2003 Honda Civic: brake failure

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Brakes · 74,000 miles · MD

While driving in a residential neighborhood at 30 MPH and attempting to slow down the right rear wheel brake cylinder blew out causing a complete loss of brake fluid and concomitant loss of brakes. I had to coast to a stop using the hand brake to come to a final stop. Fortunately there were no cars in front of me. The car had to be towed to the dealer. The dealer indicated that in addition to the blown brake cylinder the right rear feed brake line was rusted and needed to be replaced. Had I been traveling in heavy traffic a collision would have occurred possibly resulting in serious bodily injury.

Filed Jun 20, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · 145,000 miles · PA · crash

I live on a main road, so I was thankful that there was no heavy traffic at the time, that it luckily was minor, and no one was injured, however, this has the potential to cause fatality. As I was driving out of my driveway and turning right out onto the road, the steering wheel stuck in the turning right position and both steering and brakes failed to work causing me to crash into a parked car. I am not sure why the steering and brakes both failed like this? Strangely, my car was driving fine after the incident as the police officer pulled it to the side of the road. It is smashed up and needs body work and possibly mechanical work. I did have it towed to the dealership, as I did not trust driving it after this happened, and I am not sure I will ever feel safe in this car. Currently, my insurance is taking care of it, but this was a malfunction on honda's part and should be dealt with by honda on all fronts, cosmetically, mechanically, financially, and most importantly so that this doesn't happen to someone else or me again. Otherwise, there is no justice or protection for the consumer! This could have potentially been and could be life threatening.

Filed Aug 21, 2012 · Airbags, Brakes · 88,000 miles · NY · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda civic. The contact stated that while approaching a stop light the brakes failed. The contact stated that the vehicle did not slow down and the brake pedal kicked back up when depressed. As a result, the contact entered the intersection and another vehicle crashed into her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries from the crash. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop, but the brakes had not been inspected. The failure and current mileages were 88,000. Updated 9/21/12

Filed Feb 4, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 130,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda civic hybrid. While driving 75 MPH on the interstate when the accelerator pedal extended to the floor without the contact applying pressure to it, then the rpms increased. He then firmly pressed on the brake pedal and the vehicle started to slow down. The contact was able to continue driving. The failure has occurred approximately 7 to 8 times. Honda was contacted and stated that they were not going to repair the vehicle since the failure was related to the cruise control. They also advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by the dealer. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 130,000. The current mileage was 207,496. The consumer also stated the brakes did not work well on a rough road when going down a hill. Updated 05/13/10.

Filed Dec 3, 2006 · Brakes · 47,658 miles · VA

After refueling and pulling away from a gas station, brakes went almost to floor and car felt like it would not stop. Repeated pumping of brakes restored some braking power. However, after stopping, brakes went almost to floor again. Dealer could not detect problem on first test drive; however brakes failed on second test drive. Invoice for repair says "brake master cylinder leaking (into brake booster). Replaced brake master cylinder and flushed brake fluid". Old master cylinder available.

Filed Jul 22, 2005 · Brakes · 6,002 miles · MD · crash

Dt: contact stated there was complete brake failure which caused an accident. The service dealer transferred the vehicle to a body shop to determine why the brakes failed. Immediately following the accident contact spoke with the manufacturer. *ak

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Brakes · GA

Vehicle experienced a brake failure while applying the brakes at approximately 30-40 MPH. Brake pedal went to the floor while coming into oncoming traffic. Consumer was able to pull off onto the shoulder of the road on which the vehicle continued on for a few feet before stopping. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that they could not find anything wrong.