Carlexica

2006 Honda Civic: problems, recalls and reliability

17 recalls and 1,461 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (15% of complaints); the 2004 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2019

17
recalls
1,461
owner complaints
21
fire reports
64,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

One of the most complained-about Civic years (#5 of 37, age-adjusted)21 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 1,461 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine (engine mechanics)15% · 213 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)14% · 200 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)12% · 172 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)12% · 168 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)10% · 135 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)6% · 80 complaints
The contact's daughter owns a 2006 Honda Civic equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Kumho ECSTA XII, Tire Size: 205/55/R16, DOT Number: 15MA0-1AH0-2424. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the rear driver's side tire and the rear passenger's side tire were bald and had no treadwear. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The tires were not replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.Owner report · Tires · Dec 2025
cracked engine block leaking coolant. Honda says it's not covered after the extended warranty expired. The issue starts happening in many vehicles after 100K miles and my car started seeing the issue at 135K miles . Dealer will not help, Honda of America won't help. this needs to turn into a recall please. Honda must reimburse or have the crack fixed.Owner report · Engine · Sep 2025
There's crack in the engine block, my car out of no wear started over heating we thought it was the water pump then we took it in to get it look at and turn out there's cracks on the engine blockOwner report · Engine · Sep 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was informed by a driver that her brake lights were not operating as needed. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, but the brake lights were repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted, and the brake lights failed to operate as designed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2024
The ac has stopped working the heater does not blow out hot air,the air bag light has came on ,&now the car started to overheated an now will not start at all now...the oil light has came on ...when the car was running the transmission was not shifting correctly....Owner report · Engine · Jan 2023
My car ran fine when started but the a few minutes later, it goes into limp mode where I cannot accelerate. Then it stalls out and now it won't restart. I do not know exactly what the problem is but my check engine light, IMA and red battery light comes on when it happened. As of now, my car is not even starting. This almost caused an accident because I was driving on the freeway when it randomly decided to go into this limp modeOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated that upon checking the fluids in the vehicle, she noticed that coolant had leaked onto the ground. Upon inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, the contact then noticed that coolant was located at the bottom of the engine and a small crack in the coolant reservoir. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 208,000.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2022
Engine overheats due to a crack in the engine block causing the coolant to leak.Overheated engine smokes and has the potential for fire. I did my research and spoke to handful of certified mechanics, the solution is as I understand is to replace the engine. there was a recall notice sent September 2014 to address this issue which I did not receive nor I had a problem at the time of notice. Could someone please look into this for us, it would greatly help me and my family to be safe on the road while driving this vehicle. Thank you,Owner report · Engine · Aug 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle experienced shaking with all four tires bouncing. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal noises and both of the rear tires kept losing air. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V399000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2022
The car developed a crack in the engine block resulting in coolant leaks. This is unsafe and produces a toxic smell. The car is only at 119,000 miles and Honda will not cover it because it is 10 years past the warranty date. This warranty needs to be extended further. 119,000 miles is not a good quality Honda product.Owner report · Engine · Jun 2022

When filing, owners marked a crash in 81 of these complaints and injuries in 72 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 17 campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING07V399000 · Sep 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR HOUSING USES AN O-RING SEAL TO PREVENT LEAKAGE TO OR FROM THE WHEEL BEARING. IF ASSEMBLED IMPROPERLY, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARING AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BEARING, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHERE USE OF ROAD SALT IS PREVALENT. IF THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO DRIVE WITH THIS CONDITION IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE WHEEL BEARING TO BECOME LOOSE, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE BEARING TO FAIL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR ABS SENSORS AND WHEEL BEARINGS FOR DAMAGED PARTS AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH07V402000 · Sep 2007

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY07V512000 · Nov 2007

ON CERTAIN COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES, IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE INTERIOR FIRE IN THE AREA OF THE REAR SEAT, THE CNG TANK MAY BE HEATED UNEVENLY, PREVENTING THE PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE FROM VENTING THE CONTENTS OF THE TANK AS DESIGNED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEAT INSULATOR MATERIAL TO THE REAR SEAT BACK. AN INTERIM OWNER LETTER WAS MAILED TO OWNERS BEGINNING NOVEMBER 26, 2007. WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE RENOTIFIED ASKING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL05V509000 · Nov 2005

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PEDAL WERE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAY COME LOOSE AT THE FLOOR MOUNTING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RESET THE PEDAL OR REPLACE THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE19V378000 · May 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE16V346000 · May 2016

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11V106000 · Mar 2011

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID VEHICLES. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE VOLTAGE CONVERTER THAT RELAYS POWER FROM THE INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSIST (IMA) SYSTEM TO THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009 A SELECT OPTION 4.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS06E023000 · Mar 2006

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE19V502000 · Jun 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL06V270000 · Jul 2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.

Remedy: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E064000 · Jul 2006

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE17V030000 · Jan 2017

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE07V034000 · Feb 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN PARTS OF THE INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSIST (IMA) SYSTEM ARE LOCATED UNDER A METAL COVER BEHIND THE REAR SEAT-BACK. OVER TIME THE WEIGHT OF REAR SEAT PASSENGERS MAY CAUSE THE METAL COVER TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH A RUBBER CAP COVERING AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL. THE RUBBER CAP MAY GET PINCHED, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC COVER ATTACHED TO A METAL BRACKET OVER THE RUBBER CAP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL05V572000 · Dec 2005

ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) CONTAINS A FAULTY ELECTRONIC COMPONENT. AS A RESULT, THE ODS WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND WILL NOT SUPPRESS FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHEN THE WEIGHT OF AN INFANT OR SMALL CHILD IS DETECTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ODS UNIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE17V545000 · Aug 2017

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR06V326000 · Aug 2006

ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR WINDSHIELD OR REAR QUARTER GLASS PANELS DO NOT PROPERLY ADHERE TO THE BODY OF THE CAR DUE TO IMPROPER WINDOW OPENING PREPARATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE BY REMOVING THE GLASS, PROPERLY PREPARING THE WINDOW OPENING, AND REINSTALLING THE GLASS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE18V268000 · Apr 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2006 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Cylinders4
FuelCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) · Gasoline
TransmissionAutomatic · Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Manual/Standard
Body stylesCoupe · Sedan/Saloon

How other years compare

Check your exact Civic by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 Honda Civic reliable?

NHTSA has 1,461 owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Honda Civic. The most complained-about area is engine (15% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2006 Honda Civic problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,000 miles or less.

Does the 2006 Honda Civic have open recalls?

17 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ring. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.