2005 Honda Civic: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Honda Civic: 10 recalls, 315 owner complaints and up to 34 mpg combined.
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Recalls
10 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #04V550000 · 2004 · 416 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, some front seat belt anchors May have been installed with an incorrect washer, which could restrict anchor movement. As a result, the seat belt May be improperly positioned for certain occupants.
Why it matters: An improperly positioned belt could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front seat belt anchors for restricted movement. If an anchor does not rotate freely, the dealer will replace the washer with a countermeasure washer. The recall began on November 24, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #07V512000 · 2007 · 6,545 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain compressed natural gas (cng) vehicles, in the event of a severe interior fire in the area of the rear seat, the cng tank May be heated unevenly, preventing the pressure relief device from venting the contents of the tank as designed.
Why it matters: This could result in a tank rupture, explosion, and ejection of the tank from the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will install a heat insulator material to the rear seat back. An interim owner letter was mailed to owners beginning November 26, 2007. When parts are available, owners will be renotified asking them to bring in their vehicle for repair.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V353000 · 2014 · 133,207 vehicles
What's wrong: American Honda motor company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 accord, civic, cr-v, pilot and Acura mdx, model year 2003-2004 odyssey and element, and model year 2005 Acura rl, and 2006 Honda ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in california, and equipped with takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V700000 · 2014 · 0 vehicles
What's wrong: American Honda motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda civic, 2003-2004 civic cng and element, 2002-2005 cr-v, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2005 accord, pilot, civic hybrid, and Acura mdx, 2005 Acura rl and 2006 Honda ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in alabama,…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V320000 · 2015 · 6,281,043 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2001-2004 Honda civic gx, 2003-2005 Honda civic hybrid, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, 2006 ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2003-2006 Acura mdx, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2tl vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that May be susceptible…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V370000 · 2015 · 3,498,481 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda civic gx vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda civic hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda…
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V268000 · 2018 · 1,335 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda accord and pilot, 2010 accord crosstour, 2001-2011 civic, 2002-2011 cr-v, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 element, 2007 and 2009-2013 fit, 2010-2012 insight, 2002-2004 odyssey, and 2012 ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag May have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Why it matters: An incorrectly installed air bag May deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V182000 · 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2013-2016 ilx, 2013-2014 ilx hybrid, 2003-2006 mdx, 2007-2016 rdx, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 tl, 2010-2013 zdx and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014…
Why it matters: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V499000 · 2019 · 3,947 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2003-2006 mdx, 2001-2007 Honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot and 2006 ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V501000 · 2019 · 1,657,752 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura mdx, 2005-2012 rl, 2003-2007 Honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007-2008 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014 ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019.
5 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E032000 · 2006 · 845 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain Eagle eyes and sonar headlights and corner lights sold as aftermarket for use on 1988-2005 Honda civic, 1990-2005 Honda accord, and 1990-2001 Acura integra passenger vehicles listed above. Headlights and corner lights that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Tom motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the purchase of noncompliant lights. The recall began April 17, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #07E104000 · 2007 · 1,657 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain curved tempered replacement glass manufactured by hangzhou safety glass Ltd and supplied to safelite by auto temp Inc., identified as dot-430, and sold for use on certain domestic and foreign vehicles May not break into small pieces as expected of tempered glass and fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 205, "glazing materials."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) May be seriously injured by shattered glass.
The fix: Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their…
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 70 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (128): the most common themes are fails to deploy (37), warning light on (24).
- Transmission & drivetrain (36): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (15), noise or vibration (10).
- Electrical (26): the most common themes are electrical failure (15), door / lock issues (7), fire / smoke (4).
- Speed control / throttle (25): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (8), stalls / loses power (3).
The 2005 Honda Civic has 315 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 37 Civic model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 432). Complaints peaked in 2015 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 65,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (350 complaints, 10 recalls), 2006 (1402 complaints, 13 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 39 | 34 | Regular |
| 1.7 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 36 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.7 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.7 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.7 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Honda Civic.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Honda Civic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Honda Civic, plus 5 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Honda Civic problems?
Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (128), transmission & drivetrain (36), electrical (26).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Honda Civic get?
EPA ratings run up to 34 mpg combined (1.7 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Honda Civic repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.