1996 Honda Civic Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 20%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Honda Civic, 20% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 22 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On april 20, 2007, I wrecked my Civic on the freeway when the car in front of me suddenly hit their brakes, and when I applied my brakes which did not work properly causing my car fishtailed and run into the cement freeway divider. My car was a total loss, and I had to buy another car.”
NHTSA complaint #10272385, filed 2009-05, 22,000 miles“I own a 1996 Honda Civic ex,, I am having alot of trouble with rotors going bad. I have changed the brakes bought new roters and I'm having trouble with the ABS not working right.as there been a recall on this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10052547, filed 2004-01, 74,000 miles“Engine failed due to faulty key mount on crankshaft, and 2 belts came off pulley, vehicle loss control resulting in an accident. Also, replaced windshield wiper/washer, exhaust system, throttle cable, emissions, axles, brakes, cv boots, and floor mat. 8jb”
NHTSA complaint #10007289, filed 2003-03“This vehicle has had numerous problems including: brake failure, transmission failure - causing it to stall and start on occasions, tire blowouts, the electronic doors, windows and locks malfunction, and an air conditioner that does not drain properly causing excessive mold growth.”
NHTSA complaint #538256, filed 1998-07“While driving about 20 MPH in rainy weather consumer put on brakes and the vehicle swerved and turned on the other side of the road, spinned around and hit the back of a another vehicle, consumer stated that the air bags did not deploy. Has contacted the dealer. Also passengers seat collasped.”
NHTSA complaint #814568, filed 1997-07Related recalls
- 96V106000Jun 18, 1996A soapy lubricant was used to insert the check valve into the vacuum hose which causes the brake booster check valve to stick.Covers: Honda Civic 1996
Related service bulletins
- 10014232Feb 16, 2004Grunt noise after sitting for several hours.
- 10013779Nov 16, 2002Anti-lock braking system (abs) or tcs diagnostic trouble code (dtc) 51 and/or 53 troubleshooting. Honda tech line summary.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 16% |
| 2025 | 9 | 12% |
| 2024 | 7 | 6% |
| 2023 | 14 | 5% |
| 2022 | 23 | 3% |
| 2021 | 18 | 12% |
| 2020 | 17 | 7% |
| 2019 | 32 | 7% |
| 2018 | 25 | 3% |
| 2017 | 38 | 6% |
| 2016 | 96 | 9% |
| 2015 | 15 | 4% |
| 2014 | 18 | 6% |
| 2013 | 39 | 12% |
| 2012 | 40 | 9% |
| 2011 | 33 | 20% |
| 2010 | 90 | 23% |
| 2009 | 51 | 13% |
| 2008 | 42 | 5% |
| 2007 | 43 | 4% |
| 2006 | 62 | 4% |
| 2005 | 16 | 5% |
| 2004 | 11 | 3% |
| 2003 | 34 | 7% |
| 2002 | 24 | 3% |
| 2001 | 47 | 4% |
| 2000 | 14 | 5% |
| 1999 | 18 | 5% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 61 | 20% |
| 1995 | 13 | 7% |
| 1994 | 17 | 13% |
| 1993 | 12 | 8% |
| 1992 | 7 | 7% |
| 1991 | 8 | 7% |
| 1990 | 6 | 7% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Honda Civic
70 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Honda Civic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology