KnownCarProblems2004 Honda Civic Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 350 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Honda Civic, most often about the air bags (38% of complaints, typically around 92,000 miles). It is 16th of 27 Civic model years by number of complaints and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2004 Honda Civic problems
Air bags
133 complaints · 38%Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
Srs (airbag) light remains on. Seat belt tensioner requires replacement. The SRS airbag light controls not only airbag functionality, but also seat belt tensioners; the things that hold you in during a crash. Honda will not replace the seat belt tensioner.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Honda Civic. The supplemental restraint system light remained illuminated. The manufacturer stated that the VIN wasn't included in the Honda voluntary service warranty extension 06-009 for the supplemental restrain system trigger;therefore, they would not assist with the repair. The vehicle…
Transmission
56 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 87,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline.
Transmission slipping on 2004 Honda Civic hybrid. I have been having issues with my transmission slipping on Civic hybrid since about 30k miles. I now have 86k miles. The 1st time I brought it into my Honda dealer in south charleston wv the mechanics said Honda said to flush the transmission fluid twice to fix the…
Failure of Honda america to fix a faulty transmission. Charging for diagnostics of faulty transmission, transmission slips, judders, and seems to be failing. Transmission is worst after they said it was repaired. This is not an isolated case and apparently a manufacturing defect that american Honda should be required…
Electrical
32 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, 12v/24v/48v battery, wiring, starter assembly.
I bought a new Honda Civic hybrid in 2004 with an extended 7 yr 100k warranty. At 91k miles, I took the car in complaining that the ima battery indicator was low. I was charged over $150 for a new regular battery, told the ima battery was fine, and sent home. I visited my dealer on several occasions with similar…
My wife was driving my Honda Civic lx, 2004 . We have been using this car since last 6 year without any problem. On nov. 1st we were driving this car to go to work; car was running perfect smooth with no indication of any problem. During evening hours when she was driving back to home after work. Car started fine as…
Engine
26 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
I was stopped at a light with my r foot on the break. Suddenly the car went into an uncontrolled acceleration. I could hear the engine revving. In a few seconds, it hit the car directly in front of me and stopped upon impact but if that car hadn't been there I would have been propelled into a busy intersection with…
This is the second 04 Honda Civic I've owned. The first one was a hybrid and the transmission blew while driving on the highway. The Civic I own now only has 85k and was previously owned by an old lady since it was new. But low and behold the transmission blew while driving again. How many people need to get injured…
Speed control
23 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
My car accelerated while in parking lot and went inside a building. I was not hurt. My car was damaged and the building and another car I hit sustained a significant damage.
While driving my 2004 Honda Civic just off from work at 8:30 pm, it started to accelerate without reducing the RPM's. I removed my foot from the pedal and continue to accelerate. Got on the freeway, and kept accelerating without control, at 50 MPH, I tried to brake with no response, so I shut down the key and pulled…
Seat belts
20 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 95,500 miles. Parts named most often: rear/other.
Srs (airbag) light remains on. Seat belt tensioner requires replacement. The SRS airbag light controls not only airbag functionality, but also seat belt tensioners; the things that hold you in during a crash. Honda will not replace the seat belt tensioner.
Vehicle driver side seat belt does not retract. After airbag light came on seat belt will not retract into the seat belt retainer. I feel very dangerous and Honda will not address the issue. Stating it is not under warranty.
Fuel system
18 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 73,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery.
This model car has a documented issue with the start clutch performance. This issue creates a safety hazard due to the unpredictable acceleration it causes. Despite re-surfacing procedures, the issue will return. This is not simply a wear issue, the part(s) and/or design are faulty. This is common knowledge among…
My 04 Honda Civic, fuel door latch would not open due to the latch not working. This is the second time this happened. It cost me 160.00 to fix it and I believe its a defect in the car.
Other or unspecified
17 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 87,500 miles.
While driving, loud non-stop transmission bearing noise began. In every gear. Pops out of gear at times. Difficult to get into gear at times. I have to press the gear in slowly to get it into gear at times. This has caused me difficulties in traffic & when gearing down to turn or stop. Almost rear ended at times due…
My 04 Civic wiring almost set my car completely on fire. The whole electrical harnesses where melted the car without warning started blowing smoke out of the air vents, I pulled over and the car was thick with smoke. The wires under the hood and inside the car all the way to the trunk were all melted. I towed the car…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Honda Civic recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began august 12, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are q5a and y58.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2003 acura 3.2cl, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2003-2006 mdx, 2001-2007 honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot and 2006 ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began august 12, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are e5d and x5c.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 acura mdx, 2005-2012 rl, 2003-2007 honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007-2008 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014 ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began april 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is o41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is u40.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling specific 2003 acura 3.2cl, 2013-2016 ilx, 2013-2014 ilx hybrid, 2003-2006 mdx, 2007-2016 rdx, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 tl, 2010-2013 zdx and 2001-2007 and 2009 honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014 ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began june 22, 2018. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are k1p, and m1o.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 honda accord and pilot, 2010 accord crosstour, 2001-2011 civic, 2002-2011 cr-v, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 element, 2007 and 2009-2013 fit, 2010-2012 insight, 2002-2004 odyssey, and 2012 ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2015. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are ju4, ju5, ju6, and ju7. Note: vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14v353 or 14v700 (honda recall numbers s95, jh6, jh7, jh8, jh9, jj0, jj1, jj2, jj6, jm5 and jm6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13v132 and 14v349. Note: on december
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 honda civic vehicles manufactured march 21, 2000, to january 20, 2005, 2001-2004 honda civic gx vehicles manufactured june 14, 2000, to august 19, 2004, 2003-2005 honda civic hybrid vehicles manufactured february 24, 2002, to january 18, 2005, 2003-2007 honda accord vehicles manufactured february 21, 2002, to august 28, 2007, 2002-2004 honda cr-v vehicles, 2002-2003 honda odyssey vehicles manufactured june 19, 2001, to july 12, 2003, 2003 acura mdx vehicles manufactured september 19, 2002, to june 19, 2003, 2003 honda element vehicles manufactured june 25, 2002, to july 31, 2003, and 2003 honda pilot vehicles manufactured november 26, 2001, to august 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupt
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2015. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to september 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after september 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already rec
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2001-2004 honda civic gx, 2003-2005 honda civic hybrid, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, 2006 ridgeline, 2003 acura 3.2cl, 2003-2006 acura mdx, and 2002-2003 acura 3.2tl vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began january 26, 2015. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Full defect summary
American honda motor co. (honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 honda civic, 2003-2004 civic cng and element, 2002-2005 cr-v, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2005 accord, pilot, civic hybrid, and acura mdx, 2005 acura rl and 2006 honda ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in alabama, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, u.s. Virgin islands, saipan, guam, and american samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during august 2014. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Full defect summary
American honda motor company, inc.'s (honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 accord, civic, cr-v, pilot and acura mdx, model year 2003-2004 odyssey and element, and model year 2005 acura rl, and 2006 honda ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in california, and equipped with takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Fuel system: tank assembly
Risk: This could result in a tank rupture, explosion, and ejection of the tank from the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will install a heat insulator material to the rear seat back. An interim owner letter was mailed to owners beginning november 26, 2007. When parts are available, owners will be renotified asking them to bring in their vehicle for repair. Owners may contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Full defect summary
On certain compressed natural gas (cng) vehicles, in the event of a severe interior fire in the area of the rear seat, the cng tank may be heated unevenly, preventing the pressure relief device from venting the contents of the tank as designed.
Seat belts: anchorage
Risk: An improperly positioned belt could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front seat belt anchors for restricted movement. If an anchor does not rotate freely, the dealer will replace the washer with a countermeasure washer. The recall began on november 24, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, some front seat belt anchors may have been installed with an incorrect washer, which could restrict anchor movement. As a result, the seat belt may be improperly positioned for certain occupants.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Questions about the 2004 Honda Civic
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Honda Civic?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (133 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles); transmission (56 complaints, typically around 87,500 miles); electrical (32 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Honda Civic have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 27, 2019 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Honda Civic?
- It is 16th of 27 Civic model years by number of complaints, with 350 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.