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 2015 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal and brake pedal felt stiff and the vehicle had jolted while depressing the brake pedal before losing automotive power. The check engine, brake, transmission, and several other warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after accelerating from a stop, the vehicle had jolted a day prior. The contact stated that an AAA service representative attempted to jump-start the vehicle however, the vehicle would lose automotive power once disconnected. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with codes: P1440 and P0AE1. The contact was advised by the independent mechanic that the failure was related to Service Bulletin: 20-030. …
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly came to a stop. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH, and the contact pulled over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission center, and it was determined that the failure was linked to the CVT and pulley system. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
While I was driving on the highway I heard a rattling noise in the engine bay and every single light and system showed a malfunction on my dash. Then I was not able to accelerate and had to roll to a stop. This was extremely dangerous both for me and for the other vehicles on the highway because the speed limit was 55 MPH and between not knowing why all of my system warning lights turned on I didn't even notice that I was not accelerating anymore for a few moments. The worst part was that the area in which I was driving had no shoulder and it was by a body of water. When I was relatively safe out of the way I called a tow truck to take me to a repair shop a block away from my residence in the event it was something minor. The first repair shop looked at it and stated it was an engine issue and I should take it to the dealer/repair shop we normally take it to. …
My 2015 Honda Civic has 69070 miles on it. My car will straight out just stop in the middle of the road. The breaks and gas will stop engaging. This has been happening since late March of 2021, and continues to happen at least once a week.There's still power as the outside lights, radio, dash lights are all still on and functioning. I took the car to a Honda dealership and they said it was the REC VSA modulator. So I have had to replace the REC VSA modulator. The car ran beautifully for a whole week, then it started again. I took it to another auto shop and had them diagnose the car and they changed the MAP sensor, and the main engine bay fuse. I've had the alternator and started checked and they're both fine. The 9th gen honda civics have electrical and computer issues and Honda should be held responsible because they're a safety issue. …
I recently went in for an oil change and was told my transmission cap was missing. I have not had any work done on my car since the last oil change and no one touched the transmission fluid. The cap isn't even placed somewhere on the engine- it's just gone! I've driven hundreds of miles with no cap and there is no telling what debris has gone into the transmission fluid now. I will have to do a complete transmission fluid flush and replacement plus buy a new cap. I have seen others having the same issues as me and was told to report this to the NHTSA. This is my daily driver and I take children back and forth to school on the interstate daily. If my transmission had gone while I was driving I don't know what could have happened.
[redacted] vin has the same issue for transmission failure as for the recall notice issued for all the honda Honda has issued recalls for certain Honda Civic models with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) due to software issues that may affect the transmission's performance and durability. For example, in 2015, Honda recalled the 2014-2015 Honda Civic and 2015 Fit due to an issue with the CVT control software. In some CVT operation modes, the software was programmed to use high hydraulic pressure, which could put a lot of stress on the drive pulley shaft.
When I cold start my car it's making this horrible metal cutting blade kind of sound sometimes, That goes away 5 seconds after cold starting the problem is the vtc actuator, many dealers took a look to not only mine but also my friends 2014 civic si, they said it was the vtc actuator and that they nor anyone else will fix the issue. This has also happened to handfuls of others.
Transmission fill plug frequently pops out due to pressure, causing debris enter the engine, resulting in damaging it. It appears it's a known issue but Honda mechanic failed to check the plug when we brought the car for service.
I was driving home from work and as I took off from a standstill, I accelerated and my car began to reach 4000-5000 RPM immediately but my speedometer read 4-6 mph. I made it to through the intersection and drove until I reached a safe parking lot. It began puttering through the parking lot, almost jerking, but sounded like I was accelerating at top speeds. Then, it stopped completely. I had it towed to a mechanic that I trust and it turns out that my transmission plug/cap was missing entirely, and all my transmission fluid leaked out without any notice, warning light, or message. I had driven without the cap for days likely before the car began to fail. I was alone and driving in the dark when it occurred which made me panic even more trying to get out of the road in rush hour traffic. After the tow truck began to drive away, I found this puddle of transmission fluid on the concrete. …
An incident took place where a vehicle hit mine on in the front end when the vehicle was parked about 3 weeks prior. August of 2022, one of my vehicles pistons flew out the side of the engine and thankfully onto the ground not injuring or killing anyone, waited and waited for AAA as there were issues getting them, the vehicle was brought to Vermette Auto Body in Feeding Hills MA, the insurance denied the claim for the engine after multiple experts saying it was not collision/insurance related that it was mechanical/manufactuor. The manufacturer when contacted at Balise Honda stated there was nothing they could do. …
Engine complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Honda Civic, 8% of the model year's 381 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline › belts and associated pulleys (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Honda Civic engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2015 Honda Civic, though it has 1 recall 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 2015 Honda Civic engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 14,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires 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.