kept up with the maintenance. While I was driving on top of a bridge the check engine light came on. Then about 5 miles down the road I stopped at a red light. When it turned green my transmission started slipping. I coasted to the entrance of a gas station. I was blocking traffic. I turned the car off. I waited 2 minutes turned the car back on. It went for about a mile then it started slipping again. I had it towed home. It's been parked ever since. I been having to find a ride to work and to do errands. I been told that it is out of warranty. That the costs would be over $2500.
The problems I recently faced with my 2000 Honda Civic vp model:1. Transmission spontaneously skip gears and causes my car to jerk and loose control for a period of time. 2. When the car downshifts/slows down the transmission also skips or do not downshift smoothly, thus causing the car to jerk. Causes minor strains to the passenger's and the driver's neck. 3. Whenever I or my family get out of the vehicle we get static shock. This is extremely dangerous for a family who have a baby or children. 4. Car dies when I put the car in neutral and I loose power steering and other primary car functions. This uncertain event can cause potential fatality or serious car accidents.
Vehicle was driven and parked on sloped driveway in 1st gear with parking brake engaged fully and engine off. Driver walked into house came back 5-10 minutes later. Vehicle had rolled down hill and hit transformer. When vehicle was opened parking brake was fully engaged but was not in 1st gear but neutral. We tried to recreate this event. There was no way driver could have left the vehicle if brake was not fully engaged due to steepness of the driveway. If brake was not fully engaged, vehicle would roll very fast down driveway. Note same failure reported on a 1999 Civic at your oid id #720978.
I have a 2000 Civic value package with and automatic transmission. Recently the gear shifter became very hard to use. It was very hard to get the vehicle into and out of park. The rest of gear ranges worked normally. One time I had to use two hands to get the car out of park. Took the car to the dealership and was advised that the shift cable was worn out and needed to be replaced. The cable was replaced and it now works normally. Total cost about $250 labor and $50 for parts.
Honda Civic 2000 with 58,000 miles with transmission failure. Honda refuses to fix because my daughter bought the car used - not original owner. Daughter bought the car on Sunday night - rush job. Daughter told salesman during test drive something wrong. Salemans said they would take care of it - wrong. Anyway - defective transmission on Honda car at 58,000 miles. Why?
When the vehicle stopped at a light or stop sign and then took off there was severe hesitation, and vehicle shuddered. After this happened several times consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. Transmission was flushed three times, and vehicle was given back to the consumer. This vehicle had three transmissions replaced, and two transmissions overhauled.
Transmission complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Honda Civic, 10% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Honda Civic transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.