MYRModel Year Report

2003 Honda Civic

◆ Worse than typical
2003 Honda Civic
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
499
Recalls
24

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 9 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1986: 35 complaints 1987: 39 complaints 1987 1988: 48 complaints 1989: 69 complaints 1990: 92 complaints 1991: 111 complaints 1992: 100 complaints 1993: 155 complaints 1993 1994: 161 complaints 1995: 199 complaints 1996: 305 complaints 1997: 373 complaints 1998: 435 complaints 1999: 338 complaints 2000: 287 complaints 2001: 1,079 complaints 2002: 702 complaints 2003: 499 complaints 2003 499 2004: 350 complaints 2005: 315 complaints 2006: 1,402 complaints 2007: 1,204 complaints 2008: 916 complaints 2009: 395 complaints 2010: 397 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 455 complaints 2013: 318 complaints 2014: 292 complaints 2015: 378 complaints 2016: 1,080 complaints 2017: 598 complaints 2017 2018: 744 complaints 2019: 434 complaints 2020: 225 complaints 2021: 144 complaints 2022: 883 complaints 2023: 255 complaints 2023 2024: 124 complaints 2025: 75 complaints 2026: 30 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 9 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 15 complaints 1986: 35 complaints 1987: 39 complaints 1987 1988: 48 complaints 1989: 69 complaints 1990: 92 complaints 1990 1991: 111 complaints 1992: 100 complaints 1993: 155 complaints 1993 1994: 161 complaints 1995: 199 complaints 1996: 305 complaints 1996 1997: 373 complaints 1998: 435 complaints 1999: 338 complaints 1999 2000: 287 complaints 2001: 1,079 complaints 2002: 702 complaints 2003: 499 complaints 2003 499 2004: 350 complaints 2005: 315 complaints 2006: 1,402 complaints 2007: 1,204 complaints 2008: 916 complaints 2008 2009: 395 complaints 2010: 397 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 455 complaints 2013: 318 complaints 2014: 292 complaints 2014 2015: 378 complaints 2016: 1,080 complaints 2017: 598 complaints 2017 2018: 744 complaints 2019: 434 complaints 2020: 225 complaints 2020 2021: 144 complaints 2022: 883 complaints 2023: 255 complaints 2023 2024: 124 complaints 2025: 75 complaints 2026: 30 complaints 2026
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 9 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1985 1986: 35 complaints 1987: 39 complaints 1987 1988: 48 complaints 1989: 69 complaints 1989 1990: 92 complaints 1991: 111 complaints 1991 1992: 100 complaints 1993: 155 complaints 1993 1994: 161 complaints 1995: 199 complaints 1995 1996: 305 complaints 1997: 373 complaints 1997 1998: 435 complaints 1999: 338 complaints 1999 2000: 287 complaints 2001: 1,079 complaints 2001 2002: 702 complaints 2003: 499 complaints 2003 499 2004: 350 complaints 2005: 315 complaints 2005 2006: 1,402 complaints 2007: 1,204 complaints 2007 2008: 916 complaints 2009: 395 complaints 2009 2010: 397 complaints 2011: 169 complaints 2011 2012: 455 complaints 2013: 318 complaints 2013 2014: 292 complaints 2015: 378 complaints 2015 2016: 1,080 complaints 2017: 598 complaints 2017 2018: 744 complaints 2019: 434 complaints 2019 2020: 225 complaints 2021: 144 complaints 2021 2022: 883 complaints 2023: 255 complaints 2023 2024: 124 complaints 2025: 75 complaints 2025 2026: 30 complaints

2003: 499 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19821
19839
19845
198515
198635
198739
198848
198969
199092
1991111
1992100
1993155
1994161
1995199
1996305
1997373
1998435
1999338
2000287
20011,079
2002702
2003499
2004350
2005315
20061,402
20071,204
2008916
2009395
2010397
2011169
2012455
2013318
2014292
2015378
20161,080
2017598
2018744
2019434
2020225
2021144
2022883
2023255
2024124
202575
202630

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

28% · 141 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and attempting to proceed at a green light, the front passenger side of the vehicle crashed into the front driver-side of another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-25

Takata recall: there have been numerous times where I have either called or went to a Honda dealership to have the airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger side, fixed to avoid harm to myself or others.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-07

Also filed under Electrical system and exterior lighting

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while approaching a stop light the brakes failed. The contact stated that the vehicle did not slow down and the brake pedal kicked back up when depressed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-21

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Power train

20% · 102 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

10% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

When coming to a slow stop, with brake lightly applied, the vehicle is designed to turn off the engine and disengage the transmission while the vehicle is still moving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-29

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

7% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Driver had just stopped vehicle in parking spot when it unexpectedly accelerated over the curb and hit another vehicle,also hit shrubs in common area of parking lot. Driver applied brakes and was able to stop vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-22

After being stopped for a few minutes at a stop lightthe car suddenly lurched forward. Whereas, I might believe my foot lifted off the brake a little that should have caused the vehicle to roll forward and not suddenly accelerate.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-06

Consumer stated upon entering the driveway of her home, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and could not be stopped by applying the brakes, the vehicle hit the rear wall of the garage causing damage to both the automobile and her home.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-27

Safety timeline

24 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 499 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2006-04-17Exterior lighting06E032000 Certain eagle eyes and sonar headlights and corner lights sold as aftermarket for use on 1988-2005 Honda Civic, 1990-2005 Honda accord, and 1990-2001 Acura integra passenger vehicles listed above.…

    Remedy: Tom motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the purchase of noncompliant lights. The recall began April 17, 2006. Owners may contact tom motorsport at 626-968-4007.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2006-05-02Exterior lighting06E025000 Certain poli-auto combination headlamp assemblies, p/nos. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&c), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730…

    Remedy: Poli-auto will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps at its original purchase price. The recall is expected to begin during April 2006. Owners may contact poli-auto at 305-477-1356.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…

    Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2006-05-10Exterior lighting06E040000 Certain e speed racing combination lamps sold as replacement equipment for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors…

    Remedy: E speed racing will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began May 10, 2006. Owners may contact e speed racing 909-923-3636.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2006-05-10Exterior lighting06E038000 Certain alfaotto combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to…

    Remedy: Alfaotto will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2006. Owners may contact alfaotto at 626-656-2992 or visit their website at www.alfaotto.com.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2006-07-10Exterior lighting06E044000 Certain j & a auto accessories combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side…

    Remedy: J & a auto accessories will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps. The recall began on July 10, 2006. Owners may contact j & a auto accessories at 310-327-4981.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2006-08-01Exterior lighting06E060000 Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the…

    Remedy: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    2007-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-11-20 Cng tank exploding in a fire
  11. R
    2007-11-15Fuel system, other07V512000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2008-01-15Visibility07E104000 Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp inc., identified as DOT-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and…

    Remedy: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…

    Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. I
    2009-01-05Engineering analysisClosed 2010-10-14 Ignition Shift Interlock
  15. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2010-10-07Electrical system10V364000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 Honda accord, Civic two and four door, and model year 2003-2004 Honda element vehicles. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may unexpectedly…

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. I
    2011-09-12Engineering analysisClosed 2012-09-17 Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating
  19. R
    2012-04-27Exterior lighting12V136000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 CR-V; model year 2003 through 2005 Pilot; and model year 2002 and 2003 Civic vehicles. In March 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall…

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in April 2012. Owners of…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  20. I
    2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  21. R
    2014-09-12Air bags14V353000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. R
    2015-01-26Air bags14V700000 American Honda Motor Co.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  23. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  24. R
    2015-07-01Air bags15V320000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  25. R
    2015-07-01Air bags15V370000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  26. R
    2018-06-22Air bags18V268000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  27. R
    2019-04-10Air bags19V182000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  28. R
    2019-08-12Air bags19V499000 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,...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  29. R
    2019-08-12Air bags19V501000 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,...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  30. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  31. R
    Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.

    Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 141 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 102 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 51 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E032000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E025000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E040000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E038000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E044000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E060000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 07V512000 · Fuel system, other
  • Recall 07E104000 · Visibility
  • Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 10V364000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 12V136000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 14V353000 · Air bags
  • Recall 14V700000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V320000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V370000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V268000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V182000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V499000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V501000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Honda Civic reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Honda Civic is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Honda Civic?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Honda Civic have?
24 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.