2003 Honda Civic Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 7%of 499 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Honda Civic, 7% of the 499 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My air condition just died , its not a fuse , might be electrical , my mechanic says even after 7yrs it should not have died. Driving around in 95 degree weather , lots of rain with no defrost either. Wipers work, need help to fix this problem -expensive if its a sensor?do not know the problem at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10342842, filed 2010-07, 61 miles“The air conditioner on my 2003 Honda Civic si stopped working suddenly after a loud breaking sound came out of the car. I took it to the Honda dealership and the diagnosis is that the compressor exploded and caused metal shaving to go into the entire air conditioner system. The dealership has told me that the air conditioner system will need to be totally replaced. The estimate for the work is $2600.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10347839, filed 2010-08, 109,988 miles“1. Whirring noise that increases with speed. 2. Occasional clunking when braking. 3. Right side door speaker vibrates on level 3+. 4. Clicking noise when heater is on. Is this normal? 5. I find the car a very loud ride..a lot of echo underneath with every bump..I suspect the tires maybe. They are firestone.”
NHTSA complaint #10049240, filed 2003-12, 2,000 miles“My new car, once smoked for no reason, last year, now at 40,000 miles my radiator motor was bad only 3 yrs old-out of warranty,Honda did nothing-get it serviced. My other Honda lasted 10yrs- I do not get it-after being hit by 18 wheeler.”
NHTSA complaint #10202452, filed 2007-09, 40 miles“New years day, I got off the freeway and my steering wheel locked and my clutch stiffened. Seconds later they resumed their normal feel but my battery and temp light came on and smoke/steam came out of my hood. I pulled over and opened the hood...coolant resevoir was almost completely empty and coolant had exploded all over the engine. I had the car towed to the dealership for warranty review. They called and said no coverage, they believe that a rock had punctured the radiator and hence it was not a parts problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10177607, filed 2007-01, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021129Oct 16, 2006Stalls with electrical load after body shop repair. Dtc p1588 and/or p1589 stored. P1163 and/or surge, jerks, bucks between 20-60 mph. Tire pressure monitoring system dtc 32, 34…
- 10018251Nov 16, 2005P0497, low purge flow or internal vacuum leak.
- 10016295May 16, 2005Engine-cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10015294Feb 16, 2005Timesert 14mm drain plug thread repair kit.
- 10015293Feb 16, 2005Timesert 11mm head bolt thread repair kit.
- 10018082Dec 16, 2004Diagnostic trouble code p0420 and p1420 repairs.
- 10011763Nov 30, 2004Diagnostic trouble code p0420 and data recorder installation. Investigation of 2001-2003 civics with the malfunction indicator light (mil) on and diagnostic trouble code (dtc)…
- 10013840Sep 16, 2004Poor fuel economy.
- 10014284Aug 1, 2004Engine won't start? Check for loose alternator bolts.
- 10014101Jul 16, 2004Cranks won't start, mil (malfunction indicator lamp) and immobilizer light on.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 10 | 3% |
| 2009 | 12 | 3% |
| 2008 | 55 | 6% |
| 2007 | 74 | 6% |
| 2006 | 151 | 11% |
| 2005 | 19 | 6% |
| 2004 | 16 | 5% |
| 2003 | 37 | 7% |
| 2002 | 31 | 4% |
| 2001 | 64 | 6% |
| 2000 | 47 | 16% |
| 1999 | 30 | 9% |
| 1998 | 53 | 12% |
| 1997 | 25 | 7% |
| 1996 | 27 | 9% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1994 | 9 | 7% |
| 1993 | 13 | 9% |
| 1992 | 6 | 6% |
| 1991 | 5 | 5% |
| 1990 | 6 | 7% |
| 1989 | 8 | 12% |
| 1988 | 4 | 9% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 3 | 9% |
| 1985 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Civic
140 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
101 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsSeat belts
20 complaintsTires
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda Civic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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