Check a VIN

Honda Civic airbag light comes on

827 of the 16,054 owner complaints about the Honda Civic describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2001 model year.

owner complaints
827
worst model year
2001
typical repair cost reported
$700
typical mileage
80,000
Is there a fix? There are 22 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Seats · NY

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Ex Vehicle taken into Honda dealer due to SRS/airbag lights on dash, a diagnostic scan was done, Honda dealer diagnosed a failed clock spring. Independent mechanic replaced it. After the repair, the SRS/airbag lights remained on. Honda dealer attempted seat weight sensor relearn/initialization but could not complete it. Independent mechanic then diagnosed failed front passenger seat weight sensors (photos available). Dealer confirmed VIN not flagged for the federal safety agency 26V332 (Honda OOA / bulletin 26-073) covering seat weight sensors on 2017–2021 Civic Hatchbacks. Requested goodwill repair; denied. They refused written denial and would not name the decision-maker. With SRS light on, passenger airbags may deploy improperly in a crash (or fail to suppress for child/small occupant), matching the 26V332 defect. Request investigation and free sensor replacement under recall or expanded coverage. Documentation (repair orders, photos, notes) available on request.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Airbags · FL

SRS airbag failure

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · CA

This product at issue is a used 2005 Honda Civic (Vin; [XXX]) purchased at Left Coast Auto Sales LLC XXX .from [XXX]. The primary issues are that the dealership sold an unroadworthy vehicle with severe, hidden mechanical defects and critical safety violations, and subsequently refused a formal demand for contract rescission and a full refund. The vehicle was advertised on Facebook Marketplace as a safe, reliable vehicle in good working condition. The contract was signed XXX. The vehicle was delivered with multiple severe safety violations that make it completly illegal and hazardous to drive, which we have independent documentation too prove from Big O tires. This readout confirms critical safety failures including an active airbag system (SRS) defect. That was hidden prior to sale by recent code clearance. It also includes illegal safety restraint violations, including completely missing rear seatbelt buckles and a cut, unsecured passenger side seatbelt. Official mileage tracking proves I only put 44 miles on the vehicle before this inspection, proving these severe hazards existed at the time of sale. This certified mechanic documentation is fully preserved and available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Airbags · CA

Today, an SRS warning message unexpectedly appeared on my vehicle’s dashboard. I drove the vehicle normally earlier in the morning without any warning lights, messages, or other symptoms. When I returned to my vehicle after work and started it, the SRS message appeared for the first time. There was no accident, collision, impact, or other known event that occurred between the time I drove the vehicle in the morning and when the warning appeared. I have had no prior accidents involving this vehicle and am not aware of any damage or circumstances that would have caused a problem with the Supplemental Restraint System. The vehicle had been operating normally prior to this warning appearing. The unexpected SRS warning is concerning because the SRS system includes important safety components such as the airbags and seat-belt restraint system, and a malfunction could potentially prevent these safety features from functioning properly in the event of a crash. At this time, I do not know which specific SRS component has malfunctioned, and the vehicle has not yet been diagnosed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle is available for inspection and diagnosis. I am reporting this issue to the federal safety agency because the warning appeared suddenly and without any apparent cause, and I would like the issue documented and investigated to determine whether it may be related to a broader safety defect or an existing recall affecting other vehicles of the same make, model, or model year. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this complaint and determine whether this SRS issue is consistent with other reported safety concerns or whether my vehicle’s VIN should be considered for inclusion in a recall or other safety action.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Airbags · 175,754 miles · VA · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after her daughter had shifted from reverse(R) to drive (D), the front passenger’s side air bag unexpectedly deployed without impact while the contact's boyfriend was in the front passenger’s seat. The failure caused the front driver’s side window to shatter. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter and her boyfriend both suffered from ringing in the ears, but no medical attention was received. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the insurance company for assistance. The insurance company was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the failure was caused by a manufacturing defect. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V332000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 175,754.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Airbags · NM

Check airbag light is on. I'm paying $175 to see what's wrong with an airbag on a perfectly maintained car. Inspection is pending. Safety systems should be covered to at least 100,000 miles.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Airbags · 192,600 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 192,600.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Airbags · NJ

Air Bag light is on. Dealer said it it probably just a faulty relay switch and turned it off. It came back on. I'm listing the date as today, but this has been going on for over 5 years, no incident, but why is light on? I do not trust the airbag system.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Airbags · 127,517 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced by a dealer under an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number related to the airbags. After the recall repair, the passenger airbag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. A dealer was contacted regarding the failure but informed the contact that no assistance could be provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,517.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Airbags · 92,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the driver’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the air bag inflater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Related recalls

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported May 21, 2026 · 98,892 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning May 29, 2026.

Recall number 26V332000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported February 1, 2024 · 750,114 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Risk
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

Recall number 24V064000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 17, 2020 · 875,966 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1‑888‑234‑2138.

Recall number 20V027000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1‑888‑234‑2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 20V026000 · Recall details

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 June 27, 2019 · 1,657,752 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline 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 airbag 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 E5D and X5C.

Recall number 19V501000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported June 27, 2019 · 3,947 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver 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 driver 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 Q5A and Y58.

Recall number 19V499000 · 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: driver side: inflator moduleReported March 6, 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Recall number 19V182000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported September 27, 2018 · 1,355,406 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles 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. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles 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 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 November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.

Recall number 18V661000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Civic airbag light

Why does the airbag light come on in the Honda Civic?

Owners who report it most often also describe seat belt won't latch or retract, airbags did not deploy in a crash and headlights failing or too dim, and the codes they mention most are B0001 and B0050.

Which Honda Civic years have airbag warning light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2001 (157 complaints), 2002 (127 complaints) and 1997 (70 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix airbag warning light on the Honda Civic?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $700 (median of 143 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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