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2001 Honda Civic Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2001 Honda Civic has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Low beam headlight failure.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2001 Honda Civic.

Reported to NHTSA

Low beam headlight failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

15 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2023-03

“WE WERE DRIVING FROM RENO NV TO ANTIOCH CA AND WERE IN THE SIERRA MOUNTAINS AT ABOUT 2:30 AM AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN WE LOST OUR LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS IN WHICH WE COULDN'T SEE THE ROAD AND WE WENT OFF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10734970
“IN JULY 2017, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED (WERE INOPERABLE), BUT THE HIGH BEAM AND ALL OTHER EXTERNAL LIGHTS WERE OPERATIONAL. THESE ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HONDA SAFETY RECALL SERVICE BULLETIN 04-015”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019399
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10566453

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel leak and gasoline odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2024-06

“MY CAR SMELLS STRONGLY OF GAS. HUNTING FOR THE CAUSE I NOTICED GAS COMING FROM A HOLE UNDER THE CAR ABOUT RIGHT WHERE THE FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED IN THE BACK SEAT. AFTER REMOVING THE BACK SEAT I NOTICED THE FUEL PUMP IS PRETTY MUCH SITTING IN A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11375942
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY A DEALER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT FUEL LEAKED ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND LOCKING CAP, WHICH SPILLED ON TO THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP LOCKING CAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10717201
“HONDA CIVIC GX CNG FUEL TANK VALVE FAILURE, CAUSING THE CAR TO LEAVE YOU STRANDED FOR HOURS. CAR WOULD NOT START OR RUN, ONLY AFTER TRYING IT 10+ TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10542889

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

41 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2026-03

“I recently bought a 2001 honda civic, 5speed. It was driving fine, until it suddenly started making grinding or weird noises. I couldn't shift and now the gears are locked up. It happened suddenly after no problems”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726092
“THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON MY HONDA CIVIC SUDDENLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING. WE WERE DRIVING ON A NARROW, CURVY, HILLY HIGHWAY IN THE SNOW, SO THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT LUCKILY DID NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671472
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, RESTARTED, AND PLACED IN GEAR WITH NO RESPONSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838943

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment or malfunction in a crash

AIR BAGS

33 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2026-01

“FULL FRONTAL COLLISION AT OVER 20 MPH, NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. FRONT OF CAR CAVED TO A V, RIGHT CORNER OF CAR COMPLETELY MISSING. ONE TREE HIT DIRECTLY IN THE CENTER, 2ND TREE HIT OFF CENTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065422
“FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN HEAD-ON CRASH GOING 35-40 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10936483
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 HONDA CIVIC. ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND METAL FRAGMENTS DISCHARGED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED BY THE METAL FRAGMENTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10913686

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall SRS warning light and parts delay

AIR BAGS

45 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2025-07

“THE SRS AND SIDE AIRBAG LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED ON THE FRONT DASH. AFTER HAVING THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL PERFORMED ON MY CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT THESE LIGHTS WERE UNRELATED. INSTEAD, I WOULD NEED TO PAY SOMEWHERE BETWEEN $600-$1,000 TO HAVE THE SRS CONTROL UNIT REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10778489
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V370000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V320000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11046544
“TAKATA RECALL: MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES AND I AM NOT SURE IF THIS VEHICLE AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN RECALLED OR NOT. I HAVE PERFORMED A VIN SEARCH THAT RETURNS NEGATIVE FOR RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10990505

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood latch failure while driving

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-08 → 2019-05

“WHILE DRIVING THE HOOD FLIPPED OPEN AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD AND DENTED THENROOF AND HOOD. THE LATCH TO THE HOOD BROKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209057
“DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, CITY STREET, AND THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED RIGHT INTO THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH. THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10826014
“HONDA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HOOD PROBLEMS AND UNSATISFACTORY SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE WAS DRIVING, THE HOOD SUDDENLY UN-LATCHED AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10536626

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake failure and lockup

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2022-08

“Changed entire braking system Booster, ABS Main, Calipers, ABS Module, rooters, pads and STILL BRAKES LOCK. Brakes get hot and car stops any where on the Road, until it COOLS down the BRAKES UNLOCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479369
“WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE BRAKE LINE BLEW WHILE STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT. A PANIC MANEUVER WAS MADE AND ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. A REPLACEMENT LINE WAS INSTALLED AND WHILE AGAIN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, ANOTHER LINE BLEW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11118064
“SINCE 2016 I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. WE FIXED THEM AND THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AT TIMES IT DOES NOT WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11162364

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

669 crashes 1990–2024

How the 669 occupant deaths break down

474

driver deaths

190

passenger deaths

5

not recorded by seat

669

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2000 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

150

complaints mentioning a crash

15

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2001 Honda Civic reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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