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.

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,470
Average Mileage:
117,650 miles
Total Complaints:
63 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new transmission (30 reports)
  2. not sure (30 reports)
  3. sold car as is (3 reports)
2001 Honda Civic transmission problems

transmission problem

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2001 Honda Civic Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #63

Dec 222014

Civic EX 1.7L. 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

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

My 2001 Honda Civic EX just stopped shifting gears while I was driving. It's an automatic, I was going across a highway and it slowly decreased speed until it completely stopped. It revs up when you hit the gas but, will not move.

I had it towed and it's been sitting ever since. If Honda knew there was a problem and sold these vehicles why aren't they responsible for the repair cost? I have three kids and need my vehicle, I can't afford to fix it being a single mom on a fixed income. Now my kids are stuck waiting in cold weather for their bus. This issue is very frustrating!

- Suzanne D., Eden, MD, US

problem #62

Nov 282014

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,528 miles

IF IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE HONDA CIVIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, THEN WHY DOESN'T HONDA MAN UP AND TAKE POSSESSION OF THE FAULT? WE JUST HAD NEW STRUTS FRONT AND BACK ON THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS A NEW TIMING BELT. OVER $2000 ALREADY, AND THEN THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED

- Michael S., Red Bluff, CA, US

problem #61

Nov 152014

Civic SE 1.6L

  • Manual transmission
  • 117,000 miles

Car starts but won't go into any gears. Gear shaft is free.

- Majinder M., Leeds, Westyorkshire, UK

problem #60

Sep 292014

Civic LX 1.7L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

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

I HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW, AND ITS BEEN WONDERFUL, NEVER HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT JUST THE THING WITH THE AIRBAG, THAT EVERYBODY IS HAVING. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT, OTHER THAN THAT NOTHING MORE, ALL MY PREVIOUS CARS WERE HONDAS. NEVER HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL NOW. AND I'M PISSED BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, AND HONDA IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. NOW I HAVE TO SPEND ALMOST 2,000 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. WAITING FOR A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THESE 3 DAYS ITS BEEN HELL FOR ME TO GO TO WORK. I HAVE TO DRIVE NEARLY45 MIN TO WORK & I'VE BEEN PAYING TAXI FARE UNTIL I CAN COME UP WITH THE MONEY TO FIX IT. IF THIS CASE CAN HELP FOR THEM TO MAKE A RECALL, I'LL BE THRILLED

- Jose C., Lawrence, MA, US

problem #59

Jun 012014

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

I have labor alone estimate from a shop in the range of $900-$1000. Still looking for a replacement transmission.

- guptava, Glen Allen, VA, US

problem #58

Jun 242014

Civic 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,000 miles

Second of two transmission problems with this piece of crap. And, apparently Honda knows there is a problem by the number of complaints on this board only to ignore it's responsibility. Check the number of complaints for this model, make and year. Think there is a problem Honda?!?!?

- John S., Birmingham, AL, US

problem #57

Apr 232014

Civic EX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 173,321 miles

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

Call the Honda service center to file a complaint to get a recall on the transmission for the 2001 Honda Civic. The more people that calls with the transmission issue the more likely a recall will be issued. Please help all us Honda owners.

- Sharon D., monroe, mi, US

problem #56

Mar 232014

Civic EX

  • Manual transmission
  • 129,000 miles

This could be a clutch issue but I put it under transmission because my transmission is getting looked at tomorrow when i'll know more. Prior to this my clutch had been slipping a little bit. Never noticed much transmission issues.

Driving along US 280 in San Francisco I went to down shift as I was exiting the freeway. As I removed it from 5th to go to 4th I got "locked out." I could move the shifter side to side in neutral but could not get in to 1st through 4th gears. I came to a stop at the light trying to mess with it a bit to no avail. After driving off in 5th gear I was able to pull my car over to try and see what's going on or call someone. I was able to force whatever was blocking 1-4 out of the way so those gears I could use once again at the cost of having 5th and reverse completely inaccessible. Linkage appears to be fine according to the shop I have taken it to.

- Tim M., San Francisco, CA, US

problem #55

Jan 072014

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

I bought this car new on April 4, 2001, kept up with the maintenance. I have just recently noticed a whinning sound when I start the car followed by hesitation when I press the accelerator. The car stalled on me on the highway. Luckily I was not injured, but I was scared and very inconvenienced. I have been doing research on repairs and was stunned to learn that vehicles Honda manufactured between the years of 1999-2004 have had widespread complaints on transmission failures. I contacted my Honda dearlership and asked what Honda is doing to repair vehicles for customers with this problem. The service representative told me that the cost of repairs is my responsibility. I am outraged that they are not doing more to help when they are aware of these faulty transmissions.

- lameshat, Atlanta, GA, US

problem #54

Dec 172013

Civic LX 1.7L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

This vehicle was bought for its reliability, longevity, confidence in name. My vehicle was serviced at standard intervals, always passed inspection, as you can see by the mileage, not over used. A transmission should never need total rebuilding or replacement at less than 90,00 miles even with all the standard upkeep/maintanence. And especially from a Honda vehicle. The company should be liable and because the car has not been overabused/used, and is only 13 years old with less than 90k miles, Honda should gladly fix the problem with no charge to owner. And the original owner at that. Otherwise I can assure you I will never buy a Honda vehicle again, and instead, will enlighten as many others as possible, via various social media sites, to boycott just the same.

- Lori F., Brooklyn, NY, US

problem #53

Nov 202013

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 190,435 miles

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

For a week the transmission had difficulty engaging, until it finally stopped engaging on a long country road on my way to work- At least the weather was nice.

I was quoted $1200 for a new tranny, I got him down to $900, but I opted for to sell the car to him for $150.

My first car was a 1998 Civic which was a great car. The 2001 Civic served my wife well over the years and served me well for the 2 years that I drove it, but this full transmission failure was a real disappointment.

I have decided to switch teams- I'm hoping to buy my first Toyota Corolla today.

- civveyy, Burlignton, Ontario, canada

problem #52

Jul 112012

Civic EX 1.7L V Tech

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,800 miles

I have this 2001 civic that I've notice that this model year and a couple more have this problem and no one seems to do anything about it.If this many people are having the same problem then the manufacturer should fix it since it seems look a major defect with nothing but Honda's.

- Jules K., Bridgeville, DE, US

problem #51

May 122013

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 210,000 miles

- jewell123, Painted Post, NY, US

problem #50

Oct 112012

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,884 miles

Total transmission failure! While i was stopped at a traffic light it felt like the car would not get in gear. I would press on the gas and the engine would rev up but I was not moving. I was able to let it coast to a side street to get out of traffic. This could have been really ugly if I was on the highway or on a busier street. I had to get it towed to the nearest service station. Apparently the oil pump and torque converter failed which basically caused the rest of the transmission to burn up. I had to do a complete new transmission rebuild. I know my Honda has a few miles but 104k seems too early for a transmission failure. I called Honda and they where not willing to help with any of the cost since it is of course out of warranty. Most people pay extra for a Honda because they know it is good quality and it will last. I'm starting to think Honda does not stand behind its cars anymore. This is my second Honda car, I will have to think long and hard before I buy a Honda again.

- Jason M., Cleveland, OH, US

problem #49

Jun 112012

Civic ES 4cl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

Always heard nothing but good things about Honda.. Never buying another piece of foreign junk again. SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A FORD. And really, less than 100k in? Never getting my business again.

- Phil M., Williamstown, NJ, US

problem #48

May 072012

Civic DX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

Honda must have known about this defect in their transmissions seeing how many people were affected who owned this make and model year.

- Rip R., San Diego, CA, US

problem #47

Apr 302012

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

Tranmission Failed while driving on Busy Highway - NO WARNING. 2001 Honda Civic LX with only 87,000 miles, only drive locally. I was told by transmission specialist, that the transmission just "blew" but MIGHT be the Torque Converter, will charge $2,000 to TRY that as a fix, BUT NO GUARANTEES ! so, in other words, I could pay $2,000 and still have the same issue? UGH!

I called HONDA telling them about this site and all the complaints and found in my research that they have been taken to court with a class action suit a few years ago - where they had to recall over 600,000 vehicles !!! BUT MINE IS NOT COVERED, due to its AGE not its Mileage !! If a Car Manufacturer - HONDA - KNOWS that they placed FAULTY transmissions in their vehicles, THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE ! Why are they getting away with this? I filed a complaint on the Safercar.gov website and now to the Office of the Attorney General / Division of Consumer Affairs in my state. Can Anyone Advise Me? I also asked HONDA for "good faith" assistance in paying to have transmission fixed, but was told no.

- Maryann W., Brick, NJ, US

problem #46

Apr 242012

Civic EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,000 miles

Driving home the other day and the car would not shift gears and the transmission was making a strange sound. Tried shifting the Drive to "2" then back to drive and it seemed to get the car shifting again, then got to a stop light and the transmission would not engage. It needed momentum to start shifting again and had to get the car towed. Not sure what my options are yet. The transmission failed, waiting for an estimate. I read that this was a problem with Civics of this year, that it could happen anytime after 70,000 miles. Well it happened to me at 141,000 miles. Honda transmissions are terrible. Every manufacturer always seems to have a bad defect with their cars.

- aam37, West Chester, PA, US

problem #45

Apr 162012

Civic LX 1.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 169,900 miles

I went out to take a package to the shipping company about 12 miles from home. On the way the transmission slipped twice, and then I stopped at the shippers delivered the package and was able to drive about 200 yards from the shippers. Bang, total failure. Then I had to have the tow company pick me up, No warning otherwise. Anyone want to buy a non driving Honda Civic. Cheap

I own a 1988 Acura Legend and it has been a great vehicle to date.

- winky, Miami, FL, US

problem #44

Apr 052012

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I bought my Honda from a reputable dealer, Scott Honda in W. Chester, Pa., new in May of 2001. I maintained it regularly at the same dealership throughout the life of the car. I repeatedly (for 2yrs at least;2011,2010)had the mechanics at Scott Honda look at, and make a note of,.,,..a "disconcerting noise" under the hood. All I was ever told was "this" was checked out and no one determined what/where the noise was. However, I was repeatedly advised that it had nothing to do with the saftey of operating the vehicle........Well, maybe not, but last Thursday it stopped operating; It has only 80,000 mi's on it.

It would start, but the gears would not engage. I finally got it to a different,reputable mechanic w/ the help of my friends and learned that the transmission has to be replaced! At a cost of $2200.00.

I bought a Honda in 2001 because of it's excellent reputation in longevity and because I had previously put 2 transmissions in my Ford.

I am a single, retired, female in my 70's and am outraged to learn that there are others who have experienced the same problem & there has never been a "recall?????

Further, that I've been "at risk" of this happening and even more, that my initial "loud noise" problem/ report was not not investigated more thoughly particularly in light of this "global transmission problem!!!!"

No more Fords.....and without compensation, "No More Hondas!!!!

- Susie M., Folsom, PA, US

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