2016 Honda Civic User Complaints and Problems
Although the Honda Civic has been a very popular offering in the compact sedan segment, it is not without its issues. While any issue that might be plaguing a larger number of units can be rectified through an official recall, some issues are limited to only a handful of units and are either rectified by the buyer themselves or by the manufacturer at the dealership. Despite what might be the common notion here, the Civic 2016 has had its fair share of customer complaints which is one of the reasons for its low reliability ratings. Here are the details of some of the complaints registered by the Honda Civic users with the NHTSA.
Safety Complaints
- Improper functioning of the airbags: In several cases, buyers of the 2016 Honda Civic have reported variegated concerns about the airbag system. While the most common complaint relates to the unexpected deployment of the airbag, some complainants have also recorded the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash. As a result, both situations have caused injuries to the occupants.
Electric System Complaints
- Infotainment screen loses power: Among the 2016 Civic issues, buyers have reported the infotainment screen losing its power and going blank, unexpectedly. As a result, users do not have access to important functionalities, which can be irksome.
- Issues with the airconditioning unit: The 2016 Honda Civic air compressor and condenser have failed in a large number of units. As a result, the AC blows hot air and fails to keep the cabin cool and airy. While the only solution is the replacement of the affected components, Honda should have introduced a recall, keeping the widespread impact of the problem in mind.
- Failure of the defroster: Some buyers of the 2016 Honda Civic have also reported the defrosting functionality not working as intended. The system fails to defrost fog on the windshield, restricting the driver’s visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of engine: Among the list of the 2016 Honda Civic’s common problems, buyers of the compact sedan have also noticed the vehicle losing its power, inadvertently. As a result, the engine stalls, and the vehicle fails to accelerate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Failure of the engine: Unlike the aforementioned, buyers of the Civic sedan equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine have reported catastrophic failures of the engine. Where an inspection has been conducted, a fault in the piston ring assemblies has been attributed as a cause of concern. To deal with the issue, Honda has initiated a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 16V074000.
- Issues with the steering system: The 2016 Honda Civic steering problems have been a major concern for several buyers. Complainants have recorded the steering wheel to be abnormally stiff and swerve independently, which requires constant correction. Additionally, some buyers have also recorded the power steering assistance to fail, unexpectedly, making it difficult to drive the sedan.
- Electric Parking Brake might not engage: Buyers of the Civic sedan have also noticed the Electric Parking Brake not engaging once it has been turned off. As a result, the vehicle tends to roll away. While there have been no injuries reported, the Honda Civic electric brake problem has been resolved through a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 16V725000.
Structural Complaints
- Paint Chipping: Buyers of the compact sedan have also reported the chipping of the vehicle’s paint. While the issue has been widespread, the 2016 Honda Civic paint peeling issues are concentrated near the rear windows.
- Cracking of the windshield: Without impact or incidence, complainants have reported the windshield to develop large cracks, which run through its length.
- Other structural concerns: The third parking brake, placed on the rear window has been reported separating, due to a fault in its build. As a result, the parking brake falls inside the vehicle and can be distracting for the driver.
2016 Honda Civic Recalls
For a car that has been in production for decades at a stretch, it is not uncommon to face recalls for some or the other faults that may have filtered through to the final production unit. While Honda is pretty particular with its quality control, it is not perfect either. While the Honda 2016 Civic has faced 3 recalls this year, all the 3 issues can be considered non-lethal to both the occupants and the car. The details of the recalls have been listed below.
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S. No
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Date
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NHTSA ID
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Issues Noticed
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Additional Remarks
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Remedy
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1.
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11th Oct 2016
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16V725000
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The parking brake may not engage
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The electric parking brake may not engage if it is immediately applied after the vehicle is turned off.
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Dealers will update the software to engage the EPR as soon as the vehicle’s ignition is turned off.
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2.
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11th July 2016
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16V526000
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Inoperable marker light
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Due to a damaged LED side marker light circuit board inside the tailgate assembly, the marker light may become inoperable.
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Upon inspection, dealers will replace the taillight assemblies, free of charge.
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3.
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9th Feb 2016
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16V074000
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Unsecured piston wrist pin circlips
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The piston assemblies may have been manufactured without or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip.
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Upon inspection, dealers will replace the piston assemblies and affected components, free of charge.
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Should you buy the 2016 Honda Civic?
The Honda Civic has become a public choice for buyers in the compact sedan market. With its impending overhaul, the Japanese vehicle promises a higher level of excitement and practicality in its performance. However, being a revamped iteration, the sedan has had its fair share of complaints. Yet, we feel with Civic’s revered past and Honda’s proactiveness, it would be unfair to veto the vehicle. So, we recommend buyers opt for the new 2016 Civic, however, we also urge buyers to perform their due diligence before finalizing a buying decision.
