2020 Honda Civic visibility problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Visibility · CA

REPEATED A/C SYSTEM FAILURES – DEFECTIVE EVAPORATOR, RECURRING WINDSHIELD FOGGING, AND IMPAIRED DRIVER VISIBILITY My 2020 Honda Civic LX has experienced three separate air-conditioning system failures in approximately two years of ownership. Previous repairs involved the A/C condenser and compressor. On October 16, 2026, Chula Vista Honda diagnosed another refrigerant leak, this time involving the A/C evaporator. These repeated failures raise serious concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s air-conditioning system and its role in maintaining adequate windshield visibility during normal driving conditions. Since the latest A/C failure, I have experienced recurring windshield and window fogging while driving. The problem is particularly concerning because the air-conditioning system assists with removing moisture from the cabin air, helping the windshield defogging system clear condensation from the glass. When the A/C system loses refrigerant and stops functioning properly, its ability to dehumidify the air may be reduced, potentially making windshield fogging more difficult to control under certain weather conditions. These fogging episodes have occurred on multiple occasions since the latest A/C failure. I am concerned about the potential for reduced forward and side-window visibility, particularly during cooler temperatures, humid conditions, and periods when condensation develops on the glass. Windshield fogging presents a serious safety concern because it can interfere with a driver’s ability to identify pedestrians, cyclists, surrounding vehicles, traffic signals, and road hazards. Temporary obstruction of the windshield at highway speeds or while approaching intersections can increase the risk of a collision. Honda’s vehicle operating instructions recognize the role of air conditioning in assisting with windshield defogging. A refrigerant leak that disables the A/C system can reduce its moisture-removal capability and may compromise effective win

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Visibility · SC

The air conditioning condenser failed prematurely due to a known manufacturing defect covered under Honda's 10-year warranty extension (TSB 19-091), but the dealership, Stokes Honda North and American Honda Motor Co.’s refused to honor the coverage. I reside in Charleston, South Carolina, where summer temperatures and humidity levels are extreme. Because of this defect, the vehicle's cabin becomes dangerously hot within minutes. I frequently transport my two young children in this vehicle, and the lack of functional climate control places them at an immediate risk for severe heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat-related illness. Furthermore, the failure of the AC system means the vehicle can no longer properly dehumidify the cabin air. During sudden South Carolina rainstorms, the windshield and windows instantly fog over, rendering the defroster useless. This causes an immediate, severe loss of visibility while driving on high-speed roads, creating a catastrophic safety hazard for myself, my children, and other drivers.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Visibility · 166,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the compressor shaft failed, and the shaft seal caused further damage to the compressor and caused an additional failure. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 23-039. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with compressor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the warranty only covered the shaft seal and not the compressor. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Body, Visibility · NY

I reported this issue to insurance. The facts are that when I was watching a family member’s toddler, I went to my vehicle to grab a stack of papers. While holding her, I reached in and grabbed the papers sitting directly on the back seat of the coupe vehicle (I.e., easy to reach). Upon grabbing the papers in one hand and holding her on my left hip, I shut the drivers side door and began walking toward the home. Immediately, I heard an odd sound like a rustle or possibly an animal scurrying. I looked around confused because I hadn’t seen anything and it wasn’t too dark. Then I looked closer and the entirety of my back windshield was shattered into a billion pieces leaking into my back seats and onto the car seat placed there for when I frequently pick up the toddler. I can’t help but think of what would’ve happened if she was in her car seat and the glass shards (which were many, sharp and permeating through each crevice and likely will remain until somehow discovered or hurting someone) would’ve fell there. Many honda owners experienced this issue of combustion in the rear windshield. It’s not safe or right. A recall should be made.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Visibility · VT

The vehicle has experienced a complete failure of the A/C condenser unit due to refrigerant leaks originating from manufacturing defects in the tube walls. This matches the exact physical failure described in Honda Service Bulletin TSB #19-091. However, the manufacturer is refusing coverage because this specific VIN falls just outside their current arbitrary cutoff list. This component failure directly impacts vehicle safety by disabling the vehicle's capability to dehumidify the cabin and clear a heavily fogged windshield during sudden humidity or temperature changes, causing an immediate visibility hazard.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Visibility · 48,821 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while sitting in the vehicle with the vehicle turned off, the contact heard a pop. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear windshield had cracked without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,821. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Visibility · 58,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the air conditioner was blowing out hot air, and there was steam coming out of the passenger's side air conditioner vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where freon was added to the air conditioner system service port, and the contact was informed that there was no leak. The contact stated that the failure recurred a month later. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it diagnosed that the air conditioner condenser had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired twice and was currently in the process of being repaired a third time. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 19-091(Warranty Extension: 2016-21 Civic A/C Condenser). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the failure would be recorded. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2024 · Visibility · 16,842 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound and became aware that the passenger’s side rear-view mirror had detached from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the passenger’s side rear-view mirror needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,842.

Filed Jun 21, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · 51,815 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact was concerned that the parking brake had engaged without driver input. The contact stated that after closing the windows, turning off the vehicle, and exiting the vehicle, she noticed that the windows and sunroof had opened independently upon her return. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 51,815.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Visibility · CA

Sunroof made loud noise and suddenly shattered without any warning while on freeway.