The vehicle's smart entry door handle system was continuously drawing power even when the vehicle was off. This resulted in repeated battery drain and battery replacement (approximately 4 times). The ongoing electrical load also resulted in alternator failure. Once the issue was diagnosed (performed by the dealer), expense was required to resolve the parts. The issue caused repeated no-start conditions and reliability/safety concerns. This took a year to resolve and appears to be a common concern based off online posts. I am submitting this complaint now for documentation and potential reimbursement/recall creation as it is likely that others have had this same issue.
Honda Civic door locks problems
89 of the 16,054 owner complaints about the Honda Civic describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 89
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical repair cost reported
- $450
- typical mileage
- 50,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Key fob 7Battery drain 6Grinding brakes 4Won't start 3Wipers 3Airbag light 3Seat belt 2Headlights 2
What owners say
Vehicle battery drains while vehicle not in use. Have replaced the battery twice, and replaced alternator. Problem persists. When this began, it coincided with the car's door lock feature unlocking the vehicle upon approach, within about five feet, without pressing the fob. Also, if locking the vehicle if not about five feet away, it will lock and immediately unlock itself. I've seen many owners posting about identical issues, and no one seems to know how to fix the problem.
Both door handles need to be replaced at 800.00 a piece. Key fob to door handles causing parasitic draw to the battery and car goes dead. Risk - have to lift that 47 lb hood to jumpstart while putting my back out. Steroid injects on 12/2/2025. My Honda advisor and pain doctor are aware. Problem has been reproduced by my Honda advisor and mechanic at Crown Honda Florida. No warning lamps in this Honda Civic 2018 shows no low battery capability. Google search door handles causing parasitic draw. 1600.00 is a lot of money to pay so I hope there will be a recall.
The paint is peeling from my Honda civic hatchback EXL. The color is sonic gray. The paint started to peel off slowly and hasn’t stopped. The side view mirror covers is where I noticed the peeling first. Then under the hood and door handles. Upon further inspection I noticed that rust had developed in the door jambs of the liftgate as well. Other areas that look like will start peeling are the fenders and hood. Dealer has inspected car but won’t address issue because this color hasn’t been recalled. Called Honda and they say the paint warranty has expired and this color hasn’t been recalled.
I have replaced my battery twice. I have purchased a new door handle so it wouldn’t drain the electric in my vehicle. I was told to drive my car every day to keep my battery charged. I just walked out the door and my battery is dead. This has happened approximately 12 times since I have owned this vehicle and I believe there should be a recall because you cannot find the parasitic draw. Please help me. I cannot afford all these repairs and this should be a recall. I have seen lots of articles about the 2018 Honda Civic sedan please file this under a recall.
The paint on my 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback (VIN: [XXX] , color Sonic Gray Pearl) is prematurely chipping and peeling on the driver-side mirror cover and door handle. This issue is identical to paint defects already acknowledged by Honda on other Civics and Accords, which were covered under extended warranties or settlements. Honda refuses to cover my vehicle, stating my VIN is excluded, even though the defect is visibly present and widespread among Civic owners. This reduces the vehicle’s durability and resale value and demonstrates a clear manufacturing paint adhesion defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Noticed paint peeling on the door handles driver and passage side mirror covers; had the driver side mirror cover replaced not the passage side. Also bought a paint kit but to no avail. In the process of contacting the dealer re: the issue.
I bought this car from a Honda dealership in Cincinnati. I searched for this specific year and color. It had about 48k miles on it when I got it. I have only put on 14k miles now. I purchased the warranty. After a year of owning it. My paint on the plastic pieces started to chip off. The mirror is nearly completely paintless, and the door handles look bad as well. I have been trying to work with Honda. The dealership recognized this was an issue with this color. There is a class action for the white as well. The honda dealership said Honda corporate should do something about it since I haven't had this car very long. Honda corporate came back and told me that they would have only covered it in the year of 2020 which is silly because the car is a 2020. I purchased it at the end of 2023. So as soon as I got this off of the lot I was [XXX] essentially. I told them that I haven't even put that many miles on the car and they said it didn't matter. Online everywhere talks about the issues with the paint chipping on the plastics and they refuse to recognize it. I was quoted over 1000 to fix the more serious issues but another 400 more to fix everything and that was just for the parts and not the labor. The dealership service manager at Honda recognized this was a problem but corporate doesn't want to do anything about it. The issue started happening a year after I purchased it. I haven't even owned it for a full two years. Not even 14k miles on it since my purchase. Purchased the warranty and they refuse to help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car battery died 3 times. Bought new battery after it being towed 2 times. 500. Door handle had to be replaced labor and costs over one thousand dollars. September 2024 bought used. This should be a recall.
Body control module/ECU had to be reset at dealership and possible replacement in near future. Glitch occurred and cut power to hazards, turn signals, lights, door locks, etc. during operation of vehicle.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Honda Civic door locks
Which Honda Civic years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (9 complaints), 2003 (8 complaints) and 2018 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix doors won't lock, open or latch on the Honda Civic?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $450 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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