AMERICAN HONDA: HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR ALL 2006-2007 CIVIC HYBRID DUE TO POWER STEERING CONTROL UNIT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Honda Civic powertrain problems
severe 64 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
64
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 64 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Honda Civic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 64 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
WON'T MOVE IN ANY GEAR, WHINE, GRINDING NOISE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Civic powertrain fails in distinct, recurring ways that dealers struggle—or refuse—to fix. Manual transmission owners report grinding that starts within weeks of purchase, especially shifting 2nd to 3rd, sometimes with gears popping into Neutral at highway speeds. Pressure plates snap, synchros wear prematurely, and internal transmission damage compounds the failure. Automatic versions slip on hills, lurch when shifting, or refuse to engage out of Park. Hybrid owners face a separate nightmare: the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) battery suddenly loses charge without warning—sometimes twice daily—stranding them with a 1.3L engine that needs 5k rpm just to hit 35 mph. This happens most often when they need power (freeway onramps, merging through traffic, climbing hills), making it genuinely dangerous. The drive-by-wire throttle system surges unexpectedly in traffic and lags 1–2 seconds on pedal release. Engine blocks crack without clear warning, killing all power including brakes and steering on the highway. Dealerships claim they cannot reproduce most problems or that nothing is wrong. Honda issued recalls for the throttle system and extended warranties for the IMA battery and engine block—but many owners fall outside coverage windows. Software "fixes" often made problems worse. Repair bills routinely exceed $2,000–$5,000 by 65,000–90,000 miles.
Same Honda Civic powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Unexpected acceleration while braked (drive-by-wire throttle)
Vehicle accelerates on its own while driver's foot is on brake, sometimes violently. Occurs at traffic lights and intersections. Multiple incidents described where brake alone insufficient to stop forward motion. Dealers unable to reproduce during service tests.
When: Intermittent; multiple incidents over time
Symptoms owners cite: Car accelerates despite brake pedal pressed; Violent acceleration, multiple feet on brakes insufficient; No warning lights or codes present; Cannot be reproduced during dealer test drives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB/recall for drive-by-wire throttle response mentioned; software updates installed but issues persisted or worsened
IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) battery charge loss and assist failure (hybrid models)
Hybrid battery suddenly loses charge and drops assist without warning, leaving car with significantly reduced power and acceleration. Occurs at worst times (freeway onramps, passing, traffic merging). Battery recalibrations occur frequently—2-4 times weekly or even multiple times daily. No error codes thrown. Mileage drops from 45+ mpg to mid-30s.
When: 2–3+ years into ownership; happens at least twice weekly, sometimes twice daily
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden battery charge drop, no assist delivered; Car loses 20-25 hp when assist unavailable; Engine must rev to 5k rpm to exceed 35 mph; Unpredictable assist/charge behavior—battery refuses to assist even with 40% charge remaining; Mileage drops significantly (45+ mpg to mid-30s); No warning lights or stored codes; Happens more in summer and warm weather; Cannot be reproduced at will for diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Honda forced 12V battery replacement at owner cost, made no difference. IMA battery replacement ($3,000) covered under warranty through 80k miles; problem improved but recurred. Software updates/patches applied with no lasting effect. Owners replaced IMA batteries in 50k–70k mileage range.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda aware of failure but stated no repair available; forced 12V battery replacement; issued software updates; extended IMA battery warranty to 150k/15 years (lapsed on 2006 models); issued recall letter threatening to further reduce hybrid usage; offered no other solutions
Manual transmission grinding, popping, and failure to engage (2nd/3rd gear)
Manual transmission grinds excessively, especially shifting 2nd to 3rd gear. Gear pops out of engagement (often into neutral) while driving. Double-clutching required. Grinding most prevalent in cold weather. Pressure plate snaps under normal use. Transmission fluid quality issues cited. Dealership initially blamed break-in period or driver error.
When: Early (within weeks of purchase) and progressive; cold weather worse; occurs throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive grinding when shifting into gears, especially 2nd to 3rd; Gear pops out to neutral unexpectedly while driving; Difficulty fully engaging gears; Notchy, stiff, grinding 3rd gear; Lack of confidence in gear engagement; Pressure plate snapped at 67,500 miles; Grinding worse in cold weather and on first start
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid changed (quality issue) with slight improvement. Pressure plate replacement $1,140–$1,900; subsequent transmission rebuild estimated $2,000+. New transmission required at ~65,700 miles for $5,000+ (clutch, transmission, driveshaft). Throwout bearing issues noted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB exists for 3rd gear issue; Honda cited no recall; dealership suggested 'break-in period' and refused further diagnosis; district manager unable to replicate symptoms; no solution offered
Random surging and throttle response lag (drive-by-wire)
Car surges uncontrollably when accelerator tapped, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Engine revs loudly and car shoots forward. Throttle response slow and delayed (1.5–2 second lag when releasing pedal). Engine pushes vehicle for 10–15 seconds with no pedal input after downshift. Surging causes collision with vehicle ahead.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; worsens after software patches
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled surging on light throttle input; High engine revving, loud noise; 1.5–2 second delay in throttle response; Engine continues accelerating 10–15 seconds after pedal release; Hanging revs after gas pedal release (1–2 seconds)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for throttle response; software updates installed, made problem worse
Transmission slip on inclines and inability to hold on hills (automatic)
Automatic transmission slips in Drive on inclines, causing vehicle to roll backwards. Must engage Park or use parking brake to hold vehicle. Dealership acknowledged other customers reported same issue but stated nothing could be done.
When: At 50,000+ miles during hill driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while in Drive on incline; Transmission slips as if in Neutral
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service manager stated other customers had same problem; no repair available
Transmission won't shift out of Park (automatic)
Engine starts but transmission will not shift out of Park. Car stalled on highway during stop-and-go traffic. Brake switch and PCM failures identified. Oil found in PCM. Repeated incidents.
When: Intermittent; multiple occurrences over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts but cannot shift out of Park; Car stalls during traffic; Oil contamination in PCM
Repairs/costs cited: Brake switch and PCM replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed oil spill during oil change (owner disputed); another dealer diagnosed brake switch and PCM failure; no formal recall or solution
IMA system loss of all power (hybrid)
Car loses all power momentarily while engine continues running; accelerator has no effect. Power steering and brakes continue but no propulsion. Lasts seconds; power returns after 30 seconds of engine off/restart. Occurs 3 times in 5 minutes on dirt road. Battery indicator fluctuates erratically. No check engine light.
When: Infrequent but repeated; multiple episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss while engine running; Accelerator pedal unresponsive; Battery indicator shows sudden erratic changes; No check engine light; Car stalls intermittently
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has tried to solve but unable to fix problem
Engine block cracking
Engine block cracks, typically occurring suddenly while driving on highway, causing loss of power to all systems including brakes and power steering. Faulty casting process identified by Honda. Crack can occur anywhere from <1,000 to 200,000 miles. Creates profound safety hazard.
When: Variable, <1,000 to 200,000 miles; many at lower mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine block crack; Loss of all power including brakes and steering; Overheating before crack occurs (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; high cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda admitted faulty casting process; initially issued 8-year warranty, extended to 10 years; refuses to honor warranty on vehicles outside coverage period; refuses recall
Transmission lurches forward/backward when shifted (automatic)
Vehicle lurches or jerks forward when shifted to Drive or Reverse, even with foot firmly on brake. Can cause vehicle to move unintentionally, especially dangerous on slopes. Occurs with multiple drivers.
When: Multiple incidents within month; ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurches when shifted to Drive or Reverse; Continued motion despite brake pedal application; Vehicle may move in unintended direction
Transmission reverse/forward direction reversal
Vehicle placed in Reverse but moves forward instead. In separate incidents, Reverse engaged but vehicle did not stop despite firm brake application; had to shift to Drive to stop. Occurred three times in one month with two different drivers.
When: Intermittent; three incidents in one month
Symptoms owners cite: Reverse gear produces forward motion; Vehicle does not stop in Reverse despite brake; Transmission moves in unexpected direction
Clutch failure and transmission damage cascade
Clutch pressure plate snaps under normal use; failure cascades to transmission damage. Grinding of all lower gears after pressure plate repair indicates internal transmission damage. Grinding worsens over time.
When: 67,500 miles for pressure plate snap; 87,000 miles transmission failure
Symptoms owners cite: Pressure plate snaps; Transmission grinds in 4th gear after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Pressure plate replacement ~$1,140–$1,900; transmission rebuild $2,000+
Axle failure
Axle broke causing loud grinding, bucking, vehicle immobilization. Tow operator noted axle failure had been progressing for time.
When: Shortly after purchase (1+ month in)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding and bucking; Vehicle immobilization; Vehicle rolls back when in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Axle replacement required
Torque converter and transmission failure (automatic)
Vehicle failed to shift into gear while driving 65 mph. Loud noise accompanied failure. Torque converter and transmission both required replacement.
When: 112,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise while driving; Failure to shift into gear
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter and transmission replacement
Clutch disc failure
Clutch disc came apart suddenly while driving highway at moderate speed. Engine would rev but car would not move. Burning smell. At only 26,232 miles.
When: 26,232 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs, no vehicle movement; Burning smell; Loud noise
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing replacement; cost $1,098.68
Transmission rattling noise
Transmission produces rattling noise; entire transmission replacement required.
When: Early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Entire transmission replacement needed
1st and 3rd gear engagement issues
1st gear locks out at dead stop, preventing engagement. If on hill, car rolls backward. 3rd gear kicks back and grinds.
When: Ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: 1st gear fails to engage at stop; Car rolls backward when attempting 1st gear; 3rd gear grinds and kicks back
Wet weather power loss and transmission noise (heavy rain)
After water splashes undercarriage in heavy rain, engine sounds louder, car vibrates violently, temporary acceleration loss, rattling sound from transmission/undercarriage. Issue reported widely on 8th generation Civic forums.
When: Only in heavy rain after puddle splash
Symptoms owners cite: Loud engine noise; Violent vibration, especially center armrest; Temporary acceleration loss; Rattling from transmission or undercarriage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and Honda unable to diagnose; cannot reproduce since issue only in heavy rain
Steering wheel lock while in Reverse
After driving 10 miles and parking, when shifted to Reverse, steering wheel locked. When shifted to Drive, vehicle continued in Reverse. Engine restart resolved issue. Occurred at least twice.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks while in Reverse; Vehicle continues Reverse when shifted to Drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has no record of this issue on 2006 Civic
Brake light failure and shift lock issues
Brake lights did not function. Vehicle would not shift out of Park unless unlock button depressed on shift lever.
When: At 26,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights non-functional; Cannot shift out of Park without pressing unlock button
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not included in recall 07V402000; manufacturer offered no assistance
Clutch pedal excessive stiffness
Manual clutch pedal very stiff with long travel, requiring short drivers to position seat very close to steering wheel for sufficient leverage to fully depress. Ongoing issue.
When: Ongoing from ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely stiff clutch pedal; Long pedal travel
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to reduce stiffness or reposition engine disconnect switch
High engine revving at idle
Engine revs very high when stopped. Occurs intermittently. Putting car in Neutral only makes revs climb higher (up to 6k rpm). Feels like car will charge forward; heavy brake pressure needed.
When: Intermittent; first reported late 2007, recurred 01/28/08
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive idle revving; Revs climb even higher in Neutral; Feels like car will surge forward
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to duplicate; dealer stated no other complaints of this
3rd gear synchro failure
Difficulty shifting into 3rd gear at various speeds. Synchro replacement required. Issue recurred at higher mileage.
When: 22,000 miles initially; recurred later
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty shifting into 3rd gear
Repairs/costs cited: 3rd gear synchro replacement; manufacturer and dealer shared repair costs initially
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered partial repair cost coverage at 22k miles
Synthesized from 64 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Bolt that connected tensioner, to belt sheared off. Causing vehicle to malfunction. Car became not drivable. Might have caused injury at high speed, or loss of control. A common problem with the 2006 Honda civic, according to internet complaints! Design problem? One of the most prevalent problems reported. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Honda Civic?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Honda Civic?
It's a meaningful issue. 64 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 48 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 26,232 and 79,132 miles, with the median around 52,345. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,232; a quarter make it past 79,132. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Honda/Civic.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.