# Honda Civic check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 83 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (19) - **Related recalls:** 7 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 83 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Honda Civic (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (19). There are **7 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Honda Civic check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 13 | 389 | 3% | | 2016 | 19 | 1083 | 2% | | 2017 | 14 | 607 | 2% | | 2018 | 16 | 596 | 3% | | 2019 | 13 | 353 | 4% | | 2020 | 1 | 239 | 0% | | 2021 | 1 | 148 | 1% | | 2022 | 4 | 889 | 0% | | 2023 | 1 | 263 | 0% | | 2024 | 1 | 135 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Honda Civic recalls related to the check engine light **[24V763000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V763000)** (2025 models, reported 2024-10-15): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. **[23V858000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000)** (2016-2021 models, reported 2023-12-19): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. **[21V215000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V215000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2021-03-25): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. **[20V314000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V314000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-05-28): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. **[17V706000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V706000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-11-09): The improper heat treatment can result in the halfshaft breaking, preventing the engine from moving the vehicle, and can allow a possible roll away situation if the parking brake is not engaged. This can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the halfshaft's serial number, replacing it as necessary and aligning the front wheels, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2017. **[16V074000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V074000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-02-09): If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners were mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when... **[15V574000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V574000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-09-15): If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Honda Civic owners report - "The check-engine light started flashing rapidly, followed by multiple dashboard warnings involving the braking system, power steering, vehicle stability control, collision mitigation, and other safety systems. Despite pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued losing power and slowing down. The engine remained..." -- owner of a 2024 Honda Civic, complaint filed 2026 - "On over a dozen occasions my vehicle's check engine light randomly comes on and then my car stalls out while driving and begins decelerating quickly. It is very dangerous and scary when this has happened on the freeway or in places where there is nowhere to pull off the road. My Honda Civic is less than 2 years old..." -- owner of a 2023 Honda Civic, complaint filed 2025 - "Symptom: Steering effort complaint while driving at moderate or highway speeds, with possible complaint of noise at slow speeds, and no MIL illuminated or DTC stored. Steering wheel is notchy and is very fatiguing at speeds over 40 mph." -- owner of a 2022 Honda Civic, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Honda Civic check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 7 related recalls (24V763000, 23V858000, 21V215000, 20V314000, 17V706000, 16V074000, 15V574000) covering 2015-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Honda Civic years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Civic model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 19 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda Civic with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Honda Civic has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Honda Civic warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-civic): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-civic): 59 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-civic): 113 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-civic): 18 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-civic): 59 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-civic): 25 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Honda Civic - [Honda Civic specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-civic) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-civic Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.