Check a VIN

Honda Civic check engine light comes on

350 of the 16,054 owner complaints about the Honda Civic describe check engine light, most of them for the 2001 model year.

owner complaints
350
worst model year
2001
typical repair cost reported
$2,700
typical mileage
80,404
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Transmission failure 54Stalling 40Loss of power 26Jerking 19Fuel pump 19Overheating 16Won't shift 11Slipping 11

Trouble codes mentioned

P0740 16P0730 5P2422 2P0700 2P0304 2P2000 1P145C 1P1440 1P1420 1P1399 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

The cylinder head gasket on this 2016 Honda Civic Touring suffered an internal failure and breach, leading to progressive coolant loss, engine overheating, sudden rough idling, check engine warning lamps, and vehicle misfires while driving. The sudden loss of power and risk of engine stalling created an immediate safety hazard while operating in traffic on public roadways. The vehicle is currently held and available for inspection at an authorized dealership, where the service center confirmed a catastrophic internal head gasket breach. The failure caused extensive coolant intrusion and fluid emulsification inside the crankcase, which completely destroyed the motor's internal lubrication and subsequently starved the turbocharger bearings, causing the turbocharger to malfunction as well. This component failure matches the exact systemic defect parameters detailed under Honda Service Bulletin 26-099.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · MA

While traveling on the highway at approximately 55–60 mph, my vehicle suddenly began shaking and progressively losing engine power and speed. The check-engine light started flashing rapidly, followed by multiple dashboard warnings involving the braking system, power steering, vehicle stability control, collision mitigation, and other safety systems. Despite pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued losing power and slowing down. The engine remained running, but the vehicle could not maintain highway speed.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · OR

The check engine light came on the car had no power. The head gasket was blown.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 104,661 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the fuel pump was surging, and the vehicle was jerking while idling or while driving at undisclosed speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was previously repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and opened an investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 104,661.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Fuel system · 105,007 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked forward roughly and stalled. A check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, where technicians diagnosed the issue and replaced an evaporative emissions (EVAP) sensor. Despite this repair, the symptoms persisted and the vehicle continues to experience rough jerking and stalling, but the waring light no longer illuminates. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V314000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,007.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

After Honda Safety Recall 24‑027 (“Replace the fuel pump motor”) was performed on my 2018 Honda Civic Si at an authorized Honda dealership, the vehicle began exhibiting fuel‑system‑related issues that did not exist prior to the recall work. Within one day of the initial recall repair, the vehicle developed hard‑start/extended‑crank behavior. The dealership later reported they had pinched an O‑ring during the recall work and replaced it. Next, I detected a fuel odor. After multiple refueling cycles to isolate the source, I reported the issue, and the dealership replaced an unspecified seal. Approximately one week after that repair, the vehicle developed a rich‑running condition and illuminated the check engine light with DTC P0172. On 2026‑03‑27, the dealership diagnosed the issue as failed fuel injectors and recommended replacement of all injectors, the fuel joint pipe, and associated seals. Their testing showed: EVAP system functioning normally; no induction leaks; MAF swap produced no change; fuel rail pressure at idle ~500 psi; and cylinders 1, 2, and 4 running rich relative to cylinder 3. Because the fuel system was disassembled multiple times immediately before the onset of the rich condition, and because the dealership acknowledged that contamination during recall work could plausibly cause injector malfunction, I am concerned that the post‑recall defect may be related to the recall procedure or subsequent rework. The dealership's alternative rationale was that fuel injector failures are so common on this platform that the failure was coincidental. That would imply the need for a fuel injection system recall. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle developed fuel‑system performance and emissions issues only after the recall repair and subsequent rework, and the root cause remains uncertain. I request that the federal safety agency document this case and evaluate whether the recall procedure or related components may contribute to downstream fuel‑system failures.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · 108,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 37 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine, master cylinder, and adaptive cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder, fuel pump, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · 43,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving around a curve and driving at high speeds, the steering wheel was pulling in the other direction that the contact was attempting to drive. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was hesitating while driving. The lane assist, lane keep assist, traction control, TPMS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

We got notified of the recall by mail in early 2024. We called the Honda dealership in our locality, First Texas Honda (3400 Steck Ave, Austin, TX 78757) about it and they said the parts weren't available yet, and was estimated to be ready by Fall 2024. In July 2024, we were driving on a highway and the accelerator stalled as we reached 80 mph, with the check engine light flashing. Cars around us had to swoosh left and right to avoid colliding with our stalled car. By extreme luck we were able to use the car's momentum to safely exit the highway. Upon restarting the car, power was restored and the check engine light didn't illuminate again. There was slight shuddering in low gears. We made an appointment at the same First Texas Honda mentioned above to fix the problem, but after inspection they insisted that the problem was caused by loose battery cable unrelated to the fuel pump recall. Charged us $225 for the inspection and denied to replace the recalled part. Their predatory practice should be illegal and we are so disappointed in the system.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 197,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like the transmission was in neutral(N), and the front wheels were locked. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Check Transmission" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was undrivable and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the pulley shaft and the drive belt were damaged. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported February 9, 2016 · 42,129 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic vehicles manufactured September 22, 2015, to February 3, 2016 and equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip.
Risk
If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners were mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is JX9.

Recall number 16V074000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported October 22, 2001 · 295 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. During the assembly process, the air cleaner box cover may have been damaged, and a broken plastic piece could travel into the intake chamber.
Risk
If the plastic piece lodges in the throttle body, the throttle could stick in a partially open position. Although the driver can always stop the car by applying additional brake force, or by taking other actions (I.e., shift into neutral, turn off the ignition key, etc.), if the car continues to maintain speed when the driver is expecting it to slow, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the air cleaner box for damage. If damage is found, the dealer will locate and remove the broken plastic piece, and replace the air cleaner box lid. Owner notification began on october 25, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 01V329000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Civic check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Honda Civic?

Owners who report it most often also describe complete transmission failure, engine stalls while driving and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are P0740, P0730 and P2422.

Which Honda Civic years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2001 (79 complaints), 2006 (23 complaints) and 2018 (21 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Honda Civic?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,700 (median of 67 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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