9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,320
Average Mileage:
104,800 miles
Total Complaints:
682 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced transmission (261 reports)
  2. rebuilt whole transmission (154 reports)
  3. not sure (142 reports)
  4. get Honda to cover the cost (54 reports)
  5. buy a different car...can't afford the repair (24 reports)
  6. break down the transmission and fix (15 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #482

Sep 092010

Civic LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,407 miles

Car died on the way home from work. Had AAA tow it to the shop we always go to and trust. They ran a number of tests on it only to find out that the transmission is in need of a complete new one. This happened last Thursday, they got the part in this morning to replace it. This morning we were looking online and found this website and realized we are not the only ones with a 2001 Civic with a failed transmission. So...I called Honda Customer Service who basically told me that since we are out of warranty (bought it Certified Used 5 years ago never had any problems ever with it) we can submit receipts and the history of transmission fluid maintenance via fax and they willl call us in 2-3 days. There has never been a recall on this and we are out of warranty so basically we are sh#! out of luck is what she told me. So frustrating. We owned a 1988 Civic prior to this one and we also now own a 2005 Accord. I love Hondas but am not too happy with this situation.

- Lindsey K., Omaha, NE, US

problem #481

Sep 082010

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 189,000 miles

Well praise God that it lasted 189K miles but my transmission just died and it's going to be $1900ish to fix. This is just more than I'm comfortable spending for how many miles it has. I never knew there were so many problems with this year and model's transmission before it happened to me. There should really be something about this on the news. This really sucks since I'm not exactly in a place to be going and buying a car. But all things happen for a reason.

- zmyers21, Arlington, TX, US

problem #480

Sep 062010

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 167,230 miles

It's frustrating to see all the complaints for the same issue and yet Honda doesn't do anything about this. It's the same story as 90% of the complaints on this site....car won't move in any gear. The thing is, it's my 16 year old daughter's car (we've owned and maintained since we bought it new in Dec 2000) and it left her stranded in the middle of an intersection. Luckily she's ok and didn't get plowed by another person not paying attention. Not a safety issue? I beg to differ. When I spoke to the American Honda rep yesterday, he was indifferent to the fact that it's a known problem and said they can't do anything to help. Thanks for nothing ass clown! To top it off, in order for my me and my buddy to replace the transmission, the engine and transmission have to be removed from the bottom of the car.....car has to basically be lifted over the engine/transmission and the transmission removed once they're both out of the vehicle.....got you by the short hairs and the wallet. Thanks for building the flippin' car around the motor Honda. Never buying another Honda.

- Aaron W., Mulvane, KS, US

problem #479

Aug 202010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 164,000 miles

I was always the "black sheep" of the family for not buying HONDA cars...well in Aug. 2001 I bought (new) 2001 Honda Civic. I ranted and raved about having a HONDA and how I was the sole owner and would drive this car until it died doing all the maintenance requirements, and taking really great care of the car. Well, Friday night w/o much warning the car quit when I was miles away from home going up a steep hill with cars behind me.....I managed to make it to the top of the hill, coasted down the hill and off the side of the road. AAA towed it to the dealer in Lockport and for $59.95 (plus tax) they told me what I already knew....Transmission failure---for $2775 they could rebuild it and that they don't have any loaner cars at West Herr! Luckily my fiancee (who picked me up in a RUNNING TOYOTA) and his friends have a race car trailer and got it the heck out of the dealer's lot and they took it out and I am in the process of having it re-built. After reading all these similar complaints I am not feeling good about spending the money for the repairs (many said they have had 3 transmissions replaced!!!!) Why is it not being published anywhere about these BIG, BIG problems???? Very disappointed in the HONDA!!!

- bonnieny, LeRoy, NY, US

problem #478

Aug 202010

Civic LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I am the original owner of this Honda and have followed the maintenance schedule to a t. I have never had any problems with this car and am extremely upset to have a dead transmission already. Hondas reluctance to do ANYTHING to help me out with the replacement of the transmission is the most infuriating part of the ordeal. This particular year and model has 3x as many transmission problems as any other Honda, yet they refuse to issue any kind of recall to fix the problem. It's good to know that Honda stands behind the quality of their products. I will never buy another one and will discourage anyone else from doing so.

- dhammett, Portland, OR, US

problem #477

Aug 202010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,500 miles

I had several appointments, when without warning, my car would not accelerate beyond 5-10 miles an hour. I had no idea what was going on with my car and I didn't want to drive it to my regular service station. I feared I was causing more harm to the existing problem if I traveled over a mile, so I had to settle for a nearby gas station. I think they ripped me off with the cost being over $2, 500 to rebuild the transmission and losing 4 days of possession of the car. I think they saw a female driver who had no clue about car parts, etc. so they overcharged me, knowing I needed the car repaired.

I am extremely upset that this transmission problem is pretty common in 2001 Honda Civics and I think there should have been a recall. What if I had been on the highway with my 2 year old and the car suddenly stopped going at the speed limit!?? How is that not dangerous to me and other vehicles? Luckily, I had been at a red light and the car experienced the problem when the light changed, with no warnings at all. Why isn't there more public awareness about this issue, especially when lives are at stake, despite what the bureaucrats state?

- Patricia H., Bayside, NY, US

problem #476

Aug 272010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

I am floored and in total disbelief. I got theis car less than 9 years ago for $18k+ with the 7 year/80k mile extended warranty. I serviced it regularly and now just before 9 years and at 96k miles the transmission dies. Luckily the baby wasn't in the car with me. I live in Hawaii and they want $3 to $4k to fix it. Anybody want to start a class action?

Update from Sep 21, 2010: My 2001 Honda Civic died suddenly on the road with no warning. I bought the car new with the extended warranty (to 7 yrs/80k miles) and thought I would be good to go since Honda has a great reputation for reliability. They want $3800 to fix it. The dealership brought it down to $2900 and I am in total disbelief. I called American Honda and they basically told me they had "no obligation" apparently the 2001 Honda Civic is renowned to have this problem. I would like to file a class action as there was already one done for the 2000-2001 Accord, and other models.

I went from loving my Honda to thinking their company is SHADY and makes a poor quality product.

- emmab808, Honolulu, HI, US

problem #475

Aug 112010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,500 miles

I was returning home during rush hour when the transmission slipped out of gear and would not re-engage. I was going about 50 MPH in heavy traffic. the check engine light came on. Luckily I was in the outside lane on I-275 and was able to cost to the curb. I checked the transmission fluid, which was satisfactory. I waited a half hour and was able to limp home, with the check engine light remaining lighted.

This car has been babied and has less than 60,000 miles. I am afraid to take it in for repairs as I am afraid of the cost of repairs. I was trying to get a handle on how to handle this when I encountered this site. I plan to call Honda first, then go from there. this car has been well maintained and I did not expect this from a low mileage Honda.

- driver3, Lutz, FL, US

problem #474

Aug 202010

Civic LX 1.7L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 210,000 miles

Second transmission, Calling honda to see if they'll replace it otherwise i'm going to part it out and get a new car, one with a warranty and functional transmission.

- Richard P., Plymouth, MA, Afghanistan

problem #473

Nov 142008

Civic LX 1.7L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Yea, Honda definetly should have recalled their transmissions, I've been through 2 in 60,000.

- Richard P., Plymouth, MA, Afghanistan

problem #472

Jun 032010

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,000 miles

I AM A 19 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO WORKS 2 JOBS (MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND ELDERLY/DISABLED CAREGIVER) AND BARELY MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO SUPPORT MYSELF AND THE STUDENT LOANS AND OTHER BILLS I HAVE LET ALONE TO LOSE MY CAR..AND THAT'S JUST WHAT HAPPENED...I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO FIX MY CAR OR GET ANOTHER ONE...I HAVE READ ON OTHER WEBSITES THAT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON A LOT OF PEOPLES 2001 HONDA CIVICS AT ANYWHERE FROM 130,000-150.000 MILES...AREN'T HONDA'S SUPPOSED TO LAST "FOREVER?" INST THAT WHY SO MANY AMERICANS INVEST IN THEM?? WELL WHY THE HELL AM I ON THE VERGE OF LOSING MY JOBS AND MY SANITY...WE (AS IN HONDA OWNERS) SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THESE THINGS...I AM AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF SOCIETY AND ABSOULUTELY NEED THIS VEHICLE TO SURVIVE AND ITS NOT EASY..WE NEED HELP.

- Katherine T., Orangevale, CA, US

problem #471

Jun 222010

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

My wife owns this 2001 Honda Civic. Transmission failed because of the defective torque converter that basically burns up the transmission. Had the car towed to Manchester Honda in Manchester Connecticut and had diagnostics done on it for about 100 dollars. We were hoping Honda America would do a Goodwill Repair for us. According to Dawn at Honda America it wasn't feasible to do one because we were the third owners of the car and there were too many miles on the car. According to that statement none of Honda's vehicles will last more than 90,000 miles. Ended up paying 2,500 dollars for a remanufactured Transmission from Jasper Engines and Transmissions. Come to find out, this was a better deal because Jasper remanufactures the transmissions and fixes the defect. If Honda had done a Goodwill Repair the transmission we would have gotten would have been defective. Customer service between Honda America and Manchester Honda was atrocious. Between this and the Toyota accelerator problem I'm going to let the German's manufacture my next vehicle. Honda lost 2 customers and however many children my wife and I end up having.

- Christopher G., Vernon, CT, US

problem #470

Aug 102010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

What can I say that hasn't been said already. Honda needs to recall this car but we all know by now they wont. I am risking my life every time I drive. Getting stuck in intersections, going 20 mph on major highways you name it Iv been stuck there. Got torque converter fixed at first sign of slippage a couple months back. Only to find out online after wards all the horror of this poorly made converter and transmission which is now risking my life daily.

I called Honda yesterday they said it would be $2100 plus $150 shipping plus $750 for labor. But now today they said it would be about 2500. Do they have different prices depending on the day of the week or do they like to just jack up the price sense they know you really need your car fixed? It would cost about $1800 for a rebuild from another shop with 2 year warranty.

So I call Goodwill repair which I got from this site. After taking my info down I was put on hold and when they came back said sense my car was at 125,000 miles they wouldn't help. My brothers Toyota has over 286,000 miles on his car!!!

Taking advantage of people!!

Hopefully I get some sort of deal. Ill keep you all posted.

- slimdragoon, Florida, NY, US

problem #469

Aug 032010

Civic LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

We've had this car for about 5 years. It was purchased used with ~50000 miles. We're currently at 160000 miles which is pretty good but we where under the impression that Honda's would go beyond 200000 with almost no problems. Our Transmission has failed due to a torque converter. This seems to be a major flaw in 2001 Honda Civic transmissions and it doesn't seem that Honda cares to do anything about it. The most aggregating part is that just months ago we paid $400 at our Honda dealership to have our car inspected for any defects and they didn't catch a complete transmission failure.

- hillwi, Waukesha, WI, US

problem #468

Jun 042010

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

Well I always thought that Civics are great. I did own a 98 civic 168 k miles and I sold it - never had a problem, but the 01 civic ex 17 Vtec US built automatic transmission is worth nothing. I am still looking to find a solution how to go about it, so it wouldn't be a lot of money. If anyone have installed an automatic transmission from 03 04 civic and it did fit into a 2001 civic please let me know. From what I see the trans mount is different and I'm not sure if I need a newer ECM.

- Raymond R., Country Club Hills, IL, US

problem #467

Aug 012010

Civic DX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,128 miles

My car just stopped in the middle of abusy street and it would rev as soon as I was about to move forward on a green light and then the car would not go past 40km/hr and once I stopped my check engine light came on and then the car would not go past 20km/hr. I managed to get myself to a garage station and then it completey stopped. I was far from home, I had to tow my car to my local mechanics and it has been there for 4 days so far with no news because he can/t find and old Transmisson and the TRANSMISSION SHOPS ARE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY!!

It really is difficult to go to work and to get things done without a car. And now that I see that it is a common problem it really upsets me that Honda would not warn me that I should pay extra attention to my transmission.

- marilena, Dorval, Quebec, Canada

problem #466

Jan 052008

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

I was travelling out of town after having the transmission replaced. The transmission would not go into gear on the interstate. I nursed it onto the side of the road and eventually the exit so not the burn up the engine. There was water in the radiator and there was a recent oil change at Honda. I called Honda and made them tow me to their closest dealership. They made me stay in the town I was close to making me miss work. They then rented me a car. They were not going to fix it at all, except that I got an oil change from them right before I drove it.

I want to tell everyone to push for what you need done!!!!! Even if you have to make a scene, call for the manager in front of customers, etc. Be politically correct but forceful, because they are obviously not concerned with our well being to let these things go on like this and try to make us pay for it!!!!!!

- car loved, Bonita Springs, FL, US

problem #465

Oct 012007

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

The transmission started to slip for about a week not going into gear. The dealership told me I would have to pay for it. Then within a week it completely stopped working in the middle of an intersection without warning in rush hour traffic!!!!!!! I guess people have to die for Honda to issue a recal! !!!!!!!!!!!!! I never complain publicly, but when I saw this site I was outraged. The dealership only paid for it because they said all the lights on the dash came on registering that it wasn't anything I HAD DONE. I had to pay for a rental for $120. and was thankful noone hit me in traffic. You will see me posting other complaints because this is not the last one on this car or the transmission...

- car loved, Bonita Springs, FL, US

problem #464

Jul 162010

Civic EX 1.7L 4-Cycle

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,851 miles

I was driving from Oakland to San Francisco on the Bay Bridge when I started having car problems. I was pressing the gas pedal, the engine was revving up, but the car’s speed was slowly decreasing (average speed for traffic on the bridge was 50-60 MPH). Concerned about my safety, I pulled over to the right hand lane. I immediately changed my route and decided to take my car directly to a Honda Service Center. Along the way, the car's engine continued to rev, and it had a hard time maintaining its speed. I was going 20 mph. By the time I arrived at the service center my hazard lights were lights were on and I was barely going 10 MPH. My check engine light went on 8 blocks before reaching my destination. Before this incident, my car ran smoothly.

Technicians hook the car up to a machine for a diagnostic test which produced a DTC Code P0730. The corrective action per Honda based on this code was to replace the entire transmission. I contacted American Honda requesting a “good will repair€ since my vehicle had regular maintenance checks and only had 78,851 miles on it. Honda stated that the vehicle was old, and since I couldn't€™t produce paperwork confirming that the transmission fluid had been drained and replaced, they couldn't€™t help me. The final cost was $3,412.30.

- oceans171717, San Francisco, CA, US

problem #463

Jun 032010

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

I was driving home in rush hour traffic, leaving my Daughter's school soccer practice to take her to her competitive soccer practice when out of nowhere, My civic just stops moving. I'm at a red light, in the middle lane and as the light turns green, the engine rpm's go up but the transmission will not go into gear. Now I have to get my car over two lanes of congested traffic and try to get my Daughter and I safely out of harms way. There were no warnings to this problem and I cannot believe that of all cars, my civic had this problem. All your hear is how reliable these cars are and how all you have to do is routinely maintain them. That's a bunch of bull. I don't have the money to fix the problem so now I'm waiting to save up $1800 to rebuild the transmission. I will definitely do my homework before i buy my next car and it won't be a Honda.

- peterockballin, Lehigh Acres, FL, US

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