Check a VIN

Honda Civic loss of power problems

242 of the 16,054 owner complaints about the Honda Civic describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2006 model year.

owner complaints
242
worst model year
2006
typical repair cost reported
$2,500
typical mileage
63,886
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Power steering loss 48Stalling 31Check engine light 26Overheating 14Transmission failure 13Warning lights 11Won't start 9Fuel pump 9

Trouble codes mentioned

P2187 1P1440 1P0730 1P0451 1P0304 1P0303 1P0299 1P0035 1B2993 1B2992 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 Nov 2, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

My 2018 Honda Civic LX continues to experience serious safety and drivability issues after the fuel pump recall repair was completed by a Honda dealership. The vehicle intermittently shuts off while stopped, including at drive-throughs and stoplights. When pressing the accelerator, it sometimes hesitates or fails to respond, with the RPMs not increasing as expected. It may then suddenly jerk or surge forward. I have also experienced hesitation and struggling when turning after coming to a stop. During these incidents, dashboard warning lights have illuminated, including the check-engine, electric power steering, traction control/stability, and brake system lights. These issues put my safety and the safety of others at risk because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power in traffic, fail to accelerate when needed, or suddenly surge forward. This creates a collision risk for surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, especially at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic. The fuel pump recall repair was completed, but the symptoms have continued. The dealership has not resolved the problem. Whether the malfunction was reproduced or confirmed during inspection is UNKNOWN. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. The fuel delivery system, fuel pump, throttle body, accelerator control system, engine management system, and related electrical components may require investigation. The vehicle and components should be available for inspection upon request. Some symptoms existed before the recall repair and have continued afterward. I am requesting an investigation into whether the recall repair adequately addressed the safety issue or whether an additional defect remains.

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 Oct 24, 2026 · Fuel system · NJ

Vehicle experienced immediate severe engine stalling, power loss, and sudden total engine shut-off while moving in live traffic on the road following the execution of the federal safety agency Recall Campaign MGJ (Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Replacement). The engine stall occurs when mechanical and electrical loads engage, such as the AC compressor or cabin heater at idle and while driving. Diagnostic scan confirms permanent active codes P2187 (System Too Lean at Idle) and P0451 (Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Performance), indicating fuel starvation from the recalled fuel pump assembly under the rear seat. When the engine sputters or shuts off, an immediate electrical warning cascade triggers across multiple safety systems, including Brake Hold System Problem, Power Steering System (EPS) Problem, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Problem. Authorized dealership (Joyce Honda) and American Honda Corporate (Case # 166-940-04) refuse to perform a zero-cost inspection and remediation without requiring out-of-pocket diagnostic fees, creating an extreme active road hazard. Video evidence of dashboard failure recorded on-road.

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Engine · IL

My 2020 Honda Civic experienced engine overheating and a cylinder 3 misfire (P0303). Two independent mechanics diagnosed a blown head gasket with coolant leaking into cylinder 3. The vehicle underwent a head gasket repair under Honda’s extended warranty. Less than a week after the repair, the engine overheated again while I was driving. I pulled over, waited approximately an hour for the engine to cool, added coolant, and drove to the dealership. The dealership later reported that the cylinder head was cracked near cylinder 4, close to the exhaust valve. When I picked my car up from the dealership, I scanned the vehicle and found the P0303 cylinder 3 misfire code. I am concerned that the engine may have an unresolved problem that could cause it to overheat again, sustain further damage, or lose power while driving. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection. I have an appointment with an independent mechanic on October 24, 2026, to have the engine and cooling system inspected and determine what may have caused the repeated overheating. I am submitting this complaint to bring attention to a potential engine or engine-cooling safety defect and ask the federal safety agency to consider whether similar problems may be affecting other vehicles.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · MA

I was driving and out of nowhere steering wheel locked on me it feels really heavy basically my car suffered a complete loss of power steering due to internal mechanical gear binding matching Campaign 24V‑744 [7b0d] but Honda is refusing to fix it because your VIN was left off the initial recall list

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · NC

Vehicle: 2019 Honda Civic (1.5L turbo), VIN [XXX] Mileage at failure: ~167,000 Component: Engine — head gasket Description: My 2019 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbocharged engine suffered a blown head gasket, diagnosed by my Honda dealer. The car was purchased brand new from the same dealership. Symptoms were coolant loss with no visible external leak — coolant was leaking internally into the cylinders, causing misfires. This is a known defect with the 1.5L turbo engine affecting 2016–2021 Civics. Honda issued a warranty extension for this exact failure (10 years / 150,000 miles), which acknowledges the defect, but my vehicle was just over the mileage limit at 167,000 miles. The dealer denied any goodwill assistance. A federal class action lawsuit (XXX v. American Honda Motor Co., Case XXX) has been filed over this same engine defect. Safety concern: Coolant leaking into the cylinders causes engine misfires and can lead to sudden loss of power while driving. An engine misfire or stall at highway speed creates a clear crash risk. This is not normal wear — it is a documented design defect that Honda has attempted to correct with revised parts in later model years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · CA

On September 17, 2026 at approximately 8:00 a.m. I was driving my 2021 Honda civic Lx with my children in the vehicle when multiple warning lights and system malfunction messages suddenly appeared on the dash board. The vehicle appeared to experience an electrical malfunction/ reset while still driving and I suddenly lost normal power- steering assistance. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and control while the vehicle was moving.I was able to call for assistance and when jumper cables were hooked on to battery underneath the vehicles hood the vehicle engine was able to restart, then was able to get the vehicle home without a collision or injury. The sudden loss of steering assistance created a serious safety risk to me, my children and others on the road. I photographed multiple warnings displayed on the dash panel, including Electric Parking break problem and collision mitigation system problem. This vehicle has a documented history of electrical/ mechanical concerns and prior repairs, including battery and alternator replacement. The exact cause of this most recent failure is currently UNKNOWN. American Honda motor co. has also opened a case #16640343 regarding this incident. I am reporting this to the federal safety agency due to the sudden loss of power- steering assistance occured while the vehicle was actively being driven and could have resulted in a collision.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · MD

The air conditioner compressor failed on my car at about 85,000 miles. My mechanic told me that they are noticing many 2019-2022 Honda Civics with the exact same problem, with the A/C compressor failing at about the same mileage. My mechanic replaced the compressor with a new Honda compressor. The cost was about $2,700. I've attached the invoice. The failure of the A/C compressor is a threat to safety for the following reasons: Loss of Windshield Defrosting: If the windows fogged up and I could not clear them because the AC failed, this blocks my vision and is a direct safety hazard. Engine Stalling or Serpentine Belt Failure: If the compressor locked up (seized) and broke my car's belt, it could cause me to lose power steering, battery charging, or engine cooling while driving. Extreme Heat Risk: If the AC failed in extreme summer heat (which is exactly what happened to me - it failed in July and I was without A/C for more than 6 weeks in the summer) it would put vulnerable passengers (like children or elderly family members) at risk for their health. Given the testimony of my mechanic that this same failure is happening to many Civic owners (2019-2022) at about the same engine age, I'd like it considered whether a recall is appropriate.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · PA

The Body Control Module (BCM) on my 2017 Honda Civic suffered an internal failure, creating immediate safety hazards. The defect caused persistent parasitic battery drain, sudden vehicle power loss, and erratic electrical behavior. A faulty BCM can cause critical safety components—such as exterior lighting, turn signals, and windshield wipers—to fail without warning while driving. Honda has already recalled 2018–2020 Accords and 2019–2020 Insights for identical BCM programming and hardware failures (the federal safety agency Campaign 20V771000 / Honda Campaign X95). My 2017 Civic utilizes similar BCM architecture and exhibits the exact same dangerous failure symptoms. This component defect is widespread across multiple Honda platforms from this generation, and the safety recall must be expanded to include the Honda Civic before a catastrophic electrical failure results in a crash or injury. I had to replace the unit entirely out of pocket to ensure the vehicle was safe to operate.

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 loss of power

Which Honda Civic years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2006 (35 complaints), 2001 (24 complaints) and 2007 (19 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Honda Civic?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,500 (median of 22 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Honda Civic?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history