The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2017 2017
The right halfshaft may have been improperly heat treated, reducing its strength.
- 2015 2015
The software settings that control the transmission operation may result in damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft.
- 2012 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
This vehicle has had three transmissions installed. The vehicle shakes when braking, and when it is at a complete stop.
2001 Honda Civic owner · NHTSA complaint
Transmission failure - confirmed by honda service. Needed to be replaced for under $3,000.00. My car is only 77k miles.
2001 Honda Civic owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Honda Civic years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Honda Civic years are 2001, 2002, 2015.
What are common Honda Civic transmission problems?
Owners most often describe slipping, lost power while driving, transmission replaced.
Which Honda Civic years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Honda Civic years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2021, 2011, 2023.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Honda Civic reliability by year. How we count