2003 Honda Civic Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 499 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Honda Civic, 1% of the 499 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 3 occasions over past 3 years we have had key/ lock/ ignition switch problems. Result: 1. Inability to start engine; 2. Unable to unlock driver side door; 3. Unable to open trunk. Latest repair on 3-28-06 consisted of replacing trunk lock tumbler and driver side door lock tumbler. Repair advisor verbally stated trunk lock tumblers were badly worn; door lock tumblers needed lubrication. We consider consequences of failure could be serious given circumstances at time of failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10153954, filed 2006-03, 13,744 miles“Several interior controls, such as door handles and the parking brake, are metalized plastics. As the car ages, the metal plating starts to peal off. As it comes off in pieces, it presents a sharp edge that can cut the user. We have had three different instances of hand cuts that could have LED to accidents as the driver attempts to keep blood from the cut from getting on clothing, car interior, etc. The dealer replaced a door handle, at my cost, on the first instance. Subsequently we have tried to remove the rest of the plating from the effected parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250705, filed 2008-12, 60,000 miles“The key will not go into the door lock cylinder, or if it goes in, it will not turn. Honda has a service bulletin about this problem - 03-068 but does not fix them for free unless you are under warranty. Cars need to be recalled and door fixed for free.”
NHTSA complaint #10354634, filed 2010-09, 100,000 miles“Can not lock/unlock driver side door using key. Other Honda owner is complaining as well. Honda dealer want to charge to replace actuator when they are faculty and need to be recalled and replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10354623, filed 2010-09, 100,000 miles“The key lock on my 2003 Honda Civic no longer works. It seems as if a different key is needed to open door and quite often the key will not go into the lock. When it does go in, the lock is stiff or frozen and will not turn. I originally thought this was a random issue but have encountered 3 other Civic owners with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10383350, filed 2011-02Related service bulletins
- 10012644Oct 29, 2004Door lock cylinder binds. Update.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 4% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda Civic
140 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
101 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsEngine cooling
37 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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