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2003 Honda Civic Electrical Problems

44 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

44
Complaints
1
Recalls
4
Crashes
2
Fires
Jan 2004Dec 2006
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Electrical Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #10V364000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC TWO AND FOUR DOOR, AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 HONDA ELEMENT VEHICLES. THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY UNEXPECTEDLY DEFORM, WHICH CAN ALLOW THE INTERLOCK FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO BE DEFEATED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE ORIGINAL INTERLOCK PIN AND LEVER WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW, DESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Owner Complaints (44)

highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2021

Your 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid is having trouble starting and has stalled without warning while driving on several occasions. An independent mechanic was unable to identify the cause, and both the dealer and Honda were notified. This started happening around 164,000 miles. The problem may require diagnostic testing of your hybrid system's electrical and battery components to pinpoint the issue.

NHTSA #: 11418063
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2020

Your 2003 Honda Civic has multiple issues: the radiator and engine are leaking oil, the horn, fog light switch, and cruise control don't work, and the steering column cover is cracked. Most concerning, your front doors won't unlock with the key—only the trunk does. After the dealer replaced your ignition switch and keys, the door lock problem still persists. Fixing this will likely require diagnosis of the electrical locking system and possible replacement of door lock mechanisms or the ignition switch.

NHTSA #: 11365185
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2020

Your headlight switch connector is overheating, which can cause your low beam headlights to shut off unexpectedly and leave you unable to see the road. This is a known issue affecting other Civics from your model year, but your car wasn't included in the recall. The fix will likely involve replacing the headlight switch connector or rewiring the low beam circuit to handle the heat properly.

NHTSA #: 11361387
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2021

Your 2003 Honda Civic has multiple recalls that have not been addressed. You're requesting that these outstanding recalls be inspected and repaired by a dealer to bring your car up to current safety and performance standards.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11423379
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2021

Your car's horn has stopped working. This means the horn won't produce any sound when you press the horn pad on your steering wheel. Getting the horn working again is important for safety, as you'll need it to alert other drivers. The repair will likely involve checking the horn relay, wiring, or replacing the horn itself.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11394383
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2018

MY WINDOWS SPORADICALLY GET STUCK OPEN, VERY DIFFICULT DRIVING WHEN THE ELEMENTS OF THE WEATHER OR NOT GOOD. I'VE HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE RAIN DRIVING THROUGH MY WINDOW. TRYING TO HOLD A PLASTIC BAG IN PLACE SO I DID NOT GET WET.

NHTSA #: 11094080
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Feb 2018

AT ALL TIMES TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO WORK INTERMEDIATELY. HAD FUSES AND RELAYS CHECKED (NOT THE PROBLEM). SOON AFTER DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. HAD BULB CHANGED, WORKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 DAYS THEN BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT ALONG WITH BOTH HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS. HAVE TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC IN WHICH THE TURN LEVER WAS REPLACED AND STILL DIDNT REPAIR ANYTHING. NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. ALL SYMPTOMS SEEM TO FALL INTO CATEGORY WITH RECALL #:12V136000 BUT WHEN ENTERING MY VIN RECALL ISNT SHOWN. PLEASE HELP! I AM TAKING A HUGE RISK DRIVING IN THE DAY AND ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT

NHTSA #: 11075342
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Dec 2017

TAKATA RECALL: THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS TIMES WHERE I HAVE EITHER CALLED OR WENT TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE AIRBAG INFLATORS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE, FIXED TO AVOID HARM TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. IN ALMOST THREE YEARS, I HAVE NOT ONCE HEARD BACK ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP RECEIVING PARTS TO FIX THE ISSUE. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE, NOR WAS I TOLD ABOUT THE RECALL WITH THE WIRING HARNESS TERMINAL FOR THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. HONDA NEEDS TO FIX THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD THAT CAN GET PEOPLE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED.

NHTSA #: 11053360
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2017

FUEL GAUGE REGISTERING EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHT ON AFTER I JUST ADDED 5 GALLONS.

NHTSA #: 11011792
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Aug 2016

EL CARRO PRENDE LA BOLSA DE AIRE. UN SENSOR DE TEMPERATURA Y EL SWITCH

NHTSA #: 10895744
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2015

THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS GONE OUT.

NHTSA #: 10807440
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2015

TOOK CAR IN FOR AIRBAG FAILURE RECALL AND WAS TOLD THE SRS UNIT IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE. HOWEVER, THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY OR RECALL. THIS IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A SAFETY SYSTEM THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL UNDER NORMAL WEAR AN TEAR. THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND REQUIRED A DEPOSIT OF $800 TO ORDER. WE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP NOT KNOWING IF OUR AIRBAGS WOULD WORK OR NOT.

NHTSA #: 10761671
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Filed: Mar 2015

THE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK USING THE KEY. THE KEY EITHER GETS JAMMED IN THE DOOR OR WONT GO IN. WHEN IT DOES GO IN, IT WONT COME BACK OUT. FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I CANT LOCK/UNLOCK MY CAR WITHOUT A BREAK-IN KIT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10701641
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,174.

NHTSA #: 10651153
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2013

I GOT A RECALL NOTICE (NOV. 2012) ABOUT 2003 HONDA CIVIC'S HEADLIGHTS FAILING. ABOUT A WEEK LATER IN THE EARLY MORNING AS I WAS GOING TO WORK, MY CAR HEADLIGHTS FAILED AS I LEFT MY DRIVEWAY. I LEFT THE CAR AT HOME AND TOOK ANOTHER. ON RETURN FROM WORK I FOUND BOTH HEADLIGHTS OUT, NO BLOWN FUSES, HEATER FAN NOT WORKING, BOTH ABS AND BRAKE PANEL LIGHTS ON. I SCHEDULED REPAIR AT O'HARE HONDA, DES PLAINES, IL. I ARRIVED AT THE SERVICE DEPT. WITH RECALL NOTICE AND ALSO TO HAVE ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES. I LEFT THE CAR FOR THEM TO WORK ON IT. REPAIR WORK DONE ON INVOICE #410741 DATED NOV.19, 2012. THE SERVICE WRITER CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THE BRAKE LIGHT REPAIR REQUIRED THE MASTER CYLINDER TO BE REPLACED. I OK'D MAJOR WORK. SERVICE WRITER CALLED BACK TO SAY THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TOO. I OK'D THAT REPAIR AT LARGE COST ALSO. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME THEY "PUT IN A FREE ALTERNATOR AS THAT TOO WAS BAD". THE HEADLIGHT REPAIR COST $1,877.77 ($1,326.17 FOR PARTS + $551.60 LABOR). I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS REPAIR AND HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR ON THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND PUT A LARGE SURGE ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE CAR. THIS SURGE "FRIED" THE ELECTRICS ON THE TWO BRAKE PARTS AND BURNED OUT THE HEADLIGHTS. THE "FREE" ALTERNATOR SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE CLUE TO THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SOME DEVICE CAN NOT BE INSTALLED INTO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM OF THE CAR TO PREVENT THIS EXPENSIVE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS FAILURE. THE FINAL PROBLEM WITH THIS REPAIR WAS THAT I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM INSTALL NEW HEADLIGHT BULBS AS THEY MUST NOT HAVE CHECKED THEM AND THEY WERE STILL BURNED OUT. SO MUCH FOR QUALITY CONTROL. *TT

NHTSA #: 10538016
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2012

MY IGNITION KEY IS STUCK. THE KEY DOES NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10470334
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION OR START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA #: 10447745
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WITH THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V364000, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 5/9/11 *CN UPDATED 05/18/11

NHTSA #: 10392317
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2011

2003 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE FAILED TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECALL AND WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALER REFUSAL TO PAY THE BILL FOR REPAIRS *TGW CONSUMER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF MOTHER-IN-LAW. RECALL # 10V364000. *JB

NHTSA #: 10383696
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Dec 2010

I HAVE A 2003 HONDA CIVIC EX WITH THE SAME PROBLEM LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V086000 MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10370364
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2010

MY 2003 HONDA CIVIC VIN #[XXX] PURCHASED NEW IN 2003., NOW HAVE 79,449 ODOMETER READING. SINCE I GOT IT, SOMETIMES WHEN I INSERT THE IGNITION KEY TO START THE CAR THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN TO STARTING POSITIION IT JUST STUCKED IN THE KEYHOLE. I REMOVE THE KEY AND TRY TO SHAKE AND TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND/OR STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL, THEN REINSERT THE KEY TO START THE CAR. SOMTIMES IT START , AT TIMES IT TAKES 2-4 TIMES THEN THE KEY TURNS TO START THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS OCASSIONALLY BUT LATELY MORE FREQUENTLY ABOUT 80% EVERY TIME . I READ IN THE OCTOBER 2010 CONSUMER REPORTS MAGAZINE THAT THERE IS A RECALL OF 2003-04 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC AND ELEMENT WITH THE PROBLEM THAT THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MIGHT DEFORM INTERFERING WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I CALLED DICK HANNAH HONDA WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND ASKED THEM ABOUT THIS RECALL. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE LIST OF RECALLED 2003 CIVICS AT THIS TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE THIS SAFETY PROBLEMTO YOUR OFFICE THAT MY VEHICLE HAVE THIS "IGNITION SWITCH" PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA #: 10354898
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC. WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED INTO THE IGNITION HE NOTICE THAT IT WOULD NOT TURN. HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES BUT EVENTUALLY THE KEY TURNED. ON AUGUST 31, 2010 THE IGNITION FAILED; YET, THE KEY NO LONGER TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 76,000.

NHTSA #: 10353245
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEYS WOULD COME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SHIFTED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN DRIVE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180000.

NHTSA #: 10348509
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2010

SRS LIGHT STAYS ON, HONDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THE AIR BAG COMPUTER IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, $700 + AND IT IS NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY. THE CAR IS A 2003 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT. I HAVE REPLACED THE HYBRID BATTERY (AT 95,000 MILES), AND THE CAR NOW HAS ABOUT 120,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10340727
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Filed: Feb 2010

WINDOW SWITCH MELTDOWN HAPPENS IN EARLIER HONDA CIVICS. I RECENTLY READ THAT HONDA WAS RECALLING CARS FOR A WINDOW MASTER SWITCH THAT MELTED WHEN IT GOT MOISTURE IN IT LIKE WHEN IT RAINS WITH THE WINDOW DOWN. THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED FOR YEARS. MY 2003 CIVIC MELTED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE THREE YEARS AGO AFTER A LITTLE MOISTURE. WHERE WAS THE RECALL BACK THEN IF WE WERE REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? *TR

NHTSA #: 10310971
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2009

MY HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2003. THE ACCELERATOR SOMETIME INCREASES BY ITSELF. YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE AND FEEL THE PEDAL LEAVE YOUR RIGHT FOOT BY ITSELF. MY CAR WENT AS HIGH AS 90MI. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO STEP ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFT TO LOW GEAR. SO THE CAR WILL SLOW DOWN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10288815
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2008

I HAVE A 2003 HONDA HYBRID WITH 65,000 MILES. THE IMA WARNING LIGHT WENT ON A FEW DAYS AGO AND THEY HAVE DETERMINED THE HYBRID BATTERY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE HONDA BATTERIES ARE NOT LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS AND COULD LEAD TO FAILURE IN OTHER AREAS (FAULTY STEERING DURING TURNS, ETC.) WHICH COULD POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, I WAS UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE BATTERY LIFE WOULD OUTLIVE THE VEHICLE LIFE, AND FINDING IT TO BE UNTRUE. I AM HAVING THE BATTERY REPLACED TODAY ON WARRANTY, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TELL ME IF IT IS A BETTER BATTERY OR HIGHER DEVELOPED BATTERY THAN WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. SINCE I AM MOST CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY, I WANTED TO REPORT THIS TO YOU. SINCERELY, ROGER SOUCY *TR

NHTSA #: 10236641
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2007

THIS CAR FAILS TO START. HAD BEEN REPORTED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD EVERY THING WAS OK. ON 27 AUG 2005 THIS CARS ENGINE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL. WHEN IT WAS TOWED TO DEALER . I WAS TOLD THE MAIN BATTERY WAS DEAD.

NHTSA #: 10201248
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Mar 2007

MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY HAD BEEN STALLING AND SHUTTING DOWN LOSING COMPLETE POWER STEERING, BRAKES EVERYTHING. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER REPAIR SHOP. DEC 2006. THEY COULD'NT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2007 MY DAUGHTER WENT FOR CHINESE FOOD. SHE BACKED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, PROCEEDED TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE RELEASED HER FOOT, AND THE VAN STARTED JERKING THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH AREA WHERE BLINKING SHE LOST ALL POWER THE VAN WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEICLE LANDED IN THE ENTRY WAY OF THE BUSINESS SMASHING ALL GLASS. SHE COULD NOT BRAKE SHE WAS TRAPPED IN THIS VAN.SHE SAID IT LOST ALL POWER SHE HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE TRYING TO STOP. NOTHING WORKED THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEICHLE ANYMORE. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE VAN IS UNDER INVESTGATION NOW. AND WILL BE FIXED AND TRADED IN.*AK

NHTSA #: 10185721
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Crash / FireFiled: Feb 2007

THE CAR FLIPPED. *NM

NHTSA #: 10181954
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2006

SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHEN DRIVING, STALLED-STARTED AGAIN, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON DASHBOARD WHEN DRIVING, ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. REPAIRS @ GARDENA, TOLD IT WAS ELECTRICAL, HONDA-CONTROL MODULE ENGINE REPLACED, O2 SENSOR, W-BULB (12V 21W) DROVE CAR LESS THAN 2 HOURS SAME PROBLEMS OCCURRED (DAY CAR WAS PICKED UP). *NM

NHTSA #: 10176871
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Sep 2006

DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING ON DIM ONLY. CHANGED BULB, BUT THIS BULB ALSO DID NOT WORK ON DIM. VERIFIED THE BULB WAS GOOD BY TRYING IT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE NEXT DAY, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT JUST STARTED WORKING AGAIN. 3 WEEKS LATER IT WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS TIME I TRACED THE WIRING BACK INSIDE THE CAR TO THE "INSIDE" FUSE BOX. THE WIRING THAT GOES OUT TO THAT HEADLIGHT COMES FROM A PLUG THAT PLUGS INTO THIS FUSE BOX. AFTER "WIGGLING" THIS PLUG, THE HEADLIGHT CAME BACK ON. HOWEVER I CAN "WIGGLE" IT AND MAKE IT GO OFF ALSO. JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA #: 10168113
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Mar 2006

ON 3 OCCASIONS OVER PAST 3 YEARS WE HAVE HAD KEY/ LOCK/ IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. RESULT: 1. INABILITY TO START ENGINE; 2. UNABLE TO UNLOCK DRIVER SIDE DOOR; 3. UNABLE TO OPEN TRUNK. LATEST REPAIR ON 3-28-06 CONSISTED OF REPLACING TRUNK LOCK TUMBLER AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK TUMBLER. REPAIR ADVISOR VERBALLY STATED TRUNK LOCK TUMBLERS WERE BADLY WORN; DOOR LOCK TUMBLERS NEEDED LUBRICATION. WE CONSIDER CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE COULD BE SERIOUS GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES AT TIME OF FAILURE. *JB

NHTSA #: 10153954
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2005

THE AUTO STOP FEATURE I N THE CONSUMER'S HONDA HYBRID ENGAGED WHEN SLOWING DOWN RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE STALLING.*MR THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT HE MAY BE REAR ENDED WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURS. *NM

NHTSA #: 10124763
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
Filed: Jul 2005

[XXX] ASSEMBLED IN CANADA PURCHASED AS A NEW VEHICLE. 2003 HONDA CIVIC EX MODEL I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2003 AS A NEW VEHICLE. I HAVE PURCHASED A SERVICE CONTRACT AND THE VEHICLE CAME WITH A MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER OR THE DEALER WILL HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THE LIST OF PROBLEMS REPORTED. BRAKES LEAKED FLUID AND WAS IN THE SHOP MORE THAN 6 TIMES. BRAKES HAD TO BE FLOORED FROM THE ORIGINAL DATE OF PICK UP FROM DEALER ( MARCH 2003) A LETTER 11 PAGES LONG WAS SENT TO MANUFACTURER MAKING THEM AWARE OF THE ALL THE GAUGES ON THE DASH BOARD THAT MALFUNCTION. THE SPEEDOMETER GETS STUCK ON 30 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE SOMETIMES GIVES A READING OF 3/4 TANK FULL WHEN THERE IS NO FUEL. I AM NOT ABLE TO TELL WHAT SPEED I AM TRAVELING AND ESPECIALLY AT NIGHTS I AM NOT ABLE TO TELL IF THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE OR NEUTRAL BECAUSE THE LIGHTS FROM THESE SPECIFIC PARTS DON'T WORK. THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE FUSE BECAUSE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING. THE CONNECTION HAS TO BE TAKEN OFF THE BATTERY TO GET THESE COMPONENTS TO WORK AGAIN. I AM NOT A MECHANIC AND DON'T HAVE TIME FOR ALL THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE RECEIVED POINTS ON MY DRIVERS LICENSE FOR SPEEDING. THESE PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED MORE THAN A YEAR AGO AND THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS. EVERYTIME I CALL I GET TREATED LIKE A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN WHEN ALL I AM ASKING FOR IS A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN. I HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE CONCERNED WITH MY LIFE AND OTHER MOTORISTS LIVES. HONDA OF NANUET CHECKED THE GAUGES AND TOLD ME THEY ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. AT THIS POINT IN TIME I SHOULD BE GIVEN MY MONEY BACK. *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 10130644
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2005

DT: 2003 HONDA CIVIC IS STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON PUBLIC STREETS. THE VEHICLE IS HESITATING/STALLING WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED OR BETWEEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE SPEEDS ARE 0-70 WHEN THE VEHICLE IS HESITATING. THERE IS NO WARNING BEFORE THE CAR DIES. THE VEHICLE HAS SHOWN THE CODE ONCE AND THE CODE SHOWN CYLINDER #1 MISFIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT STARTED TWICE, AND BOTH TIMES IT HAD TO BE ROLLED AND STARTED BY THE OWNER. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE OWNER THINKS THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IS BAD. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IS DIFFERENT. THE VEHICLE HAS POWER SURGES. THE OWNER IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE TURNED BACK IN TO HONDA, USING THE REFERENCE TO THE LEMON LAW. THE OWNER HAS PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE OWNER FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE IS 11 MONTHS OLD AND WAS PURCHASED USED.*AK

NHTSA #: 10126680
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2005

DT: WHEN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE CAME OUTSIDE AND THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED DOWN THE HILL INTO THE WOODS. THERE WEREN'T ANY CAR KEYS IN THE IGNITION OR THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, AND IT WAS OFF. *AK ..CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO SLIDE THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION WHILE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE. *AK *SB

NHTSA #: 10120141
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2004

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE BROWN'S HONDA CITY SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 WEEKS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL CHARGE, AND THE ONLY WAY TO RESTART IT IS BY A JUMPSTART. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TWICE THAT IT WAS FIXED, AND THE PROBLEM REPEATED ITSELF. THIS TIME, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, AND THEY CANNOT FIX THE VEHICLE. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT HONDA SOLD A CAR TO ME THAT THEY CANNOT FIX. *AK

NHTSA #: 10100139
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2004

THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE IGNITION KEY, BECOMES HOT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES IT TO BE A FIRE HAZARD. COMPLAINT WENT WITH OUT BEING DOCUMENTED. *TC

NHTSA #: 10090333
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2004

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND HAD PARKED AT A FRIENDS HOUSE WAITING FOR HIM TO COME OUTSIDE AT 10:30PM WHEN HE ENTERED THE CAR I WAS TRYIN TO MAKE A U-TURN AND MY CAR WAS TURNING ON AND OFF ALL BY ITSELF, AND MY WHEEL WAS TURNING TO THE OFF POSITION AS I WAS TURNING. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO PRONBLEM. THAT SAME WEEK I WAS DRIVING TO VIRGINIA TO SEE A FAMILY MEMBER AND AS IM DRIVING DOWN I-95 THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF AND TURNS ON AGAIN FOR BY ITSELF FOR NO REASON, AND I WAS DRIVING AT A STEADY 65 MILES AN HOUR. I THEN CALLED MY HONDA DEALER AND SCEDULED AN APPOINMENT AND THEY HAD IT FOR 3DAYS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. THEY SAID THAT TO BRING IT TO MY ALARM SHOP THAT INSTALLED AND AFTERMARKET ALARM SYSTEM ON MY CAR, BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT I HAD AN AUTO-START FEATURE ON MY ALARM. I TOLD THEM I DIDNT BUT I WOULD TAKE IT ANYWAY JUST TO MAKE SURE NOTHING WAS DONE WRONG ON THEIR PART. THEY HAD IT FOR 1DAY AND THEY TOO CAME UP WITH NOTHING.THEY SAID IT COULD NOT BE THE ALARM THAT THEY TOOK IT OUT AND PUT IT BACK IN AND NOTHING WAS DONE WRONG.*AK

NHTSA #: 10088956
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Aug 2004

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. HOWEVER, WHEN CONSUMERS WENT BACK TO VEHICLE IT WAS IN DRIVE, AND ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK THE DEALER REPALCED THE IGNITION LOCK AND SWITCH. THE INTERLOCK AND SHIFTER WERE CHECKED AND BOTH APPEARED TO BE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *NM

NHTSA #: 10087524
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2004

THE CONSUMER USED THE VALET KEY (EXTRA) TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO USE THE ELECTRONIC KEY TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CAN NOT EXPLAIN WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE THAT CAUSED THE KEYS TO BEND OR WHY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN. *MR

NHTSA #: 10066625
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jan 2004

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH DRIVER NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS FLAT. PULLED OVER, AND FOUND THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY CONSUMED WITH FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *AK

NHTSA #: 10054074
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2002

WHEN COMING TO A SLOW STOP, WITH BRAKE LIGHTLY APPLIED, THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING. DUE TO USE OF THE ENGINE AS A GENERATOR TO CHARGE THE PROPULSION BATTERY AT THIS POINT, THE FRICTION IS SUBSTANTIAL AND CONTRIBUTES GREATLY TO BRAKING. WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE SUDDEN DECREASE IN FRICTION WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY STOP SLOWING DOWN UNLESS MORE BRAKE PRESSURE IS IMMEDIATELY APPLIED. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOW-SPEED REAR END CRASH WITH A STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT I COULD FIND IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL REGARDING THIS. *AK

NHTSA #: 761129

Other 2003 Honda Civic Issues