Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When I turn right corner on 4-21 2015 at 11 am at 15 to 20 miles a hour my lower a -arm broke fell down and my axel broke. And the tier come out 4 inches and the fender was broke and front bumper cap was torn off the front of the car. And the front hood and fender where damage .the a arm was not welded where it broke and the little bit that was welded broke in the weld causing my damage to my Honda Civic.
While driving a noise was heard from the rear. The vehicle went into a 180 degree spin hitting a mailbox and causing damage to the vehicle. The arm, rear suspension broke disconnecting the right rear wheel from the frame.
2001+ Civic strut bearing and steering defect on the 2001 Civic the strut bearing (shock upper bearing, not the wheel bearing) is a plastic component and not a ball bearing as on the 2002 and up civics. This plastic bearing have more friction than a ball bearing. That more friction result in you (driver) have to apply more force on the steering wheel and even in all the steering components causing wear on the parts. Another fact is when the wheel (and tire) hit on a hole the plastic bearing doesn't "resist" the impact (as a metal ball bearing can do). This result in fast wear and deformation to the part. This plastic bearing, (that you can easily bend with your hands and isn't well engineered) can't support a 2500 pounds car hitting a hole at 60 MPH (120 MPH speed limit; as safety factor). …
I have owned a 2001 Honda Civic lx since late December 2006 I have had the car a little over a year, when I bought the car it had 60,000 miles and it currently has 86,000 miles on it. Since the car was purchased I have had nothing but suspension problems. It seems like each time I drive it something is making a noise in the front end. I understand that this problem May be or May not be Honda's fault. I did purchase the car used and the suspension was not serviced at a certified Honda dealer; but I have read online that there is a lot of other people that experience these same issues with their 2001-2002 civics. I think Honda should be forced to recall these vehicles its a matter of their consumers safety when the suspension is jeopardized. My warranty has covered most items but its a constant hassle to constantly keep bringing the car into the shop. …
Since 2016 I've been having problems with the brakes. We fixed them and the problem came back. When I press the brake pedal at times it does not work. My mechanic said that behind the brakes, there is a hose that needs to be purged, but every time they try to do that, it does not work. There is no flexibility on the hose. We've attempted fixing this several times and it works for a day and then the next day it does not work. Please let us know if there is a way we can fix this. I'm afraid this issues has endangered my life several times. I cannot drive it anymore, but I only have this car. The latest issue was today. After having it at the shop for over a week, I was driving my car out of the my drive way and the brake would not work. I've parked it outside my home.thank you,
Tl contact owns a 2001 Honda Civic purchased brand new in 2001. She stated that the SRS airbag light continued to illuminate on the warning panel. She received a recall letter pertaining to the failure. The dealer stated that the vehicle would be repaired in 5 days. She requested a rental vehicle at no cost; however, the manufacturer denied the request. The brakes had been replaced over four times in a period of 4 years which resulted in the struts being damaged. The transmission was replaced twice. The fuel pump, air conditioning system, alternator have also been repaired and the power locks were inoperable. The failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 128,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Honda Civic. While driving 5-10 MPH, the driver side air bag deployed without warning. The driver suffered a sore arm and neck. The dealer refused to inspect the vehicle to determine the cause of failure. Approximately two days later, the passenger side air bag deployed without warning. The dealer inspected the vehicle, however, they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 117,000. The consumer stated in May 2007 the recall work was completed on the SRS due to faulty opds on the passenger side. The dealer stated check rattle under front end, needs front struts. Updated 10/18/07
On 4/1/08 I took my 2001 Honda Civic with 38,772 miles to my local Firestone dealer for an oil change. I purchased this vehicle new on 3/31/01. Firestone showed me oil leaking from both front struts. They added that this could be a potentially dangerous situation as the front springs would crack or, fall off potentially lead to a motor vehicle accident causing death or, injury. With the low mileage on the vehicle, I deem this a factory defect and fear the possibility of a serious motor vehicle accident.
A/C doesn't get cold, can't get Honda to fix as been this way since new. Brakes went bad with about 15000 miles on them. Were bad before that, still does not stop right, and has a vibraton when stopping transmission has a thumping like noise some times while idling. Had to replace strut on passanager side, couldn't get Honda to pay for all of it. I think one on driver side is bad also. Service manager told me this was a problem with the Honda Civic
Front wheel bearing failure: while driving on interstate, noted humming in front of vehicle. Continued to drive and noted only hummed above 40 MPH. Changed tires and rotated wheels. Continued to hum but louder. Took it into Honda service where front wheel bearings were replace since the left had failed\, right had leaked grease. (Honda Civic 2001; 89000 miles.) fortunately we did not wait too long.
Suspension complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Honda Civic, 5% of the model year's 1,079 complaints. The component named most often is front › macpherson strut (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Honda Civic suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2001 Honda Civic, though it has 14 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 2001 Honda Civic suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to suspension 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.