Home · 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Type R · Complaints

What 411 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Type R

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 (411)Crash / fire / injury (25)Fuel system (134)Steering (101)Electrical system (36)Driver assistance (32)Brakes (31)Engine (31)Lane Departure (14)Transmission & drivetrain (13)Body & structure (12)Wheels (11)

Newest first · 411 complaints · page 1 of 17

Jul 10, 2026

Honda dealership diagnosed my vehicle with an evaporator core leak. FOUND A/C SYSTEM PRESSURES LOW. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND DARK SPOTS ON THE EVAPORATOR. A/C EVAPORATOR LEAKING. The evaporator core is suffering from the exact same chemical reactions to the R1234yf refrigerant that forced Honda to issue 10-year warranty extensions for the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seals (under TSB 19-091 and TSB A23-039).

NHTSA ODI 11749600

Jul 10, 2026

Honda dealership diagnosed my vehicle with an evaporator core leak. FOUND A/C SYSTEM PRESSURES LOW. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND DARK SPOTS ON THE EVAPORATOR. A/C EVAPORATOR LEAKING. The evaporator core is suffering from the exact same chemical reactions to the R1234yf refrigerant that forced Honda to issue 10-year warranty extensions for the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seals (under TSB 19-091 and TSB A23-039).

NHTSA ODI 11749601

Jul 8, 2026

The component ive seen fail on multiple 2018, 2019, 2020, honda civics is the rear camera allows water into the camera lens area. And it becomes permanently foggy but the lens its self does fail. Becomes hazy and the haziness is on the inside of the lens protector this starts happening when the car is 4 to 5 years old.

NHTSA ODI 11749130

Jul 3, 2026Steering

In cool weather, below 70 degrees F, steering is responsive. Above 70 degrees F, there is a sticking in the steering wheel. If I turn the wheel to the left and attempt to straighten the wheel again, it sticks and releases with a pop/jerking. This is the same exact issue in NHTSA Campaign 24V-744 for 11th generation Honda Civics. While the root cause of the 11th-gen Civic issue was attributed to a bad manufacturing run from their supplier (Hitachi Astemo), the resulting physical behavior—a steering rack that binds up in temperatures above 70°F and requires manual force to "pop" free—presents the exact same highway safety hazard in my 10th-generation vehicle. This is concerning and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive as steering is unpredictable.

NHTSA ODI 11748177

Jul 1, 2026Steering

Honda has a current recall on eralier models of Honda Civics for sticking of steering wheel. Mine involves when I turn it to the left my steering wheel sticks. Mine is a 2019 and is doing this but no recall for my year and model 2019. I would like to complain because if it is doing it with ealier models please recall mine for service. I just paid it off I want to keep my car and would like for it to operate correctly it has been doing this for over a year now but recently it is worse. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11747677

Jun 30, 2026Steering

When driving, especially at high way speeds, steering feels stiff and will cause the steering wheel to jerk when making minor adjustments and when turning, the steering wheel sticks in the turning position.

NHTSA ODI 11747540

Jun 29, 2026Steering

While turning the steering wheel, I experience a sticky, resistant feeling that makes it difficult to steer smoothly. The wheel does not turn freely and produces a creaking noise during turns. This occurs regularly and affects my ability to control the vehicle safely. Issue is consistent with known EPS (Electric Power Steering) gearbox problems reported by other 2019 Honda Civic owners

NHTSA ODI 11747265

Jun 28, 2026Steering

Particularly at speeds above 40mph, steering has a tendency to stick so that in order to drive straight one has to dramatically and repeatedly overcorrect course by turning slightly left then slightly right then slightly left, etc. The safety impacts are obvious: rather than responding precisely and fluidly to the driver's directions, it responds approximately and encourages the application of greater force in the process of steering, causing the vehicle to rapidly alter course and to require course-correction. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer or independent service center. No warning lamps or messages attend this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11747044

Jun 18, 2026BrakesDriver assistance

On June 17, 2026, at approximately 4:30PM, while driving to work for an event, my vehicle suddenly applied the emergency brakes right after a message appeared on my dash warning me to brake. There was no vehicle Infront of me that should have caused my car to brake so hard and suddenly. I have contacted the dealership and American Honda about the situation. I have read online reports of similar issues happening and i wanted to report it so i can make as many people as possible aware of the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11744991

Jun 17, 2026SteeringLane Departure

The vehicle has a steering issue where the steering wheel sticks and requires extra force to correct or adjust while driving. The issue occurs during normal driving at low speeds and highway speeds, and when turning left or right. The condition is present whether Lane Keeping Assist is turned on or off. There is also noise when turning the steering wheel side to side. The symptoms were first noticed around July 7, 2025. The vehicle was later brought to an authorized Honda dealership for steering rack inspection on or around November 28, 2025. The issue continued and the vehicle was inspected again by the authorized Honda dealership on May 18, 2026. The failed component appears to be the EPS steering rack / steering gearbox. The component should be available for inspection upon request. The issue creates a safety concern because the steering can stick while driving and requires additional effort to make steering corrections. This could affect the driver’s ability to maintain lane position or respond quickly during normal driving, highway driving, turning, or evasive maneuvers. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership during the May 18, 2026 inspection. The dealership test drove the vehicle, verified the steering concern, and documented that the steering rack is binding and sticking and requires replacement. The vehicle had approximately 50,137 miles at the time of that inspection. The vehicle was also reviewed through the manufacturer’s goodwill process, and the manufacturer offered only partial goodwill assistance toward the steering rack replacement. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages related to the steering issue. The cause of failure is unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11744759

Jun 16, 2026SteeringLane Departure

Honda ¨sticky steering ¨ EPS power steering is catching or stuck momentarily while driving straight on highway. This is a 2019 HONDA Civic LX Sedan that is experiencing the same symptoms as a similar recall that was issued for newer models in 2022 and 2023. This is a known manufacturing defect with the gears in the Electronic Power Steering gearbox that are sticking due to swelling and insufficient lubrication in gearbox. The dealership refuses to take any ownership of the issue and is recommending an almost 6000 dollar full replacement of the power steering rack.

NHTSA ODI 11744371

Jun 2, 2026Electrical system

The vehicle's smart entry door handle system was continuously drawing power even when the vehicle was off. This resulted in repeated battery drain and battery replacement (approximately 4 times). The ongoing electrical load also resulted in alternator failure. Once the issue was diagnosed (performed by the dealer), expense was required to resolve the parts. The issue caused repeated no-start conditions and reliability/safety concerns. This took a year to resolve and appears to be a common concern based off online posts. I am submitting this complaint now for documentation and potential reimbursement/recall creation as it is likely that others have had this same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11741455

May 27, 2026

I am reporting a serious ongoing issue with my 2019 Honda Civic Sport involving the trunk repeatedly opening on its own both while driving and while parked. The issue is also causing the vehicle alarm to activate unexpectedly. The trunk has opened while the vehicle was in motion, creating a major safety concern. It also randomly opens while parked, sometimes triggering the alarm system for no apparent reason. The problem appears to happen intermittently but has become frequent enough that I no longer feel safe leaving the vehicle unattended or driving it normally. I attempted to clean the trunk latch area, but the issue continues. I believe there may be a malfunction involving the trunk latch, actuator, key fob system, electrical wiring, sensor, or alarm system. This situation is dangerous because the trunk can unexpectedly unlatch while driving, potentially blocking visibility or causing damage. The repeated alarm activations and trunk openings while parked are also causing concern about battery drain, security, and reliability. Vehicle Information: 2019 Honda Civic Sport Symptoms: • Trunk opens while driving • Trunk opens while parked • Alarm randomly activates • Trunk may not remain securely latched • Ongoing intermittent electrical or latch-related issue I am requesting that this issue be documented and inspected as soon as possible due to the safety risk involved.

NHTSA ODI 11740488

May 26, 2026Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked and occupied in the vehicle, the contact noticed the trunk independently opens unintendedly causing the vehicle car alarm to engage. The contact mentioned this also happens while driving at various speeds. The contact also mention the trunk is open warning message illuminated. A independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 205,900.

NHTSA ODI 11740052

May 21, 2026Wheels

went to tysons honda in tysons, va to have service done and the recall completed - the gentleman that greeted me informed me that my vehicle doesnt apply to recall, only to newer vehicles. I thought they would have marked this completed or at least inspected the car. but i just received a notification of an open recall.

NHTSA ODI 11739258

May 20, 2026Electrical systemLane Departure

I believe it is the Electric Steering Gearbox is the problem I had the vehicle inspected for this but I was told it needed alignment which was also done last month the problem got worse this is a safety problem for especially the driver having to grip the steering wheel to stay in a lane I have yet to have the gearbox inspected

NHTSA ODI 11738970

May 17, 2026Visibility & wipers

The rear window shattered while driving. I had turned on my rear window defroster to help clear the window of fog. Several minutes later there was a loud pop, and I saw a hole in the lower left corner of the window under the spoiler, and the rest of the glass was cracked. I pulled over to see if something had hit the window, and there was no evidence of that happening.

NHTSA ODI 11738376

May 14, 2026Steering

Steering randomly sticks while turning and requires some force to release. Seems to happen most just off center and while turning left.

NHTSA ODI 11737732

May 12, 2026

I have had multiple problems with the AC on my 2019 Honda Civic now for some years. There have been leaks, issues of blowing hot air, replacing of parts, etc. The evaporator was replaced before (warranty extension) and then eventually the Freon 1234 leaked out. I've been told the expansion valve was leaking by one shop, and another tells me the evaporator core has a leak. The dealer wants $2,800 to replace the evap core and recharge the system. This is all maddening. I'm asking if the compressor shaft seals are OK (they say they are, but who knows for how long) per the Honda warranty extension issued. I used to have a 2006 civic and the AC worked FLAWLESSLY for 16 years! What's up here?????

NHTSA ODI 11737314

May 2, 2026Steering

Power steering rack and eps system. Steering at highways speeds and once vehicle is warmed up is sticky and gets stuck during turns. Recalls occurred on 2021 and newer models.

NHTSA ODI 11735277

Apr 15, 2026SteeringSuspension

The vehicle has a sticky steering wheel causing overcorrection to either the left or right side. The safety concern is pretty high considering how hard it is to correct the vehicles lane.

NHTSA ODI 11731321

Apr 14, 2026

My 2019 Honda Civic has experienced repeated air conditioning system failures over multiple years. The failures include confirmed refrigerant leaks, condenser replacement, and evaporator replacement. The system has again failed due to a refrigerant leak traced to the evaporator. This vehicle has a documented history of recurring A/C system issues, including abnormal pressure conditions and repeated refrigerant loss. Honda has acknowledged defects within this system by extending warranty coverage for certain components, including the compressor. Despite this, the system continues to fail, requiring multiple major component replacements. Loss of air conditioning in high-temperature conditions presents a safety concern, particularly during extreme heat, as it can affect driver alertness, passenger safety, and overall vehicle usability. This appears to be a systemic defect involving the A/C system rather than isolated component failures.

NHTSA ODI 11731250

Apr 12, 2026WheelsEngine

I am filing a safety complaint regarding an unresolved fuel pump recall on my 2019 Honda Civic. My vehicle became inoperable around October 2025 after passing Pennsylvania state inspection in July 2025. The vehicle is currently not drivable and remains inoperable. A VIN-based recall check confirms an active, unrepaired safety recall related to the fuel pump module (2016–2021 Honda Civic fuel pump impeller defect). This recall warns of potential engine stall or failure to start, increasing crash risk. Despite multiple attempts to schedule repair through Honda MotorWorld and Honda customer service, the recall repair has not been completed. I have contacted both the dealership and Honda corporate through multiple case numbers and written communication. However, repair has not been provided and access to service has been repeatedly delayed or conditioned on phone-only communication, despite my use of written/email communication being accepted in other parts of the case process. As of today, the safety recall remains open and unrepaired, and the vehicle remains inoperable. I am requesting: Investigation into why the open fuel pump safety recall has not been completed Assistance in ensuring the manufacturer provides the required recall remedy Confirmation of appropriate steps to complete recall repair given vehicle inoperability

NHTSA ODI 11730659

Apr 7, 2026Steering

Steering sticks in a spot and requires extra push to make it turn which can cause a jerky motion.

NHTSA ODI 11729784

Mar 30, 2026Steering

Steering is sticking at speeds over 30 mph when turning wheel left, have to kind of force wheel back to 12 o'clock position or else the car will keep turning. Driving on highways where little adjustments are needed while driving requires me to almost have to jerk the wheel to keep the car straight. This is unsafe and makes my car scary to drive. Started around 45k miles

NHTSA ODI 11727977

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Working with the data? Download all 411 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 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Type R verdict →