CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2001 Civic has transmission problems, transmission problems & more transmission problems. Did we mention transmission problems? And a dangerous defect with the front airbag that didn't get recalled for 10 years.

Although eventually the defective 2001 Civic airbag inflators were fixed under recalls in 2011 & 2013, that meant for 10 to 12 years airbags were activating with excessive force where metal fragments went shooting into passengers when the airbag deployed.

As for the 2001 Civic's transmission woes? Honda conducted a major transmission recall in 2004 & settled a class action lawsuit for defective transmissions in 2006. But, neither the recall or the lawsuit included the 2001 Civic.

Last thing to consider - the 2001 Civic is the most-recalled car ever, closely followed by the 2002 Civic & the 2001 Accord. The 2001 Civic is the 4th most-recalled vehicle overall, only a Ford truck & two Ford vans have more.

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)
2001 Honda Civic transmission problems

transmission problem

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2001 Honda Civic Owner Comments (Page 30 of 35)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #102

Mar 052007

Civic EX 4DR 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Wow.... I really thought I was the only one that their transmission failed on them. I guess I'm going have to complain to Honda and get some money out of this because this is the lamest thing ever! I'm a student and have a job that barely pays for books and school. The last thing I want on my tail is a car that has problems. I'm just really sad to have seen myself work longer shifts in order to pay off this damn transmission and installation after how reputable I believed the Civics were for a "low maintenance vehicle." Bull crap.

Other problems with my car is the cloth on the roof sagging, struts leaking, cv joint or boot making weird noises, car is starting to jerk a little, plastic headlights cover are foggy.

- Richard S., San Diego, CA, US

problem #101

Dec 302007

Civic 1.7L Sohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

my 2001 civic transmission messed up yesterday and thats really disappointing

because they claim to have the most reliable car well not no more I really think Honda needs to look in to this matter......

- Hugo R., phoenix, az, US

problem #100

Dec 132007

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

I want to thank you for the detailed information you provided (CHANG). My 2001 Honda Civic, 84,000 miles transmission failed 2 days ago. As in all the stories here, I have had excellent upkeep of the car, am the original owner, and it failed at an intersection. I had it towed to the dealership ( new to the city with no mechanic referrals) and immediately got on line to see what I could find out even before I received a diagnosis. I used your advice, contacted Honda and had a case manager assigned to me before the dealership had even called me with the transmission failure diagnosis. When the dealer contacted me to tell me the bad news -- $3300-- I told them the case manager would contact them. The case manager told me they would pay 75% of the cost repairs. After the case manager contacted the dealer mechanic the price went down from 3300 to 2000 and i paid 450. THANK YOU AGAIN> THE trick really is to get HONDA CORP involved before the dealer TOUCHES THE CAR!!!!!

- rebeccaaz, Tucson, AZ, US

problem #99

Dec 152007

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

y 2001 Honda civic transmission just fail completely today. I was checking for transmission on the net when I ran across that people are having the same problem. So far its cost me $85 dollas for for tow. What can we all do to resolve this problem?

- Kou Y., Fair Grove, MO, US

problem #98

Dec 302007

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

My wife bought her Honda Civic new in 2001. We have kept up with the maintenance according to the requirements. So needless to say, it was a shock when I was driving down the road and suddenly my car slips into neutral. I took it to a very reputable mechanic in my area known for transmission work. He informed me that some of the inner workings of the transmission had broken. This was very unusual as he had not seen that many. However, he also informed me that he was working on the transmissions of two or three Hondas a month and that my problem was not unusual at all. I called the dealership and they informed me that my car was not under warranty even though similar accords and oddessy's (sp?) have had their powertrain warranties extended for just this circumstance. He also let me know that it would be on my own dime to replace or repair the transmission, a total cost of between $2,000 to $3,000. For anyone out there with this same problem, I am putting in a call to several attorney's offices today about a class-action defective product liability suit. There is no way a car manufacturer who touts their reliability as much as Honda does can have this kind of track record with no recalls or extended warranty and get away with it.

- Dewey S., La Vergne, TN, US

problem #97

Nov 052007

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

Geesh, after viewing the complaints on this website, I now see that I'm not alone. I've always kept up with the maintenance on any vehicles that I'd previously owned as well as my current 2001 Honday Civic LX A/T. Prior to purchasing this vehicle I've completed extensive research on the safety and reliability of this vehicle. Nothing was mentioned on any websites (at the time) with regard to the "transmission problems" listed. On Nov 5, 2007, I'd taken my vehicle into the dealership regular maintenance service as well as to inform them that my check engine light have been intermittently flickering on and off for approx 2 weeks. The told me that after running a few test the codes (P0700, P0740) indicated that I need a new transmission installed that will cost me approx $2800 bucks. I was appalled!

I currently have 97,600K miles, I just recently had (2) reliable mechanics to inform me that this is a continuous problem with the 2001-2003 honda's, across the board. A definite "civil suit" should be administered, immediately. I'm totally pissed off, that HONDA is getting away with this cramp! Honda has not heard the last of this from me. Good luck to all!

- rms72002, Oak Park, IL, US

problem #96

Oct 212005

Civic LX 1.7L L4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Civic 2001 was driving great until one day started taking a long time to start - then was driving good again. the following day while driving it started to lose power until almost stopped in the middle of the way at night. I did push the car to the side and after 10 min started to move slow. I went to the Dealer that has extended service and left the car there. the following day they call me saying that there is a faulty code in the electronic system of the transmission and I have to pay for the replacement transmission and the work. It took 3 days calling the Honda dealer until the factory approved to place the refurbished part and I to pay the work.

Definitely seems to be something beefy with this specific model.

- Jairo T., Cleveland Hts., OH, US

problem #95

Dec 192007

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Purchased 2001 Honda Civic from my brother, having heard such great things about these cars lasting forever. I was in complete shock last week when the transmission blew and was told that I'd need to have the whole thing replaced. I'll now be sinking a couple of thousand dollars into a car with a value of only a few times this amount. I plan on calling Honda and pointing out the significant number of complaints on this site. I noticed that this problem sticks out for the 2001 model and not other years. I want a recall and for Honda to pay for the new transmission!!!! Please continue to post similar experiences you might have had.

- Anthony R., San Francisco, CA, US

problem #94

Dec 242007

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I don't normally post things like this in forums, but after reading about all of the 2001 Civic problems with transmission failure, I felt I had no choice. The automatic transmission failed completely at 95,000 miles and I had to be towed on Christmas eve. Not a pleasant experience! I was left stranded on an up hill, windy road and could not go forward in any gear. I was originally thinking that I may have caused the problem by not having a regular maintenance done on the transmission but after reading MANY complaints like mine, I realized that I could have done nothing to prevent this transmission failure. I plan on having a new transmission put in to the tune of $3100! and the sell the car. Honda should be ashamed for making a product like this. I really hope that a class action suit develops from all of this information.

- lee94513, Brentwood, CA, US

problem #93

Dec 272007

Civic LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,400 miles

I've glanced over the other 102 "transmission failure" reports from the last 3 months on this site and found that my transmission failure complaint really is no different.

I bought my 01 Civic LX in '04 with about 34K miles, and now I'm up to 87K. I usually bike to work so the car itself does not get heavy use, and I service the vehicle regularly (the EZ Lube guy even commented how good everything looked under the hood the last time I had the oil changed).

However, just a couple of days ago, I began to feel the gear shift jerk going about 20 mph. When I started climbing a hill, the transmission made a loud, high-pitched whirring sound. Suddenly the car started rolling backwards while I was giving it gas. Fortunately, I was able to turn off the car and back it onto the side of the road without causing any accidents.

The local Honda dealer informed me later that day that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. He also informed me that my warranty, which would have covered it completely, had reached its 7-year limit 5 weeks ago. Therefore, it was gonna cost me about $3000.

I considered myself a very happy Honda customer and I looked forward to buying Hondas the rest of my life. But like many people who posted here, I am totally bummed that this particular model, noted for its reliability, has a transmission that dies before it even reaches 100K miles. It also broke my heart to learn from this very site that the '01 Civic has received the 3rd most complaints (just a little better than the Ford Explorer? Really? It's THAT BAD??).

Well, my worldview on car reliability is starting to shift. I am still waiting to hear on whether the dealer's district manager will allow some sort of "customer assistance" (whatever that means) with having my transmission repaired. I am hopeful that my '01 Civic story, along with the other hundred '01 Civic stories on CarComplaints.com alone, is enough to convince them that the fault is Honda's. But if Honda does not take responsibility for their oversight and stoops so low to actually make me pay if I want it fixed, they won't get another penny from me.

- Bob W., Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #92

Dec 042007

Civic LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am a physician at a busy metropolitan hospital. I was on my way to the Hospital at 5:45am on a three lane interstate going about 65 miles/hr in the left lane. Without any forewarning my transmission failed. I was fortunate enough to be able to get close to the shoulder. However, this created a major safety hazard, with cars zipping by me at 60-80 mi/hr. Needless to say, I was unable to be at my work on time, I was stranded in 30 degree weather on an interstate with half of my car sticking out of the shoulder, and it took about 3 hours for me to be able to get the car towed and to get to my work. Thank god for the State Police and AAA. It's taken about one week to get the car fixed, which is a major source of trouble for me given my unusual work hours. The entire transmission had to be repaired for a total cost of $2400. My car drives about 15 mi/day in highway conditions, sits in the garage about 50% of the time, has only about 65000 miles on it and is very well maintained. I think this a horrible manufacturing problem that Honda needs to address and compensate people who've suffered from it. I've missed a substantial amount of work hours, I was exposed to very unsafe driving conditions and I've had to pay a relatively large sum of money to fix a car that I purchased because of its established reputation of reliability up to, at least, 150000 miles.

- peterreed14, Narberth, PA, US

problem #91

Dec 042007

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

The automatic transmission on my 2001 Honda Civic LX unexpectedly failed on me, leaving me stranded in the middle of an intersection. Fortunately, my car insurance was willing to pay to have my car towed to the local Honda dealer for service. The service dept said that my transmission had "burned out" and needed to be replaced, totaling about $2700. I asked what would have caused the transmission to fail like this, and she said "normal wear." Given that I have always been good about keeping up with my service check-ups and performing the necessary maintenance, I was appalled that this happened to my 6-year-old (82,000 mile) car, especially since the name Honda is usually synonymous with reliability. (I would have expected this from, say, Kia)

After doing some internet research, I saw the complaints listed in this forum, and I also found the Honda Service Bulletin that referred to my problem (Service Bulletin 04-036). I called Honda headquarters (800-999-1009) to complain about my problem and pointed out, among other things, the service bulletin pointing out Honda's recognition of my problem, my maintenance record, and the fact that my family has usually been very satisfied w/ Honda until now. The case manager and Honda service manager eventually called back and said that they were able to bring the price of the repair/replacement down to $1000 (the amount that I had to authorize so that Honda would begin repair on my car anyway). Still a bit more than I would have liked to pay, but a decent discount anyway.

To people who want to lodge a complaint with Honda to get them to bring down the repair price, keep the following in mind:

- Honda is more willing to give you a discount if they can verify that you have kept up with the recommended maintenance check-ups. At the very least, be able to supply them with the names and addresses (at least zip code) of the dealerships you have had your car serviced at.

- A service person let it slip that you have more leverage over Honda if you have either not yet gotten the repair done, or you have not yet paid for the repair. Repair on my car was actually completed the day before I spoke with the Honda headquarters case manager, but I had the dealership keep the car for one additional day (no charge), so that I did not have to pay for the full repair, and I could keep this leverage when I was finally able to speak with the case manager.

- It probably didn't hurt that I told the manager that my family has been loyal Honda owners (which it has), but this recent event had shaken our faith in the Honda name.

- chang, Atlanta, GA, US

problem #90

Nov 282007

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,641 miles

I am the second owner of a 2001 Honda Civic EX, having purchased it from the original owner 2 years ago. Upon purchase of the vehicle, I immediately had it serviced, including changing the fluids, including the transmission fluid. Subsequent to this, I had my transmission fluid changed again when having my timing belt replaced, two changes in transmission fluid in less than 20,000 miles driven, but it's cheap and easy enough to do. So, it was a complete shock to have entered my vehicle one morning a couple weeks ago to discover that there was virtually no power when I shifted into gear, any of them. I limped it into a nearby Honda specialty repair shop who examined it and explained I'd need a new transmission at $3,200!!! I shopped around and found a nearby private transmission repair shop that was able to do it for $1,996 in full. The owner of this popular transmission shop here in San Francisco explained that this is a problem he is seeing a lot of lately with this year and make of Honda, something he attributes to an adhesive failure involving the torque converter which then causes it to grind down and fail. Well, I looked online to see if I was alone with this experience and found this Website, and the reality that I'm not alone here! So, I decided to contact Honda, received a claim number and faxed them my receipt of the repair and my canceled check for the repair, and just got off the phone with one of the most condescending SOBs I've ever spoken with who's representing a company that is clearly in the wrong here. He told me that he reviewed my claim and stated that Honda was not in a position to reimburse me, even partially for the cost of this repair!! I explained to him ad nauseum the hardship this is causing me, that I am a loyal Honda owner with this being my 4th Honda owned, that a failure of this type should not be happening to a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles, and that others on this Website are also complaining of the same problem, meaning that this in no way represents a unique problem. All I could get is his continual platitudes of, "I'm sorry you feel that way." Well, I'm sorry for ever having purchased a Honda and will now be sure to tell everyone I know to not bother as well which will cost Honda far more than the comparatively small amount I was requesting as just compensation. This company no longer represents the quality of workmanship it once did, and perhaps instead of gripping here, we need to consider possibly looking into filing a class action lawsuit!

- mtnaire, San Francisco, CA, US

problem #89

Dec 072007

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

My daughter was driving on a 4 lane interstate hwy during Friday night rush hour. Without any warning whatsoever, the car stopped accelerating and the tachometer went wild. Fortunately she managed to get to the shoulder safely. But if anyone knows Atlanta traffic, (average speed on this road during this time is 70MPH), she is fortunate to be safe and not part of a multi-car accident. She is 18YO.

I purposely bought her a Honda for reliability and safety. She drives 100 miles 1 way to school several times a semester. The car has 70K mi and we bought it with 63K. We have service records showing we have properly maintained the car.

In looking at the complaints already registered, our experience is in no way unique. I contacted a Honda dealer and he told me the silent recall involved only the Odyssey and Accord. Well it is about time to add the Civic to the list.

I am writing a letter to head of Customer Service at Honda to explain my situation, and I expect them to make good on some or all of the $2,900 it will cost for a re manufactured transmission.

I am a single mom and will not/cannot afford to spend 1/3 of the purchase price to repair this vehicle. It just is not right. I will not let this drop until I receive appropriate compensation from this company.

I think it is ironic that because Honda has such high marks for reliability, all the reports of transmission failure stand out like a sore thumb. Who would expect a Honda to have such a serious defect and safety issue?

Sandi

- S. T., Marietta, GA, US

problem #88

Nov 282007

Civic EX Vtec 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

transmission started slipping and finally would not go at all.got in touch with honda and at first said we had a 50/50 shot at getting it fixed. when car got to honda they said it was not an accord and me and my wife both told the dealership that it was an ex before the car got towed over there. so wife got in touch with them again and said they would give us a rebuilt trans and all we would pay would be $895.00. but not happy - think we should have a new one and not a rebuilt. we are calling back today to see what they say.

- Bobby H., Bessemer, AL, US

problem #87

May 292007

(reported on)

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

My car is only six years old and now I need to pay for a overhaul on a transmission and some sort of converter-and other electrical parts. I think Honda should be responsible for this cost-they knew that once the vehicle went over 70k miles this would be an issue.

- A S., Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #86

Jun 042007

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

hi everyone, posted a transmission problem back a couple of months ago. (post #67).Had transmission problem with my 2001 civic ex. Finally fix it. The failure was a 2cent rubber o ring on the main shaft. this o ring holds the hydraulic pressure throughout the whole trany along with 25 other o rings. The part failed because a little chunk got cut off of it. Looks like something sharp cut it. Im guessing that a small piece of aluminum slag cut it. Its when they cast the aluminum casing,and they dont clean off all the slags off the inside of the casing. I also installed an inline filter on the transmission line so it filters the ones that i miss. All the components inside the trans were all ok including the fluid but i replaced all the rubber seals and o rings along with the clutches.(yes,they have little clutches inside them). Total cost-$125.00 And yes , it was a pain in the ASS!!! I recommend putting in the inline filter on ALL automatic trans. and not just this one. Hope this helps!

HONDA--(made in japan only)(sorry!!)

- Edwin L., Howell, NJ, US

problem #85

Nov 172007

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,671 miles

I will never buy Honda again.

Replaced the alternator twice and now my transmission!?!?! COME ONE!

- rhonsy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

problem #84

Nov 192007

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,876 miles

My son called me early Monday morning to report that his 2001 Honda Civic was stuck in traffic and wouldn't move. Problem: transmission. In order to get it home he had to turn it off, start it again and creep home at under 20 mph.

After a diagnostic we were told the transmission had to be REBUILT at a cost of $2500! Or we could get a used transmission (from a yard) with a one year warranty for $1900.00 (plus the cost of Honda automatic transmission fluid which we are told ISN'T cheap). On a car with only 67,876 miles??

We though we had a "lemon" until I looked online to find all of these complaints. I'm planning on going to Honda to try to get some coverage on the cost of this repair or replacement (we haven't quite decided which). If they don't I'm spreading the word.

Either way, we're getting rid of this car and will NEVER buy another Honda.

- no27200, New Orleans, LA, US

problem #83

Nov 152007

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

Along with a few other minor issues with this cars interior and fuel latch door the electronic lock buttons, the trim on one side of the car just peeled off all under 5 years and now this issue with the transmission. the car runs great, but now the transmission is shot it is only 6 years old!!! I never had a car where it died due to a transmission failure at age 6! what are they doing these days with the manufacturing of vehicles?

they aren't built to last anymore, they are costly to keep on the road along with not to forget the cost of gas to run them. they cost a fortune to purchase and they fall apart before age 10.

Used to buy a car for a 1/3 of the cost of a home and it would last 10 to 30 years with out too much trouble at least eth transmissions lasted 10 years or better. I am disabled and I was not counting on having a major repair as this until at least ten years I have no income to get a new car or fix this mess.. I was hoping I would be able to drive this for another 4 years. OUCH! anyone have any suggestions please email me or reply to this post!

- knotnheaven, Berwick, PA, US

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