Honda Civic Electrical Problems

Owners have filed 1,426 complaints about electrical system problems with the Honda Civic — 9% of all Civic complaints. The worst model years are 2016 (119), 1999 (118) and 2017 (103). Problems typically start around 66,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

1,426complaints
2016worst year
66ktypical miles
2related recalls
54crashes
49fires

Electrical complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2612173088118385949513226100675136231660393928119103613637183817765
Electrical complaints per model year, Honda Civic.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2026516%0 miles
202567%—
202475%11,000 miles
2023176%0 miles
2022384%38,000 miles
20211812%0 miles
20203716%9,000 miles
2019368%12,000 miles
2018618%12,000 miles
201710317%19,000 miles
201611911%28,000 miles
2015287%32,000 miles
20143913%42,000 miles
20133912%35,000 miles
20126013%40,000 miles
2011169%31,000 miles
2010236%50,000 miles
2009369%13,000 miles
2008516%35,000 miles
2007676%40,000 miles
20061007%53,000 miles
2005268%81,000 miles
2004329%91,000 miles
20035110%111,000 miles
2002497%110,000 miles
2001595%92,000 miles
20003813%130,000 miles
199911835%150,000 miles
19988820%128,000 miles
1997308%85,000 miles
1996176%170,000 miles
1995126%131,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Ignition › Switch
    107
  • Ignition
    61
  • 12V/24V/48V battery
    29
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    17
  • Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
    15
  • Wiring
    12
  • Horn
    11
  • Software
    11

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    22128%
  • 25k–50k
    15920%
  • 50k–75k
    11114%
  • 75k–100k
    769%
  • 100k–150k
    11214%
  • 150k+
    12215%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2026 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not independently stop as intended or detect other nearby vehicles. A message "System Not working - See Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not identified. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Honda of Indian Trail (4918 W Hwy 74Indian Trail, NC 28079) for a second opinion, where it was determined that the Collision Mitigation Braking System had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

2026 Civic · 0 miles · Oct 2025

I bought my 2026 Honda Civic a month ago and hadn't driven it very far. At a stoplight, the car stalled and various warning lights came on--for the brake, the CPU, and then almost all the warning lights came on. I was stranded at a light and afraid for my life and the safety of th other motorists. After numerous attempts, I got the car started again, but it stalled twice again on the way to the dealership. The problem was inspected by the Honda Dealership, who claim that the ordeal was because of a "puncture" in the radiator which was caused by a road event, and which somehow overwhelmed the CPU. I have tried to take this up with the dealer and Honda corporate, but see no other recourse for letting them know the danger I was put in. …

2026 Civic · Feb 2026

the car has a major water leak causing excessive water around the sunroof and back rear windows. it's causing the vehicle to fog up which causes a impairment for seeing outside and what's around. over night the vehicle windows freeze up and become extremely wet and get into electrical components. the sensors stop working and no longer activate until the car "drys" up. this takes several days. previously the car had to be taken to the shop. the hybrid battery is still having problems and is draining most of the gas out. this vehicle is a extreme safety hazard to the excessive fog. the defroster does not help with anything. i have taken it to the shop 2 times & requested a buy back from honda corporation which was denied.

2025 Civic · Dec 2025

My 2025 civic presents the dangerous defect for sticky steering from the recall already placed on models 2022 to 2025 under recall 24V-744 but my VIN number is not listed so the dealer wants to charge me the full replacement cost . Please help me include my VIN to this well know and dangerous recall. I have kids and I can't drive them in this car with this problem and I don't have the means to pay the cost of replacing the parts of a well know manufacturer defect. PLEASE HELP ME!!

2025 Civic · Jun 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front driver's side headlight assembly had experienced water intrusion, and the headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the headlight assembly, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the due to the water intrusion into the headlight assembly, the body control module failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 11,000.

2024 Civic · Body control module/BCM · 11,000 miles · Jul 2024

Vehicle dashboard where speedometer is displayed went completely black while driving. The AC stopped blowing cold air and red flashing warning light came on with the word brake. I didn't not lose control of the vehicle and was able to get home safely by driving slowly avoiding traffic around me. Signal lights nor hazard lights worked either. The car would not turn off unless I pressed the brake at the same time with the ignition button several times. The hatchback would not open either prior to getting it towed directly to the nearest Honda dealership for inspection and repair.

2024 Civic · Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic. The contact stated that shortly after the vehicle was purchased brand new, the vehicle would start independently and the doors would unlock independently. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the auto Stop-Start feature was engaged. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated independently, causing another vehicle to crash into the rear driver's side door of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. On the driver's side, the roof-rail air bags deployed. The contact stated that he was able to exit the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the collision might have increased the intensity of the injuries he had sustained from a previous accident. The contact did not seek medical assistance. …

2023 Civic · 0 miles · Apr 2023 · crash · 1 injury

When I was driving my new 2023 Honda Civic Touring's the engine started running rough and the check light indicators came on with the following items to "See your dealer" despite this car being less than 3 months old and with just over 1,000 miles on the odometer: - Brake System Problem... - Electric Power Steering System Problem... - Electric Parking Brake System Problem... - Tire Pressure Monitor System Problem... - Emission System Problem... Some of these above items negatively affect the safe operation of the vehicle and increase risk to the occupant(s). After coordinating with the Honda dealership where we purchased this Civic and the Honda Roadside Assistance, they towed our disabled Civic to the closest Honda dealership. A Honda Service Advisor informed us our Civic had a major engine issue (cracked engine block) which was a manufacturer's defect. …

2023 Civic · Nov 2023

Related recalls (2)

Electrical system › Ignition

NHTSA recall 10V-364 · Aug 5, 2010 · 551,498 vehicles

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.

Electrical system › Ignition › Switch

NHTSA recall 02V-120 · May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles

On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…

NHTSA investigations

Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating

NHTSA investigation EA11012 · opened Sep 12, 2011 · closed Sep 17, 2012 · led to recall 12V-136

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

NHTSA investigation EA09001 · opened Jan 5, 2009 · closed Oct 14, 2010 · led to recall 10V-364

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…

Frequently asked questions

Which Honda Civic years have electrical problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (119), 1999 (118), 2017 (103), 2006 (100) and 1998 (88) model years. Electrical complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2016.

Is there a recall for Honda Civic electrical problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 10V-364 (ignition, Aug 5, 2010); 02V-120 (switch, May 16, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Honda Civic electrical problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the ignition › switch (107 mentions), followed by the ignition (61).

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.