The third (high-mounted) brake light is the recurring problem. Owners describe intermittent operation that progresses to complete failure. The light assembly uses five LEDs instead of a replaceable bulb, and the real culprit appears to be wiring design: power wires get pinched or wrapped too tightly around clips inside the housing, interrupting current. One owner fixed it by unwrapping a pinched wire; others have had to replace the entire LED strip at significant cost. Dealers confirm the LEDs work but the wiring is at fault. One owner replaced the unit twice (December 2010 and December 2016) on the same vehicle. Multiple owners report seeing similar complaints online, suggesting this is not isolated.
Headlight problems include lens yellowing that darkens output without warning, diagnosed as cleaning issue rather than defect. One owner reported low-beam failure while running lights and high-beams worked fine.
A brake light switch recall (2008) caused illumination failures; owners waited for parts to arrive. One owner was pulled over for non-illuminating brake lights at 100,000 miles after bulb replacement didn't help.
Failure modes owners describe
Third (high-mounted) brake light intermittent or complete failure
Center high-mount brake light malfunctions intermittently or stops working entirely. In some cases, the LED light illuminates only at low temperatures and fails when temperature rises. Owners report wiring issues where power wires are pinched or wrapped tightly around clips, interrupting current. When working, the light functions normally when brake pedal is depressed. The light assembly uses a row of 5 LEDs rather than a replaceable bulb; repair requires replacement of the entire LED strip, which is expensive and difficult to access. Owners report seeing similar complaints online from other consumers with the same model.
When: 10,000 miles to 100,000 miles; one owner replaced unit first in Dec. 2010, again in Dec. 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light works intermittently, then stops entirely; Light illuminates only in cold temperatures, fails when warmer; Light wire pinched or wrapped tightly around clip restricting current; Brake light did not illuminate when brake pedal pressed; Vehicle failed inspection due to light malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Entire LED strip must be replaced; only Honda carries part; very expensive; alternative is re-wiring the assembly. Owner removed light assembly and found wire wrapped around clip; unwrapping wire fixed problem. Hard to access LED panel for replacement.
Headlight lens oxidation or yellowing
Headlights turned yellow while driving at various speeds, making it difficult to see. Dealer diagnosed the problem as headlight lenses requiring cleaning, not as a defect. Manufacturer confirmed no recalls under the VIN.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turned yellow without warning; Difficulty driving due to reduced light output
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: headlight lenses needed cleaning. Vehicle not repaired per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; confirmed no recalls under VIN.
Low-beam headlight failure
Low-beam headlights stopped working suddenly. Running lights, fog lights, blinkers, and high-beams all function normally. Owner notes the failure pattern matches a recall issued for previous generation Civic models involving a known electrical issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beams stopped working suddenly; Running lights, fog lights, blinkers, and high-beams work normally
Repairs/costs cited: Fuses checked and confirmed good; not repaired per narrative.
Brake light switch failure affecting brake light illumination
Brake lights did not illuminate when brake pedal pressed. Brake indicator light came on and vehicle was difficult to shift out of park. Repair required replacement of brake pedal switch. Owner notes this is a known recall on Honda Civics from the previous model year (2006). Recall notice regarding brake light switch received April 5, 2008; dealer had to order parts and delays occurred.
When: Around 14,500 miles at time of recall notice in 2008
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights did not illuminate when brake pedal pressed; Brake system indicator light came on; Difficult to shift vehicle out of park; Police pulled over vehicle for brake lights not illuminating; bulb changed but failure recurred
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of brake pedal switch resolved the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice issued April 5, 2008 for brake light switch; parts were on backorder at time of notification.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.