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 32 of 35)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #62

Sep 072007

(reported on)

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

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

Everyone that has a problem with their transmission and you're trying to get some help from Honda, I have something I can email you, it's a Honda Service bulletin 04-036. I will paste just a little bit from it:

The vehicle does not move when you select Drive. The MIL comes on ('01 '03 models) or the D indicator blinks

('04 models) with A/T DTC P0730 (shift control system) set for 2001 '03 Civic 2-door with A/T: ALL

This is just a little but this is not a lie or a scam trust me. I spent 3 hours looking stuff up to try to get enough info on this problem for it to get fixed. I will hear back soon what Honda will do. I might have to talk to the General Manager of the Honda dealership with this service bulletin. I will NEVER own a Honda again tell everyone you now that if you buy a Honda you have a money pit.

- Kerry P., Portland, OR, US

problem #61

Aug 172007

(reported on)

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

Wow I just ready every single review on this site and I feel like I wouldn't even know where to start. I was upset four days ago when my tranny went out on me, but after reading all of this I am even more upset now. My boyfriend had his car taken to an auto dealer yesterday and I asked them if they did tranny's. Instead of answering, the guy questions "what type of car?" I tell him 2001 Honda Civic EX. To my surprise he tells me that his girlfriend had the same exact problem with less mileage than me. He took it to the dealership and they supposedly repaired the whole thing for free. Now, after reading these reviews, I am thinking that they are definitely not going to take care of it. When I was 17, I remember looking at so many cars with my Dad (first car and only car purchase ever). I remember trying to point out so many + things about Honda just so I could get one. I had heard so many great things about them, how reliable they are, and all of my friends had them! The car was taken away from me when I went off to college down here in LA. For graduation I get it back as a grad gift. First thing that happens (probably within about 6 months), the window on the passenger side stops working. I had my boyfriend check the fuse, but that was not it. To take it in and get it fixed (I believe it is the motor) would cost me an amount I do not want to pay. So I have lived with it until this day. So, a little while later, I notice the brakes don't exactly sound so good. I called Dad and asked him when the breaks were taken car of and he said he had just done them. Well, when braking, my car jerks and also makes this really loud/scary noise. Not pretty. Then of course, a few days ago while driving real fast down a street (I live in Los Angeles), the car completely slows down to a halt. It drops to about 20mph, but the RPMs are running up like crazy. It was like I had accidentally shifted to neutral, but to my surprise, it was in drive! It just went REAL slow then I get to my destination. So I'm like uh oh what is going on. I call someone just to say what happened to my car and say good bye. I turn the car back on, and what do you know? The car does not drive or reverse. Isn't there something we could all do about this? Right now I am leaning towards just doing the tranny, and then selling it, and making damn sure I never even deal with Honda again. I have referred SO many people to them, it's ridiculous. Now it's my goal to make sure I tell almost everyone I know to never ever purchase a Honda, unless they would like the problems that come with it.. I still haven't replaced it :/

- Andrea V., Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #60

Aug 232007

(reported on)

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

This is interesting... I bought my HONDA new and at 217 miles my check engine light came on! Brought it back to the dealer and come to find out, they said there were paper particles that somehow got in the transmission during manufacturing. I demanded a new car and told them I didn't pay $15,000 to get a lemon. They insisted that they flushed the transmission 3 times and there would be no particles left behind. Now that my transmission is completely blown at early mileage and as I learn that a transmission is like a delicate labyrinth structurally- I can only wonder if paper particles got left behind? Hmmm. The mechanic I have used (an independant Honda/Acura repair guy) said it does not make sense to rebuild for the simple fact that paper could still be present and there would be no way to guarantee all could be removed or flushed. Now my option is to have it replaced with a refurbished Honda trans. that has 45,000 miles on it. After reading all these reports of trannys going at 58k- I'm not sure I want to take the chance. Not to mention I have a cracked exhaust manifold, need 2 02 sensors, have a power steering leak and need the timing belt replaced. Another $2,000 in repairs on top of the transmission. I have already done the AC compressor for $800... when do the repairs end? This car is not paid off yet and is becoming a money pit!!! And to think I bought honda becasue of the reliability and reputation- wish I found this website sooner!

P. S- I spoke to the honda dealer I bought it from and as expected, they will take no responsibility for this.

- Julie M., Worcester, MA, US

problem #59

Aug 212007

(reported on)

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

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

Transmission began slipping same day it completely failed. 127,000 miles does not seem normal for a transmission that has no towing and mainly highway miles. I bought Honda because of reliable transportation and this appears to be a major unreliable issue.

- gettinger, Toluca LakeC, CA, US

problem #58

Jun 142007

(reported on)

Civic ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

Trans was slipping and then just died AT 106,000 miles. I took it to two mechanic shops and 150 dollars later I am told its the trans. The 2001 models are horrible and should have a recall. We are getting it rebuilt for 2,500 dollars! I have two Hondas and never will buy one again. I would have loved for it to last like an old "Honda" should but it seems 2001 was a lemon year for the Civic trans. Shame on Honda for not honoring us customers and issuing a recall or rebate.. something to help us out.

I will NEVER get another one as my AC stopped working at 90k, too. Our other Honda CRV is a 2003 model and has "slugged" problems and needs a sensor cleaned every 3k miles with the oil change... We were told that bad oil was used and caused this. We had it changed by professionals every 3k - 5k (manual says every 5k). I know its another complaint but I'm so done with these sheaty Hondas. We also had the fuel something or another die at 25k miles on the CRV but it was covered by the warranty... SO MANY ISSUES honda.

We have lost well over a two weeks worth of time from work. Over a month of scheduling rides, rentals, and taking off early from work. NEVER AGAIN!!!!

We should get a lawyer to place a lawsuit against this company. Any takers?

- Harold H., Pasadena, MD, US

problem #57

Aug 142007

(reported on)

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

Any other transmission failures out there pissed enough to start a class action lawsuit??????

My transmission failed at 82,000 miles..... I did have it serviced regularly, but not @ Honda, so they won't cover a penny. It wasn't under warranty because I bought it used, so I can't afford to always bring it in to Honda. How would I know that the transmission would go out so early. A transmission in a Honda should last at least 200,000 miles, at least in the old days AND even if you didn't change the fluid all the time, they still lasted. I will never buy a Honda again. I already traded it in for a Nissan.

HONDA SUCKS!!!!

- M P., North Garden, VA, US

problem #56

Aug 132007

(reported on)

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

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

Honda Civic 2001 LX at 58,000 miles. Transmission failed several times and recently the Check Engine light is on. The dealer told me the whole transmission system needs to be rebuilt. I searched Internet and found that this is a pretty common problem for 2001-2003 Civic. We should push Honda for recall.

- xhshen, Mundelein, IL, US

problem #55

Aug 132007

(reported on)

Civic DX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,459 miles

HONDA YOU SUCK! RELIABILITY? YEA RIGHT! AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS ABOUT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS I FEEL A BIT RELAXED THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY 1! AT 135,000 MILES A HONDA SHOULD HAVE BEEN FINE! WELL TRANSMISSION COSTS 1700$ PLUS THEY SAY 8 HR LABOUR WHICH BRINGS THE COST UP TO 3000$! WOW! BETTER TO PAY DOWN FOR A NEW CAR! DOES ANY ONE HAVE ALTERNATIVES OTHER THAN REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION??

- farhan, Calgary, AB, Canada

problem #54

Aug 132007

(reported on)

Civic LX 1.7L L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

The car just stopped on Freeway. Did not give any sign except for last 10 miles when it was not picking up speed. Had to tow it away.

This seems to be big problem HONDA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS. NOW NEED to know if I need to get the PCM software update.

- Vijay N., Fontana, CA, US

problem #53

Jun 172007

(reported on)

Civic EX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

This is a problem that seems to exist since I brought the vehicle is the transmission. I have been advised this will need to be replaced.

- Diana G., Gardena, CA, US

problem #52

Jun 212007

(reported on)

Civic LX 4cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

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

I cannot believe that this car with only 84,000 miles of mostly highway driving would have a complete transmission failure with no indication of a problem until it completely failed yesterday morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This totally sucks!!!!!!!!

- Bob S., Marietta, GA, US

problem #51

Jun 282007

(reported on)

Civic EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Car drives fine one day - the next day I'm stuck on a hill, with a $3,200 bill. Here I always ranted against the reliability of an American car and the plastic components on the dash-board . . . I think I'll own American with broken pieces of dashboard all over the floor, than ever own a Honda again - with broken/cheap transmissions.

- Jonathan S., Issaquah, WA, US

problem #50

Aug 092007

(reported on)

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

My transmission just went out on my Honda Civic 2001. My car has 74K miles and I just did a Transmission fluid flush, at 60K miles, and they said it was fine. Have you guys delt with this through Honda Motors? or have had to pay yourselves. I got stuck in the middle of the freeway, I think this is a cause for a Recall, and everyone else is also having the same problem around this kind of miles. We have to do something.!!!

- honda sucks, Diamond Bar, CA, US

problem #49

Jul 032007

(reported on)

Civic DX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Wow, after I found this site I found out I was lucky to get 120,000 miles from this transmission.

This is unbelievable. COMPLETE failure. And my wife is a very gentle driver. (As opposed to me in my other cars).

Nothing burns you more than when a manufacturer knows there is a problem and doesn't take any responsibility.

Toyota is getting my next business.

I bought this thing thinking "200,000 miles without any huge headaches". Oh well.

- sholliday, Raleigh, NC, US

problem #48

Jul 042007

(reported on)

Civic DX-G 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,632 miles

I own a 2001 Honda civic DX-G (141,000 km) and all daily services were made in T&T Honda dealer. In April 2007 I had a service of changing engine oil, hot oil flush transmission etc. The second day after made this service, I noticed when I drove under regular speed (40-60), it will suddenly change to a very high gear shift and the engine revs up (it never happened before). I waited for couple of days and this was still happening. So I called T&T Honda again to book a service to check up. On the day I drove to there, one of the mechanics said he need to take a test drive, so we go for a short test drive. He said this car is very good especially the transmission, very smooth and no problem at all; also told me no need to check up. So I drove back.

But on July 1st 2007, when I drove this car on highway, it suddenly lost the speed when I stepped on gas pedal, then service maintain light was on, check engine light was on. Then I pulled over of the highway and couple of minutes later, it totally didn’t move no matter give a gas or change the gear shift.

What a HUGE disappointment!

- Neo D., Calgary, AB, Canada

problem #47

Aug 082007

(reported on)

Civic DX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

My civic tranny is slipping at second gear and the check engine light comes on and this seems to be common problem for the 2001 model. Honda is supposed to be one of the best or most reliable but not the civic for 2001. Everyone with the same problem should demand for a recall.

- gmburun, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #46

Jul 312007

(reported on)

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,900 miles

My so-called reliable Honda Civic dies in the middle of a busy freeway in rush hour traffic in Dallas virtually with no warning... not lights, no slipping... nothing. I have it towed in and find that I have to rebuild my transmission, an $1800 dollar repair the very month it is PAID OFF! I am hoping that I can get reimbursed for my repair.. if anyone knows how, let me know.

- Sarah H., Richardson, TX, US

problem #45

Jul 092007

(reported on)

Civic ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,556 miles

All I have to say is screw Honda. I have a mitsu Mirage as well. It was cheap, is no longer made, and I could not pay someone to buy it. But, (knock on wood) I have only replaced a windshield, brakes, and tires in 70,000 miles. I thought my car would go first. The stupid honda has 65,000 miles and I need to buy and rebuild the transmission. Honda should be ashamed of themselves for something like this to happen so often and do absolutely nothing about it. F*ck Honda.

- brycemclarney, North Brunswick, NJ, US

problem #44

Jul 292007

(reported on)

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

This is the first major problem that I have had with my civic. I was left 40 miles from home, my husband had to push the car up a hill while I steered, all during rush hour in a very busy city.

We had the car towed to my Honda dealer, and the next day I was quoted $2700 for a rebuilt transmission. No way I can pay that! I'm leaving for school next week, so I am just going to take the car to my trusted mechanic in my school town and have him repair the transmission -- hopefully the quote won't be as high as it was via the Honda dealer. I'll be towing my car behind the uhaul.

- pharmd2b, Wingate, NC, US

problem #43

Jul 282007

(reported on)

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

I have always been Loyal to Honda, and have always loved their vehicles. I currently own 3 Honda vehicles, even though one is badged Acura. I was tired of have 2 5spd cars that were both 2 doors, so me and my wife decided to buy a 4dr Civic, mainly because I had enjoyed my Honda experience. What a nightmare, after 3 months of owning my used 2001 civic, the transmission completely fails, while I'm still making payments on the car. Now I'm stuck with this piece of crap and since it's a used car I bought it as is. The D for drive is flashing and the car will not move while in drive. I wish I had bought a Jetta, at least VW can make a Transmission that isn't designed for failure! After This nightmare is over and I finally get rid of this piece of crap, I will never buy another Honda!! Thanks ALOT Honda!!!! You suck!

- 2001civicjunk, Vienna, VA, US

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