Problems · by component

2016 Honda Civic power train problems

37 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Civic cite power train, 3% of all 1,083 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
37
3% of all complaints
Crashes
4
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
“2016 Honda Civic EX-T 1.5L turbo. Coolant is disappearing with no visible external leak. Diagnosed by mechanic as likely head gasket failure. This is a known defect affecting 2016-2022 Civics with the 1.5T engine. There is an active class action lawsuit (Alcantara et al. v. American Honda Motor Co.) regarding this exact issue. Vehicle has approximately 190,000 miles.””
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11736313
“The CVT transmission causes the car to stall when gaining acceleration past 20 mph-40 mph from a complete stop and when slowing down and then trying to gain rpm with flow of traffic whether on streets or highways. This can cause a safety concern for the driver if the car stalls out in the middle of oncoming traffic in the streets or highways that could potentially lead to death of owner and others. The car was taken to the dealership and no warning lamps were on. The tech had mentioned that they see this problem a lot with this model containing the CVT transmissions.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 12, 2025Power trainODI 11686790
“The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, the contact was informed that both CV axles were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 16, 2024Power trainODI 11631067
“Over a several month period the car was losing radiator fluid. I figured it was probably a stuck thermostat and the fluid was coming from the overflow. But only once did I see a minimal amount of fluid. Not near the amount that had been lost in the cooling system. Fast forward a few months and I am driving home. Top speed starts out at the speed limit of 70 and slowly slips to 65 then 60. Giving it more gas would increase the rpms but no power or forward thrust was making to the tires. It was as if, it was falling into neutral. The next morning drive to work was much worse. starting with a top speed of 65 within 10 miles on the highway the top speed went to 55 then to 45 then 35. When the top speed was 45 mph I took the first exit and made it through a stop sign on the service road. With a crawling speed of 10 mph it limped into a strip-center parking lot. Once it was stopped, pushing the gas pedal would increase rpms but no forward movement. So, I assumed a new transmission (CTV) was in my future and had it towed to a local dependable, honest, five-star reviewed auto shop. They found it misfiring and upon investigation find radiator fluid in the oil. So, they…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 11, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11624575
“The air conditioner does not blow cold air. The heating and fan work just fine, but no cool air. I was told by Honda that if it’s not because of the recall, that I would have to pay, and that just wasn’t feasible at the time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 23, 2024Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11610544
“- HONDA CVT TRANSMISSION: 4356 - Went out. Is available for inspection within the week. - My daughter was driving on the freeway in the fast lane when vehicle started making loud hum noise then, came to a stop. She had to coast to the side of the road, where she was almost hit by multiple vehicles. - Yes Vehicle has been inspected by a independent service center - towed by USAA insurance. - Has been inspected by other: Davis Auto Clinic, Davis, CA 95616 - No warning lights came on, or symptoms of the problem. Only hum noise which began 5 minutes before car stalled in middle of freeway. First appeared at time of stall, no warning at all.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2024Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11594965

Showing 6 of 37 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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