1997 Honda Civic Problems
- Complaints
- 373filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles, 93 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 28 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Honda Civic (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about this model year center on the airbag/SRS system, especially an SRS warning light that stays on and is often diagnosed as a failed SRS control unit, plus reports of airbags deploying without a crash. Owners also describe a rough or notchy accelerator pedal, transmission failures, and recurring power window problems, with many reports coming from vehicles past 60,000 miles but some appearing at modest mileage.
- Air bags
SRS warning light on / control unit failure
- 139 complaints (37%)
- median 89,500 mi at 9.2 yrs old (46 state mileage)
- 54 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 19 quotes)
- filed 1997–2022
Owners describe the SRS light staying illuminated while driving, sometimes after being reset, and being told by the dealer that the SRS control unit failed and must be replaced. Several report the light returning shortly after a reset or a replacement unit, and some were quoted several hundred dollars or more for the repair. A number describe resets being done only long enough to pass inspection. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 30,000 to 190,000 miles, often around 60,000-110,000 miles.
Recall 97V193000Recall 20V026000
What to check: Check that the SRS light comes on with the key and then goes out, and ask for any SRS unit replacement or reset records. Have the airbag system scanned for stored codes before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The srs light came on my 1997 Honda Civic (about 78,000 miles) while driving and stays lit. The dealership (mathews Honda 8-19-09) says the srs unit has an internal failure. $762 plus tax to repair. After review it appears there are many experiencing this same failure so I felt it necessary to report the issue to you. Thank you for your time!”
NHTSA complaint #10280985, filed 2009-08, 77,400 miles“There was no accident, only failure of the srs control unit of my 1997 Honda Civic dx hatchback (3 door) with 46,000 miles. I'd say it's reasonable to demand that safety equipment be covered for the lifetime of the car. For my safety restraint system (srs control unit for the airbags), which I've *never* used, to cost me $760 to repair is outrageous! It's probably an $80 computer part.”
NHTSA complaint #10159143, filed 2006-06, 46,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags deploying without a crash
- 72 complaints (19%)
- median 110,000 mi at 9.4 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 51 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $497 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 1997–2017
Complaints describe frontal or passenger airbags deploying while parked, while braking at low speed, or after hitting a bump, with no impact reported. Owners mention cracked or shattered glass and minor injuries in some cases, and several say the dealer could not find a cause. Some also describe airbags that did not deploy in a collision. Mostly reported on vehicles above 75,000 miles, with a few at lower mileage, in varied conditions including parking and low-speed braking.
What to check: Ask whether the vehicle was inspected under the driver airbag inflator recall and whether that repair was completed; a recall notice does not mean parts are available. Confirm the SRS light is off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 97 Honda Civic lx 4dr and have been in 3 accidents w/o air bag deployment. In 9/98 I was rear-ended at 40 MPH which bent the frame of my car and cost several thousand to repair. Honda service said that the airbags would not deploy unless there was a sudden decel and/or frontal impact. A few mos later in 01/99, I was in an accident and the police rpt states that I broadsided a 81 cadillac on the front driver's side at approx 35 MPH. The front end of the cadillac was detroyed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10029323, filed 2003-07, 25,000 miles“Takata recall my airbags went off when I was turning and went over a a bump, and cracked my windshield really bad on the passenger side. The srs red light had been on for quite some time before this. When this occurred it blew a fuse and I had to have it towed. I did not file a police report because I only have liability insurance for the car so insurance did not need it. I have also had problems with the wiring and the cruise control would not work and would honk the horn when I tried to use it”
NHTSA complaint #10944444, filed 2017-01, 169,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Rough or sticking accelerator pedal
- 54 complaints (14%)
- median 54,250 mi at 7.3 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2018
Owners report the accelerator pedal feeling rough or notchy when pressed, making small speed adjustments difficult, and some describe the pedal sticking or the engine holding speed after releasing the throttle. Several cite a speed control campaign they believe covers this model year but say the dealer or manufacturer declined the repair for their vehicle. A service bulletin describes a floor mat that can keep the pedal from returning to idle. Reported from near-new to about 145,000 miles, often at low mileage, under normal driving and parking conditions.
What to check: Press the pedal through its travel to feel for binding, and check that the floor mat is the correct one and cannot slide under the pedal. Ask whether any throttle cable or pedal work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am continually experiencing the issue listed in campaign id 99i002000 on my 1997 Civic. The defect report indicates that 1997 civics are covered. When I call Honda to arrange resolution of defect, they tell me only 1996 civics are covered. This is frustrating considering I am experiencing the issue and 99i002000 lists my year. I'm nervous that the roughness of the accelerator pedal will cause me to rear-end someone eventually. Please convince Honda that my 1997 should be covered. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10152040, filed 2006-03, 1 miles“The accelerator pedal feels rough or notchy when you press it. The car does not respond properly when traveling at low speeds and are required to move the accelerator pedal to make slight speed adjustments. This is the same problem described for 1996 Honda Civic. I have it on my 1997 Civic. Honda will not correct the problem on my 1997 Civic. I am concerned that this is a serious saftey hazard. If the throttle cable sticking problem becomes worse, it could cause the throttle to stick wide open.”
NHTSA complaint #10005293, filed 2003-02, 20,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission failure and harsh shifting
- 32 complaints (9%)
- median 62,500 mi at 6.9 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2017
Owners describe automatic and CVT transmissions failing well before 100,000 miles, harsh or jerky engagement when pulling away, and in some cases the car lurching forward. Dealers reportedly replaced or rebuilt transmissions in some cases, and owners describe being quoted significant costs or receiving extended warranty coverage after repeated visits. Typically reported between roughly 20,000 and 70,000 miles, with several under 50,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive from cold and through stop-and-go speeds, feeling for hesitation, jerking or delayed engagement. Ask for transmission service or replacement records and check the fluid condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Not even thirty days ago I purchased a new/used vehicle from a used car dealership in brattleboro, vt. My 30 day/1,000 mile warranty just ended a few days ago, and I am now having transmission problems with my automatic Honda Civic ex. I have read several other complaints on this same item in the 97 civics. My whole family owns hondas and they are usually reliable cars. This problem should not be occurring with only 62,000 miles on this car. This is rediculous and I am very upset. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030929, filed 2003-08, 62,500 miles“I fought for 2 years about a bad ctv transmission in a 1997 Honda Civic hx which I purchased new. I was in and out of the dealership at my expense on a continual basis. They finally agreed to replace the transmission after many visits and much money out of my pocket for rental cars and unnecessary services that never corrected the problem. Honda did agree to give me an extended warranty of 7 years or 75,000 miles. The transmission was replaced with a remanufactured transmission in july 2001. …”
NHTSA complaint #10031027, filed 2003-08, 20,000 miles
Buying note. This model year is old enough that condition and repair history matter more than the complaint pattern; check the SRS light and airbag recall status first, then test the transmission and window operation on a drive. Ask for records of any airbag, transmission or window repairs before agreeing on a price.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 373 consumer complaints for the 1997 Honda Civic. 93 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,000 miles. Of all complaints, 67 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 51 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 16 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags140 38%
- Vehicle speed control38 10%
- Electrical system30 8.0%
- Tires27 7.2%
- Engine cooling25 6.7%
- Transmission and drivetrain25 6.7%
- Brakes23 6.2%
- Body and structure18 4.8%
- Other or unknown15 4.0%
Also reported: Seat belts (13), Exterior lighting (6), Equipment (5), Steering (5), Suspension (5), Fuel system (4), Interior lighting (4), Engine (3), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Wheels (3), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Takata recall? While driving straight through my neighborhood boulevard I fell asleep, causing me to quickly acceleratte and hit a tree head on approximately 40 MPH, according to multiple witnesses and emergency responders. No airbags deployed in the car. My face and body hit the steering wheel, resulting in 4 teeth knocked out, 8 spine disc herniations and injuries, a heart contusion, whiplash, concussion, cracked collar bone, and much bruising, and broken eye glasses, retrieved by an attending neighbor witness. …”
NHTSA complaint #11053584, filed 2017-12, 158,000 milesVehicle speed control: “A vehicle speed control recall (NHTSA campaign id number : 99i002000) related to my vehicle is posted on the NHTSA website. I have the specific problem described in this recall. However, both the Honda dealer and manufacturer said they did not find such a recall on my vehicle and refuses to pay for the fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133804, filed 2005-08, 116,500 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Power windows fail. The incident has occurred at least 7 times in the past five years. Service representatives say that one must lubricate the window runners. The owner's manual either fails to mention this maintenance or the existence of such maintenance. The part is always replaced and always fails.”
NHTSA complaint #10008350, filed 2003-03, 107,587 milesElectrical system: “I had car computer problems, air conditioning problem and paint on car body is cracking. These problems started to happen gradually, computer problems happened while I was driving on the road in the city; the paint started to crack for many years and the car looks miserable. The air conditioning broke down during a summer time, when I had no money to repair it and had to suffer due to the high heat weather. There is also a crack somewhere in the engine, not sure where, which can make things worse.”
NHTSA complaint #10862668, filed 2016-05, 45,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
24% of the 93 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,700 and 124,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Honda Civic. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Civic · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1997 Honda Civic version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 31 | 39 | 34 | $1,950 |
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | 29 | 35 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 28 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 26 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Civic FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V026000Jan 17, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Honda Civic 1996–2000, CR-V 1997–2000, Accord 1998–2000 +6 more
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL…
- 97V193000Nov 1, 1997Air bags › FrontalCovers: Honda Civic 1997–1998
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front passenger air bag modules have been improperly assembled. The cloth flaps covering the folded air bag may have been tucked in too far.
Recall details for the 1997 Honda Civic → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- SQ98012Condenser fan motor inoperativeClosed · Jun 30, 1998
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 16 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10086422Sep 21, 2016Vehicle speed control. Service bulletin - due to the floor design, a mispositioned floor mat could prevent the accelerator pedal from returning to the idle position. In this case, the vehicle may continue accelerating…
- 10107371Jul 2, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Service 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.
- 10053545Aug 9, 2013Fuel system, Engine cooling. Honda: troubleshooting of diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p1456 and p1457. Dealers are to run evap function test to find if there is a leak so the vehicle can be repaired.
- 10018467Sep 1, 2005Electrical system. Troubleshooting tips for dtc p1381.
- 10017639Jun 10, 2005Engine cooling. Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0420 or engine ping under load.
- 10016353Apr 16, 2005Electrical system. Transferring odometer mileage at odometer r&r.
- 10015294Feb 16, 2005Engine cooling. Timesert 14mm drain plug thread repair kit.
- 10014106Jul 16, 2004Electrical system. Poor radio reception, seek-stop test.
- 10014025Jul 1, 2004Electrical system. Dtc p1381 set check the ignition coil shield.
- 10014017Jul 1, 2004Engine cooling. Poor a/c cooling during hard acceleration.
Other model years of the Honda Civic
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 300 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 77 | 7,278 | 2 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 125 | 11,000 | 3 | 5 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 258 | 10,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 64 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 885 | 26,264 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 147 | 30,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 10 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 233 | 15,400 | 5 | 5 | 32 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 443 | 16,200 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 747 | 32,508 | 6 | 5 | 33 | 61 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 602 | 23,066 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 66 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 1,082 | 30,000 | 5 | 5 | 34 | 84 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 381 | 50,000 | 1 | 4–5 | 32 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 293 | 32,570 | 2 | 4–5 | 32 | 15 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 319 | 24,000 | 0 | 4–5 | 32 | 1 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 456 | 30,150 | 3 | 4–5 | 31 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 169 | 31,500 | 9 | 3 | 29 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 397 | 39,960 | 8 | — | 29 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 396 | 31,000 | 8 | — | 29 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 916 | 50,000 | 7 | — | 29 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,204 | 45,000 | 9 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,404 | 60,000 | 13 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 316 | 65,000 | 10 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 350 | 82,000 | 10 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 499 | 76,000 | 11 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 702 | 90,000 | 11 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 1,079 | 89,320 | 14 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 287 | 74,000 | 6 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 338 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 435 | 95,000 | 4 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 373 | 88,000 | 2 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 305 | 100,500 | 2 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 199 | 131,000 | 0 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 135 | 133,050 | 2 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 146 | 139,500 | 1 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 98 | 116,754 | 1 | — | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 110 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1990 | 91 | 156,931 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 69 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 46 | 150,000 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 39 | 157,000 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 35 | 107,684 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1985 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 29 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 3 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 9 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Honda Civic model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Honda Civic?
Complaints about this model year center on the airbag/SRS system, especially an SRS warning light that stays on and is often diagnosed as a failed SRS control unit, plus reports of airbags deploying without a crash. The issues reported most often: SRS warning light on / control unit failure; Airbags deploying without a crash; Rough or sticking accelerator pedal.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Honda Civic have?
NHTSA recorded 373 consumer complaints for the 1997 Honda Civic as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Honda Civic is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 140 complaints (38% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 38.
Has the 1997 Honda Civic been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Honda Civic get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Honda Civic (Civic, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 28 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Honda Civic reported?
Among the 93 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,700 and 124,000 miles; 24% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.