2016 Honda Civic visibility problems

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Visibility · AZ

The A/C failed completely, blowing hot air (80+°F) in extreme Phoenix heat. The issue recurred identically after a dealer misdiagnosis and gas recharge last year. A formal inspection by Showcase Honda on May 28, 2026 (RO# 838832), confirmed a dual leak: the A/C Compressor Shaft Seal (under warranty extension) and the A/C Evaporator Core were leaking refrigerant simultaneously. Due to severe local heat waves, repairs were completed at the dealer on June 15, 2026. Invoices are available upon request. This defect severely risks vehicle safety. Driving in Arizona's 100+°F heat without A/C causes immediate heat exhaustion for passengers. Also, losing the defroster causes sudden windshield fogging during humidity shifts, creating a blind visibility hazard. No warning lamps preceded the failure. Crucially, the 10-year warranty extension is rapidly expiring for early 10th-gen Civic owners, leaving us unprotected. the federal safety agency must mandate Honda to extend the compressor/condenser warranty to a LIFETIME warranty. Furthermore, because the Evaporator Core inherently fails at the exact same time due to the same loop defect, Honda must expand coverage to include the Evaporator Core as a fully covered component. Partial coverage is a widespread safety hazard and a financial injustice for consumers.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Visibility · CA

What component or system failed: The entire Air Conditioning system, specifically the AC Compressor, Condenser, and Evaporator, failed catastrophically. The authorized Honda dealer diagnosed it as "Black Death," meaning the AC compressor internally shattered, sending metal shrapnel and contaminated oil throughout all AC lines and components. How was your safety put at risk: This failure is a SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD. Because the AC compressor is dead, the windshield defroster/defogger system no longer functions. During rain or changes in temperature/humidity, the inside of the windshield fogs up instantly and cannot be cleared. This causes a sudden and complete loss of driver visibility, creating a high risk of a fatal crash on the highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed: Yes. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. The technician confirmed the catastrophic failure ("Black Death") and stated the entire system needs to be replaced. Previous history & Manufacturer response: Honda has known defects with the 2016 Civic AC system (Warranty Extensions 19-091 & 23-039). The condenser was previously replaced under warranty in 2023. Now, the defective compressor shaft seal has led to the complete destruction of the system. Despite this being a known defect that causes secondary damage to the entire system, Honda Corporate has refused to cover the repair costs for the collateral damage (evaporator and lines). The parts are currently on the vehicle and available for inspection. Were there warning lamps: There were no warning lights on the dashboard prior to the failure. The only symptom was the AC suddenly blowing hot air and the immediate loss of the defogging capability.

Filed Nov 26, 2025 · Visibility · CA

My A/C system experienced a total failure at around 79,000 miles. I took the vehicle to a service center, and they confirmed the failure is the A/C Evaporator. This component is now broken and available for inspection upon request. This evaporator failure is an extremely common, widely reported issue across this generation of vehicles and is almost certainly due to a manufacturing defect. The failure creates two major safety risks: First, the loss of defrost capability causes the windshield to fog up immediately in rain or humidity, which completely blocks the driver's view. Second, the extreme interior heat caused by the lack of A/C creates severe driver fatigue and distraction, which impairs safe operation of the vehicle. This issue has been confirmed by the dealership, and there were no warning lights.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Visibility · 166,655 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud pop coming from the sunroof. There was no warning light. Illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware of a large hole in the sunroof glass. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,655.

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · Visibility · OH

The evaporator core is leaking, which is causing reduced visibablility out of the windows due to condensation on the windows, mold-like smells from moisture from the interior cabin (it is available upon request). I took it into the dealer - they examined the issue (the shaft seal had just been replaced in April of this year) and let me know that this time the evaporator core was leaking. For context and why I bring it to the attention of the federal safety agency is in early to mid-August of this year my AC not only took an extended time to get cool, it only got cooler, and not cold. Unfortunately, I am now well acclimated to the signs of a faltering air conditioning system after dealing with three like episodes on the same vehicle, occurring within 2 to 3 years of each other (the car isn’t even nine years old). In fact, this vehicle’s air conditioning has been in a rhythmic pattern of failing ever since I purchased the vehicle. Over 8 years there have only been a few summers which haven’t been negatively impacted by this inconvenience. Honda is aware of the issue, because they have offered "good-will" subsidies which sometimes cover partial replacements of these components. But, they have yet to take responsibility for anything outside of the condenser. Hence, the consumer is on the hook to pay for a vital piece of the car (not just the convenience) that removes moisture out of the car.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Visibility · CA

A/C system.- compressor &/or shaft seal leak- As we were driving our BRAND NEW Honda civic to Las Vegas for our daughter’s wedding on July 12, 2019 in the heat of 115 degrees, the AC stopped working & started blowing hot air, we were forced to continue our 5 hour journey in this unsafe driving condition since it was our daughter’s wedding. This was at 36,100 miles, just 100 miles out of warranty. The recall had not happened yet & we were unaware other people were experiencing the same issues with this same AC system Honda used. I Took it to my local Honda dealer upon return of the torturous unsafe trip and they wanted $3000 to fix the problem they took no blame for it. I immediately filed a complaint with safecar.gov #11322455. 4 years later, PARTS of the Ac system were recalled & I was sent a letter from American Honda stating show us the invoices you had to pay before the recall happened. I did exactly what they said and they denied all of my expenses. I am in shock. This was not my problem their defected AC system leaked Freon. That was their system that they put into that brand new car that was worthless. They cut corners used a cheaper outside contractor it’s obvious. I have $552.93, in repairs that American Honda has refused to reimburse me for and I went through the whole process they requested it’s not right. I should be paid for what I had to pay on that AC system before the recall. It was not my fault it was their fault.

Filed Jun 22, 2023 · Visibility · GA

My 2016 Honda Civic started blowing warm air and within 24 hours I took it to my local Honda Dealership and had it inspected. I was told that there were two TRBs which may be related to the A/C system. After dealer inspection I was told that the mechanics noted leaks in both the Condenser and the Compressor shaft seal. The result of the leaks was that the these components would need to be replaced along with the A/C compressor. Unfortunately I was told that the extended warranties on both of these components (10 yr unlimited mileage) would not cover the compressor replacement despite the dealership telling me that the leaks likely caused the A/C Compressor failure. Honda is acutely aware that these types of leaks will cause in AC component failures (Condenser, Compressor and evaporator) because the A/C systems are closed systems and complaints about the A/C system leaks, and their effects, are pervasive on online media forums and the auto community at large. In my case the leaks due to the failure of the condenser and compressor shaft seal resulted in the failure of A/C Compressor. I have had the A/C system inspected by other Honda Certified mechanic shops and all have expressed the causality between the failed components and the compressor catastrophic failure. The fact that Honda has issued "unlimited mileage" extended warranties on these 10th Gen Civic compressor shaft seals and condensers expresses Honda's awareness that these components should not fail in the way they are doing so. Like any mechanical system perfection should not be the goal but when a manufacture is aware of a failure in its product it has the responsibility to make whole those harmed by its failures. Unfortunately customers, like me, who purchased Hondas because the brand's reliability and strong customer service appeal will have to look elsewhere unless Honda chooses to correct this clear and present issue across multiple vehicles in its lineup.

Filed Nov 14, 2022 · Driver assistance, Visibility · NY

unknown got on wrong highway because wippers malfunction in heavy rain

Filed Jan 21, 2022 · Visibility · ND

Ice builds up on windshield while snowing. Wipers build up ice and stick to windsheild

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · Visibility · CA

The day i bought this car the ac went out. I had to go back to dealer the next morning. I later on learned They just fiddled with it to make it work temporarily. By the next summer ac went out again, this time defrosters didn't work, heater didn't work, ac obviously didn't work. And ive Been dealing with it like this for over 2 years. Honda is not helping at all.