Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | 11,000 miles |
| 2023 | 4 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 0% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% | 76,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2018 | 3 | 0% | 30,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% | 53,000 miles |
| 2016 | 30 | 3% | 1,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% | 50,000 miles |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% | 16,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% | 15,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 2% | 37,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% | 64,000 miles |
| 2009 | 10 | 3% | 44,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2007 | 14 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2006 | 23 | 2% | 43,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% | 132,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 3% | 88,000 miles |
| 2003 | 23 | 5% | 133,000 miles |
| 2002 | 54 | 8% | 130,000 miles |
| 2001 | 66 | 6% | 104,000 miles |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% | 129,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1998 | 7 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 1996 | 13 | 4% | 125,000 miles |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% | 225,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Following a drivetrain repair at Gary Yeomans Honda, the vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe driving condition. Specifically, the technician left unsecured heavy metal tools (a pry bar and screwdriver) loose in the engine bay, failed to torque a structural fastener, and rendered the rear brake light completely non-functional while incorrectly marking it as operational on the inspection sheet. Additionally, the inspection sheet indicated a red-flag warning to 'inspect transmission for leaks' that was categorized as a mistake upon return.
This is to bring attention to the hazards associated with the LED car lights in new cars. You must be aware of complaints that these car headlights are beyond too bright and pose risk to drivers at night. I specifically try not to drive at night because of this hazard. These light are blinding when viewed from oncoming traffic. This is a hazard and must be addressed.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side headlight failed to illuminate intermittently and was dimmed. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlight bulb had previously been replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose while making a left turn and seized while making a right turn. No warning light was illuminated. The contact jerked the steering wheel to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side headlight connector switch needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to duplicate the steering failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. …
"I was pulling into the parking lot, when the car started to accelerate on its own! I push the brake pedal to the max and it kept on going, over cement stoppers, grass, and finally a tree stop it from continuing! And I am not a zenior citizen yet!"
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight had water intrusion in the headlight housing. There was approximately 1 1/2 inch of water in the headlight housing. The contact was unable to see the roadway while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the Extended Warranty did not cover headlights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,600.
The Body Control Module (BCM) on my 2017 Honda Civic suffered an internal failure, creating immediate safety hazards. The defect caused persistent parasitic battery drain, sudden vehicle power loss, and erratic electrical behavior. A faulty BCM can cause critical safety components-such as exterior lighting, turn signals, and windshield wipers-to fail without warning while driving. Honda has already recalled 2018-2020 Accords and 2019-2020 Insights for identical BCM programming and hardware failures (NHTSA Campaign 20V771000 / Honda Campaign X95). My 2017 Civic utilizes similar BCM architecture and exhibits the exact same dangerous failure symptoms. This component defect is widespread across multiple Honda platforms from this generation, and the safety recall must be expanded to include the Honda Civic before a catastrophic electrical failure results in a crash or injury. …
Air conditioner in my 2016 Honda Civic has never worked. Condenser or compressor needs to be replaced continues to leak throughout system and is defective. Emergency Brake malfunction does not work and poses as a safety issue. Left head lamp doesn't work due to excessive heat exposure in Nevada.
I was driving my car home from work and many warning lights lit up on my car dashboard (brake problem, engine problem, uphill start, steering problem) etc.. I got off the freeway and my car dashboard lit up and notified me "to pull over to a safe location because my car needle (temperature) was on high. I pulled over to a safe location and opened the hood and noticed that the antifreeze coolant compartment was empty) my car could have caught on fire because there was no coolant inside the compartment. After I got home and filled the car with coolant I placed cardboard under the car engine to see if the coolant would leak. There are no signs of leakage. I took my car to my mechanic and he told me that he couldn't fix the problem and suggested I call Honda USA customer service. …
Related recalls (4)
Exterior lighting
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic 2-Door vehicles manufactured February 23, 2016, through May 20, 2016. The affected vehicles may have a damaged LED side marker light circuit board inside the taillight assembly, making the marker light inoperable.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect both the taillight assemblies, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2016.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v; model year 2003 through 2005 pilot; and model year 2002 and 2003 civic vehicles. In March 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v and certain model year 2003 pilot vehicles.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in April 2012.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain sedan and hybrid (cng) vehicles, during assembly, the telescopic steering column mechanism May have been over-lubricated with silicone grease. Over time, some of this extra grease May drip on the brake light switch causing the switch to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective cover overthe switch free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2007. Owners May contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
On certain passenger vehicles, the low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could cause the low beams to fail without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the head light switch and coupler for signs of heat damage. If heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the switch and coupler.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Civic years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (66), 2002 (54), 2016 (30), 2003 (23) and 2006 (23) model years. Headlight complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Honda Civic headlight problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 16V-526 (exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2016); 12V-136 (switch, Mar 30, 2012); 07V-402 (switch, Sep 5, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Honda Civic headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (64 mentions), followed by the headlights › high/low beam dimmer switch (9).
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.