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Honda Civic shudder problems

74 of the 16,054 owner complaints about the Honda Civic describe shudder or vibration when accelerating, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
74
worst model year
2003
typical repair cost reported
$2,000
typical mileage
78,000
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    1
  • 2024
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    6
  • 2014
    4
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    2
  • 2005
    4
  • 2004
    11
  • 2003
    23
  • 2001
    2
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    4
  • 1998
    1
  • 1997
    1
  • 1994
    1

What owners say

Filed Jul 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · LA

Reported this to the dealer in June 2025 a month after I bought the car. Dealer checked the car & couldn't find a problem causing this. Problem continues & is getting worse. I believe problem with CVT - vehicle jerks, hesitates and shudders in low speeds upon deceleration and acceleration. Not a smooth ride at all. I had an older Civic with CVT and husband has a 2022 Civic with CVT and never had or have this issue. Will take to the dealer again.

Filed Apr 3, 2026 · Fuel system, Lights · TX

Vehicle: 2026 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of complaint: 1,500 miles Description of Problem: The vehicle jerks/shudders when turning at low RPM. This occurs consistently during low-speed maneuvers such as parking lot turns and slow cornering. The issue is repeatable and has been present since purchase. Multiple passengers have independently noticed and remarked on the issue. The vehicle has not yet been seen by a dealer. When it occurs: Low-speed turns, low RPM Frequency: Consistent/repeatable Injuries or accidents: None to date I am reporting this issue as it may represent a safety concern and to ensure it is documented for investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Transmission · 131,603 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. Upon shifting to drive(D) or to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 131,603.

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The mechanics at the Honda dealership reported the following on a vehicle that has approximately 27,000 miles on it: 1. The clutch assembly failed and requires a complete clutch kit replacement. 2. The crankshaft oil seal is leaking, which causes oil to be splattered around the engine bay as the crankshaft spins. 3. Timing chain tensioner cover is seeping oil. Honda provided a video showing the exterior of the vehicle only. The video did not show video evidence the clutch was faulty, or that any leaks were present. The safety of the driver and surrounding traffic was put at risk because the vehicle became unreliable (degraded powertrain performance) due to premature failure of the clutch assembly. Leaky crankshaft oil seal and timing chain tensioner cover are leaking lubricants onto hot engine surfaces, causing noxious fumes. These fumes entered the cabin of the vehicle, putting the health of the driver at risk. The problems listed above were confirmed by a service technician at the Honda dealership. The vehicle/components listed above have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others at this time. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The problem first appeared when the driver was driving home from New Jersey to Virginia on 3/15/2026. She experienced shuddering when the vehicle shifted from first to second gear, then second to third gear. A noxious odor was detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealership on 3/16/2026.

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 Sep 18, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered while coming to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the sparks plugs and two ignition coil packs were replaced; however, the vehicle was not operating as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 19, 2024 · Transmission · 156,325 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine revved abnormally. The contact was able to pull over the shoulder of the roadway; however, while attempting to drive off in low gear or while shifted into reverse, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,325.

Filed Jun 10, 2024 · Fuel system · 224,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while coming to a stop sign, the vehicle started shuddering with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 224,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 21, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

On [XXX], 2023, my car's electrical system malfunctioned, leaving me unable to restart the vehicle after stopping. I had to call my car insurance for roadside assistance, and their representative jump-started the battery, suggesting I replace it. However, on [XXX], 2024, the same issue recurred, causing the car to stall unexpectedly and fail to start while I was out shopping with my wife and [XXX] daughter. Fortunately, I was driving on local roads; I shudder to think what might have happened if I had been on the freeway. Again, I had to rely on my insurance's roadside assistance for help. The safety of my family and me was jeopardized, especially since this is our only vehicle, which we frequently use to travel with my infant. These incidents are documented in two insurance claims. My car is among those recalled for fuel pump issues, but I haven't been able to schedule a repair with the dealer due to no available appointments. The online chat support also refused to book an appointment for the same reason. Additionally, my car has always adhered to Honda's regular maintenance schedule. From March 2024 to May 2024, the car's display screen, including the mileage indicator, intermittently malfunctioned while driving. On [XXX], 2024, when the car stalled, the screen also indicated a brake system error. Finally, I want to report another issue with this car: the cooling system is no longer providing cold air, resulting in the interior temperature being consistently higher than the outside temperature, especially during the recent hot summer days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 7, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · IA · crash · 3 injuries

I was approaching a green light, and engaged the brakes to slow down. As I approached the light reaching approximate 10MPH. The car shuddered, and the alternator must have glitched again.The wheel cranked itself back and forth, causing the car to spin and turn into oncoming traffic. This issue has been recalled for this vehicle but not this VIN. I have notified 3 Honda repair shops of this issue, and have been turned away. The problem is with the electromagnet in the electric steering column. It is well documented, and I have video of several instances of thi issue occurring. Additional witnesses of the problem are available. And the incident itself resulting in property damage and bodily harm. Honda was made aware of this problem on multiple occasions, and did nothing to remedy the problem.

Related recalls

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported November 9, 2017 · 5,404 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe vehicles. The right halfshaft may have been improperly heat treated, reducing its strength.
Risk
The improper heat treatment can result in the halfshaft breaking, preventing the engine from moving the vehicle, and can allow a possible roll away situation if the parking brake is not engaged. This can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the halfshaft's serial number, replacing it as necessary and aligning the front wheels, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is K0E.

Recall number 17V706000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported September 15, 2015 · 143,676 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Civic vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014, to November 6, 2014 and 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to May 12, 2015. The software settings that control the transmission operation may result in damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft.
Risk
If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU2 (Civic) and JU3(Fit).

Recall number 15V574000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported June 4, 2012 · 50,190 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 honda civic vehicles. During assembly, the process required to seat the driver’s side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed. As a result, the driveshaft may separate.
Risk
If this occurs, the vehicle will have a loss of drive power and may roll away if the parking brake has not been set when the gear selector has been placed in the “park” position, increasing the risk of crash or pedestrian injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver's side driveshaft and install a new driveshaft as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 21. 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 12V256000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 10, 1994 · 191,289 vehicles affected
What is wrong
A retaining clip that connects the transmission shift cable to the shift lever actuating rod can have insufficient retention pressure and may eventually come off after repeated shift lever operation. If this happens, the position of the shift lever may not match the actual transmission gear position.
Risk
This could result in unanticipated vehicle movement and accident.
Remedy
Dealers will install an improved retaining clip.

Recall number 94V063000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported September 4, 1990 · 18 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Due to an improperly machined internal shaft in the transmission, the pawl mechanisim may not fully engage when transmission is in the park position.
Risk
Vehicle could roll while the transmission is in the parkposition and a crash could result.
Remedy
Install an improved parking pawl shaft.

Recall number 90V163000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Civic shudder

Which Honda Civic years have shudder or vibration when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (23 complaints), 2004 (11 complaints) and 2015 (6 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix shudder or vibration when accelerating on the Honda Civic?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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