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2009 Honda Civic problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Honda Civic is airbags, typically around 70,559 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Civic model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
70/100
Owner complaints
396
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
65
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
24-29mpg

The worst 2009 Honda Civic problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Honda Civic

No deployment 19Airbag light 12Ball joint 12Grinding brakes 9Check engine light 9Sudden acceleration 8Brake failure 7Jerking 5Overheating 5Premature wear 5

Recalls 8

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 27, 2019 · 9,555 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

Recall number 19V502000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 16, 2019 · 19,138 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

Recall number 19V378000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported April 26, 2018 · 1,335 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.

Recall number 18V268000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 691,726 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.

Recall number 18V042000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported August 31, 2017 · 3,257 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Risk
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.

Recall number 17V545000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 10, 2017 · 977,708 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.

Recall number 17V030000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 24, 2016 · 2,719,386 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

Recall number 16V346000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported October 14, 2008 · 128 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling 128 my 2008-2009 civic sedans. A bracket that covers the fuel hose connector is secured with a bolt and nut, but during assembly the nut was not installed.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the bracket may become loose which could result in damage to the fuel hose connector. A damaged connector could lead to a fuel leak and increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a nut on the fuel feed hose bracket. The recall began on october 13, 2008. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 08V535000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2009 Honda Civic

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Honda Civic 65

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 65 bulletins for the 2009 Honda Civic

2009 Honda Civic fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD24-2634-3628-29
2.0L 4‑cylFWD212924

What 2009 Honda Civic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical · 213,000 miles · ME

The contact purchased a 2009 Honda Civic. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 23,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 213,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Fuel system · 123,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power, and the vehicle to shut off while accelerating. The contact associated the failure with the fuel pump. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Body · 100,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the sun visor split over and blocked his driving view. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB Technical Service Bulletin 11-031. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed that the sun visor needed to be replaced. The contact had a paperclip holding the sun visor. vehicle that was not repaired. The contact stated that the sun visor was previously repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Body, Locks · NY

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Body · 160,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and being inspected, the contact became aware that the driver’s and passenger’s side sun visors were split. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Steering · 115,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that the steering wheel difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115, 000.

Filed Jul 12, 2025 · Electrical · CA

There are hacks to cars that can control the computers remotely, possibly from devices such as programmable thingy remote control devices that can be programmed with different fuctions, or direct open door remote entry hacks into the vehicle port that remote control the cars functions.

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · IL · fire

While driving, the hood prop rod dislodged from its securing clip and fell onto the positive terminal of the battery. This caused an electrical short, which led to the rod heating up rapidly and igniting a fire under the hood. The fire damaged the headlight assembly and the surrounding trim panel, though the wiring fortunately did not catch fire. A nearby police officer was able to extinguish the fire before it spread further. This incident posed a serious safety risk and could have resulted in more extensive damage or injury. There were no warning lights or symptoms before the failure. The issue appears to stem from the design or failure of the clip that holds the hood prop rod in place. The vehicle has not been modified and was being driven under normal conditions. A local auto body shop inspected the vehicle afterward and confirmed that the loose prop rod made contact with the battery terminal, creating a serious fire hazard. They advised reporting this as a safety issue. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle. The incident was witnessed by a police officer, and the damage was evaluated by an independent repair shop following the fire.

Filed Dec 28, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · MI

There is a recall for the engines and air bags on theys cars handa said so.

Filed Mar 24, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · GA

The vehicle will shut off in traffic without any warning from the cars system. Unknown if there is any interference being caused by internal or external.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2009 Honda Civic before you buy

Compare the 2009 Honda Civic

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2009 Honda Civic

Is the 2009 Honda Civic reliable?

Owners have filed 396 complaints about the 2009 Honda Civic, close to a typical Civic model year.

What is the 2009 Honda Civic year score?

The 2009 Honda Civic scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda Civic: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Honda Civic?

Airbags, with 95 complaints, typically around 70,559 miles. Next is brakes (51).

How many recalls does the 2009 Honda Civic have?

8 recalls, covering air bags and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Honda Civic airbags?

Yes, 7 recalls: 19V502000, 19V378000, 18V268000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda Civic have bad airbags?

The Honda Civic model years with the most airbags complaints are 2001 (310 complaints), 2002 (242 complaints) and 2006 (181 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).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Honda Civic get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Honda Civic range from 24 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24-26 city and 34-36 highway.

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