2001 Honda Civic Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Caution

Ranks 24th of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,079; 44 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 30.1; 343,378 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.1×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 490; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 14
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2000 Civic 2002 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2001 Honda Civic?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2001 Honda Civic is 66 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 24th of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (352 of 1,079 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and airbags. 490 of the 1,079 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 14 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on). For comparison, the 2002 scores 72.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 06-009 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

Transmission: failure or loss of drive352 complaints
Airbag warning light136 complaints
Airbags: no deployment in a crash78 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2001 Civic Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.2×	−19
Everyday problems	0.79×	−6
Recalls	3.0×	−9
Score		66

What Owners Report

We read all 1,079 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Transmission: failure or loss of drive
352 complaints (33%)
Failure or loss of drive, a loss of power and slipping. 286 of these 352 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 17 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
136 complaints (13%)
Warning lights, a failure and problems that come and go. In 14 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 43 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
78 complaints (7%)
No deployment in a crash, a failure and deployment with no crash. 8 of these 78 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
40 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and parts breaking or coming apart. 14 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
39 complaints (4%)
Loss of braking, unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part. 16 of these 39 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
37 complaints (3%)
A failure, a stored fault code and parts breaking or coming apart. 9 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
35 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure. 4 of these 35 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 12 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 113,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: a leak
30 complaints (3%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Seat belts: not closing or latching
29 complaints (3%)
Not closing or latching, a failure and the system not working when needed. 5 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Steering: locking up
19 complaints (2%)
Locking up, vibration or shudder and unusual noises. 6 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
19 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a leak and early wear. 5 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
18 complaints (2%)
A loss of power, failure or loss of drive and hesitation. 17 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
16 complaints (1%)
Damage, smoke or a burning smell and a fire. 2 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
15 complaints (1%)
Stalling. 13 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
13 complaints (1%)
Stalling, surging and unusual noises. 7 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.

Show 67 more problems

Fuel system: a leak
12 complaints (1%)
A leak, a bad smell and a fire. 3 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 108,000 miles.
Headlight switch failure
12 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
12 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 7 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
11 complaints (1%)
Wrong readings.
Ignition or push-button start: not releasing
11 complaints (1%)
Not releasing, sticking or stiffness and stalling. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
11 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
11 complaints (1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
11 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch: failure or loss of drive
10 complaints (under 1%)
Failure or loss of drive, vibration or shudder and locking up. 7 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a leak
9 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure and a bad smell. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
9 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
9 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, wrong readings and problems that come and go. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and unusual noises. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
8 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, sticking or stiffness and smoke or a burning smell. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and a fire. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem.
Engine mounts: shattering or cracking
7 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking, a failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Exhaust manifold: shattering or cracking
7 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and unusual noises. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 122,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Shifter or park: locking up
6 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up, the system acting on its own and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
CVT: slipping
5 complaints (under 1%)
Slipping, failure or loss of drive and a loss of power. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer: stalling
5 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling, overheating and hard starting. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a failure that needed a new part.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
5 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Hood latch: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and not closing or latching. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility.
12V battery failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and the car not starting. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
A/C compressor failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
4 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and damage.
Coil spring: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part.
Cooling system failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and overheating. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 108,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 137,000 miles.
Airbag sensor failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Conventional cruise control: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, sudden acceleration and surging. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Suspension: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, bouncing and pulling or wandering.
Paint and rust: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and rust or corrosion.
Transmission fluid leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Wheel bearings: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Windshield: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, shattering or cracking and distorted visibility.
A/C failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 121,000 miles.
Brake calipers: locking up
3 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up, sticking or stiffness and a leak.
Defroster: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a stored fault code and vibration or shudder.
Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and rust or corrosion. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working.
Fuel leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure.
Heater: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a leak and a failure.
Cylinder head: stalling
3 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling, a loss of power and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and not opening or unlocking.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
ABS: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
EVAP system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a leak.
Cylinder head gasket failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Door latches: loose
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loose and not opening or unlocking.
Engine air intake: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Engine failure: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and failure or loss of drive. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Horn: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Clock spring failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Cruise control: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Tire valve stems: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and shattering or cracking. Both describe a serious outcome.
Trunk latch: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Parking brake: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Sunroof failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and water leaking in.
Transmission computer failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Both describe a serious outcome.

Reported Once (58)

Show the 58 problems reported once

Uneven tire wear: early wear
Alternator or charging failure
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Several warning lights at once
Engine oil sludge failure
Engine overheating
Exterior lights: not shutting off
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Key fob: stopped working
CNG fuel tank valve: the car not starting
Air brake clutch: parts breaking or coming apart
Air vents: damage
Airbag sensors failure
Alarm system: stopped working
Body panels: damage
Bushings (location not stated) failure
Clock: stopped working
Connecting rod: damage
Cooling fan failure
Crankshaft failure
Dashboard fire (cause not stated)
Detachable child seat harness
Differential (location not stated): parts breaking or coming apart
Electrical power supply: works on and off
Electrical system: a fire
Emissions control system failure
Fire (cause not stated)
Flexplate: parts breaking or coming apart
Flywheel: damage
Fog light switch: loose
Fuel cap: loose
Fuel filter: shattering or cracking
Fuel pump connector: stalling
Headlight switch terminal: overheating
Interior and exterior lights: dimming
Interior light: unusual noises
Interior map light switch: sticking or stiffness
Main fuel relay: overheating
Pedal clearance: sticking or stiffness
Plastic covering (cause not stated)
Rear window: shattering or cracking
Steering wheel smoke (cause not stated)
Throttle: sudden acceleration
Throttle mechanism: sticking or stiffness
Torsion spring failure
Transmission cooler failure
Transmission dipstick: parts breaking or coming apart
Transmission mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
Trunk release: stopped working
Trunk release cable: not closing or latching
Turn signals: stopped working
Underhood fire (cause not stated)
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Vehicle smoke (cause not stated)
Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
Timing chain or camshaft: damage
Warning lights (cause not stated)

How the 2001 Honda Civic Compares With Other Years

The other Civic years of the 7th generation, 2001 to 2005, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2006	Caution	68	1.1×	41.1	15	Engine failure: shattering or cracking
2005	Good	78	0.37×	11.5	10	Airbag warning light
2004	Good	79	0.37×	12.0	10	Airbag warning light
2003	Good	74	0.56×	17.0	11	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2002	Good	72	0.66×	20.1	11	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2001 This year	Caution	66	1.1×	30.1	14	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2000	Excellent	84	0.27×	7.8	6	Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash

See every Civic year

2001 Honda Civic Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 8 more recalls

Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V700000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 4, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, other: tank assembly
This could result in a tank rupture, explosion, and ejection of the tank from the vehicle.
NHTSA 07V512000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 1, 2007.
Exterior lighting: headlights
An unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash.
NHTSA 04V086000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 24, 2004.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
The rear seat belts will work properly and provide protection in a crash, but the owner may experience difficulty unfastening the belt after the crash.
NHTSA 02V051000Issued Feb 8, 2002.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
The rear seat belts will work properly and provide protection in a crash, but the owner may experience difficulty unfastening the belt after the crash.
NHTSA 01V380000Issued Dec 13, 2001.
Engine and engine cooling: engine
If the plastic piece lodges in the throttle body, the throttle could stick in a partially open position.
NHTSA 01V329000Issued Oct 22, 2001.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
If the pump stops working, the engine will stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 01V183000Issued Jun 6, 2001.
Fuel system, gasoline: filler pipe and cap
In a collision, the tube could disconnect from the fuel tank, resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
NHTSA 01V182000Issued Jun 6, 2001.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 06-009
Passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)
The problem:
The passenger airbag sensor can fail and keep the airbag warning light on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the passenger airbag sensor and its control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on with a listed fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-009
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-014
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-046Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-049Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on October 31, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Timeliness and scope of Honda air bag inflator recalls
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's recall query checked whether Honda's two recalls for rupturing driver air bag inflators, 08V-593 and 09V-259, came on time and covered enough cars. It listed 2001-2002 Accords and 2001 Civics. NHTSA found no sign Honda made late defect decisions. Every inflator from the problem press was already recalled, so NHTSA closed the query in May 2010.
NHTSA RQ09004 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 2, 2009 to May 6, 2010
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2001 Civic no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2001 Civic ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door with side airbags and 4-door

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat4/5

RolloverNot rated

2-door

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat3/5

Rear seat4/5

RolloverNot rated

2-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2001 Civic, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V501000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 15V370000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 14 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

06-009: passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Transmission
Airbag warning lights
Airbags
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Civic Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.