Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 HONDA Civic. The contact stated she noticed a air bag module suddenly illuminated on the instrumental panel on it's owns with no previous damage on the vehicle. The contact referenced a NHTSA campaign, but could not provided a recall number, stated her VIN was not included in the recall repair but believe that the recall had to do with her current issues. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag inadvertently deployed, shattering the windshield. No injury was sustained. There was no impact to the vehicle that could have caused the passenger's side air bag to deploy. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.
I was stopped at a left turn in section, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, when an Honda CR-V rear ended me, causing me to hit my head on the steering wheel. The CR-V's airbags did deploy, but mine did not(have photos and videos of crash).
FRONT BUMPER AND GRILLE O/H bumper assy RT Filler cover w/o fog lamps; Bumper cover; Impact bar; Grille; Molding Lower grille 2.0 liter; Eblem FRONT LAMPS RT HEADLAMP ASSY LT R&I HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY AIM, RT MARKER AC Air bag, MISCELLANEOUS OPERATIONS CoolantTIRE 215/55/16, new SRS module and zero point calibrate ABS module
On May 09, 2017 I was rear ended while sitting still by a car traveling approximately 45 MPH and pushed into the car in front of me. I was wearing my seatbelt and my face was projected into the steering wheel. During the impact my seatbelt didn't seem to activate and not one airbag deployed. My vehicle has not been inspected yet but I would guess it to be totaled due to the front and rear impact damage. Everyone I've spoke to including the police officer and wrecker service was very surprised that the airbags didn't deploy. I feel very lucky but do not trust this vehicle and it's safety features.
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Honda Civic. While stationary, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. The seat belt did not restrain the contact and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact struck the windshield and received medical attention. The contact was undergoing physical therapy. The other driver was not injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. Honda would not replace the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 13,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Honda Civic. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front impact collision. The air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered minor pain, but no medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an auto body shop. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. While driving 35 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The brakes failed and the vehicle would not stop when the brakes were applied. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was 3,000.
Vehicle was driven and hit a bump that was covered with water due to rain. Did not hit the front bumper but had a small damage in the undercarriage, which caused the driver's airbag to deploy and severely injured the driver. The airbag deployed under conditions for which they were not intended to deploy ...updated 10/19/17 updated 10/24/2017
We were at a complete stop at the outer city street signaling to make a left and a car hit us from behind without breaking at 60 -70 speed and the airbags did not deploy. The back of the vehicle is smashed in and not one airbag went off. There were two adults (driver & passenger) and two children (backseat).
Related recalls
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Airbag complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2016 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Honda Civic, 3% of the model year's 1,082 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Honda Civic airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 26V-332 (front passenger, May 21, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda Civic airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 13 crashes, 1 fire and 12 injuries to air bags 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.