1996 Honda Civic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 8%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Honda Civic, 8% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,500 miles. 5 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.
“I just bought this car from the dealer last week (96 Honda Civic with 140,000 mi). I noticed right away that when I press the gas, it revs up a little and catches. Basically, its choppy when I press onto the gas and it sounds like the common recall. It seems dangerous bc it shakes the vehicle a bit.”
NHTSA complaint #10264425, filed 2009-04, 140,000 miles“The transmission input shaft bearing is having issues. Makes noise when clutch is not pressed in but its ok when pressed. I heard Honda did recall for this issue.. Need help to fix it..”
NHTSA complaint #10441428, filed 2011-12, 135,000 miles“After slowing to make a turn or other maneuver, transmission shifts roughly as you accelerate unless the gas pedal is depressed very slowly and carefully. I'm assuming the car is downshifted to 1st or 2nd gear, but there's a violent jerk as you increase the speed from there and I'm afraid this might harm my transmission, so I try to baby it, but I hate that I can't accelerate normally.”
NHTSA complaint #745848, filed 2001-05“I wanted to warranty my transmission, but the dealer would have to charge me just to check it out. My tranny grinds in 3rd when I shift. I replaced cupholder 3 times already. My front bumper is starting to peel. I just wanted my car warrantied. My car is in emaculate condition.”
NHTSA complaint #700773, filed 1998-11“This vehicle has been recalled for emission problems. My car has had 3 emmission related repairs with a 6 month period. It resulted in a transmission problem that I was told was not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #731068, filed 2000-09Related service bulletins
- 10107371Jul 2, 2015Service news article - planning on using a leak check dye to help find a leak? Heres the current list of vehicles that you shouldnt use dye on.
- 10014230Feb 16, 20042nd to 5th or 3rd to 5th gear upshift.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 6% |
| 2025 | 6 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 5% |
| 2023 | 8 | 3% |
| 2022 | 10 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 32 | 14% |
| 2019 | 13 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 | 29 | 5% |
| 2016 | 36 | 3% |
| 2015 | 177 | 46% |
| 2014 | 98 | 33% |
| 2013 | 22 | 7% |
| 2012 | 49 | 11% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 12 | 3% |
| 2009 | 23 | 6% |
| 2008 | 52 | 6% |
| 2007 | 104 | 9% |
| 2006 | 76 | 5% |
| 2005 | 36 | 11% |
| 2004 | 56 | 16% |
| 2003 | 101 | 20% |
| 2002 | 185 | 26% |
| 2001 | 403 | 37% |
| 2000 | 30 | 10% |
| 1999 | 35 | 10% |
| 1998 | 49 | 11% |
| 1997 | 25 | 7% |
| 1996 | 25 | 8% |
| 1995 | 14 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 6% |
| 1993 | 9 | 6% |
| 1992 | 5 | 5% |
| 1991 | 6 | 5% |
| 1990 | 6 | 7% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
| 1986 | 5 | 14% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Honda Civic
70 complaintsBrakes
61 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsEngine cooling
27 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 Oct 31, 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