The contact owns a 1999 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel lights were no longer illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ignition switch was corroded at the contact point. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and several other unknown dealers were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
1999 Honda Civic electrical problems
118 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 150,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 118
- of this car's complaints
- 35%
- typical mileage
- 150,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch42
- Ignition11
- Alternator/generator/regulator3
- Wiring: interior/under dash2
- Horn1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda Civic electrical problems in other years
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
- Risk
- Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began june 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details
What 1999 Honda Civic owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I left work as usual when shortly after near my work I began to smell a strong gasoline smell and I parked to check the vehicle when I turned off the vehicle it made a slight explosion and caught fire
While driving on the highway car engine shut off and completely lost power. After getting on to the shoulder car would not start, electric windows would not operate. Approximately 30 minutes later car started and made it home on city streets. Have not driven it since. Checked and did not find any recalls on this.
Air condition unit stop working the smell of smoke.
Loose ignition switch turns car off while driving
Engine periodically stalls without warning while driving. After a few minutes, engine re-starts, but may then stall again. It has happened all times of day [morning, afternoon, etc] and at various speeds [ under 20 MPH, at 60mph] . This is now happening with increasing frequency. Was initially once every few months, and is now every few days.
Vehicle dies in traffic for no apparent reason. Starts right up. Went online to see what the problem could be and ran across information concerning a recall for 97 to 99 honda's. My car is exhibiting the same exact problem described in this recall. However when I enter the VIN it comes across as not having this problem with the key switch. When the car dies in traffic it is not only the engine but all the electrical power as well. Could my VIN just be an oversight and should be included in this recall? I bought this car new and it has been a great car but this issue is becoming a real safety issue. The car just recently started to do this and it does it at any speed and city or highway driving.
Takata recall lights flashing/flickering in and out while driving inside and out. There are many forms online where this is happening to people with a honda civic from 1998-2000.
Car shuts off while driving. Can happen at anytime, while stationary or in motion. Issue is a faulty ignition switch. Has to stop to restart and loss of power steering. Same issue as the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v120000, but many VIN's not included. Filing complaint for expanding issue beyond original scope under 02v120000.
Car shuts off while driving
Questions about the 1999 Honda Civic electrical
Does the 1999 Honda Civic have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 118 complaints about the electrical of the 1999 Honda Civic, 35% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1999 Honda Civic electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 150,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Honda Civic electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 02V120000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda Civic have the most electrical problems?
The Honda Civic model years with the most electrical complaints are 2016 (119 complaints), 1999 (118 complaints) and 2017 (104 complaints).
Is there a class action lawsuit over the Honda Civic?
Yes. Class action says Honda and Acura keyless entry makes cars easy to steal and asks for theft protection (November 12, 2026).
Other 1999 Honda Civic problems
Airbags 58Engine 44Transmission 35Brakes 18Tires 17Body 16Visibility 14Acceleration 13Seat belts 9Suspension 8Fuel system 5Locks 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 2Lights 2Seats 2Steering 2
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