The 1996 Honda Civic has 65 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 17% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
65
Brakes complaints
17%
Share of year
25
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
A SOAPY LUBRICANT WAS USED TO INSERT THE CHECK VALVE INTO THE VACUUM HOSE WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TO STICK.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF THE BRAKE'S POWER ASSIST RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE CHECK VALVE BY WASHING THE VACUUM HOSE WITH HOT WATER.
“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONSUMER PUT ON BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND TURNED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, SPINNED AROUND AND HIT THE BACK OF A ANOTHER VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK ALSO PASSENGERS SEAT…”
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the 1996 Honda Civic brakes — 17% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 96V106000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.