Home · 2018 Honda Civic Sedan · Complaints

What 601 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Honda Civic Sedan

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (601)Crash / fire / injury (36)Steering (225)Fuel system (160)Electrical system (52)Engine (52)Brakes (21)Airbags (20)Body & structure (19)Transmission & drivetrain (14)Visibility & wipers (13)Driver assistance (8)

52 of 601 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 3

Apr 8, 2025Engine

1.Component or System Failure: •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The air conditioning (AC) system in my 2018 Honda Civic has malfunctioned. Initially, the AC compressor failed and was replaced under warranty in 2018. However, the AC never functioned properly afterward. Recently, the AC failed completely, and the dealership diagnosed a leaking evaporator. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2.Safety Risk: •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The malfunctioning AC system poses a significant safety risk, especially considering the high temperatures in the Central Valley of California. Driving without a functional AC in extreme heat can lead to driver fatigue, reduced concentration, and potential heat-related illnesses, increasing the risk of accidents. 3.Problem Reproduction: •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership. They diagnosed the issue as a leaking evaporator and provided a repair estimate of $2,520.16. 4.Inspection by Others: •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership, which diagnosed the issue. There have been no inspections by police or insurance representatives. 5.Warning Indicators: •Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the AC failure. The only symptom was the AC’s inability to cool the cabin effectively, which persisted since the initial compressor replacement in 2018 and culminated in complete failure recently.

NHTSA ODI 11653555

Mar 21, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jump-started several times. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be repaired and the motor mounts were replaced under a Lemon Law lawsuit settlement. However, the contact stated while driving and coming to a complete stop later, the vehicle made an abnormal rumbling sound. The vehicle was taken to Mavis Tires to be diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine was moving back and forth due to missing motor mounts. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test to be performed. The failure mileage was 1,585.

NHTSA ODI 11649712

Feb 15, 2025Engine

Engine failure while driving down the highway. Was able to safely get off the highway without being able to accelerate. Car was towed to the Honda dealership where all the maintenance has been done. They said the car had a cylinder misfire and would need the engine replaced. It would cost $13,000. This car had already had the A/C, fuel pump and transmission replaced in the five short years I owned it. It was garage stored and had under 50,000 miles. All the maintenance was done through a certified Honda dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11642951

Jan 4, 2025EngineDriver assistance

March 5th 2020 I finally recorded a message that had been appearing in my dash board during late night drives. Message read as "Adaptive Cruise Control Problem" "Collision Mitigation System Problem" I notified Honda of North Hollywood service department at the time, and they said they could not do anything to fix the problem unless the message was actively displayed on the dash board during the time of service. Unfortunate for me the message would come and go and would not remain on for the service advisor to see. Several times my vehicle would randomly brake abruptly (to a screeching halt) due to a malfunction in detecting cars/objects around me. Luckily I managed to not crash or have other vehicles crash into my car from behind, but it scared me. I've always wondered what the issue was, and was never able to get it resolved because I didn't have proof of the abrupt stops. Fast forward to May 2024 I received a letter in the mail for a recall on the fuel pump module. I think this might have something to also do with not being able to start my car three times within one year... I ended up replacing multiple batteries and cleansing the fuel tank thinking that was the issue and I have been mobile since then. I have contacted Curry Honda in Georgia multiple times to get the recall resolved. 8 months since I received the recall notice, and the issue is still unresolved. Please help. I rely on this vehicle to get to work, and I am still paying on this car. I am concerned of the safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11634049

Jan 3, 2025Fuel systemEngineCrash2 injuries

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving on a decline of a public garage road and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the power steering became inoperable. The vehicle rolled at approximately 20-30 MPH and crashed into the wall of the garage. The wall sustained minor damage. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that messages advising of engine system failure, supplementary restraint system failure, and electric power steering failure were displayed on the vehicle mobile app. The front driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed. The emergency units arrived and provided first aid to both the contact and his sister, who was occupying the front passenger's side seat during the incident. The contact's sister sustained chest pain and was in the process of receiving medical assistance. The contact sustained lower back pain and was in the process of receiving medical assistance. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11633908

Oct 9, 2024Engine

Stalling, Oil pollution, electrical issues. The car shut off on me in the middle of the highway!

NHTSA ODI 11618983

Sep 25, 2024SteeringElectrical systemEngine

Car threw a p0035 code which indicates a problem with the turbo bypass valve solenoid high voltage/circuit. Car suddenly lost power and had many service lights go off. The check engine light, power steering, brakes, stability, and other lights went on. This prevents my car from going over 40 MPH without feeling like the car is struggling to accelerate. The dealership couldn't reproduce or confirm the issue when I went in for service. The code will disappear and reappear after a few starts ups. I noticed that the 2017 type R has this recall but I'm noticing a lot of other owners having this issue as well.

NHTSA ODI 11616513

Sep 3, 2024Fuel systemEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled while attempting to pull out of the parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and informed the contact that the parts were not readily available. The dealer test-drove the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they referred her to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 7,860.

NHTSA ODI 11612238

Aug 27, 2024Engine

Went to Honda dealership to diagnose why white smoke was coming through the AC vent whenever I would turn on the AC. Honda said that my AC condenser went bad, which is covered under the extended warranty due to others having the same issue but that my AC Evaporator core was stain and also needs to be replaced. I was quoted $2322.16 to have the Evaporator replaced and it needed to be replaced before they could continue with replaced the condenser and recharged the system for free. Please help as it seems the issue has to do with the new Freon Honda is using.

NHTSA ODI 11611092

Aug 14, 2024Fuel systemEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11608502

Jul 10, 2024Engine

my AC in blowing hot air on one side and cool air on the other side

NHTSA ODI 11600881

Jun 18, 2024WheelsSeatsEngine

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11595129

Jun 6, 2024Engine

Loss of power during drive. Hesitation while acceleration and check engine light on. Unable to accelerate. Fuel pump recall on other same generation models.

NHTSA ODI 11592936

Jun 5, 2024Fuel systemEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592724

Jun 4, 2024Engine

Infant mortality of the entire AC system due to faulty components. Cost of repair is $3000+. It is a common, systemic failure on this generation of Honda Civic. Lack of AC in hot regions can lead to unsafe mold growing in the vents as well as heat related illness potentially leading to death. This is a highly hazardous failure with a high likelihood of occurring, so it is unacceptable to allow this situation to continue without a full recall or reimbursement by Honda.

NHTSA ODI 11592426

May 23, 2024Electrical systemBrakesEngine

All dashboard warning light turn on flashing at the same time causing confusing and unsecured driving

NHTSA ODI 11590363

Feb 22, 2024BrakesTransmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that while decelerating, the brakes were rubbing significantly. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated, and the dealer determined that the brakes were functioning properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11573357

Feb 5, 2024EngineFuel system

Poor acceleration after stop, then twice again car loss power, I almost get into an accident due to this.

NHTSA ODI 11569978

Jan 12, 2024EngineFuel system

The engine light pops up on the dashboard stating an “emissions” issue. When scanned, it says that the fuel pump is malfunctioning.

NHTSA ODI 11565027

Dec 8, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

I got a new alternator because I thought it was draining the battery. A few weeks later I didn’t drive my car for 3 days and the engine would not start but all the lights would turn on. I got it jumped and took it the dealership and they still don’t know what is wrong with it. This is the 4th time this has happened and I changed the battery every time.

NHTSA ODI 11559150

Jun 17, 2023Electrical systemEngine

Every so often, quite a few lights will come on my dash. These lights include and relate to problems with power steering, hill start assist, emissions system, traction control tire pressure, and brake system. It does not allow me to use my brake hold when this happens. Also, unsure if it has anything to do with it, it has caused a problem with my first cylinder and is reading that the fuel system is too rich. But the original few lights that come on, will come and go randomly when the car is shut off overnight and will typically stay gone until the car sits with the parking break on for a few minutes.

NHTSA ODI 11527503

Jun 9, 2023EngineFuel system

Strong smell of fuel in the cabin due to known Honda oil dilution associated with the 1.5 turbo engine. Honda has a “fix” for issue but states only cold weather states are affected. Our 2018 Honda Civic has had this issue for over 2 years now. Strong smell of fuel in the oil, along with oil above normal mark on dipstick. On oil change, oil is filled to the normal mark (3.7 quarts) and upon oil change, 4.5 quarts will come out (likely fuel in the oil). The major safety issue is that the smell of fuel in the cabin is strong to the point of causing driver and passengers to have burning eyes, and in some occasions, dizziness. No warning lights have come on as a result of this issue. Vehicle was taken to dealership over a year ago and dealership stated this is a problem in cold weather states and not in California. Dealership could not replicate issue.

NHTSA ODI 11526151

May 31, 2023Engine

Last July I had to have my AC condenser and compressor replaced due to one side of the air conditioner working. Bad part was i had to pay to have a recall fixed after the fact and now im trying to get American Honda to reimburse me my money. After 1 year the problem came back and now they are saying it's my evaporate coil. Honda is not taking this seriously and expecting people to pay several thousands of dollars to fix an issue that is their problem.

NHTSA ODI 11524704

Jul 19, 2022Engine

This car's evaporator is defective. Evaporator failure left many individuals, including myself, without air conditioning. In California, where I live, the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. Due to the leak and the high flammability of the freon, it is a safety risk. Additionally, drivers who must commute in hot weather may have dehydration due to the lack of air conditioning. Whenever i'm traveling the heat makes me feel weak and dizzy. Honda dealerships charge between $1,500 and $2,000 for repairs. I believe a recall should be issued to repair the entire A/C system in Honda vehicles from 2017 to 2019.

NHTSA ODI 11474643

Mar 28, 2022Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle started to idle very rough. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an engine cylinder misfire failure with DTC codes: P0302 and P0303. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Fuel injectors were replaced by owner April 10, 2022. Upon oil change the same day, oil was very dark, despite only having 600 miles use since last changed and there was fuel noted in oil. Pictures were sent to NHTSA. Since changing injectors fuel mileage has improved greatly. The car has gone from averaging 37MPG to around 41MPG. Oil changed on 6/27/22, coloration was normal for routing change and did not note fuel in oil. No warning lights or issues with operation since injectors changed. The P0302 & P0303 codes were to be covered as part of a service bulletin relating to oil dilution but both Honda corp & dealership stated that injectors were not covered as part of the service bulletin. Even though the injectors could be directly responsible for the oil dilution issue if not properly functioning and throwing codes associated with the bulletin. Owner incurred the expense of rental car for a week, two lost days of onsite work with employer, and cost to purchase injectors. Will provide receipts.

NHTSA ODI 11458677

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Working with the data? Download all 601 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2018 Honda Civic Sedan verdict →