Problems · by component

2015 Honda Civic power train problems

180 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Honda Civic cite power train, 46% of all 389 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
180
46% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The vehicle experienced a sudden component failure while driving, triggering immediate warning lights for the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), high-voltage battery system, and braking system. The failure of the Motor Power Inverter (MPI) causes an abrupt loss of hybrid electric propulsion, a loss of the high-voltage battery charging system, and poses an immediate risk of engine stalling or a sudden drop in vehicle power while traveling at highway speeds. This creates a severe, unpredictable safety hazard to the occupants and surrounding traffic. Honda is fully aware of this systemic manufacturing flaw. The company issued a 15-year / 150,000-mile warranty extension under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 20- 030 to address defective internal solder joints within the intelligent inverter unit that cause electrical shorts. Despite my vehicle suffering from the exact component failure detailed in the TSB, and despite the vehicle being well under the 150,000-mile threshold, American Honda is refusing to cover the safety-critical repair based strictly on a narrow VIN list exclusion. Because this component defect causes unpredictable electrical and propulsion failure on…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11771056
“The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 147,366.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2026Power trainODI 11759447
“The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. Upon shifting to drive(D) or to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V574000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 131,603.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 18, 2026Power trainODI 11725339
“Transmission drive belt snapped while driving. Took it to Honda dealer to diagnose, they found it to be the drive belt that snapped in the cvt transmission. There was a recall involving the same year make and model (2015 honda civic) however my car wasn't part of the recall even though this is a known problem with cars excluded from this recall. Cars included in the recall recieved software updates to decrease the tension to the belt, which can cause it to snap under stress. My car wasn't included in this software update and I believe that is a mistake. Honda denied us coverage because we weren't "loyal enough" despite driving mostly only Honda vehicles for my entire life. As for safety concern I was nearly stopped when it snapped so I was able to pull over, so it wasn't a safety concern in my instance atleast. Dealer took pictures of the transmission fluid pan and found metal debris from the metal drive belt that snapped. I just wonder if my car was included in this recall for the software update if it would still be driving today. There were no lights or signs of warning it just snapped unexpectedly. I have always changed the cvt fluid with Honda genuine…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2026Power trainODI 11712924
“No warning lights or symptoms prior to issue. Driving on the highway and vehicle suddenly started revving like it was in neutral, failing to accelerate, then died on the side of the highway.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2025Power trainODI 11706224
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The transmission is slipping or malfunctioning when driving the car, specifically when accelerating. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: When the transmission slips or malfunctions, the acceleration of the car doesn't act as it should. For example, when waiting to join a flow of vehicle traffic, or when waiting to cross a busy intersection, the delay in acceleration or the slipping of the transmission is increasing the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or causing my vehicle to block other vehicles. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: No. Additional information: I spoke with Honda in 2023 to see if there was a recall related to my CVT…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 13, 2025Power trainODI 11699290

Showing 6 of 180 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Civic vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014, to November 6, 2014 and 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to May 12, 2015. The software settings that control the transmission operation may result in damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft.

Power trainReported Sep 15, 2015NHTSA 15V574000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.