2003 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 16th of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 551; 40 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 17.0; 300,686 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.56×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 205; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 11
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2002 Civic 2004 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2003 Honda Civic?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2003 Honda Civic is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 16th of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (65 of 551 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the CVT. 205 of the 551 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 11 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 and the 2004 scores 79.

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

Good reliability score of 74
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

Transmission: failure or loss of drive65 complaints
Airbag warning light50 complaints
CVT: vibration or shudder37 complaints

How the 2003 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	0.58×	−12
Everyday problems	0.52×	−5
Recalls	2.5×	−9
Score		74

What Owners Report

We read all 551 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 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
65 complaints (12%)
Failure or loss of drive, vibration or shudder and slipping. 32 of these 65 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 10 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 28 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
50 complaints (9%)
Warning lights, a failure and a stored fault code. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 8 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
CVT: vibration or shudder
37 complaints (7%)
Vibration or shudder, slipping and failure or loss of drive. 15 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 18 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
36 complaints (7%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 10 of these 36 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
29 complaints (5%)
Loss of braking, a leak and a failure. 19 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Seat belts: warning lights
23 complaints (4%)
Warning lights, the system not working when needed and not closing or latching. 3 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
20 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration. All 20 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 7 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 50,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
19 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and warning lights. 2 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: sticking or stiffness
18 complaints (3%)
Sticking or stiffness, key removable outside Park and the car not starting. 9 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
16 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and smoke or a burning smell. 3 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 133,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
16 complaints (3%)
Loss of steering control, pulling or wandering and sticking or stiffness. 8 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Tires: a leak
16 complaints (3%)
A leak, parts breaking or coming apart and early wear. 4 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
13 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, a leak and a stored fault code. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
11 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking, sticking or stiffness and not closing or latching. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 126,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
11 complaints (2%)
Damage and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.

Show 59 more problems

Stall (cause not stated)
11 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 10 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 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 45,000 miles.
Hybrid battery failure
9 complaints (2%)
A failure and a loss of power. 4 of these 9 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 120,000 miles.
Seats: loose mounting
9 complaints (2%)
Loose mounting, loose / excessive play and sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
EGR valve failure
8 complaints (1%)
A failure, a stored fault code and surging. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Cruise control: sudden acceleration
8 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration, not shutting off and problems that come and go. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (1%)
Hesitation. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
7 complaints (1%)
Stalling, will not idle and smoke or a burning smell. 5 of these 7 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 70,000 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch: unusual noises
7 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises, harsh or delayed shifts and slipping. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU) failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and a loss of power. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Shifter or park: not releasing
6 complaints (1%)
Not releasing, sticking or stiffness and the system acting on its own. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Cooling system: a leak
5 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, overheating and a failure. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
5 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
ABS: locking up
4 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up, loss of braking and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
4 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Fuel pump: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, vibration or shudder and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Interior trim: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Regenerative braking: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: not closing or latching
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and damage. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
3 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering and early wear.
Engine overheating
3 complaints (under 1%)
Overheating. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Exterior lights failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 171,000 miles.
Horn: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 142,000 miles.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Oxygen sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, damage and sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
A/C: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Alternator or charging failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Control module (unspecified) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Defroster: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Engine air intake: sudden acceleration
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings.
Fuel system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and vibration or shudder.
Heater: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a feature that stopped working.
Hood latch: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Anti-theft alarm: not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and a failure.
Flywheel failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Power surge (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Surging.
Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Taillights or brake lights: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a feature that stopped working.
Torque converter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and damage.

Reported Once (51)

Show the 51 problems reported once

Battery drain: draining the battery
Blower motor: stopped working
Climate controls: stopped working
Coil spring failure
Cylinder head gasket: damage
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine failure
Engine sensors or computer failure
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Passenger airbag sensor failure
12V accessory outlet: stopped working
A/C condensate drain hose: a fire
ODS unit: fault code
Accelerator cable: sticking or stiffness
Airbag impact sensor: fault code
Auto idle stop system: the system acting on its own
Brake light switch failure
Clock spring: warning lights
Door ajar indicator: stopped working
Electrical power supply: stopped working
Failure (not described) (cause not stated)
Fire (cause not stated)
Fog light switch: stopped working
Fuel filter: a leak
Handling instability (cause not stated)
Hazard warning lights: stopped working
Ignition key: damage
Interior illumination: stopped working
Oil leak (cause not stated)
Problem (not described) (cause not stated)
Rollaway (cause not stated)
Smoke (cause not stated)
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
Suspension: unusual noises
Suspension (part not stated)
Suspension mount failure
Throttle body: sticking or stiffness
Throttle cable: parts breaking or coming apart
Transmission cooler line failure
Trunk latch: not closing or latching
Trunk latch or lock: not opening or unlocking
Remote start: drive enabled without key
Starter failure
Struts or shocks failure
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Timing belt failure
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)

How the 2003 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 This year	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	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

2003 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 5 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.
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 14V353000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Exterior lighting: switch
If the terminal ends melt within the wiring harness connector, the low beam headlights may become inoperative, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 12V136000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2012.
Electrical system: ignition
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V364000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2010.
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.

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.

Compressed natural gas tank exploding in a fire
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began after a 2003 Civic's compressed natural gas tank exploded in an arson fire. Its pressure relief device allegedly failed to activate. No injuries were reported. Honda designed an insulator to shield the tank from flame, to be fitted behind the back seat. NHTSA closed the case in November 2007. No recall number is listed.
NHTSA PE07028 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2007 to Nov 20, 2007
Ignition interlock lever deforming in 2003 Accords
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered 2003 Accords with automatic transmissions. The ignition switch interlock lever could deform. The key could then come out when the car was not in Park, so it might roll away. Honda recalled about 551,498 vehicles under recall 10V-364, including 2003 Civics and 2003-2004 Elements. NHTSA closed the case in October 2010.
NHTSA EA09001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 5, 2009 to Oct 14, 2010
Both low beam headlights going out at once
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis looked at reports of both low beam headlights failing together. It covered 2002-2003 Civics, 2002-2004 CR-Vs and 2003-2005 Pilots. A worn switch wiring terminal could overheat and melt its connector. Honda recalled vehicles in two stages under recall 12V-136. NHTSA closed the case in September 2012.
NHTSA EA11012 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 12, 2011 to Sep 17, 2012
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
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2003 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 2003 Civic ratings on NHTSA.gov.

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

2-door Hatchback, 4-door and 4-door with side airbags

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

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2003 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 11 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
CVT
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.