Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start up. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact took the vehicle to huntington Honda (1055 jericho turnpike, huntington, ny 11743, phone number: [phone]) to be repaired for an unknown air bag recall. While driving from the dealer, the contact noticed that the air bag was sticking out of the steering wheel and the horn failed to function. While driving 25 MPH, the gear shifter failed to shift out of park, the radio failed, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle stalled without warning. While making a left turn, the contact crashed into a high curb, which pushed the engine back. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a broken foot that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to nardy Honda smithtown (559 middle country rd, st james, ny 11780, phone number: [phone]). The vehicle was destroyed. …
Takata recall: there have been numerous times where I have either called or went to a Honda dealership to have the airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger side, fixed to avoid harm to myself or others. In almost three years, I have not once heard back about the dealership receiving parts to fix the issue. I have never received notice, nor was I told about the recall with the wiring harness terminal for the low beam headlights. Honda needs to fix this issue because it is a huge safety hazard that can get people killed or seriously injured.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to buckeye Honda (2615 n memorial dr, lancaster, oh 43130). The contact was informed that the radiator was leaking and there was also an oil leak. Additionally, the horn, fog light switch, and cruise control failed to operate as designed. The contact was also informed that the steering column cover was cut. In addition to the failures, the driver's and passenger's front doors were unable to be opened with the key. The contact was only able to unlock the trunk with the key. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer for an ignition switch repair where the keys were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage approximately 190,000.
At all times turn signals began to work intermediately. Had fuses and relays checked (not the problem). Soon after driver side low beam headlight went out. Had bulb changed, worked for approximately 2 days then both low beam headlights went out along with both high beam headlights and emergency flashers. Have took vehicle in for diagnostic in which the turn lever was replaced and still didnt repair anything. No one can seem to find the problem. All symptoms seem to fall into category with recall #:12V136000 but when entering my VIN recall isnt shown. Please help! I am taking a huge risk driving in the day and its impossible to drive at night
Took car in for airbag failure recall and was told the SRS unit in the airbag system had an internal failure. However, this was not covered under any type of warranty or recall. This is an integral part of a safety system that should not fail under normal wear an tear. The part was on back order and required a deposit of $800 to order. We left the dealership not knowing if our airbags would work or not.
The combination light switch connector in my car is experiencing problems with heat in the low beam wiring. It is the same problem as listed under other civics from the model year range, but mine is not included in the recall. It May cause the low beams to go out and cause visibility issues when the wire becomes too hot.
While driving 70 MPH driver noticed that driver's side rear tire was flat. Pulled over, and found that the rear of the vehicle was on fire. Vehicle was totally consumed with flames within minutes. Vehicle was totaled. The fire department could not determine the cause of the fire.
Vehicle was parked. However, when consumers went back to vehicle it was in drive, and rolled back into another vehicle. The dealer repalced the ignition lock and switch. The interlock and shifter were checked and both appeared to be operating as designed.
My windows sporadically get stuck open, very difficult driving when the elements of the weather or not good. I've had to drive with the rain driving through my window. Trying to hold a plastic bag in place so I did not get wet.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 Honda accord, civic two and four door, and model year 2003-2004 Honda element vehicles. The interlock lever of the ignition switch May unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge.
NHTSA investigations
Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating
This investigation was prompted by Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.Some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.ODI's PE information request letter asked…
Ignition Shift Interlock
On August 4, 2010, American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a ignition interlock defect in approximately 384,220 model year (MY) 2003 Honda Accord and Civic and MY 2003 and 2004 Honda Element vehicles with automatic transmissions (Recall 10V-364).In a September 22, 2010 supplemental DIR, Honda expanded the scope of the recall population based on manufacturing…
Electrical complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Honda Civic, 10% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda Civic electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-364 (ignition, Aug 5, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda Civic electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 111,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries and 12 deaths to electrical system 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.