Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2025 | 7 | 9% | 1,000 miles |
| 2024 | 6 | 5% | 17,000 miles |
| 2023 | 7 | 3% | 1,000 miles |
| 2022 | 10 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 31 | 13% | 8,000 miles |
| 2019 | 13 | 3% | 7,000 miles |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 29 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2016 | 36 | 3% | 41,000 miles |
| 2015 | 177 | 46% | 85,000 miles |
| 2014 | 98 | 33% | 43,000 miles |
| 2013 | 22 | 7% | 6,000 miles |
| 2012 | 49 | 11% | 19,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% | 19,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 3% | 77,000 miles |
| 2009 | 23 | 6% | 22,000 miles |
| 2008 | 52 | 6% | 35,000 miles |
| 2007 | 104 | 9% | 14,000 miles |
| 2006 | 76 | 5% | 50,000 miles |
| 2005 | 36 | 11% | 57,000 miles |
| 2004 | 56 | 16% | 88,000 miles |
| 2003 | 101 | 20% | 74,000 miles |
| 2002 | 185 | 26% | 103,000 miles |
| 2001 | 403 | 37% | 98,000 miles |
| 2000 | 30 | 10% | 58,000 miles |
| 1999 | 35 | 10% | 75,000 miles |
| 1998 | 49 | 11% | 67,000 miles |
| 1997 | 25 | 7% | 51,000 miles |
| 1996 | 25 | 8% | 135,000 miles |
| 1995 | 14 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact purchased the vehicle with a manual transmission and stated that the vehicle came equipped with aluminum clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. The contact stated that during inclement, wet weather, his foot was constantly slipping off the pedals due to the slick aluminum material on the pedals. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was acknowledged; however, the dealer could not offer any assistance because there were no replacement pedals for the vehicle model. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a private company that made rubber pedals for the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact took the customized pedals to the dealer, and the pedals were installed for free. The vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the jerking was slow and heavy. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle jerked hard and then stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and while being test-driven the vehicle jerked hard. The mechanic checked underneath the hood and suggested that the contact use premium fuel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Headquarters Honda in Clermont Florida, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was jerking, and there was no fix for the failure. The contact stated that the Attorney General had opened a Lemon Law case. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. …
The contact owned a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, an abnormal loud explosion sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, and upon inspection, the dashboard began to emit black smoke. The contact stated that as he and a nearby pedestrian had backed away from the vehicle from opening the vehicle door, it had caught on fire. The local fire department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire and filed a report. In addition, the fire department stated that the fire may have occurred in the transmission. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it remained. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. …
The clutch system in my 2024 Honda Civic Sport Touring (VIN: [redacted]) failed completely at 8,126 miles, consisting of flywheel (#22100-5CD-018), friction disk (#22200-5CC-003), pressure plate (#22300-5CC-003), and release bearing (#22810-57A-006) - the exact parts Honda identified as defective in TSB 22-017 due to supplier production issues causing premature friction disc wear. The failure created immediate safety hazards including complete loss of power transmission in traffic, inability to accelerate or maintain speed, unpredictable gear engagement, and risk of being rear-ended when the vehicle suddenly lost power on busy San Diego roads, forcing an emergency roadside stop and towing. Mossy Honda Lemon Grove confirmed the failure (RO# [redacted]), documenting excessive heat causing excessive wear with hot spots all around pressure plate and clutch disc measuring only 5.24mm. …
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING). The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the driver-side air bag deployed on its own without a crash or impact with an object. As a result, the driver lost visibility and control of the vehicle, resulting in a crash with another vehicle. The contact's vehicle veered into oncoming traffic. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The paramedics were called, and the contact was transported to the hospital. The contact suffered injuries to the stomach. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The insurance company was notified and is pending an investigation. Weeks before the accident, the contact notified the manufacturer to report issues with the vehicle. …
The headgasket failed prematurely at 76,000 miles causing coolant to begin leaking out of the vehicle. The safety of myself and others is put at risk because a head gasket blowing caused the car to lose power on the way home from work which has caused me to have to slow down and not be able to start again. This causes other vehicles to have to break or go around me on the highway. The car is a 2023 Honda Civic. This premature head gasket failure is a known issue. The warnings appeared at 5PM when I was leaving work as soon as I started the car. Every light in the car went off. The vehicle was brought to the Honda Dealership in Lawrence, KS. They showed that the head gasket blew. The Vehicle is available for inspection upon request at the Honda Dealership in Lawrence, Kansas.
[redacted] The power steering column locked up while driving down [redacted] causing an incident that caused the car to become a total loss. A police report was generated where II stated the power steering column locked which caused the incident, I informed my insurance company immediately and throughout the dealings with my insurance company and Honda Collision center I kept stating the steering column locking as the issue. I even reached out to Honda Automobile Customer spoke to Danielle and Casey at [phone] on 10/4/2024 at 3:36 pm in which I was advised of the recall inspect EPS part 23089. Honda Collision center advisor drove the car around the parking lot and made an assumption it was not the power steering column. I have since 8/31/2024 have been looking for an attorney to sue Honda and now I have the recall letter sent by Honda I hopefully will be able to retain one.
I took my vehicle to the dealer after receiving the first recall notice. They inspected it and informed me that my car was not part of the recall, so they returned it to me. However, I continued to receive recall letters and communications from attorneys regarding the issue. According to the dealer, my car was in good condition. Despite this, I recently noticed unusual movement in the steering wheel, which ultimately caused me to crash into a concrete pole.
Related recalls (3)
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe vehicles. The right halfshaft may have been improperly heat treated, reducing its strength.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the halfshaft's serial number, replacing it as necessary and aligning the front wheels, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2017.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Civic vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014, to November 6, 2014 and 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to May 12, 2015.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda civic vehicles. During assembly, the process required to seat the driver's side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed. As a result, the driveshaft May separate.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver's side driveshaft and install a new driveshaft as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 21. 2012.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Civic years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (403), 2002 (185), 2015 (177), 2007 (104) and 2003 (101) model years. Transmission complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Honda Civic transmission problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 17V-706 (driveshaft, Nov 9, 2017); 15V-574 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Sep 15, 2015); 12V-256 (driveshaft, Jun 4, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Honda Civic transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (667 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (130).
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.