2003 Honda Civic Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 101about this part
- Share
- 20%of 499 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,259miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 101 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Honda Civic, 20% of the 499 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,259 miles. 7 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.
“Vehicle steering wheel violently jerks back and forth when shifting automatically resulting in no control of vehicle.vehicle does not lock doors.dealership failed to complete or inform me of any kinds of hazards as I overlooked these major problems when purchased used car. I paid over 3400 dollars for junk.”
NHTSA complaint #10979907, filed 2017-04, 127,027 miles“My Honda Civic suddenly went dead with no indication of failure. The transmission went dead and the repair shop said that it was a incorrect gearbox ratio. It is a known problem with transmission failure and I feel that I shouldn't have to pay for something that is a known problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10662677, filed 2014-12, 117,650 miles“Honda Civic hybrid 2003 with CVT transmission, it shudders and vibrates entire car when accelerating slowly. Also in neutral it hesitates going in reverse. I am requesting a recall as I see many having this problem on the web. Honda claims the car has no problems and that is the engine lurking forward.”
NHTSA complaint #10402927, filed 2011-05, 85,800 miles“I bought my 2003 Honda Civic hybrid with 70,000 miles on it. In less than a year, I had to have the catalytic converter, EGR valve, fly wheel, and transmission replaced. The transmission was replaced 7 months ago and the same exact problem is happening again: the transmission slips every time I press on the gas or take my foot off the gas, and when I'm coasting the transmission chugs.”
NHTSA complaint #10211568, filed 2007-12, 80,000 miles“When accelerating on the freeway the transmission started slipping. The car lurched , and the transmission wouldn't catch. Luckily, we brought the car to a safe stop on the side of the freeway. Then, the transmission was stuck in first gear and would not shift. We limped off the freeway in first gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10190723, filed 2007-05, 75,386 milesRelated 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.
- 10024568Feb 5, 2008Honda service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: cvt start clutch judder. Csc was received.
- 10024235Feb 5, 2008Honda service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: cvt drive belt slippage -- on affected vehicles, the cvt (continuously variable…
- 10019973Apr 16, 2006Won't move in any gear, whine, grinding noise.
- 10016346Apr 16, 2005Automatic transmission fluid (atf) leaks. Honda tech line summary.
- 10014733Jan 1, 2005Replace the correct three way catalytic converter for dtc p0420 p01420 p2000.
- 10013656Nov 1, 2004Manual transmission grinds shifting to 3rd gear. Honda servicenews.
- 10014470Oct 16, 2004Grinds at 2-3 upshift.
- 10013607Oct 1, 2004Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013844Sep 16, 2004Transmission solenoid replacement criteria.
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 2003 Honda Civic
140 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 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 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