2003 Honda Civic lights problems

23 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 133,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 23
of this car's complaints: 5%
typical mileage: 133,000
crashes: 3
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Headlights
3
Headlights: switch
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Honda Civic lights problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Honda Civic lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 15

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: headlights: switchReported March 30, 2012 · 1,375,217 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v; model year 2003 through 2005 pilot; and model year 2002 and 2003 civic vehicles. In march 2012, honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v and certain model year 2003 pilot vehicles. In august 2012, honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 820,789 vehicles including certain model year 2004 and 2005 pilots and model year 2002 and 2003 civics. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,375,217. Due to tension from the combination switch wiring harness, wear on the surface of the electrical terminal can occur, yielding copper oxide, which increases electrical resistance. Increased electrical resistance may cause the terminal ends to melt within the wiring harness connector.
Risk: If the terminal ends melt within the wiring harness connector, the low beam headlights may become inoperative, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in april 2012. Owners of vehicles involved in the september 2012 expansion will be notified in september 2012. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 12V136000 · Recall details

What 2003 Honda Civic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 4, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

The car was not in an incident it has a lot of recalls I would like fixed

Filed Oct 24, 2018 · Lights · 200,000 miles · TN

I had to repair a known headlight issue for 2003 civics. The lights stopped working on dim, and the wires had completely melted as described in the recall information for affected civics. My VIN is not listed as part of the recall. Also, my gear selector can be accidentally placed into neutral without pressing a brake or button on the knob. For example, my daughter reached to change the radio station, and accidentally hit the gear selector. The car shifted to neutral (automatic transmission) without pressing of break or button. We were in motion, and at first, I thought something was wrong with the car, and I looked down to realize it had been placed into neutral. This has happened several times on accident. I purchased this vehicle in 2003 brand new from a honda dealership, and I am the only owner.

Filed Feb 27, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 199,000 miles · CA

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

Filed Dec 11, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 161,321 miles · FL

The airbag does not work at all..and ive always had a problem with the headlights fogging all the time....

Filed Dec 7, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 176,000 miles · VA · crash

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.

Filed Aug 23, 2016 · Lights · 171,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda civic. While driving, the exterior lighting became inoperable. The vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v136000 (exterior lighting), but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 171,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2015 · Airbags, Lights · CA

Called the dealership for an appointment and was given one over 60 days beyond the days date. The recall is for airbags and is a clear safety risk to drivers. They will sell vehicles but will not repair their mistakes in a reasonable amount of time.

Filed Jul 13, 2015 · Airbags, Lights · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda civic. The contact received a notice for the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 15v320000 (air bags), the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v136000 (exterior lighting), and the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v370000 (air bags) and felt that they exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the parts needed were not available. The dealer also stated that they would contact the contact back to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Apr 28, 2015 · Airbags, Lights · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda civic. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 12v136000, 14v349000 and 14v351000 (air bags, exterior lighting); however, the parts to do the repairs was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Mar 23, 2015 · Airbags, Lights · PR

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda civic. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v70000 (air bags,exterior lighting) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Questions about the 2003 Honda Civic lights

Does the 2003 Honda Civic have lights problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Honda Civic, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Honda Civic lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 133,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Honda Civic lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 12V136000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda Civic have the most lights problems?

The Honda Civic model years with the most lights complaints are 2001 (66 complaints), 2002 (54 complaints) and 2016 (30 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).