1997 Honda Civic: transmission slipping

5 of the 373 complaints about the 1997 Honda Civic describe transmission slipping.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 20 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Transmission slipping by model year

2025
1
2024
1
2023
2
2022
2
2021
1
2020
9
2019
1
2017
2
2015
9
2014
6
2012
1
2011
1
2009
1
2008
1
2007
6
2006
3
2005
8
2004
13
2003
20
2002
31
2001
40
2000
3
1999
4
1998
8
1997
5
1993
1

What owners say

Filed Nov 4, 2002 · Engine · CA

I had the checked at kolbe honda when the check engine light came on. I thought the porblems related with the check engine would be covered by mfg warranty it was not. After I have learned that three sensors defected as found in diagnostic process. I went on to replace all three sensors and the check engine light still comes on. Something is not right, I do plan on making a appointment with kolbe to further more on diagnostic and determine if this is covered by manufactory recall or warranty coverage. I also have a transmission problem, after 45 minutes of driving on city streets. The transmission starts to slip or hesitate at take off, from second gear to fourth shift speed also changes. Like in the beginning the shift patterns appears normal, 1st gear (0mph to 25mph) 2 gear (25mph to 35mph) 3 gear (35mph to 45-50 MPH) 4 gear (direct drive), after 45 minutes of driving it is reduced by 10mph at gears. I can't afford rental car if the dealership requires to hold the vehicle for more than one day. My wife and I and my kids carpool in this car daily, it is our only transportation. Dt

Filed Apr 6, 2002 · Transmission · OR

Transmission problem detected and confirmed by gresham honda. Seems to be a major problem for 1997 honda civic owners. Honda acknowleged premature tranny failure and offered to pay half for replacement. Car was given back to me while part is being ordered and while driving today from a stop light on a hill car would not go into gear and started to slip backwards. Luckily by flooring it I was able to prevent backwards slide into vehilce behind me but feel someone needs to contact honda and start a recall on this model for a complete transmission replacement. In my case they have agreed to cover half of the repair cost to install a remanufactured transmission but I am not satisfied with this offer and feel you could be looking at many more accidents and possible injuries by the sudden jerking from stop while car tries to go into gear. Please research this immediately and prevent thousands of people from being injured by this known defect that is not being addressed correctly.

Filed Mar 8, 2002 · Transmission · AZ

Transmission starts slipping at approximately 50 MPH. Vehicle has a clean history and hasnt been driven hard. I have been contacted by other people with the same car and identical pproblems. This is obviously far to few miles on the car for a problem of this nature since it cannot be repaired and replacement costs are in excess of $5000. Honda refuses to assist me with this and I think it warrants a recall or at least some kind of investigation into their product.

Filed Dec 12, 2001 · Transmission · NC

Transmission failure. Transmission slipped/jerked when taking off from a stop. Auto had major service at approx 64,402 mi. Check engine light came on at 71,911 miles. St checked and stated computer needed to be changed. St changed computer. Check engine light came on again at 80,241 miles, st states transmission failed and must be replaced.

Filed Aug 2, 2000 · Acceleration, Transmission · NY

Each time I am stopped and the car is in drive the idle fluctuates rapidly between 0 and 1000 RPM. When the gas is pressed the car will jerk into drive and while driving the transmission will slip.