2006 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 22nd of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,464; 121 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 41.1; 326,799 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.1×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 426; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 15
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2005 Civic 2007 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2006 Honda Civic?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2006 Honda Civic is 68 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 22nd of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is engine failure, mostly shattering or cracking (242 of 1,464 complaints). Owners also complain about the sun visors and uneven tire wear. 426 of the 1,464 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 15 recalls. Honda also offers 3 warranty extensions that may still apply, for hood and front fender paint cracking and paint cracking, chalking or clouding. For comparison, the 2007 scores 72.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 12-049 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
3 Honda warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Engine failure: shattering or cracking242 complaints
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart231 complaints
Uneven tire wear: early wear147 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2006 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	1.0×	−11
Everyday problems	1.4×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.60×	−7
Recalls	3.2×	−9
Score		68

What Owners Report

We read all 1,464 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Engine failure: shattering or cracking
242 complaints (17%)
Shattering or cracking, a leak and a failure. 194 of these 242 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 104,000 miles.
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
231 complaints (16%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and a failure that needed a new part. 23 of these 231 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 55 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
147 complaints (10%)
Early wear. 2 of these 147 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. 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 41,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms failure
90 complaints (6%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and early wear. 5 of these 90 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
83 complaints (6%)
Early wear, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 7 of these 83 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Hybrid battery: a loss of power
49 complaints (3%)
A loss of power, draining the battery and problems that come and go. 23 of these 49 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 12 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
45 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a failure. 7 of these 45 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU): hesitation
44 complaints (3%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and problems that come and go. 14 of these 44 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
43 complaints (3%)
Peeling, damage and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
41 complaints (3%)
A leak, pulling or wandering and locking up. 12 of these 41 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
41 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration, surging and hesitation. 22 of these 41 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Brakes: early wear
39 complaints (3%)
Early wear, loss of braking and a failure that needed a new part. 6 of these 39 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
27 complaints (2%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
A/C condenser: damage
26 complaints (2%)
Damage and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
26 complaints (2%)
A leak, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.

Show 77 more problems

Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
24 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, failure or loss of drive and the car rolling away. 8 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
23 complaints (2%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and warning lights. 5 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Wheel bearings: unusual noises
19 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises, a failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
18 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Seat belts: locking up
17 complaints (1%)
Locking up, a feature that stopped working and a failure. 3 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
17 complaints (1%)
Damage, a failure and rust or corrosion. 2 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
15 complaints (1%)
Stalling, a loss of power and surging. 4 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
13 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. 9 of these 13 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 78,000 miles.
Serpentine belt: damage
13 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, a failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
13 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and not shutting off. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
12 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, not shutting off and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
11 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch: harsh or delayed shifts
11 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, parts breaking or coming apart and failure or loss of drive. 4 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Struts or shocks failure
11 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a leak and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
10 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and a leak. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
10 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, unusual noises and will not stay up. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
12V battery failure
9 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a leak and a fire. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
9 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
9 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 123,000 miles.
Drive belt pivot bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 7 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Drive belt tensioner or bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
8 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Suspension (part not stated) failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, uneven ride height and vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Shifter or park: not releasing
8 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing, sticking or stiffness and the car rolling away. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
8 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Fuel leak
7 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, parts breaking or coming apart and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 135,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a feature that stopped working and slow operation. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, sticking or stiffness and not closing or latching. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): fault code
6 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, a failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 188,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
6 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Engine overheating
6 complaints (under 1%)
Overheating. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Tensioner bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Starter: the car not starting
6 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting and a failure. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Cylinder head gasket failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, shattering or cracking and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 136,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: key removable in gear
5 complaints (under 1%)
Key removable in gear, key removable outside park and problems that come and go. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Belt tensioner bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Drive belt tensioner: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Wheel rim: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
ABS failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Alternator or charging: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, damage and shattering or cracking.
Engine oil leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, clouded lens and problems that come and go.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Brake light switch: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Rear window glass: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, shattering or cracking and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Trunk latch: not opening or unlocking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
3 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
3 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. Median mileage when it started: about 103,000 miles.
Electrical system (part not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Immobilizer: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome.
CVT: slipping
2 complaints (under 1%)
Slipping.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Defroster failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Engine air intake: clogged
2 complaints (under 1%)
Clogged. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine sensors or computer: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and a failure.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Exterior lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Fuel pump: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell.
Mirrors: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and vibration or shudder.
Alarm system: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Belt tensioner: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Belt tensioner or bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Cruise control: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Cylinder head: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Rear suspension failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Rear suspension (part not stated): parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Weather stripping: loose
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loose and parts breaking or coming apart.
Door lock actuators: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.

Reported Once (66)

Show the 66 problems reported once

A/C compressor failure
EVAP system: fault code
Battery drain: draining the battery
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Heater: stopped working
Horn: stopped working
Screen and audio: works on and off
Oil pressure: warning lights
A/C suction line: a leak
ABS wheel speed sensor failure
HVAC contamination: rodent contamination
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Accelerator pedal or mounting: parts breaking or coming apart
Air vent: unusual noises
Airbag detonator failure
Airbag mounting bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Airbag sensor failure
Auto idle stop system: works on and off
Belt tensioner pivot bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Crankshaft pulley: damage
Cruise control switch: stopped working
Door weatherstrip: shattering or cracking
Drive belt: unusual noises
Drive belt tensioner bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Drive belts: parts breaking or coming apart
Drive-by-wire throttle system: surging
Engine block pivot bolt threads: damage
Engine bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Fire (cause not stated)
Fog lights: shattering or cracking
Immobilizer module failure
Immobilizer system: stopped working
Interior light: stopped working
Oil dipstick: damage
Power window switch failure
Rear axle failure
Rear suspension cross bar failure
Rear suspension tire rods failure
Rear window: shattering or cracking
Security alarm: not shutting off
Sensor failure
Serpentine belt tensioner: parts breaking or coming apart
Side and rear glass: fogging
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Tensioner pivot bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Throttle: sticking or stiffness
Tire valve failure
Transmission axle bearing: unusual noises
Trunk release sensor or mounting screw: parts breaking or coming apart
Uncommanded vehicle veering (cause not stated)
Vehicle malfunction (not described) (cause not stated)
Vehicle speed or acceleration issue (cause not stated)
Washer fluid reservoir failure
Wheel cover: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel studs or lug nuts: parts breaking or coming apart
Windshield washer pump failure
Parking brake: parts breaking or coming apart
Piston rings: shattering or cracking
Timing chain or camshaft: damage
Torque converter failure
Transmission computer failure
Transmission fluid leak
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheels seized (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own

How the 2006 Honda Civic Compares With Other Years

The other Civic years of the 8th generation, 2006 to 2011, 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
2012	Excellent	84	0.27×	9.7	4	Steering: loss of steering control
2011	Excellent	82	0.29×	10.5	9	Brakes: early wear
2010	Excellent	82	0.30×	13.7	8	Brakes: early wear
2009	Excellent	83	0.32×	13.3	8	Brakes: early wear
2008	Good	73	0.61×	24.7	7	Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2007	Good	72	0.82×	35.0	10	Uneven tire wear: early wear
2006 This year	Caution	68	1.1×	41.1	15	Engine failure: shattering or cracking
2005	Good	78	0.37×	11.5	10	Airbag warning light

See every Civic year

2006 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 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth 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, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V545000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V030000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V346000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 24, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 64% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 9 more recalls

Electrical system
This failure will cause the headlights to turn off, the engine to stall, and prevent the vehicle from being restarted, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 11V106000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 2, 2011.
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: switch
Failure may result in a loss of brake lights and an increased risk that the vehicle could be struck in the rear. In addition, a failed brake light switch could prevent shifting the transmission from the park position (vehicles with an automatic transmission).
NHTSA 07V402000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 5, 2007.
Service brakes, hydraulic: wheel speed sensor/tone ring
This could cause a wheel to fall off of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
NHTSA 07V399000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 5, 2007.
Engine and engine cooling: engine
The terminal may come into contact with the metal cover, which can result in an electrical short that may blow the ima fuse. A blown fuse will cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 07V034000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 8, 2007.
Visibility: glass, side/rear
The rear windshield or rear quarter glass panels may become loose, rattle or lift from the window opening or separate from the window while driving increasing the safety hazard to traffic.
NHTSA 06V326000Issued Aug 31, 2006.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
NHTSA 06V270000Issued Jul 26, 2006.
Air bags: frontal
In certain circumstances, a deploying front passenger air bag can increase the risk of injury to an infant or small child.
NHTSA 05V572000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 27, 2005.
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
If the accelerator pedal is not inserted properly, the pedal can come loose from the pedal stopper causing the throttle to become stuck increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 05V509000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 3, 2005.

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 12-049
Hood and front fender paint cracking
The problem:
The factory paint on the hood and the front edge of the fenders can crack.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the cracked paint for free.
Who qualifies:
The cracking must come from the factory paint process, not bird droppings or tree sap. Cars repainted after a crash or other repair are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 14-034
Paint cracking, chalking or clouding
The problem:
The factory paint can crack or look chalky or cloudy on the hood and front fender edges. The roof, trunk and doors can look chalky or cloudy.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the affected painted panels for free.
Who qualifies:
A Honda dealer inspection must find cracked, chalky or cloudy factory paint. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, sap and bird droppings are not covered. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 14-058
Electric power steering (heavy steering, warning light)
The problem:
The electric power steering can stop helping, so the steering feels heavy or hard to turn. The power steering warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the electric power steering control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The power steering warning light must be on with a listed steering fault stored. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-052 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
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:
18-052: Covered until January 31, 2027.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-066Ended
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 June 30, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 13-047Ended
Uneven or rapid rear tire wear
The problem:
The rear tires can wear unevenly or too fast. The wear is diagonal or along the inner edge.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the rear upper control arms at no charge.
Who qualifies:
The car needed diagonal or inner edge rear tire wear, or written proof of tires replaced for it. The suspension could not be modified. Tires worn by racing or other abuse were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended. No new repair orders were taken after February 25, 2014.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

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 2006 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 2006 Civic ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door and Hybrid 4-door, all with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

2-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat3/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2006 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 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 17V545000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 17V030000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 15 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

12-049: hood and front fender paint cracking
14-034: paint cracking, chalking or clouding
14-058: electric power steering (heavy steering, warning light)

On the Test Drive

Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.

Ask the Seller

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

Engine failure
Sun visors
Uneven tire wear
Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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.