2020 Honda Civic

226 complaints on file, page 1 of 12.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Riverview, FLSteering

   Steering rack malfunction which is a major safety issue. It was said to be only in 2022-2025 civics but it is very clear this is happening in the 2020s as well

   NHTSA complaint 11768246
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 18, 2026New Smyrna Beach, FLSteering

   When driving, especially at highway speeds where only minor tracking adjustments are needed, the steering wheel can feel like it is momentarily sticking or catching. Having to exert sudden, extra physical effort to "break" the wheel free from this sticky point. This often leads to momentary overcorrection, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

   NHTSA complaint 11766551
3. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2024Cypress, CAAir conditioner1 injured

   I am writing to file a complaint regarding the air conditioning system failure in my 2020 Honda Civic Sport. The air conditioner in my vehicle began blowing hot air instead of cold air starting in January 2024. I took the vehicle to a mechanic for inspection, I was informed that the evaporator has failed and needs to be replaced. While researching this issue, I discovered that many other Honda Civic owners have reported similar air conditioning problems involving the evaporator and AC system. I also became aware of a 2021 letter involving American Honda Motor Co. and Honda dealership personnel regarding evaporator leaks in vehicles with VIN numbers beginning with 2HG or 19X. The letter stated that Honda was researching these vehicles in an effort to better understand the issue. Given the number of similar complaints and Honda’s apparent awareness and investigation into evaporator leaks, this appears to be a potentially widespread defect affecting these vehicles, even when properly maintained. The failure of the air conditioning system has caused significant inconvenience, medical issues and financial burden. I have severe Hyperthyroidism, and reside in CA. Due to extremely hot weather & no A/C, the heat affected my heart rate and health severely. My honda is utilized daily for employment & commitments. Without proper air conditioning in almost 3 years now, while driving my car, I was admitted into the hospital last summer 2026 for 5 days due to the extreme heat affecting my heart and almost causing me to go into a coma aka [thyroid storm]. I believe this issue should be investigated further, as it may indicate a defect in the vehicle’s air conditioning system. I respectfully request that the NHTSA review this matter and investigate whether the evaporator failure in the 2020 Honda Civic Sport is a recurring manufacturing defect that may warrant further action or assistance for affected vehicle owners. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

   NHTSA complaint 11763441
4. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026247,000 milesPlainfield, NJSpeedometer/odometer

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Honda Civic. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 87,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 247,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11762116
5. Filed Aug 30, 2026Failure Aug 29, 2026Largo, FLElectrical system, Engine

   The turbocharger bypass control solenoid valve circuit on my 2020 Civic Si has developed an intermittent open, setting DTC P0035. I diagnosed it myself: the solenoid coil measures 45 ohms and functions when commanded via bi-directional scan tool, and supply voltage is present at the harness connector. However, the control circuit reads approximately 9V in the off state when it should be near ground, and the reading fluctuates when the harness is flexed near the connector — indicating a partial break in the wiring consistent with vibration fatigue. This is a safety concern because the ECM fault cascades to other systems. My scan report shows U0401-68 in the ABS module and U0416-68 in both the EPS and Integrated Driver Assistance modules. The result is that VSA stability control is disabled. I first noticed the problem because warning lights appear during hard cornering — precisely when stability control is most needed. Honda has acknowledged this exact failure mode. Service Bulletin 18-044 (NHTSA ID 10142655), issued June 2018, covers the 2017 Civic Type R for DTC P0035 and states the cause as: heat and the natural frequency of the harness cause the coupler wire to oscillate, producing an open circuit to the turbocharger bypass control solenoid valve. The remedy was a replacement engine wire harness kit. The Si shares the same L15B7 engine family and the same bypass control solenoid circuit, but no campaign covers it. Owner forums document numerous P0035 wiring failures on non-Type-R 1.5T Civics. I am requesting that NHTSA consider whether this defect and its effect on stability control warrants a safety investigation and expansion of the existing remedy to other 1.5T Civic models.

   NHTSA complaint 11760752
6. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026166,000 milesRinggold, VADefroster/defogger/hvac system

   The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the compressor shaft failed, and the shaft seal caused further damage to the compressor and caused an additional failure. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 23-039. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with compressor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the warranty only covered the shaft seal and not the compressor. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11758273
7. Filed Aug 14, 2026Failure Sep 4, 202576,000 milesGreen Bay, WIHeadlights

   The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the headlights failed to operate properly and failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The dealer was contacted, and headlight failure was repaired; however, headlights were not recalibrated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11756913
8. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Jun 1, 2026120,000 milesLyndon Center, VTSteering

   The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel was sticking with resistance while turning the steering wheel to the left. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11756169
9. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jul 29, 2026Flanders, NJWarnings, Unknown or other

   on 7-28-26 After filling my vehicle with gas at the next red light, all lights on dashboard went on flickering warning (Christmas tree effect). on 7-29-26 After researching online Roadside came out and did Battery and alternator test that passed. I did hard reboot from instructions I found online and after several attempts the lights cleared twice, the morning of 7-30-26 when leaving for work the flickering lights came back on. Vehicle had a slight tremble but cleared after a few seconds while vehicle warmed up. I went to get the battery checked at the shop and it passed also had air filter changed. Lights still on, car is running fine, but I feel unsafe to drive and have an appt at the dealer for a diagnosis check on 7-31-26.

   NHTSA complaint 11753827
10. Filed Jul 10, 2026Failure Jul 6, 2026Las Vegas, NVUnknown or other

    The A/C went out on this vehicle. The A/C only worked half way in the car. It would only cool the passenger side and not drivers side. When I took it in to get it fixed, they said it was the condenser. There was a recall for the compressor shaft seal but not the condenser. They replaced the condenser and compressor shaft seal. As I checked the Internet I found a recall for this problem in Canada but not in the U.S. I asked Honda about it. They said it was VIN specific right now unless enough people complain about this problem. If it happened in Canada it should be dealt with here. According to my search there are others in the U. S.that have had this problem. How many complaints does it take before this is dealt with?

    NHTSA complaint 11749531
11. Filed Jul 8, 2026Failure Jul 11, 2023Glenview, ILWarnings

    At least a half dozen times the car would brake automatically when nothing was in front of the car. The BRAKE warning light would appear on the dashboard as the car abruptly slowed down. The car slowed down but never came to a complete stop. This happened at various speeds. Once on the freeway at high speeds, 3 times just before an intersection where I had a green light and other various times. I brought the car to 2 different dealers. They could not replicate the problem so they said there was nothing they could do. The courtesy car driver who gave me a ride said they occasionally experience the same thing in the courtesy car.

    NHTSA complaint 11748962
12. Filed Jul 2, 2026Failure May 28, 2026Parker, COWheelsCrash

    On passenger side, 4 of 5 wheel hub bolts (lug bolts) broke off during driving. The lug nuts did not come loose. The bolts actually broke off with lug nuts attached. This caused the wheel to separate from the car while driving. This caused an accident and $5,500 damage to the car. There were no warnings from the in-car information center.

    NHTSA complaint 11748079
13. Filed Jul 2, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026Staten Island, NYBody, Visibility/wiper

    I reported this issue to insurance. The facts are that when I was watching a family member’s toddler, I went to my vehicle to grab a stack of papers. While holding her, I reached in and grabbed the papers sitting directly on the back seat of the coupe vehicle (I.e., easy to reach). Upon grabbing the papers in one hand and holding her on my left hip, I shut the drivers side door and began walking toward the home. Immediately, I heard an odd sound like a rustle or possibly an animal scurrying. I looked around confused because I hadn’t seen anything and it wasn’t too dark. Then I looked closer and the entirety of my back windshield was shattered into a billion pieces leaking into my back seats and onto the car seat placed there for when I frequently pick up the toddler. I can’t help but think of what would’ve happened if she was in her car seat and the glass shards (which were many, sharp and permeating through each crevice and likely will remain until somehow discovered or hurting someone) would’ve fell there. Many honda owners experienced this issue of combustion in the rear windshield. It’s not safe or right. A recall should be made.

    NHTSA complaint 11747930
14. Filed Jun 12, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Little Elm, TXPower train

    I am the second owner of this year and model of Civic. I initially bought it back in 2021 with 14,000 miles on it. The clutch slipped and blew at around 29K miles in 2023. I brought it into a honda dealership and they were at least able to replace the clutch with the SAME CLUTCH under warranty but now it's 2026 and the clutch is going out again. Clutches should not be going out this frequently. I've driven several manuals and if you were to look up this specific year and model, it is a known issue across several forums online and youtube videos for having a "weak clutch". Despite it being a known issue, Honda refuses to announce a recall or make right by their customers who bought this specific year and model. I along with other owners of this specific year and model had our "Good Will" declined after the warranty period ended; how convenient for Honda. It would've essentially cost at least $10K in repairs for an average owner over 5 years on a relatively brand new car. That's more than 30% of the car's worth and value at MSRP.. They keep saying that all of these issues and feedbacks are being reported to the NHTSA but I honestly believe they're waiting for it to be long enough for warranties to expire and hop they can sweep it under the rug. I've driven Hondas all of my life and have loved their cars but their refusal to do right by this well known issue is leaving a sour taste in my mouth.

    NHTSA complaint 11743792
15. Filed May 26, 2026Failure Feb 1, 2026Berlin, VTVisibility/wiper

    The vehicle has experienced a complete failure of the A/C condenser unit due to refrigerant leaks originating from manufacturing defects in the tube walls. This matches the exact physical failure described in Honda Service Bulletin TSB #19-091. However, the manufacturer is refusing coverage because this specific VIN falls just outside their current arbitrary cutoff list. This component failure directly impacts vehicle safety by disabling the vehicle's capability to dehumidify the cabin and clear a heavily fogged windshield during sudden humidity or temperature changes, causing an immediate visibility hazard.

    NHTSA complaint 11740234
16. Filed May 16, 2026Failure May 16, 2026Deltona, FLUnknown or other

    I am writing to file a complaint regarding the air conditioning system failure in my 2020 Honda Civic Sport. The air conditioner in my vehicle began blowing hot air instead of cold air. I took the vehicle to Honda for inspection and paid $545.15 to have the system recharged and dye inserted in order to diagnose the issue. After this service was completed, I was informed that the evaporator has failed and needs to be replaced. I was then quoted $2,475.13 for the repair. While researching this issue, I discovered that many other Honda Civic owners have reported similar air conditioning problems involving the evaporator and AC system. I also became aware of a 2021 letter involving American Honda Motor Co. and Honda dealership personnel regarding evaporator leaks in vehicles with VIN numbers beginning with 2HG or 19X. The letter stated that Honda was researching these vehicles in an effort to better understand the issue. Given the number of similar complaints and Honda’s apparent awareness and investigation into evaporator leaks, this appears to be a potentially widespread defect affecting these vehicles, even when properly maintained. The failure of the air conditioning system has caused significant inconvenience and financial burden. I believe this issue should be investigated further, as it may indicate a defect in the vehicle’s air conditioning system. I respectfully request that the NHTSA review this matter and investigate whether the evaporator failure in the 2020 Honda Civic Sport is a recurring manufacturing defect that may warrant further action or assistance for affected vehicle owners. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

    NHTSA complaint 11738352
17. Filed May 7, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Irvine, CAUnknown or other

    To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally address a serious issue regarding my recent service experience at Freeway Honda and the unfair handling of my case by American Honda concerning my Honda Civic (VIN: [XXX] ). On January 2, 2024, I brought my vehicle to Freeway Honda due to recurring air conditioning issues. My service advisor, Erick Zermeno, informed me that the system had three leaks: the condenser, the compressor, and the evaporator. While he acknowledged that the condenser and compressor were covered under warranty, he stated that the evaporator was not and quoted approximately $1,900.00 for the repair. Furthermore, he refused to repair the warranty-covered parts unless I agreed to pay out-of-pocket for the evaporator repair at the same time. When I declined, the manager, Jamie, required me to pay a $175.00 diagnostic fee to have my vehicle released, despite the fact that the inspection identified defects covered by the extended warranty. Seeking a second opinion, I visited Norm Reeves Honda in Irvine on January 31, 2024. Their technicians determined that only the A/C condenser and compressor were leaking. They repaired both parts at no charge under the warranty and found no issues with the evaporator at that time. It appears Freeway Honda attempted to charge me for an unnecessary repair and wrongfully collected a diagnostic fee for a warranty-related inspection. This matter has been reported to the Bureau of Automotive Repair. I previously filed a complaint with American Honda (Case #XXX) and requested a full refund of the $175.00 fee. Later on, the defroster and the A/C started to cause problems. On October 8, 2024, the A/C failed again, and Norm Reeves Honda confirmed the evaporator was leaking, resulting in a repair cost of $1,797.79. Although American Honda initially offered a partial reimbursement of approximately $960.00, which I declined due to the ongoing nature of these failures. Now, they rescinded the offer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

    NHTSA complaint 11736426
18. Filed Apr 27, 2026Failure Jan 21, 2026Sunrise, FLSteering

    Steering system failed and started to jerk -- Contacted Honda and while there was a recall on the NEWER models, we experienced a similar issue on our 2020 Civic.

    NHTSA complaint 11734075
19. Filed Apr 22, 2026Failure Feb 15, 2025Missouri City, TXElectrical system

    I have owned my vehicle for nearly 18 months and absolutely NO ACTION has been taken on Honda's part to remedy this solution with the capacitor in the circuit board of the front passenger seat weight sensor. Tired of waiting! I want results. This could lead to the front passenger frontal and knee airbags deploying unexpectedly.

    NHTSA complaint 11733043
20. Filed Apr 14, 2026Failure Feb 1, 202664,000 milesHorse Cave, KYSteering

    The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became sticky and jerked while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the electronic steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 64,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11731161