VehicleVerdict

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 89 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Civic Hybrid year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 14 Civic Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (27% of the total).

89

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Civic Hybrid years?

Civic Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted106 complaints2003: 67 complaints2004: 55 complaints2005: 69 complaints2006: 89 complaints2007: 106 complaints2008: 88 complaints2009: 41 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 23 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 6 complaints2025: 10 complaints
Civic Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Civic Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2427%
Transmission1315%
Engine1112%
Fuel System910%
Speed Control78%
Airbags67%
Steering56%
Other44%
Brakes44%
Suspension22%
Lighting22%
Tires & Wheels11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V502000AirbagsJune 27, 2019 · 9,555 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

19V378000AirbagsMay 16, 2019 · 19,138 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

17V030000AirbagsJanuary 10, 2017 · 977,708 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

16V346000AirbagsMay 24, 2016 · 2,719,386 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

11V106000Electrical SystemMarch 2, 2011 · 36,656 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS FAILURE WILL CAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS TO TURN OFF, THE ENGINE TO STALL, AND PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BEING RESTARTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

07V034000EngineFebruary 8, 2007 · 31,123 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE TERMINAL MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL COVER, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT MAY BLOW THE IMA FUSE. A BLOWN FUSE WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

06V270000OtherJuly 26, 2006 · 1,190,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

ON AT LEAST FOUR OCCASIONS, ONCE WHILE MOVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH, THE ENTIRE CAR SHUT DOWN. THE GAS ENGINE SHUT OFF, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WENT DEAD, AND THE DASH WENT BLANK. I HAD TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK, AND THEN REMOVE AND REINSERT THE KEY IN ORDER TO RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE, THOUGH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2010

ON AT LEAST FOUR OCCASIONS, ONCE WHILE MOVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH, THE ENTIRE CAR SHUT DOWN. THE GAS ENGINE SHUT OFF, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WENT DEAD, AND THE DASH WENT BLANK. I HAD TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK, AND THEN REMOVE AND REINSERT THE KEY IN ORDER TO RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE, THOUGH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 15, 2010

I'M A HONDA CIVIC HYBRID OWNER (2006). I HAVE NOT REPORTED THE LACK OF ACCELERATION TO MY DEALER, ASSUMING THAT WAS THE LOW POWER OF THE CAR DUE TO THE HYBRID NATURE. THE LACK OF ACCELERATION AT TIMES WHEN IT'S NEEDED HAS PUT ME IN UNSAFE SITUATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, MY HYBRID DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 1, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE BEFORE AND AFTER REFUELING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE I.M.A AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 15, 2014

HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2006 COULDN'T RUN SUDDENLY, EVEN THOUGH I PRESSED ACCELERATOR FULLY. IT WAS WHEN I DROVE ABOUT 30 MILES. ABOUT 5 KILOMETERS PREVIOUS FROM THE INCIDENT, IT BECAME TO HARD TO RUN GRADUALLY, FOR EXAMPLE, THE REACTION OF THE ENGINE BECAME LATER THEN IT COULDN'T RUN ONLY 15 MPH, EVEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 19, 2015

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 89 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 14 Civic Hybrid years. It is one of the Civic Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Civic Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (24 complaints), transmission (13 complaints), engine (11 complaints).

Does the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda Civic Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Civic Hybrid years to avoid are 2007, 2006, 2008, 2005, 2003, 2004, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Civic Hybrid years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.