Honda Civic slipping problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Transmission · MD

My 2020 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback, 1.5L turbo, 6-speed manual, has experienced repeat premature clutch-system failure. The original clutch/flywheel assembly failed at about 34,000 miles. Honda repaired it under TSB 22-017, which addresses supplier production issues causing premature friction-disc wear. Honda advised that updated components were installed. Significant clutch slipping began again in early June 2026. At about 61,500 total miles, only about 27,500 miles after the first repair, transmission removal and clutch-component replacement were required. The onset date entered is approximate. The dealer documented: "Clutch shows sign of Heat Buildup on flywheel and pressure plate with debris inside bellhousing on release bearing. Recommend replacing Pressure plate, Friction Disc, and release bearing." Inspection photos show substantial heat discoloration of the pressure plate/flywheel and heat/glazing of the friction disc. The servicing Honda dealer did not identify driver abuse or improper clutch operation as the cause. No significant fluid contamination or catastrophic transmission damage was identified to me. I have substantial manual-transmission driving experience without comparable repeated failures. Clutch slipping allows RPM to rise without corresponding acceleration, creating a potential unexpected inability to accelerate when merging, entering traffic, crossing intersections or climbing grades. Honda classified this as out-of-warranty wear and tear. I request that the federal safety agency retain and compare this repeat premature failure, including failure of Honda's updated replacement, with other Civic manual-transmission complaints. Repair orders, photos, mileage documentation and the TSB can be provided upon request.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · AL

I own a 2020 Civic Si. At about 29,000 the clutch started slipping in higher heats and going up hills. Once I noticed this the clutch degraded very quickly to the point it was unsafe to drive. By very quickly I mean in about 100 miles worth of travel. I notified Honda Corporate and opened a case with them. There is a TSB 22-017 out about the faulty clutches stating the friction material was faulty in some 19-20 models and to replace the clutch and included all parts associated to be replaced. However my car was just one year outside of the warranty even tho it was within the mileage. Since they were going to replace with the same parts that failed, I decided to do the replacement myself with an OEM clutch made for the Type R which is more appropriately matched to the torque of the vehicle and a different flywheel as the factory one increases the wear due to being dual mass. I took pictures of the process for documentation. When the transmission was opened up the friction material had basically disintegrated into chuncks. The pressure plate also seemed to be putting unnecessary amount of pressure on the bearing. Almost like the clamping force was far too much for the hydrolic system to counter and thus caused excessive slippage. Honda was going to charge $2000 to diagnose the clutch and the clutch replacement would have cost $6,000. That is an absurd amount to charge for a known faulty part. Tho the new clutch also required an upgraded CMC, I was about to install a far superior OEM part for 1/3 of the price. I wanted to submit a report in hopes that with enough complaints Honda will do a proper recall before someone in the future loses function of their clutch and potentially has an accident.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Transmission · AK

The clutch began slipping while driving vehicle. Lost power and could not accelerate while on highway.

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SD

Clutch began to slip at 20,000 miles. This caused unrepairable damage to the flywheel. This put my safety at risk as clutches wearing out could cause the car to slip out of gear and/or damage the maneuverability of the vehicle. This problem was fixed by the dealer, but they blamed me for the damage and claimed clutch is a wear component. I was charged $3,000 for the clutch and an additional $2,000 for the flywheel. I have seen many reports online of people with the same car (2023 Civic Sport Touring Manual) with the same issues. All people have been ignored by Honda corporate, citing user error. This has not been inspected by the manufacturerer as I am aware No messages of the problem, other than the cruise control stopping under load.

Filed Feb 22, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Clutch started slipping all of a sudden. Check to see if it was under warranty said the warranty had expired because the car was over 36,000 MI did not know about the extended clutch warranty at the time that Honda was extending it due to defective parts so we replaced it ourselves. Upon tear down it was discovered that the clutch disc was only about 30% worn down there were no hot spots in the flywheel or the clutch cover so the problem was related to the holding force of the clutch cover have we continued to drive the car the way it was it would have burnt it up because it would barely move. I've been in Autotech for 50 years never seen a clutch slipping with this much material left on it and the parts in this condition it is obviously a defect with the part and I submitted a claim to Honda and they denied it had I had known Honda would have taken care of it I would have brought it to them.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Transmission · NJ

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The transmission is slipping or malfunctioning when driving the car, specifically when accelerating. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: When the transmission slips or malfunctions, the acceleration of the car doesn't act as it should. For example, when waiting to join a flow of vehicle traffic, or when waiting to cross a busy intersection, the delay in acceleration or the slipping of the transmission is increasing the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or causing my vehicle to block other vehicles. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: No. Additional information: I spoke with Honda in 2023 to see if there was a recall related to my CVT transmission. They took my information, but advised there was no recall. I had a similar conversation with them in 2024 because it seemed to be getting worse, but there still was no recall. Now in 2025, it still feels like it's getting worse and making it feel unsafe to drive the car.

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Transmission · CA

The clutch system in my 2024 Honda Civic Sport Touring (VIN: [XXX]) failed completely at 8,126 miles, consisting of flywheel (#22100-5CD-018), friction disk (#22200-5CC-003), pressure plate (#22300-5CC-003), and release bearing (#22810-57A-006) - the exact parts Honda identified as defective in TSB 22-017 due to supplier production issues causing premature friction disc wear. The failure created immediate safety hazards including complete loss of power transmission in traffic, inability to accelerate or maintain speed, unpredictable gear engagement, and risk of being rear-ended when the vehicle suddenly lost power on busy San Diego roads, forcing an emergency roadside stop and towing. Mossy Honda Lemon Grove confirmed the failure (RO# [XXX]), documenting excessive heat causing excessive wear with hot spots all around pressure plate and clutch disc measuring only 5.24mm. Honda denied warranty coverage claiming user error without evidence, and Honda Customer Relations (Case #[XXX]) has provided no substantive response despite these being known defective components. Warning signs first appeared at approximately 4,000 miles with clutch slippage during uphill parking, progressively worsening to include burning smell, difficulty engaging gears, and slippage under normal acceleration before complete failure at 8,126 miles, though no warning lights appeared as manual transmissions lack clutch monitoring systems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 13, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · 1,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact purchased the vehicle with a manual transmission and stated that the vehicle came equipped with aluminum clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. The contact stated that during inclement, wet weather, his foot was constantly slipping off the pedals due to the slick aluminum material on the pedals. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was acknowledged; however, the dealer could not offer any assistance because there were no replacement pedals for the vehicle model. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a private company that made rubber pedals for the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The contact took the customized pedals to the dealer, and the pedals were installed for free. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Filed Apr 19, 2025 · Transmission · IN

Transmission failed while driving. car slipped out of gear and propulsion power was lost. Vehicle could not be moved out of road way. Doing a quick easy internet search yield hundreds of complaints about CVT Rubber Plug problems. Honda CVT's have a transmission plug that routinely "pops out" allowing transmission fluid to spray out and sediment to fall into the transmission reservoir. This undoubtedly led to my daughter's car transmission failing in a very dangerous situation.

Filed Oct 20, 2024 · Transmission · MN

Clutch has begun slipping very badly at 40,000 miles, sometimes to the point of not being able to accelerate. It is worse at highway speeds. There is a known service bulletin 22-017 outlining this issue. According to the VIN, this vehicle was assembled in the Alliston, Ontario, Canada plant and further online research has found multiple others having the same issue on vehicles from the same plant.