Problems · by component

2017 Honda Civic power train problems

29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Honda Civic cite power train, 5% of all 608 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
29
5% of all complaints
Crashes
1
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
“When driving at any speed, there is noticeable jerking in the power steering whenever making minor movements on the steering wheel. Rather than smoothly adjust the direction for the vehicle, this jerking will forcibly redirect the vehicle to move in the direction the steering wheel was turned. This results in the inability to smoothly drive straight and results in unpredictable jerking movements, which is a huge safety issue at high speeds. Similar recalls for this problem have been issued for other years of Honda Civics, but not for the 2017 one.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2025Steering, Power trainODI 11690129
“We are experiencing a technical issue with the vehicle, which appears to be caused by a software or component error, rather than user error. This situation has led to the car starting unexpectedly and presenting challenges that could compromise safety while driving. Unfortunately, there has yet to be a recall or resolution communicated by the authorities.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 2, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11633785
“Sudden loss of acceleration. CVT Transmission failure. Vehicle has been single owner and properly maintained, only 72K miles on it. There have been no issues with the transmission up to this incident. Pulling out of a parking lot the car revved and seemed like it wasn't going into gear. Car came to a complete stop in the middle of the road and could not move in any gear. We had it towed to the garage and they confirmed that the transmission oil was completely burnt and that the transmission needed replaced, which they agreed was completely premature.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 3, 2024Power trainODI 11580847
“The passenger side CVC axle is too short and everything that it calls for is 36 in and 1/8 the original is 38 and 5/16 it don't make no sense I've been talking to everyone”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2023Power trainODI 11540957
“Suddenly loss of acceleration. Transmission failure. The vehicle is at Stonecrest Honda. If not for my quick action and low traffic this could have caused a serious accident had I been at highway speed in heavy traffic. Stone rest Honda has confirmed transmission failure. Only warning lamps were unrelated. Intermittent lamps for the brake system and O2 sensor. Both rarely come on. Have had codes ran multiple times no one is ever able to fix the O2 code even the Honda dealership the vehicle was purchased from. Break system lights have been addressed and updates have been done previously and had only re-appeared just before the incident. I have had no issues with my transmission or I would have had the vehicle serviced. No slipping no strange sounds. This came out of nowhere leaving a parking lot from work not even 20 mph. I buy Hondas for the reliability and to have my transmission go at not even 100k miles is almost unheard of. My last Honda was 250K+ and still ran great when I traded it in for this one. This CVT is a problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2023Power trainODI 11539343
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after she started the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift into neutral. The contact stated that the parking brake warning light was illuminated; however, the parking brake was not engaged. The contact then stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the parking brake needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the failure could be two separate switches related to the parking brake. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 5, 2022Parking brake, Power trainODI 11496075

Showing 6 of 29 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: driveshaft

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe vehicles. The right halfshaft may have been improperly heat treated, reducing its strength.

Power trainReported Nov 9, 2017NHTSA 17V706000
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.