1996 Honda Civic Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 6%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 154,012miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Honda Civic, 6% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 154,012 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Passenger side sub-frame is heavily rusted and broken at the bottom. Passenger side wheel moves side to side with ease. The car has been owned by me for two years with no issue. I do not and have not used the A/C, but likely related to the A/C drip tube pointing directly on the sub-frame and rusting it through. It's not worth repairing but could possible be reinforced with a weld. Selling dealer denies any defect upon original sale. Even though the car was mainly rust free, what was lurking underneath was definitely not safety inspected before putting on the lot for sale. …”
NHTSA complaint #10816165, filed 2015-12, 218,025 miles“The remote door locks stopped working when the car had been sitting for a week in the driveway. Apparently a crystal which controls this broke. There was no reson on my part why it should have broken. I don't see why I should pay $450 for something that is a defect and has been fixed numerous times by my mechanic in civics of the same year. Also, the passenger side window has failed in numerous civics from 1996 according to my mechanic, leading us to believe that both of these problems are defects.”
NHTSA complaint #712830, filed 1999-10“Loss of control due to driving during extensive rain conditions. Car is built too close to the road and excessive water on the road has no place to go except under the car. Lost control every time over 40mph, even with new tires. Traded car. Too afraid to drive in heavy rain. Also saw a fatility on the news about loss of control in heavy rain with a Honda Civic sedan.”
NHTSA complaint #752280, filed 2001-09“Passenger side floor mat pushes under the dash, causing air coditioner drain hose to disconnect and leak ont interior carpet, consumer does not have Civic original mats which is under recall at this time recall # 99-e-015-000. ----------------please add VIN.#-----------------”
NHTSA complaint #840577, filed 1999-06“Support rod that holds the hood up has a given point. The support rod broke which caused the hood to collapse on someone who's up under the hood. Consumer contacted the dealer, and the dealer said it was the mishandling of the person who was underneath the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #814030, filed 1997-07Related service bulletins
- 10014248Feb 16, 2004Water leak at doors and/or floor.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 4 | 2% |
| 2022 | 13 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 | 13 | 3% |
| 2018 | 22 | 3% |
| 2017 | 37 | 6% |
| 2016 | 48 | 4% |
| 2015 | 17 | 4% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 23 | 7% |
| 2012 | 35 | 8% |
| 2011 | 10 | 6% |
| 2010 | 43 | 11% |
| 2009 | 45 | 11% |
| 2008 | 85 | 9% |
| 2007 | 70 | 6% |
| 2006 | 78 | 6% |
| 2005 | 25 | 8% |
| 2004 | 17 | 5% |
| 2003 | 26 | 5% |
| 2002 | 20 | 3% |
| 2001 | 29 | 3% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 26 | 6% |
| 1997 | 18 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 4% |
| 1991 | 13 | 12% |
| 1990 | 5 | 5% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 5 | 14% |
| 1984 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1996 Honda Civic
70 complaintsBrakes
61 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsOther or unknown
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 Oct 27, 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