VehicleVerdict

2006 Honda Civic problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,709 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.2 times the median Civic year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 54 Civic years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 89 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (383), visibility & wipers (239), and suspension (206), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,709

NHTSA complaints

15

Recalls

0

Investigations

108

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

89

Injuries

4

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Civic years?

See all Civic years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Honda Civic problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine38322%
Visibility & Wipers23914%
Suspension20612%
Airbags18511%
Electrical System1056%
Tires & Wheels1036%
Body & Structure805%
Other795%
Transmission795%
Brakes644%
Steering473%
Speed Control402%
Lighting251%
Fuel System221%
Seat Belts161%
Seats161%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)131%
Latches & Locks50%
Driver Assistance20%

Does the 2006 Honda Civic have recalls?

15 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.

18V268000AirbagsApril 26, 2018 · 1,335 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

17V545000AirbagsAugust 31, 2017 · 3,257 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

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.

07V512000Fuel SystemNovember 1, 2007 · 6,545 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A TANK RUPTURE, EXPLOSION, AND EJECTION OF THE TANK FROM THE VEHICLE.

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.

07V402000LightingSeptember 5, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FAILURE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS AND AN INCREASED RISK THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE STRUCK IN THE REAR. IN ADDITION, A FAILED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD PREVENT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE PARK POSITION (VEHICLES WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION).

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.

07V399000BrakesSeptember 5, 2007 · 260,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A WHEEL TO FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

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.

06V326000Visibility & WipersAugust 31, 2006 · 774 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE REAR WINDSHIELD OR REAR QUARTER GLASS PANELS MAY BECOME LOOSE, RATTLE OR LIFT FROM THE WINDOW OPENING OR SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW WHILE DRIVING INCREASING THE SAFETY HAZARD TO TRAFFIC.

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.

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.

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

05V572000AirbagsDecember 27, 2005 · 12,756 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A DEPLOYING FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN INFANT OR SMALL CHILD.

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.

05V509000Speed ControlNovember 3, 2005 · 25,298 units

Defect

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

Consequence

IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT INSERTED PROPERLY, THE PEDAL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE PEDAL STOPPER CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKED STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO COOLANT LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 4, 2012 · fire

MY 2006 HONDA CIVIC EX SEDAN HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH BOTH SUN VISORS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE VISORS HAVE BOTH MELTED AND BROKE WHICH CAUSE THEM TO HANG DOWN IN VIEW AND WILL NOT GO IN THE UP POSITION. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE 4-LANE THE VISOR ON MY SIDE FELL IN MY VIEW, IN SHOCK I TRIED TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 6, 2010 · crash

2006 HONDA CIVIC COUPE. CONSUMER STATES MECHANICAL FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *TGW THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BROKE AND TURNED OUT TO THE LEFT INSTANTLY.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 8, 2009 · crash

A FEMALE RAN A RED LIGHT SPEEDING AT 55 MPH IN A 30 MPH ZONE RIPPING OFF MY ENTIRE BUMPER PUTTING A DENT ON THE TOP OF MY HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND MY AIRBAG NEVER CAME OUT! BEFORE I SEEN ON THE NEWS ABOUT THE RECALLS, MY AIRBAG WARNING SIGNALS ALWAYS COME ON AND STAY ON FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 11, 2015 · crash

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR AND MY CAR CUT OFF AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON , I CALLED AND SCHEDULED AND APPOINTMENT AND TOWED MY CAR TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP . MAURA HONDA CITRUS HEIGHTS , THEY FIXED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG , AND NOW MY CAR HAS ALL KIND OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 18, 2020 · crash

2006 Honda Civic — common questions

Is the 2006 Honda Civic reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,709 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 54 Civic years. It is one of the Civic years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Civic problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (383 complaints), visibility & wipers (239 complaints), suspension (206 complaints).

Does the 2006 Honda Civic have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Honda Civic. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Honda Civic years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Civic years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2001, 2016, 2022, 2008, 2002, 2018, 2017, 2012, 2003, 2019, 1998, 2009, 2010, 2015, 1997, 2013, 2004, 1999, 2005, 2014, 1996. The cleanest record among Civic years belongs to 1980.

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.