7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$360
Average Mileage:
32,350 miles
Total Complaints:
64 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace brakes and rotors (25 reports)
  2. new brake pads and machined rotors (22 reports)
  3. not sure (15 reports)
  4. had rotors replaced (2 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

Aug 172010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,937 miles

First time brakes sounded by rubbing metal was 8/2009 - dealership only resurfaced and replaced brakes, this time around at 12000 miles later it happened again - again instead of replacing rotor, they did some more resurfacing and replaced brake pads

- Jane V., Wyckoff, NJ, US

problem #23

Mar 152011

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,325 miles

At 11919 miles, brakes sounded like metal rubbing together, rotors refaced and brakes replaced, at 23937, the same thing happened, rotors refaced and brakes replaced. both times i complained that it is not normal and i should not be replacing brakes every 10-12,000 miles. it is happening again at 32300 miles. i am going to see what the reasoning is now.

They should have REPLACED the rotors after the 2nd issue vs. just resurfacing something that had no more to resurface.

- Jane V., Wyckoff, NJ, US

problem #22

Oct 082009

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,919 miles

After only 11919 miles on the car, driven solely by myself - a seasoned driver, the brakes were squeaking. Dealership indicated it was driver causing problem, after my complaints, they fixed without cost. Dealership [Mahwah] says this has not been reported. occurred in Oct 2009 - the car is new and probably don't have enough out on the road up to the problem mileage yet.

- Jane V., Wyckoff, NJ, US

problem #21

Oct 152010

Civic LXS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

I currently have a 2009 Honda Civic LXS. I purchased it new in Oct. 2008. I have owned

9 Hondas in the last 28 years: mostly CIVICS; an ACCORD; and an Odyssey. Most of these were purchased new.

I have usually been able to drive my vehicles for about 90,000 each before the 1st need to replace the brakes. I have owned this 2009 Honda Civic LXS for a little over 2 years, and I had to replace the brakes at 30,000 miles, and now again at 61,000 miles.

I have been hearing a metal on metal rubbing as I drive for about a week, and can feel the metal on metal when I brake. I should not have to replace my brakes every 30,000 miles. The first replacement was at a Honda dealership. There seems to be something defective with the brake system on this car. I have not had a problem like this on 8 previous Hondas.

- Stephen M., St. Augustine, FL, US

problem #20

Jun 302010

Civic LX 1.8L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,555 miles

I bought my '09 Civic LX in July of 2009 from Crown Honda in Charlotte NC. I started hearing a rubbing, grinding, metal on metal noise from the front brakes after a little over 20,000 miles. I called the dealership was told that it was not under warranty because it was considered wear and tear since most of the miles driven were in the city. They quoted me a price of $240.00. I asked why it was so much and they couldn't really say anything other than that they used original Honda parts. I called a highly reputable repair shop that specializes in Honda and Acura repair. They too told me that they used original Honda parts but they quoted me a price that was $90.00 lower than the dealer. Needless to say Select Import installed new front pads and resurfaced the rotors. The brakes started squeaking after a few thousand miles and started making a horrible grinding noise whenever the wheel turned to the left. I took it back to Select Import and they checked it out and said nothing was wrong with the brakes. The grinding noise had disappeared but they still squeaked. They suspected that a small piece of gravel had gotten lodged in the caliper but had since fallen out. They told me that they would replace the pads if the squeaking became unbearable. Now with just 31,400 miles they are grinding again. I am very disappointed that Honda is not acknowledging that there is a problem with the brakes on the '09 Civic. They have issued recalls for some of the late model Accords for brake related problems but not for Civic. I am definitely going to remember this next time I shop for a new car.

Update from Feb 15, 2012: Brakes were again replaced at 35985 and again at 53148. Honda will not accept any resposibility for this issue. They deny that anything is defective about the brakes on this car. The dealer says that brake wear is determined by the way the vehicle is driven, When I told the dealer that my Ford Explorer didn't have this problem (same driving, same job) he told me that the SUV was more heavy duty. I had an 1983 Accord and did nothing but in town driving and the brakes were replaced maybe 3 times in 180,000 miles. I have been driving for 36 years and never have I had a car that wears brakes out this fast. I bought Honda because of reliability and it has had the battery replaced, oil pressure switch replaced and the crappy Goodyear Tires didn't even get 35,000 miles. If you are thinking of buying a Honda, think harder, I plan on unloading mine for car that is more reliable or at least has a better warranty.

- Blaine C., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #19

Nov 052010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

I had my car inspected today at my local mechanic and they told me that I need to get new brakes. I was running late to work and so did not get the full story, but they told me that within a month I need to get them done. I am not sure, yet, if it's the brake pads or what it is, but I have been experiencing vibration through the brake pedal when I depress.

I purchased a Honda because of reputation, but as I look, this appears to be a very common problem among the 09 Civics.

- Diane M., Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #18

Oct 222010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles

Took 1 year old 2009 Honda Civic into the dealer because of loud rubbing noise when stepped on brakes. They told me I needed new brakes. New brakes and resurfacing rotors at 17000 miles is unheard of as far as I'm concerned! And what's worse is they tried to say I must be being to hard on my brakes. I am 41 and have had many cars. I know how to brake and I know how long brakes should last. $225.00 later. This is just ridiculous. Sound like a defect to me.

- Krista P., Fair Oaks, CA, US

problem #17

Aug 092010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,752 miles

I bought this Honda Civic 2009 in July 2009 and after a little over a year with 14,752 miles only, the front brakes prematurely wear. I had it replaced on my expenses because i needed transportation for my daily work routine. Later I sent a letter of complain to American Honda Automobile Customer Service and requesting a reimbursement. A Jonathan Yu called my house and left a voice message; I returned his call a few times and left voicemail messages, but never got a call back. I called the Honda Automobile Customer Service and was answered by a Michael who rudely refused to give me his last name and refused to let me talk to their Manager.

I'm getting nowhere with this complain with Honda's unprofessional business ethics. I am pursuing a complaint with the Consumer Affairs and the Office of Defects Investigations of national Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and possibly sue Honda.

- jcanlas, Carson, CA, US

problem #16

Sep 012010

Civic 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

Brakes on all 3 of my civics have failed or are failing within 9-12k miles!!! Horrible.

- Alex B., Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #15

Aug 062010

Civic ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,450 miles

Bought the car certified used with 14,500 miles on it. I drive mostly highway miles back and forth to work. I am definitely not impressed with the brakes lasting me only 10K, as they should have been replaced before the vehicle was sold certified used. Sounds to me like Honda still can't get the design right on their braking system in cars. Too bad this area of safety is not number #1 with them.

- Rachelle M., Loganville, GA, US

problem #14

Jul 292010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles

Like others are reporting, I had problems with the brakes on my 09 Civic LX. I had a horrible grinding noise from the front of the car, took it to the Honda dealer and they told me that I needed the front brakes (pads and rotors) replaced. The car had 17,000 miles. They then proceeded to tell me that this was due to my abusive driving and would not be covered under warranty. I drive all highway miles and never have a need to slam on the brakes. I complained to American Honda who reiterated that they wouldn't cover anything as this clearly was due to wear. I asked her how 17,000 miles for new brakes was considered wear and she didn't comment. I asked to speak to her supervisor and she refused saying that she represented American Honda and they didn't deem premature brake wear to be a problem in the Civic and would do nothing further for me.

- Civic O., Central, NJ, US

problem #13

Jul 302010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

I used to be a huge fan of Honda's after an excellent experience with my 2002 Accord. After only nine months and 13000 miles, the front breaks on my new Civic began making a metal on metal sound. Dealer would not repair under warranty and said the premature and uneven wear on the brake pads was caused by driving habits. I've never had this problem in 35 years of driving, so that just seemed silly. I took it to my mechanic to have the work done, but he said the caliper slides were sticking which he thought caused the premature wear and sent me back to the dealer, thinking it should be covered under the warranty. The dealer said the slides were not sticking. I called American Honda's customer care department to see if there was anything they could do. Nothing, but note my complaint. I was told by the dealer that if it turns out to be a problem that Honda takes responsibility for down the road, I will get reimbursed for the repair, but for now, I had to pay to have it repaired.

I'm hoping it's a one time thing, but my confidence in Honda is wavering. I'm very disappointed in the poor quality of the brakes. I'm hoping it's not going to be an ongoing problem.

- kelleyfl, Palm Harbor, FL, US

problem #12

Nov 252009

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16 miles

Had to take my car into the dealership the day before Thanksgiving because it was making a noise when driving. It had 16K and was told my brake pads needed to be replaced due to excessive wear from me. Then again at 22K similar issue along with the rotors being warped. I ranted and raved to the service manager and they said they would only charge me $90.00 to resurface the rotors and the brake pads again. I have written two complaints to Honda and both times they called me back and told me it was the way I was driving. I have had multiple cars for over 30 years and have never had any issues with brakes ever on any car I have ever had. Honda needs to address this as defective and issue a recall on their defective parts. So disappointed in my Honda.

- Tina S., Foothill Ranch, CA, US

problem #11

Jul 122010

Civic LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles

I took my Civic in for it's scheduled mantinance at 14,000 miles and told them that there was a grinding noise comming from the front somewhere, they told me that the front brakes were worn out and needed to be replaced. i was in shock, i told them i would come back, i went home and told my wife and we both got pissed off.

When i called back to tell them for brakes to last only 14,000 miles was insane and they said i must be the way we drive.

This is the first time we decided to go with the dealership, I think we will go back to Les Schwab their brakes last around 40,000 for the way we drive, and it will only cost $214.00 not $247.00 from Honda.

- Ritch W., Hillsboro, OR, US

problem #10

Jun 092010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles

When my husband took the car in for regular service at 17,000 miles he was told that the brakes needed to be replaced. I owned other Hondas and never had this problem ----- replacing brakes at 17000 miles - RIDICULOUS! The dealership acted totally surprised. They said it was the way we drove -- this has never happened to us with any car before. We filed a complaint with Honda USA.

- Martha H., Laguna Woods, CA, US

problem #9

Dec 282010

Civic LX 1.8L 140 Hp I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,916 miles

I purchase my '09 Civic LX in July of 2009 from GARCIA Honda in Albuquerque, NM. I started hearing a rubbing, grinding, metal on metal noise from the front brakes after a little over 19, 916 miles. I had the dealership perform an inspection of the brake system and was told that it was not under warranty because it was considered wear and tear since most of the miles driven were in the city. They quoted me a repair price of $184.00. I asked why it was so much and they couldn't really say anything other than that they used original Honda parts. I called a highly reputable repair shop to obtain a second opinion. They too told me that they used original Honda parts but they quoted me a price that was $183.00 not much lower than the dealer.

If the pads have worn down to the point where metal-to-metal contact is occurring, my vehicle may not be able to stop safely, and I may damage the brake rotors or drums to the point where they have to be replaced. Sometimes a few harder-than-normal stops can "de-glaze" the brake pads and help reduce the squealing noise for a while.

I am pursuing a complaint with the Consumer Affairs and the Office of Defects Investigations of national Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and other avenues. Honda needs to address this as defective problem and issue a recall on their defective parts. This is a valid safety issue that needs immediate attention.

- Willie M., Albuquerque, NM, US

problem #8

May 212010

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,325 miles

I started hearing a noise that I can only describe as scraping but it would stop when I applied the brakes. At first the noise came and went but didn't seem to be linked to any conditions such as weather, time of day, how long car had been running.

Today the noise never went away and when I arrived at work I could smell brakes burning. I immediately drove it to the dealership - I had stopped by a brake repair shop earlier in the week and they said to take to dealer because of warranty.

I have 20325 miles on the car that is only 10 months old. I have lived in the same area for 20 years making the same commute all that time and have never had to replace brakes after only 20000 miles.

The dealer is claiming that it is because Honda is using organic brake pads and they don't last as long as ceramic. BS!!! I called the salesman that sold me the car - it was the 2nd car I had purchased from him and today he didn't remember who I was of course.

Well, I am on my way to pick up the POS and pay the $189 for new brakes.

- bergetta1, Fort Woth, TX, US

problem #7

Jan 142010

Civic LX 2L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

had a metal to metal noise when I came to a stop. I took to it the dealer (Shadyside Honda) Was told that the pads had to be replaced. It was not a covered service. It was the way you drive. I had to have it repaired which cost 150.00.

- Jay H., Pittsburgh, Penna, US

problem #6

Apr 022010

Civic AX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

it looks like Honda civic brakes have this premature worn out problems which Honda should accept and recall all the vehicles before the drivers end up having problems.

- rajapandi, Manassas, VA, US

problem #5

Feb 122010

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Front brake pads wore out after 15,000 miles.Dealer wanted to charge $270 for new pads and turning the rotors, but I complained that after a million miles of driving I never wore out pads so quick. I talked to an independent mechanic and he thought it should be a warranty issue. Dealer shill said 20,000 was common but I didn't accept that and they covered it under warranty. I guess I called their bluff..

- Ralph M., Nevada City, CA, US

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