This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.
9.2
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,307.00
Average Mileage:
101,964 miles
Total Complaints:
593 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replaced transmission (230 reports)
- rebuilt whole transmission (135 reports)
- not sure (126 reports)
- get Honda to cover the cost (46 reports)
- buy a different car...can't afford the repair (16 reports)
- break down the transmission and fix (14 reports)
transmission problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
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A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- 2001 Civic DIY Trans Rebuild - here is a forum on rebuilding the auto trans. The clutch disks fail and slip, then wear and clog the internal filter
2011Nov 11
Civic DX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
Honda service confirmed need to replace transmission assembly for under $3,000.00 (more than the car is worth). My car is only 77K miles. I'll try calling the Honda Hotline and ask if they can consider out-of warranty repair.
2012Jan 05
Civic EX
- Manual transmission
- 108,623 miles
I bought this car 2 years ago and have had nothing but problems. Just recently at 107k miles I had to get new struts, new engine mounts, new catalytic converter (2x in 1 year), new timing belt, new oxygen sensors and something was wrong with the electrical parts. Took it back because I heard a noise while in 1st and 2nd gear.
Turns out its chipped gear teeth and going to cost thousands of dollars to fix. My mechanic said its basically rebuilding the transmission. Today I heard another sound. I have been calling the used car dealership for weeks trying to find out whats covered in my extended warranty. Finally they gave me the info.
I called the warranty company and they said it is a powertrain warranty and covers transmission and engine problems. GREAT...so this should be free!! However, it expires on 2/6/12 or when I reach 108,696 miles. I looked at my speedometer and I am at 108,610. I dropped off my car at my mechanic and it is currently waiting to be fixed at 108,623 miles. I can't believe my luck. Just 73 more miles and the extended warranty would be useless.
I will find out soon if it will be covered in full. Even if I have to pay for part of it I'm just going to get it fixed. Then sell this car!!! It has been nothing but problems and belongs in a junk yard. I got this car because I thought it would be reliable. Honda,108k miles and now this...REALLY???!!!
Update from Jan 17, 2012: So I found out basically it is complete transmission failure. I've read a lot of complaints and find that most of the time it's the automatic transmission that fails. For those who had their manual transmission fail, did you also have to get a new one a few years later?? That seems to be the pattern for everyone else that has the automatic.
Today my mechanic told me they are going to put in a new transmission and my extended warranty should cover it. Incredible news. They had to tow it to their other shop for building the new transmission because if they would have drove it then my warranty would have expired. Apparently an investigator from the warranty company has to come check it out to make sure it's a valid claim. Plus they don't believe I am still within the miles of the warranty. Who knows how long this is going to take. If they deny my claim or tell me only part of the new transmission will be covered I will flip!!! My father plans on getting a lawyer involved if that's the case because this extended warranty was an extra $2k-$3k. Which is roughly how much this is going to cost.
There's no way anyone will ever buy this car from me with all these horrible reviews online. I'm trading in this piece of junk in as soon as it's returned back to me. The place I bought it from doesn't even want to buy it back. Not surprised!!! This car has been a complete nightmare. I am shocked it hasn't been recalled. Honda clearly knows that this is a huge problem, but they most likely can't afford the financial hit that they will take by issuing a recall. Shame on them!! Honda = worst quality. Subaru Impreza WRX here I come!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Jan 08
Civic LX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 0 miles
January 8th 2012 I was driving home from my cousin's house on the Ortega West 74 at 1am. The car started to be shifting sporadically as I was going about 30 downhill. For anyone that knows the 74 is a dangerous curvy one lane highway on the edge of a mountain. The car basically stopped in the middle of the highway at night and nowhere to pull over. I started it back up and it basically crawled at 5mph till I reached the part where you could pull the car over. I had no reception on my phone due to the mountainous area so I was basically stranded. I checked the motor oil (pretty difficult at night) transmission fluid, water etc and everything seemed fine. Started the car back up and started crawling on the highway with the car warning lights on in heavy fog. Basically a 1 and a half hour drive turned into a 3 hour and a half drive. Since then I've checked the with a obd2 scanner and spoke with numerous mechanics. The torque converter went out on the car taking the transmission with it, which from what I read is a extremely common occurrence with the 2001 Honda Civic LX. 5 days beforehand I took it in to a Honda Dealership for a alignment and checkup, everything checked out fine. Saying I could of died or been seriously injured isn't a stretch or anything close to a exaggeration. I'm 22 years old, independent and am currently unemployed. I basically spent all my money on this car 2 years beforehand thinking it was a good investment, and now it needs more than half the initial pay (3000$) to fix it. Through out the years i've taken extremely good care of it with routine maintenance etc. At this point I have absolutely no funds to fix the car and will be speaking with the Honda to see if they can propose anything to remedy this situation as they are the ones who appear to be at fault not myself. Dissatisfaction isn't the tip of this mammoth iceberg, this is a complete nightmare.
2012Jan 06
Civic LX 1.7l14 Mpi
- Automatic transmission
- 212,000 miles
Friday afternoon, my granddaughter & I was doing our usual routine. We had come to a stop light and the car was fine, as I tried to take off in drive, the car acted as it was in neutral and would not move. We actually had to be pushed out of traffic and thank God, we was not on the five lane highway that we was about to turn on and then all of a sudden it just quit moving. And just my luck, there's a transmission shop behind the gas station to where my vehicle was pushed, so it was confirmed today that it was the transmission and it completely failed. I have read too many reports and now I'm scared to have it fixed and it happens again. Honda really should be ashamed & really did like my civic.
2011Feb 21
Civic
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I will definitely get you some pictures of the transmissions that have been in and out of this car. I went to a place called Able Auto Repair 772.462.0061. He uses a company called LKQ who supplies used, low-mileage transmissions for 2001 Honda Civics with a one year warranty for parts and labor. So far we have gone through 2. That means that THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE 2001 TRANSMISSIONS FOR THE HONDA CIVIC!!!! Please Honda make this right. My daughter needs this car to go to school. We don't have alot of money. I couldn't afford the Honda labor hourly rates. HELP! We're a plain old middle class working family. Right now the car didn't even make it from the repair shop with the 2nd transmission home. How many more people DO YOU HAVE TO HEAR FROM TO LISTEN!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Dec 12
Civic LX 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
Not very happy with a bad transmission at 98k miles. All I hear is how great Honda's run for such a long time, yet I get this one? Just like anything with this type of situation, this is brand damage in my book. I was convinced that all Honda automobiles were long lasting, reliable vehicles. Now I have been jerked out of this comfort, feeling like I was screwed. I like Honda, yet I am now no longer a believer in the hype. Buy, buy, has now turned into BYE BYE.
Bury
2008Nov 28
Civic
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
At 47,000 miles my car just died on a main road right in front of a transmission repair shop. So, rather than take it to Honda, I took in to be repaired. Now at 60,000 miles it is time to replace the timing belt -- at the same time I had the water pump replaced. A substantial $$ amount to fix; but rather than having the belt go and do damage, I decided to take care of it. Now, the car overheats. My mechanic replaces the thermostat (no big deal). Again the car overheats -- well maybe a defective thermostat -- maybe not since it happens again. Well I now take it to Honda and they tell me the head gasket needs to be replaced and the heads need to be machined. OK more money. I get the car back and hear a sound like a flat tire when I am driving slowly. If I put my foot on the gas it goes away. Back to Honda. They replace the struts (another bit of cash). I pick up the car and the noise returns on the opposite side. The car has been in the shop for over a month and now they determine it was not the struts but the torque converter and, if they change that, there may be other transmission damage but that cannot be determined until they get in there. So many people have raved about Hondas and I love my little Civic but it has been a money pit beyond belief. And now I feel if I get a new torque converter some other costs may follow. It has been a horror show.
2011Dec 09
Civic
- Automatic transmission
- 158,000 miles
You know, I spent the money and bought a 2001 honda with low miles for my son to commute back and forth from his college classes and the transmission goes out in less that 3years with only 150k miles on it? Bullshit, honda cars are a joke!!! Never again would a buy one and I wait to sell this wasted investment! Thanx honda corp! Once again you've proved that the quality in your automobiles have sunken to new lows!!!! Fix the defects in your flippin cars before you air them on the market!!!!
2011Aug 24
Civic LX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 126,000 miles
I am just confused... its a Honda. How does the transmission go at 126,000 miles?? Apparently im not the only one... Lord knows what this one will cost to fix. Probably quite a pretty penny.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Nov 25
Civic LX 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 138,000 miles
My 2001 Civic transmission issue is exactly the same as most listed here, the Civic ran fine till last week, I am the single owner of the car and been meticulous with maintenance. Then suddenly over the Thanksgiving weekend as I stepped on the gas, the car revved up but did not move. Fortunately I was just down the street. Now the mechanic is asking for $2200. Question is if I do spend that amount and get a new transmission, what's the guarantee if that one won't fail?
2011Jul 18
Civic
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
My story sounds a lot like the other ones I've been reading on this site. Out of the blue, with no advanced warning, the transmission failed on my way home. Fortunately, I was not on a busy road and very close to home. Called AAA & my car was towed to the nearest Honda dealership. I was shocked that this happened since I had always heard that hondas lasted much longer than this (My Civic is a 2001, but only has @90,000 miles).I was quoted a price of $3200 to replace the transmission. I called the Honda hotline to request assistance through their Goodwill program. A customer service representative took my information & said someone would get back to me. I received a call back the next morning, but I was at work when the call came in. For the next 2 days I made repeated calls back (left over a dozen messages) and no one returned my calls. Finally, I called the customer service number & was told I need to speak to the case worker assigned, but she was not available at this time, but I could leave her a message. This is when I lost it & eventually started crying. Amazingly, the representative suddenly became available. She was very rude to me & told me that she had reviewed my case & there was nothing they could do, since my car was no longer under warranty. I replied, very politely, "I know it's not under warranty. If it were still under warranty, I wouldn't need your Goodwill program, would I?" She just kept repeating the same thing to me & she was very rude. I have a call into her supervisor, to report her behavior. Doubt if it will do any good, but I will feel better. Very frustrated with Honda right now.
2011Jul 08
Civic LX
- Automatic transmission
- 111,555 miles
I had done all maintenance on this 2001 Honda Civic(111k) as per schedule and all of a sudden the reverse didn't work.I took it to a Honda dealer and they said it's internal transmission failure and estimated $3500 to replace it. Are you kidding me...Some other repair shops are asking from $ 2100-2500. I called Honda costumer service and they said it's an old car.So I have decided to sell it as I have another one.Really bad from Honda.They should have some recall for these transmission problems.
No more Honda for life time.
2011Oct 02
Civic 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
So, I'm not feeling alone that this happened to my lil Civic! I'm glad mine made it to 160,000, it seems most on this sight it happened way b4. I'm just deciding what to do, if I should spend $2500, or just scrap the car. So if anyone had the tranny fixed and has been driving it awhile, please let me know if you experienced any more problems with it. I know it's been hard to find one in the junk yard and now I know why!!!! I'm not too upset because I paid $7500 for the car 5 yrs ago and I've had nothing wrong except this. I know this is a major repair, but I hope it's not wishful thinking that if I fix it nothing else will go wrong. Please email me your feedback!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Oct 09
Civic LX 1.7L L4
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
I was driving back from a friend's house and my car just stopped moving, well transmission stopped. Getting it towed over 30 miles was terrible. Especially on my birthday weekend. I have no car and no rides. Work is close to impossible and school is becoming very hard just because i cannot find any rides. I need to get the car fixed since i have put so much into it. It will be costly and i hope that others do not have to suffer with Honda's mistake in the 2001 Honda civic.
2011Oct 03
Civic LX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 96,504 miles
On the way to school while driving on the freeway my Civic decided that it didn't want to continue working anymore. There was traffic luckily (never thought I would say that), so when the transmission failed I tried my best to pull over to the side. I had to get it towed. When starting it, it'll rev extremely high and unable to go into any forward gear. I'm a college student with the odd notion that somehow Honda built reliable cars and would stand by them in order to protect that idea. I see now that "Honda quality" is just a joke.
2011Oct 03
Civic LX
- Automatic transmission
- 98,101 miles
My 2001 Honda Civic, was purchase for my son, a senior in HS on 23 Jun 11. I drove the car, both, on the interstate and in the city before I purchased the vehicle. There were no noticeable fallacies noted during my test drive so I brought the vehicle. About one month and a half after I purchased the vehicle, my son was driving home without any warning; the car wouldn’t shift to the higher gears and lost all forward power. I took the vehicle AAMCO and AAMCO recommend the following repairs: New Torque Converter, Front Mount, Banner Kit, Filter and a new transmission. $2,580.65 later, two weeks after the repairs were completed, my son experienced yet another “Total” Transmission failure again. Luckily AAMCO, stands by their product so I only had to pay an additional $200.00 dollars for a regulator. The repairs were the exact same problem, over 200,000 customers were experiencing with the 2001 Honda Civic. Honda is and has been aware of this problem but never recalled this vehicle. I will NEVER purchase a Honda again, and I will tell all that I come in contact with as well.
2011Jul 20
Civic LX D17a1
- Automatic transmission
- 111,847 miles
Second-Third Clutch Pack wore, slipped for years. Started car one day and it wouldn't move at all. Put in neutral and brought temperature up, shut off, restarted car, put in gear, moved like a charm. Shut car off (hot), restarted, wouldn't move.
Replaced trans with 100,000 km salvaged transmission. Cost - $650 + Labour
Drove car for a week and noticed familiar problems.
Put 15000 km on trans since. Getting worse every day.
K20A2 fits nicely with an A/M passenger side mount, RSX rad, clutch master/slave (and lines), cv's, shifter cables, and shifter box installed..
Honda laughed and hung up when I called their 1-800 complaint line. Local dealer showed no sympathy and said a REMANUFACTURED trans from honda is 2500, or 5000 if you choose to keep your old one. If they want 2500 for a core charge, they obviously are in desperate need for these transmission cases since they are trying to supply 1.5 million (stat from 2004) users with remanufactured garbage.
If 750 complaints are actually filled out on this website, by people that take the time to complain, how many people do you think actually have had this issue by 2011? I recently read on a site that by 2004 there were 1.5 mil complaints about the 2001 alone..
Subaru here I come.. Thanks Honda for letting me down. What changed between now and the mid 90's? Stop caring? Can't afford to make a good product? Look at your ATV lineup for example. You stopped making the sportrax lineup in 09 and I'm only hearing now rumors of a release in 2013.. Maybe you should discontinue your vehicle line and your quad line, keep making O/B engines, lawn mowers, you know.. things that the chinese can make in smaller sweatshops that you'll soon be downgrading to.
Love,
Derek
2010Dec 04
Civic DX OR LX
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
Had just had significant amount of repairs/work done to this car in the summer of 2010 to get it up to snuff and running well. Timing belt, new tires, and more. Then the transmission went up in December 2010....That's what the consensus seems to be. Had it "looked" at, but not diagnosed and in a shop. Several mechanic friends stopped by and said it was the transmission. When you start the engine it revs up. When you put the car in gear you can move it. Finally getting it towed to dealer and then Honda will decide if they will compensate partial because there seems to be a highly uncommon amount of transmission problems/failure with Honda models made from 1999-2004. We'll see....but the transmission to go out in a Honda with just over 90,000??
2011Jun 15
Civic EX
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Too bad Honda won't help with this very expensive repair. They will lose a fan with a very loud mouth.NOBODY WITHIN A 5 HUNDRED MILE RADIUS OF ME WILL BE BUYING HONDAS.
2011Aug 14
Civic LX I.7L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 153,000 miles
FIXING THE TRANSMISSION, THE FIX IS MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH.
2011Aug 26
Civic DX
- Automatic transmission
- 133,663 miles
My transmission originally went out in 1996, five years after I purchased my Honda. The gas tank had been cracked, so I'm still not sure why the transmission, but I was one month away from being out of warranty so I went with what the dealership told me needed to be done.
Fast forward five years later. I'm at a gas station, getting gas. I finish, get back into the car, turn it on, put it in gear and pull out. The check engine light comes on. As I have had an issue in the past with the gas tank cap not creating an air-tight seal, I thought this was the case once again. I took it into the dealership to get it inspected as well as another issue (the door sensor broke, so the warning chime for when I would forget to remove the keys or turn the keys off was no longer chiming). They told me about the torque converter problem, gave me an estimate of $4,000, making the transmission cost even more than my car is currently worth!
I'm taking the car to my local mechanic, who has quoted me $2,500. It has yet to be fixed or inspected. After finding out that this is a known issue, an issue that Honda has known about for six years and have NEVER done anything to compensate their customers or recall the vehicle, I am beyond angry. This is uncalled for. While this was my first Honda, this was the first vehicle I personally bought. This has been only my second car since graduating from high school, 18 years ago. My first car was a previously wrecked fleet car that was a wonderful car for 8 years. The only reason I got rid of it is because the car door couldn't be locked. Well, guess what!. When Honda fixed my door sensor, they broke my freaking door lock! I can only lock it now by locking it with the key. I loved the service I previously got from Honda, but TWO transmissions and a busted door lock has pushed me over the edge. I will buy a car from Chevrolet before I buy another Honda.
2011Aug 25
Civic EX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 172,000 miles
I bought my Honda from Auburn Honda in Northern CA back in 2004 as a used car that had 61,500m on it. It lasted me a good while without any problems off the lot - I don't race my car around, I have taken it on some dirt roads and may have hit a couple pot holes. But I don't run it hard other than driving it a lot as of late. Prior to the transmission going I had just recently done all of the belts and had the head resurfaced and valves checked and replaced the head gaskets and all the others that come in the kit. The water pump and tensioner were also replaced.
Then a week before my transmission went I saw that my radiator had a crack in it and was shooting coolant through it, I shaved it and jb welded it overnight and didn't drive it for a couple days. I don't really think that had anything big to do with it but probably didn't help. But I had noticed a gradual fade in power over the course of 6 months in my car... The TCC Circuit malfunction light had been coming on and off - and after asking my friend who works for a trans shop let me know that it was probably going to go out.
Well last Thursday - it sure did go.. just quit putting out torque.. the converter went.. in El Dorado Hills.... Was sure fun getting towed home!
Luckily I have a great friend who works on a ton of Honda's who helped me out immediately - found a rebuild trans and new torque converter from Attarco in Sac! Great place to go if your in the area! $1131.00 out the door (not counting the $100core). Also bought a new radiator and hoses - new gaskets all around for thermostat housing and EGR Valve. Still have to get two gaskets for the Transmission from Honda - then putting it all back together tomorrow.
I'll keep you posted on how everything goes, the trans comes with a year / unlimited miles warranty; I'm glad someone stands by their work. Thanks for half assing this one Honda.
2011Aug 14
Civic ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
I thought Honda made a car that if you took care of it and kept it maintained it would last a good long time. I noticed that honda had an problem with the transmissions with the 2001 models. just want help to get this fixed.
2011Aug 15
Civic DX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 128,158 miles
Of course it would fail on a remote road 45 km past the last gas station and far past cell phone coverage. I had been thinking I had been clever buying such a reliable car. I didn't know about the ticking time bomb that was disguised as an automatic transmission.
2011Jan 26
Civic LX 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 136,100 miles
We are the owners of a 2001 Honda Civic LX and we had torque converter failure diagnosed on January 26, 2011. It took just over 7 days to have this transmission problem fixed and the car back in our possession. I have just recently filed a complaint with the State's Attorney General's office in Michigan. It was a financial hardship for us to have to replace this transmission and we were totally blind-sided by its failure. We, like so many others on this site, have taken good care of our car, with routine maintenance performed, timely oil changes and we truly believed in Honda quality. We contacted the Honda Corporation to let them know what happened and we really got little sympathy from them and no offer of any assistance financially for the repair. We now look at the Honda Corporation as extremely untrustworthy, shady and as long as they can get away with something, they will.
2011Jul 11
Civic LX 1.4L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
I have a 01 Honda Civic LX with 85,000 miles and needs a new (rebuilt) transmission. I'm actually dropping off the vehicle today at Aamco Transmission. They quoted me $1800. I just spoke to Honda and requested Goodwill Assistance and they told me the vehicle did not fall within the parameters being 10 years old. I told them I have had 6 or 7 Toyotas in a row and this was my first and probably last Honda. I asked them to pass along my case with that comment and contact me if they want to retain my business.
2011May 20
Civic EX
- Automatic transmission
- 119,000 miles
Have A 2001 honda civic, The transmission failed at about 119,000. After researching on internet, it's become obvious to me how common of a problem this is. I have bought two used accords. This is my second brand new honda vehicle. It's a shame the transmission did not go out before I bought the second one. I definatly would have shopped around at other makes seeing that honda is not standing behind their faulty transmissions. My total cost of repair is $2000.00. Shame on you Honda. If I have anything to say about this you will lose generations and generations of honda buyer's
2011May 24
Civic EX 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
I have a 2001 Civic EX which has given me no trouble for all the years I have had it. The only repairs I have had to have were the timing belt replaced and the brakes which is to be expected. ALL OF A SUDDEN, in the middle of a very dangerous road during morning commute, the transmission just died. (I have brought the car, faithfully, to the dealer every 5,000 miles for service ever since I bought it new.)
I learned that since this is a model and year car which has had many transmission problems that in many cases Honda will reimburse the customer for from 50 - 75% of the cost of replacing the transmission. I talked with Honda national headquarters customer assistance for about an hour and they wouldn't budge. They wouldn't even HEAR what I was saying. I kept repeating that many customers with cars that are out of warranty had been partially reimbursed for transmission replacement on this model, but they just kept repeating, like a parrot, "sorry, the car is out of warranty." FINALLY I got a supervisor who agreed that they MIGHT consider a partial warranty IF I brought it to a Honda dealer and IF the dealer agreed that it was, in fact, the transmission. Well, that had already been established by the independent mechanic I had had the car towed to. The catch is this. The dealer quoted me such a high price for the transmission replacement, that even if they did reimburse me 50% (which they would NOT guarantee), I would still be paying the same amount as the independent mechanic.
You can't win with car companies. I have owned about 11 cars in my life, and have NEVER gotten a satisfactory, or even respectful response from any different make car companies. Anyway...that is my story.
2011May 20
Civic 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
2001 Civic... Bought from a friend for 500 dollars with a bad engine due to an overheat which i believe was caused by a faulty thermostat. I guess that would be a nother complaint for this site. Anyway. I replaced the engine and all was good. I noticed a whining sound coming from the trans when the car was cold. A few weeks later (yesterday) the trans completely failed. I haven't fixed it yet but Honda wants 2500 for a rebuilt trans, aamco wants 1700 to fix the problem and the junk yard wants 900 for a used trans. I think i am going to get a 2004 trans as they seem to be the most reliable for the 7th gen and put it in my car.
2011May 09
Civic EX
- Automatic transmission
- 146,000 miles
I've always felt that Hondas were reliable cars, but when my transmission suddenly failed while driving my 6 month old to daycare leaving us in harm's way...well, my view is drastically different. I contacted American Honda on two different occassions, spoke with a manager the second time in addition to the representative who answered the phone. They flat out refuse to do anything since it is no longer under warranty. I understand that they wouldn't just repair every car that had an issue, but with the transmission on the 2001 Civic being such an issue for what seems like a ton of people, you would think they would look into things further or offer at least a few bucks to help with my $3,500 repair bill! I used to say that I would only ever buy Hondas. Not anymore.
2011Mar 07
Civic EX 1.7L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
Complete Transmission failure: The transmission went out quick, I noticed one day that my 2001 Honda Civic ex was starting to take a little time to catch and get in gear; I decided right then and there that I’m going to the mechanic. I went home parked the civic in the driveway; the next day I started the car and was on my way to the mechanic. I got no more than a mile and half down the rode and needed a tow truck. The mechanic advised me that the transmission at 109,000 miles is done, I will need a new one, and it will be about $3000 dollars. I couldn’t believe it, not a “HONDA”; they go at least another 100,000 to 150,000 miles without needing some type of major work… and it usual not transmission work.
This was my fourth Honda, and I was in love with these cars, Honda’s make the best and most reliable cars on the rode. But, per what I have now read on line, and from what mechanics at 4 different transmission shops have told me (I shopped around for a good deal), the Honda’s right after the year 2000 have been prone to transmission failures. I was stunned and now I’m pissed! One of the mechanics I went to laughed and said to me, “If you want me to replace the trannie no problem, you’ll be my 4th civic trannie replacement this month.” And let me tell you this, it was the beginning of the month!
I cant believe I am saying this because I used to be such an advocate for Honda vehicles and their reliability, but after this year (2011) I might sell that Honda and buy a Hyundai or even a Ford car. Again I can’t believe I am saying this, but Hyundai’s and Ford’s reviews and reliability ratings on their newer vehicles have been excellent. I guess the new Honda is now the old Hyundai or GM. I’m 35 years old, I will most likely be buying some more cars before I get too old and too gray to drive any more, but until then, you wont see me in a Honda.
Yours Truly,
Pissed off 2001 Honda Civic owner
2011Mar 28
Civic EX 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
This is my dougther´s car. We have had the vehicle for almost 4 years with dealer services, excelent care. Everything was running just fine, no major problems, just oil changes, brakes, etc. and suddenly during rush hour in one of the most heavy traffic freeways the car just stop running with my daughter driving. No previous symptoms nor minor failures, no alerts nor flashes in the dashboard. It happens to be the transmission, it blow out. Had to repair. $1500. What fiasco for a Honda with 60K of use.
2011Feb 27
Civic EX 1.7L
- Manual transmission
- 120,000 miles
Paid $7,000+ for this car less than a year ago and now the transmission is shot. Was locking up while driving and had to shut car off and hope it would go upon restarting. Finally pulled tranny to find out the insides were shot and it needs replaced. Have not been able to locate a reasonably-priced used or rebuilt transmission to replace it. It's a shame I have a car that isn't even paid for yet and I can't drive or even get fixed. Last Honda I'll be purchasing unless they step-up to the plate to at least help get it fixed.
2011Feb 11
Civic DX
- Automatic transmission
- 98,301 miles
Bought 2001 Civic because I believed Honda's were reliable. Obviously was wrong and will not be buying another Honda.
2011Mar 16
Civic LX
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Just bought this car in 11/2010, and after all the maintenece including brand new tires, brakes, cv boot, timing belt, struts, you name it, my tranny failed OUT OF NOWHERE!!!!!! When I bought the car, I was somewhat aware of this issue (bought the car for $4100, had 69k miles), and I thought to myself, if I do extra maintenece on the transmission, it might be OKAY. Well, here it is, same ole story as the rest of us, it just stopped one day without any warnings. ( 6 days after AAMCO did oil change..... WOW!)
Lucky, I was just on the streets, not freeway, but the amount of panic I had = priceless $$. I am not the original owner, so I don't think I can talk to honda for "goodwill". Amount of money I will be spending to fix it (quoted $1200 from non-dealer, 2yr warranty), I am still in dillemma to fix it or not, since the car has more things to fix from now on.
If there is ever a class-action suit, I AM IN!
2011May 06
Civic LX
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
On May 6, 2011, my car began to have a hard time shifting into 3rd gear. ( have an automatic so this was very unusual. ( Three weeks ago Crown Honda dealership had replaced my timing belt as a required maintenance along with replacing other belts, camshaft seals, crankshaft seal 4 tires, water pump and a oil change and filter. This cost me $1300.00) Now, my car makes a racing noise each time I take off from a red light. Finally after this happening about three red lights the car races again but hardly moves. I hardly made it off the road because I was in heavy traffic. Called a tow and had it towed to crown Honda dealership. They said in all probability it is the transmission but will work on it tomorrow (a Saturday). Called and I got the run a round but they told me the same thing that it probably is the transmission and could cost anywhere from $3000. to $5000. Told them not to take it apart and had it towed to another place to have it fixed. The new service station said that it would cost around 2600. because the transmission was burned out and the torque converter also has to be replaced. It is now being fixed as we speak. DID THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE THE HONDA SERVICE TOOK APART MY CAR TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT 3 WEEKS AGO....OR.... IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I AM HEARING WITH THE 2001 HONDA CIVIC AND WHAT CAN I DO TO BE COMPENSATED????? Should I get a new car or keep it. Everyone told me that Honda will last to at least 200,000 miles easily, but look what happened!!
2011May 02
Civic EX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
HELLO FELLOW JUNK OWNERS.....WARNING......2001 CIVIC EX AUTO TRANSMISSION IS JUNK....I REPLACED MY HONDA AUTO TRANSMISSION THAT FAILED APPROX 70,000 MILES WITH A USED 2001 CIVIC EX TRANSMISSION FROM A 3,000 MILE TOTALED CAR THAT WAS TOTALED DUE TO HAIL DAMAGE ...130,000 MILES ON CAR NOW AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 60,000 MILES-APPROX SAME MILEAGE AS FIRST TRANSMISSION FAILURE--- IN CASE THE IDEA THAT IT COULD BE THAT THIS SECOND FAILURE AT 130,000 MILES WAS DEFINITELY NOT DUE TO THIS BEING A USED TRANSMISSION BEING THE ONLY DAMAGE TO DONOR CAR WAS FROM HAIL .... I SPENT $1400 USED TRANNY AS I FIGURED THE FIRST FAILURE WAS JUST BAD LUCK AND THAT I AM A MECHANIC AND HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM TIL THE SECOND FAILURE..
.3 HONDA DEALERS SERVICE DEPTS I CALLED SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM....BS...I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA AND WILL TELL EVERY HUMAN I COME IN CONTACT WITH THAT THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS WHEN THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM !!!!!!!!...
I'M GOING TO COMPLETELY DISMANTLE AND SEE IF I CAN FIND CAUSE OF FAILURE WITH MY BUDDY WHO IS TOP NOTCH TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND I MAY REPORT BACK AFTER I FIND OUT....ALSO THIS CAR WAS ONLY DRIVEN BY MY WIFE WHO DRIVES IT VERY GENTLY AND OVER 60% OF THE MILEAGE WAS HIGHWAY ONLY TRIPS
2011Apr 01
Civic LX V4
- Automatic transmission
- 134,000 miles
I bought this car 5 year old with 80,000 miles on it. A month ago the transmission began to slip...with only 134,000 miles on it!! I brought it to my local mechanic shop and they said it had failed. They had the transmission re-built; total cost $3000. I did some research when it was in being repaired and found out this is a BIG problem for this year model/make. Lost my faith in Honda.
2011Apr 21
Civic
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
It seems unusual for a 2001 Honda Civic with 72k miles to have significant transmission issues as to need a total replacement. The car only averaged 600 miles a month. After researching the internet, it appears that there have been a significant number of complaints from other owners of 2001 Honda Civic owners regarding their transmissions. Two class action suits against Honda resulted in recalls and replacements of several Honda models surrounding the year 2001. I feel since there have been a significant number of complaints regarding the "same" transmission issue, Honda should uphold their integrity and replace and/or correct the 2001 Civic transmission issues at their cost, especially on vehicles with less than 100k miles.
2011Feb 14
Civic
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
Being out of work for a while, I have decided to pursue a new career - transmission shop owner/rebuilder - specializing in 2001 Honda civics. There certainly is plenty of business out there and I won't have to wait for rebate money from Honda, cause there ain't none!!! Since this model in 9 to 10 years old, they all will begin to fail soon, regardless of the mileage.There must be thousands of unlucky owners out there deciding to junk or rebuild or unload their "pride and joy". Look, I know it's just a machine and machines break. But if so many of us have the same thing happening to our rides at about the same age/mileage, it's a pretty good time for a recall. Is there a pile of new Defective transmissions in some huge parts warehouse just waiting to get shipped. Well, I sure don't want one - it's like fixing a window with a piece of cracked glass!! A sucker punch always hurts more. Shame on the Mighty Honda Motor Co. for making this crap and not standing behind it when if falls.
2011Apr 01
Civic LX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
I bought this car one year old with 12,000 miles on it. A month ago the transmission began to slip...with only 59,000 miles on it!! I brought it to my local shop and they said it had failed. They had the transmission re-built; total cost $2760. I did some research when it was in being repaired and found out this is a HUGE problem for this year model/make. I did call Honda customer service, and they recorded the complaint, but that is all they will do. They said if I had taken it to a Honda dealership to have the problem looked at, they may have offered some financial help if I had it repaired there. I'm sure any money they would have given me would have been offset by their jacked up service rates. No more Hondas, period.
2011Apr 03
Civic LX
- Automatic transmission
- 43,000 miles
My in-laws originally bought this car in 2001 brand new. Since the name Honda means reliability, they did not think anything of it when they passed it on to my daughter when she started driving. At the time, it only had 40,000 miles on it. She began driving it around November of 2010. Well, last night, she went to a friend's house and was backing out from her friend's driveway when the check engine light came on. She could not shift gears at all! She was stuck in the middle of the street. Some guys came to help her push the car out to the side. Then she called us frantic. Of course, what can we do? My husband went to check it out himself. Sure enough, it was a transmission failure! He could not shift to reverse nor drive. The AAA guy said "it's your tranny." We had to have it towed back to our house since my repair shop is closed till Monday.
I have to call AAA again to have it towed again. What a headache and it's only the beginning. I'm not sure if it's worth fixing since I've been reading about other complaints.
How can tranny be bad when it's only got 40K on it? I have seriously lost any confidence I had about driving Honda.
2011Apr 04
Civic 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Bought this honda with 77 k on it.After a few weeks it seemed to rev more than go but never completely until last night.sort of sudden, you would give it gas and nothing no 1,2,3,rev nothing. just had it towed to tranny repair shop.hoping to be able to put in a different year tranny into it ,hope that helps, other than that, like the car.
2011Apr 01
Civic LX
- Automatic transmission
- 157,000 miles
I bought my 2001 Honda Civic used in 2004. Like most I thought Honda was supposed to be a reliable car make, oh how I was wrong! If you can think of the issue, my car has had it. Just recently, my 2001 Honda Civic died in the middle of a busy road, sadly after I had just picked it up from my local auto repair shop for some timing belt and tensioner repairs. I had been experiencing for the last 8 MONTHS...what I thought might have been my transmission failing. I was told repeatedly; by multiple auto shops that this was not the issue with my car. You can imagine how beyond upset I was (thinking my car was all fixed and having it completely die after leaving the car repair. My local shop is a really reputable shop and they have definitely gone above and beyond with the repairs and time they have taken on my car (They were equally as upset when I phoned to say my car was dead in the middle of a street). A service rep and tech drove out to my car looked at it, after pushing it to the side of the road, and told me to their surprise my transmission was dead! Also, they told me that a few years ago, Honda mailed out a recall notice to all ORIGINAL OWNERS, regarding transmission failure and that included in the recall, Honda was giving the transmission ONLY an extended 8 year or 105, 000 mile warranty. Well I’m obviously not the original owner and my car is well over the 8 year and 105, 000 mile mark. What do I do? I’ve already put about $6,000 into my car’s repairs in the last 8 months…I can’t afford major repairs anymore!
2011Mar 20
Civic LX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 125,100 miles
Yesterday, my wife was driving my parents to a doctor's appointment and our 2001 Honda Civic transmission failed. We had it towed to our local mechanic. I am still waiting for a quote. I phoned American Honda and spoke to a very nice person about my situation. I explained about the amount of complaints that I have seen for this Civic model year and she said there was nothing she could do. I asked her if I should bring it to a Honda Dealership and she thought the only way I would get any type of discount at a Dealership is if I have been taking my car there for the life of the vehicle.
I bought the car used and was very happy, up until this point. Based on all the 2001 Honda owners feedback from this website and other sites, it looks like Honda has a significant quality issue that they are not willing to back/support. This is my first Honda and it will be my last based on this experience.
Update from May 18, 2011: I had the transmission fixed/ebuilt
2011Mar 22
Civic LX 1.7L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 136,000 miles
20 year old college student here who purchased this car a year and a half ago for school. When I purchased it i thought it was a good deal and always felt Honda was reliable after my other siblings had Hondas as well. Turns out that same day i bought my car I researched what problems I can come to expect in the future should something go wrong, and boy what do I see mostly, Tranny problems. I told myself oh no maybe I should get my money back, as my parents soon told me to assure me theres thousands of cars and im sure not all of them can go wrong. I said they were right, it may not happen to me. Boy was i stupid wrong. The morning it happened on my way to school I already frieken knew. This problem was always in the back of my mind and it finally happened. Its like waiting for my death. Cost $1800 to rebuild the whole tranny. I sure hope this does not happen to many other people who have this car, and am certainly going to look at Toyota, nissan, for future purchases.
2011Feb 11
Civic LX
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Bought this car from a dealership for our son in summer of 2009. From the start they car was in service shop more then my son drove it in the first month. We thought it was the transmission slipping we where told it wasn't. Eighteen months later the car just stopped in the middle of a busy road. Had it towed we were told it was the transmission. Called the dealer they told us they would replace the transmission with used transmission for their cost $1429.00. Called Honda they did not want ot hear it about it.
Very frustrating our son is off to college in the fall bought Honda cause its supposed to be very reliable thats a joke. M sister in law owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey and the same thing happened to her van last year under 80 thousand miles, she did enough bitching Honda paid for most she was only out $500.00. We chose to go with a $1800.00 they rebuild the transmission and gave us two years warranty on parts and labor. Are we happy not very. Honda stinks.
2011Mar 09
Civic 1.7L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Dealership is talking with Honda on covering some of the cost as this is a known issue for the 2001 Honda's. My teenage daughter was lucky to make it to the dealership before the car died! A few weeks ago the car wouldn't turn off even with the key removed and now this. We just spent over 400 on bushings and also had the transmission drain and refill and cleaned magnet back in October.
2011Mar 04
Civic LX 1.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Same car.............same story as the rest. Transmission completely failed about 20 miles from home. Had it towed to my driveway. I'm not sure whether it is worth fixing. Outside of the tranny issue, the car ran well. Time for a Toyota.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Dec 14
Civic LX 1.7L 4 cyl
I put Honda Customer Service on blast using twitter. They responded VERY fast and even got my info to call, but I am certain it was a hush hush move. When they called they basically said "sorry sir, nothing we can do." I am in a real pickle now because I need to start work out of town and my ol' lady will be stuck here with no way to get the kids to/from school. The repair is more than what the car is worth so I REALLY don't wanna fix it.
Joe G.
Hesperia, CA, USA
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