Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION
110211/16/200210013763Front camber adjustment. honda tech line summary. *tt04/26/2005
11010211/01/200210005885Service manual fix. front caster inspection. honda servicenews. *tt03/18/2004
100210/16/200210005944Sports suspension alignment specifications. honda october tech line information. *tt03/18/2004
11010211/01/200210005884Service manual fix. wheel alignment specs. honda servicenews. *tt03/18/2004
0105407/03/2001624364Subject regarding front suspension noise. *et11/05/2001
01010101/01/2001624152Information on regarding:s/m fix: damper/spring replacement. *et11/01/2001
0105408/07/200101054623222Subject regarding front suspension noise. *et10/26/2001
01020102/01/2001619950Subject regarding damper / spring replacement. *tt07/06/2001
SUSPENSION - FRONT
0303904/02/20040303910003482Knock, pop, or squeak from the front suspension. *tt update. *tt10/21/2003
590502/14/2002629541Customers may complain of a twang noise from the front suspension that sounds like a spring contact. *slc04/02/2002
0105411/20/200101054627331Subject regarding front suspension noise. *slc02/06/2002
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
0407912/21/200410017044Lower ball joint replacement. *tt10/21/2005
16060106/16/2001624694Subject regarding separating of lower control arm ball joint. *et11/08/2001
01070107/01/2001624387Information regarding: separating lower control arm ball joints. *et11/05/2001
SUSPENSION - REAR
0207009/30/20030207010004648Squeak from the rear suspension. *tt12/29/2003
0207005/06/20030207010001625Squeak from the rear suspension. *tt06/17/2003
0207012/03/200210000689Squeak from the rear suspension. *tt03/27/2003

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
04/10/2007128000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 honda civic purchased brand new in 2001. she stated that the srs airbag light continued to illuminate on the warning panel. she received a recall letter pertaining to the failure. the dealer stated that the vehicle would be repaired in 5 days. she requested a rental vehicle at no cost; however, the manufacturer denied the request. the brakes had been replaced over four times in a period of 4 years which resulted in the struts being damaged. the transmission was replaced twice. the fuel pump, air conditioning system, alternator have also been repaired and the power locks were inoperable. the failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 128,000.
11/01/2004503/09/2004
 The vehicle gas gauge fluctuated between half a tank and a fourth of a tank within short periods of time and did not really move during long distance trips. *tc the front shock made noises, the front spring was weak, there was a noise coming from the power steering pump, and a ticking noise in the engine. *sc *jb
08/09/20041
 While driving steering wheel shook uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle , and drove it to dealer. mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated. *ak
11/15/200230000
 A/c doesn't get cold, can't get honda to fix as been this way since new. brakes went bad with about 15000 miles on them. were bad before that, still does not stop right, and has a vibraton when stopping transmission has a thumping like noise some times while idling. had to replace strut on passanager side, couldn't get honda to pay for all of it. i think one on driver side is bad also. service manager told me this was a problem with the honda civic
 The vehicle failed safety inspection because the the spring torsion and shocks needed to be replaced. these parts were on back order and the consumer was unable to drive the vehicle until the problems were fixed. *nlm
03/23/2003203/01/2001
 Car has been nothing but problems since purchased in march 2001. brakes have been replaced 2 times for vibration problems again 4000 miles later brakes are bad. tires worn to unsafe tread depth w/ 2500 miles. front struts both blown, told by dealer that they were on national back-order??? as to when they will be available. driver seat rocks, dealer fixed once saying a shim was broke, again 8000 miles later driver seat rocks again. paint on car has many small rust spots. clutch must have flat spots on it, as when i release clutch to start moving there is a jumping sensation able to be felt by driver. again car has been nothing but problems. *jb
02/17/2003
 The left rear wheel bearing snapped without warning, caused the tire to wobble and made it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. *nlm
110/01/2000
 While driving, the vehicle vibrates at about 70 mph. the consumer stated that the manufacturer refuses to duplicate or remedy the problem. *yh
SUSPENSION - FRONT
03/03/2008854731012/29/2006
 I have owned a 2001 honda civic lx since late december 2006 i have had the car a little over a year, when i bought the car it had 60,000 miles and it currently has 86,000 miles on it. since the car was purchased i have had nothing but suspension problems. it seems like each time i drive it something is making a noise in the front end. i understand that this problem may be or may not be honda's fault. i did purchase the car used and the suspension was not serviced at a certified honda dealer; but i have read online that there is a lot of other people that experience these same issues with their 2001-2002 civics. i think honda should be forced to recall these vehicles its a matter of their consumers safety when the suspension is jeopardized. my warranty has covered most items but its a constant hassle to constantly keep bringing the car into the shop. i bought the civic cause everyone said how wonderful of a car it was and this one has been nothing but a nightmare both with the suspension failures and other things that constantly go wrong with it. i think i might be trading the vehicle in but i wanted to voice my opinion. *tr
06/15/200478000101/16/2004
 The front suspensions failed prematurely for a 3 year old car. both struts needed to be replaced. not cover by warranty after 3 years.*ak
10/01/2003106/01/2001
 Loud clunking noise coming from front suspension.*mr the consumer has had ongoing problems with the loud noise coming from the suspension. the dealer was notified and to date problem has not been resolved. please review for further investigations. *cb
02/01/20012002/01/2001
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
105/01/2001
 Consumers vehicle shakes while running, once car is stopped it continues to shake and does not shut off. *jg
10/06/200105/01/2001
 Faulty handling characteristics: on a few occassions, while turning or changing lanes at moderate speeds on pavement that was not perfectly smooth, the car 'hopped' sideways unpredictably. this was very disconcerting, and despite this models excellent crash-test results, this problem presents a safety hazard. automobile magazine, april, 2002, p. 124, refers to this front suspension flaw on 2001 models only (corrected on 2002 models) as like driving a tired, old taxicab. i've asked the service dept. twice to look into the matter & received no response. i've also written to honda corp. in torrance, ca twice, with no response to date. i believe that a recall or similar measure would be in order to remedy this handling problem. i would like honda to correct this problem at no cost and provide me with a loaner car, or to replace my car with a 2002 civic lx coupe at no cost to me. would you please look into this matter and advise? thank you. sincerely, phillip s. mitchell (ps - i will not be at my work number again until 4-22-02. please contact me by e-mail.)*ak
105/01/2001
 Consumers vehicle shakes while running, once car is stopped it continues to shake and does not shut off. *jg
10/23/20011
 Consumer touched brakes to slow vehicle down, but vehicle swerved, and consumer hit another vehicle. *ak consumer stateed brakes squeaks and parking brake needs adjustment, transmission is making noise, no power on acceleration, upper windshield molding failed and reinstalled, noise is coming from right front wheel, gas gauge will fluctuate at times and front engine mount broke.*yd
05/30/20011
 When turning sharply to the left or right the steering wheel shakes. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
05/23/20081
 I just had my 2001 civic in to the dealer last friday for the 120k maintenance. i was told that my vehicle needs both front lower control arms plus the exhaust manifold is cracked. i called honda america and spoke with john. none of the parts are covered. the provisions on the exhaust manifold are 8 yrs or 80k miles. i'm well over the mileage, i'm 100% responsible. he said there was no history of this being an ongoing or reported problem to honda. as far as john was concerned, i'm the only one with the problem of a cracked exhaust manifold. *tr
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
04/02/2008160000110/10/2007
 I have a 2001 honda civic. my daughter was driving the car home from school on interstate 95. the lower control arm broke while she was diving 70 mph. when the part broke , it broke the axle going to the transmission and pulled the sway bar loose. the honda dealership stated they had never seen this part fail before. *tr
04/05/2006110/30/2000
 Possible suspension defect. incident date of 04/05/2006 is date informed by dealer of problems. noticed car squeaked/creaked a lot when turning. brought car to dealer for 75k checkup and asked him to examine suspension. dealer informed me that both of my front struts leaked and needed to be replaced, that one motor mount was cracked, and that both of the lower control arms needed to be replaced. car was maintained in accordance with owner's manual and serviced almost entirely by same dealer for 5 1/2 years. no accident occurred, but all of these problems within such a short period of time (3-6 months between prior major and minor checkups and the checkup that discovered these problems and 5 1/2 years for the car age) are cause for concern, especially since they could have worked together to cause a drastic loss of control of the car. based on my prior ownership experience with a 1992 honda civic and research on the internet, it is difficult to believe that all of these problems should have occurred. thus, i believe that certain components of my 2001 honda civic's suspension may be defective. the assumed defect may be due to a design flaw, since 2001 was when honda stopped using double-wishbone suspension in their u.s. civics in lieu of old suspension type. *nm
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
04/03/2008111800109/12/2005
 While having the transmission replaced, also another defect, it was discovered that i needed 2 new front struts. this just added to the already extremely expensive repair. my daughter drives the car and the safety of this vehicle scares me. honda should recall the entire vehicle. *tr
04/01/200838772103/31/2001
 On 4/1/08 i took my 2001 honda civic with 38,772 miles to my local firestone dealer for an oil change. i purchased this vehicle new on 3/31/01. firestone showed me oil leaking from both front struts. they added that this could be a potentially dangerous situation as the front springs would crack or, fall off potentially lead to a motor vehicle accident causing death or, injury. with the low mileage on the vehicle, i deem this a factory defect and fear the possibility of a serious motor vehicle accident. *tr
09/25/2007117000205/01/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 honda civic. while driving 5-10 mph, the driver side air bag deployed without warning. the driver suffered a sore arm and neck. the dealer refused to inspect the vehicle to determine the cause of failure. approximately two days later, the passenger side air bag deployed without warning. the dealer inspected the vehicle, however, they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. the current and failure mileages were 117,000. the consumer stated in may 2007 the recall work was completed on the srs due to faulty opds on the passenger side. the dealer stated check rattle under front end, needs front struts. updated 10/18/07 *tr
04/05/2006110/30/2000
 Possible suspension defect. incident date of 04/05/2006 is date informed by dealer of problems. noticed car squeaked/creaked a lot when turning. brought car to dealer for 75k checkup and asked him to examine suspension. dealer informed me that both of my front struts leaked and needed to be replaced, that one motor mount was cracked, and that both of the lower control arms needed to be replaced. car was maintained in accordance with owner's manual and serviced almost entirely by same dealer for 5 1/2 years. no accident occurred, but all of these problems within such a short period of time (3-6 months between prior major and minor checkups and the checkup that discovered these problems and 5 1/2 years for the car age) are cause for concern, especially since they could have worked together to cause a drastic loss of control of the car. based on my prior ownership experience with a 1992 honda civic and research on the internet, it is difficult to believe that all of these problems should have occurred. thus, i believe that certain components of my 2001 honda civic's suspension may be defective. the assumed defect may be due to a design flaw, since 2001 was when honda stopped using double-wishbone suspension in their u.s. civics in lieu of old suspension type. *nm
02/08/20062000010
 2001+ civic strut bearing and steering defect on the 2001 civic the strut bearing (shock upper bearing, not the wheel bearing) is a plastic component and not a ball bearing as on the 2002 and up civics. this plastic bearing have more friction than a ball bearing. that more friction result in you (driver) have to apply more force on the steering wheel and even in all the steering components causing wear on the parts. another fact is when the wheel (and tire) hit on a hole the plastic bearing doesn't resist the impact (as a metal ball bearing can do). this result in fast wear and deformation to the part. this plastic bearing, (that you can easily bend with your hands and isn't well engineered) can't support a 2500 pounds car hitting a hole at 60 mph (120 mph speed limit; as safety factor). when the bearing fails the wheels can't be turned well and some times the spring seats hit (or scuff) the strut tower resulting in a non well steering at all. even this causes damage to other steering and suspension parts. this result in some problems that are common subjects in many 2001 civics as you can see in car forums: the steering wheel doesn't return to its center position after turning in any direction, wheel misalignment, vibrations in the steering wheel, parts and tires unusual wear, sounds and clicks on the steering and suspension components, and others. is known misaligned vehicles, worn steering and suspension components, vibrations on the steering wheel, affects the vehicle drivability and can result in serious accident and injuries. the vibrations and the excess of force that have to be applied to the steering wheel, as on other mechanical parts, can cause health diseases. as mentioned, honda correct this defect on the later models from 2002 replacing the plastic bearing with a metal ball bearing and doing some changes to the upper spring seats and other components. *jb
10/10/2004180001
 2001 honda civic ex 23,000 miles both front struts leaking, poor handling. *ak
07/09/20041
 I recently bought a 2001 honda civic used with 80,000 miles on it. after i purchased it i was driving home on freeway hit a bump and i had a hard time controlling it. i didn't really notice this problem when test driving car. i bought a honda with the knowledge of its reliability.this is not a safe car what so ever!!!!!!!ive never had to replace struts on other cars ive owned including a recent honda that had close to 300,000 k on it.i demand that honda recalls this problem before someone gets hurt!!!!!!!!!!!i was suppost to save money by purchasing a honda not spending $800.00 every 20,ooo miles. c.g.s.*ak
600001
 While driving at any speed vehicle makes a loud crunching sound and bounces. there are no lights or anything indicating that something is wrong with the vehicle. while turning left or right there is a knock coming from the front wheels. *ak
11/19/20022007
 While driving at any speed vehicle will squeak and the struts will leak. the front struts were replaced seven times by the dealer.*ak
11/02/20033500004/06/2001
 2001 honda civic has suspension problems,both front struts are leaking. only parts available are through the dealer and they are very expensive.
06/15/20015
 I have had my drivers side seat track replaced at least 5 times since i have owned the car. i have also have had both front struts replaced, both front springs, rear speaker, rear bumper repainted. i am trying to get rid of the car under the nj lemon law. to this day i have not been satisfied. this has been going on for more than a year.*ak
05/21/200340000
 Consumer took vehicle in for service, after the front end developed a noise. mechanic noticed that the struts needed replacing. please provide any further information.*ak
04/15/20031
 The front struts experienced premature failure, which made the vehicle difficult to control. *jb
04/01/200356500102/18/2001
 Left front strut is leaking, my car vibrates so severely that i cannot drive over 40 mph. there are no struts in the usa - on critical back order. my dealership has seen noticeable quantities of this problem. the 2001 civic has a new suspension system in it, and it is flawed in my opinion. my car has never been in a wreck, and does mostly interstate driving. *nlm
04/22/20031
 The front struts leaked. *jb
03/05/200313700102/17/2000
 Warranty parts not being provided in timely manner. front struts are both leaking. *nlm
1
 The vehicle jumped on bumpy roads as well as smooth roads. the vehicle was taken to the dealership and the mechanic stated the vehicle needed new struts, however the part was on back order. *jb
02/16/200323000211/11/2001
 I own a honda civic ex 2001, and the handling on the car is unsafe due to faulty struts. the car rattles and shakes on even the slightest of bumps. i bought the car new and had the right front strut replaced at 23,000 miles. at 27,000 i had to replace the left right strut as well. the parts are on back order due to what honda rep described is a very common problem on 2001 honda civics. *jb
03/03/200340000107/05/2001
 Left and right front macpherson struts leaking, causing front end noise and very poor handling. parts back-ordered for undetermined time. *jb
11/01/2000
 Left and right front macpherson struts leaking, causing front end noise and poor handling.*ak
12/23/20001
 Left front strut is leaking and is causing front end noise and poor handling. *slc
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
06/15/20015
 I have had my drivers side seat track replaced at least 5 times since i have owned the car. i have also have had both front struts replaced, both front springs, rear speaker, rear bumper repainted. i am trying to get rid of the car under the nj lemon law. to this day i have not been satisfied. this has been going on for more than a year.*ak
04/01/2001103/01/2001
 Wind noise can be heard inside the vehicle, the dealer resealed the windshield molding, noise while braking, faulty ecm fuse caused the vehicle to stall while stopped, rattle in dash, dealer replaced the felt tape between the air ducts and vents, cd player skips and was replaced, faulty front spring caused noise in the front end, both left doors leak, the drivers seat is loose at the track, a ripped seal caused the sunroof to leak, steering wheel not centered. mr *nlm
07/24/2001907/23/2001
 While traveling approximately 25 to 30 mph and making a turn, engine stalled and caused steering column to lock up. this problem did not result in a crash or injuries. dealership examined vehicle for engine stalling, but has failed to remedy the problem. *ak while driving, consumer heard a metal to metal sound coming from right wheel well. consumer was told computer was not set properly according to the vin code, this was a service bulletin, dealer stated this could be why stalling was occurring, 4 fuses blew and now dealer replaced fuse box, dealer thinks this may be a reason why the vehicle stalled also, dealer also states that he does not know why the fuses blew to begin with, the blown fuse caused moonroof to be inoperable. vents loose. trunk release inoperable. springs squeak and were replaced. defective weld in the passenger side door rusted. vehicle experiences rough idle. driver side tweeter cracking. driver side mud flap loose. passenger kick panel uneven. fuel gauge erratic. *slc
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
08/13/2008898001
 Front wheel bearing failure: while driving on interstate, noted humming in front of vehicle. continued to drive and noted only hummed above 40 mph. changed tires and rotated wheels. continued to hum but louder. took it into honda service where front wheel bearings were replace since the left had failed, right had leaked grease. (honda civic 2001; 89000 miles.) fortunately we did not wait too long. *tr
05/05/2006712/22/2001
 My 2001 honda civic ex srs light came up last week. this car had lot of issues since i bought in 2000 december 1. radio replaced 1 month after purchase. 2. right front side wheel bearing was replaced within 6 months under warranty. it failed again in 2005. i had it replaced again in 2005 for $500. 3. side airbag light reset within 2 years. it came back again in 2000. the dealer doesn't know what is causing the problem. its going to cost me $600 to replace the sensor. 4. front side windows get stuck and don't roll up properly in cold weather. in 2003 dealer replaced the motor for $600 but still doesn't work. 5. replaced front struts in 2006 6. power steering pump failed in 2006 will cost me $500 to replace. 7. srs light came up and stays on in 2006. don't know what it will take to get this repaired. overall i think 2001 civic is a piece of junk. *jb
03/03/20031
 The wheel bearing snapped, which caused the tire to wobble. *jb
SUSPENSION - REAR
03/15/20081
 2001 honda civic lost control. consumer states that the right rear tire was on its side. consumer had someone look at the vehicle that told them that the right rear control arm came off and the bolts were missing. *kb
07/01/2002
 While traveling on highway consumer is hearing a ticking noise coming from rear of vehicle. dealership is aware of problem.*ak
01/01/190120001
 While driving a noise was heard from the rear. the vehicle went into a 180 degree spin hitting a mailbox and causing damage to the vehicle. the arm, rear suspension broke disconnecting the right rear wheel from the frame.*tt *nm