AMERICAN HONDA: HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR ALL 2006-2007 CIVIC HYBRID DUE TO POWER STEERING CONTROL UNIT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Honda Civic powertrain problems
moderate 89 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
89
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 89 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Honda Civic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 89 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.
Among the 17 model years of Honda Civic in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Civic's powertrain is a problem cluster. Manual transmission SI models struggle with 3rd gear from day one—grinding, refusing to engage, or popping out unexpectedly, worst in cold weather. Clutch burnout at 700 to 4,000 miles is common, with owners blaming a manufacturing defect rather than their driving. Hybrid CVT models slip or lose power during acceleration, particularly when passing or merging, leaving owners stranded at low rpms despite engine revving. IMA battery systems malfunction after hot-soak or following manufacturer software updates, disabling electric motor assist and crippling highway safety; Honda's response has been to insist the vehicle operates "as intended." Engine block cracks appear in otherwise maintained vehicles, causing overheating and coolant leaks; Honda's extended warranty (10 years, first owner only) expired in 2018, leaving later buyers responsible for $2,500+ engine replacement. Front and rear control arms wear out prematurely, trashing tires within 20,000 miles. Dealers have consistently blamed driver error, missed the window on recalls, or simply stated they cannot replicate or repair the defect. Multiple owners cite the same recurring issues on internet forums and report that Honda acknowledged defects internally but declined field action.
Same Honda Civic powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
3rd Gear Grinding, Difficulty Engaging, or Popping Out (Manual Transmission)
The 6-speed manual transmission in 2007 Civic SI models exhibits chronic difficulty shifting into 3rd gear, with grinding noise, resistance to engagement, or unexpected popping out of gear during normal driving. The problem is worse in cold weather and often recurs after dealer repairs of synchros or clutch.
When: Typically beginning at low mileage (2,000–15,000 miles) and recurring throughout vehicle life; more frequent in cold weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when attempting to shift into 3rd gear; Resistance or refusal to engage 3rd gear; Transmission popping out of 3rd gear unexpectedly during driving; Subsequent clutch wear and burnout caused by synchro failure; Engine RPM surge when gear disengages
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced 3rd gear syncro, shift forks, or entire synchro units; clutch replacement also required ($1,200–$1,700); fluid flushes attempted as temporary fix; problem recurs within 6 months to several thousand miles after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Technical Service Bulletin 08-020 (April 2008) acknowledging the defect in manual transmissions; TSB not consistently communicated to owners; Honda denies defect and blames operator error (improper clutch or shifting technique)
Clutch Failure (Manual Transmission)
Premature clutch wear and burnout occurring at very low mileage in 2007 Civic SI models, often within the first year of ownership. Owners report the clutch burns out or slips, sometimes correlated with 3rd gear synchro problems.
When: Early in vehicle life, as early as 700 miles to 4,000 miles; some failures at 4 years of ownership with normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch slipping or loss of power engagement; Smell of burning clutch material; Unable to shift into gear or loss of power while driving; Difficulty accelerating despite engine RPM increase
Repairs/costs cited: Complete clutch replacement required; labor and parts typically $1,300–$1,500; dealer refuses warranty coverage, blaming operator misuse or hard driving despite normal use patterns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda declines warranty coverage, citing 'misuse' or 'hard shifting' by owner; extended warranty may cover labor but owner charged for parts
CVT Transmission Slipping or Loss of Power
2007 Civic Hybrid models with continuously variable transmission (CVT) experience loss of drive engagement, inadequate acceleration response, and slipping under load, particularly during passing maneuvers or hill climbing.
When: Observed within weeks of purchase or triggered during specific driving conditions (passing lanes, uphill acceleration); becomes more frequent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping without driver applying accelerator; RPM surge (tachometer near red-line) with no corresponding vehicle acceleration; Loss of power during passing attempts or freeway merging; Insufficient acceleration to match traffic flow
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer reportedly replaced transmission; extended CVT warranty available but no field adjustments possible according to technicians; no successful repair documented in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealership service advisor stated 'we don't know how to fix that yet' after test drives; American Honda refused intervention; problem unresolved in complaint narratives
IMA System Malfunction and Loss of Electric Motor Assist (Hybrid)
2007 Civic Hybrid IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system fails to provide electric motor power assist for acceleration, especially after hot-soak conditions or following software update. Battery discharges rapidly or fails to assist, leaving vehicle underpowered on small gasoline engine alone.
When: Most frequently after car parked in sun (hot-soak); some failures begin within 3–10 minutes of engine start; recurs several times per week to multiple times per day in warm weather
Symptoms owners cite: No electric motor assist or severely reduced assist during acceleration; Difficulty accelerating to match traffic flow or merge safely on highway; Engine running rough immediately after start; IMA battery (158V nickel-metal hydride) charges then fully discharges within 10 seconds; Braking force greatly reduced during malfunction; Significant drop in fuel economy (16–24% decrease reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Honda reprogrammed IMA battery software; fluid flushes and water pump replacement attempted; no lasting fix achieved; one owner reported IMA software update worsened problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued IMA system software update recall letter to owners; after update installed, some owners report worsened performance and loss of assist; Honda states vehicle 'operating as intended' and refuses further warranty service or battery replacement
Engine Block Cracking
Coolant leaks and engine overheating caused by structural cracks in the engine block, occurring in otherwise well-maintained vehicles. Defect became apparent when engine overheated during normal driving, producing smoke and potential fire hazard.
When: Discovered at approximately 163,000 miles in one case; present in newer used vehicles (post-2010 purchase) suggesting earlier manufacture defect; overheating episodes can occur suddenly
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating with smoke/fumes during normal driving; Coolant leaks; Abnormal clicking sound when brake pedal depressed; Visible crack in engine block confirmed by dealer inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; dealer estimates $2,500–$3,500; one case required replacement after 3+ months of dealer hold
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued extended warranty covering cracked engine blocks for 10 years from first purchase (first owner only); extended warranty expired in 2018; subsequent owners not informed of warranty; Honda refused warranty claim after deadline, requiring owner deductible ($2,500) for engine replacement
Driveshaft (CV Axle) Corrosion and Breakage
Front passenger-side CV axle (driveshaft) corrodes due to failed anti-rust coating and salt exposure, ultimately breaking during normal low-speed driving. Failure mode matches NHTSA Recall 20V-770 already applied to other Honda models in salt-belt states.
When: After extended exposure to road salt; vehicle registered in Massachusetts since at least 2010; failure occurred at low speed (approximately 5 mph) during left turn from complete stop
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft segment breaks and falls from vehicle with loud audible clunk; Metal corrosion visible on exposed portions of axle where anti-rust coating wore away
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement using non-OEM parts (OEM parts on backorder); part numbers documented on dealer invoice
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Existing NHTSA Recall 20V-770 covers this same defect in other Honda models in salt-belt states but has not yet been extended to 2007 Civic; owner requested extension of recall
Transmission Failure to Shift or Stuck in Park (Automatic/Hybrid)
Automatic and hybrid transmissions fail to shift from Park into Drive or become locked in Park, stranding vehicle. Some cases involve loss of brake light illumination or electrical system malfunction.
When: As early as first months of ownership; recurring intermittently; one case occurred 3 years after vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift from Park to Drive despite brake pedal depressed; Transmission locked in Park requiring vehicle to be towed; Brake light illuminated on dashboard; No warning indicators for some failures; Shift lever moves from Park into Neutral spontaneously while backing
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair performed at dealership (recall 08-049 or similar referenced); one case required complete transmission overhaul; repair typically completed within 1–2 days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda recalled vehicles for this defect (2008 model year affected); recalled vehicles fixed at dealership; owners complained defect was not disclosed at time of sale or service and should have been corrected before sale
IMA Software Update Degrading Performance
Mandatory or recommended IMA battery software updates reduce electric motor assist power and fuel economy; owners report vehicle becomes unsafe to drive on highways post-update. Update appears to have been issued as a recall or TSB to address battery issues but creates new safety and driveability problems.
When: Immediately after software update installation at dealer; one case August 2010; effects ongoing as no rollback available
Symptoms owners cite: Severe loss of electric motor assist after software installation; Inability to accelerate adequately for freeway merging (dangerous condition); Significant fuel economy decrease (reported 16–24% drop); Car operates primarily on small gasoline engine with minimal battery assist
Repairs/costs cited: Software update installed at dealer per manufacturer letter; no rollback procedure available; Honda refuses to reverse update or replace IMA battery despite changed operating characteristics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: American Honda issued recall/TSB letter directing software update; after installation, Honda claims vehicle 'operating as intended' and refuses warranty service, battery replacement, or update reversal
Transmission Grinding, Slipping, or Complete Failure (Automatic)
Automatic transmissions exhibit grinding, slipping, or sudden complete failure to engage, leaving vehicle immobile. Failures occur under normal driving or load conditions.
When: Variable; some cases at 65,000 miles recurring, others at lower mileage; one case reported failure at freeway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips before fully engaging in Drive; Vehicle suddenly loses power or fails to move after stop; Grinding noise during gear engagement; Transmission jerking or shaking at highway speeds; Complete loss of drive with vehicle unable to move despite engine running
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission rebuild or replacement typically required ($1,800–$3,000); one case required three separate rebuilds of the same transmission with chronic recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealers acknowledge chronic transmission problems in 2001 Civic (suggesting pattern extends across generations); manufacturer fully aware of defect per complainant but takes no recall action
Control Arm (Rear or Front) Defect Causing Premature Tire Wear
Defective control arms (rear and/or front) cause uneven and premature tire wear, requiring tire replacement as early as 20,000 miles. Manufacturers acknowledge parts were 'made wrong' but refuse warranty coverage or replacement.
When: Becomes apparent within first 20,000 miles; can manifest at first service or shortly after
Symptoms owners cite: Uneven tire wear (inside wear pattern); Vibration and rumbling noise from suspension; Shaking of vehicle during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement required; dealers have replaced control arms (rear and front) but warranty company later informed owner manufacturer acknowledged parts were defective from production; control arms cost not specified but tire replacement multiple times burden to owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda denies warranty coverage despite internal acknowledgment to warranty provider that parts were manufactured incorrectly; refuses to recall or replace defective parts; warranty company informed owner that Honda admitted manufacturing defect
Synthesized from 89 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Third gear notchy and sometimes hard to engage and/or grinds, this is a safety hazard and should be addressed. Honda has issued a tsb, but I have taken the car to two different dealers neither could replicate the problem. *tr
Honda civic hybrid ima no assist or lack of assist and mileage reduction after ima software recall update. I had no issues prior to the ima recall software update performed at the dealer. The car seems to now use less electric motor power to accelerate or to go up hills. This can become dangerous in certain situations. Also the car has seen a decrease in fuel economy of 16% city and 24%…
Since day of purchase noticed third gear popping. Thought being new car could not be a problem. It is now 6 months later. Called service at Honda dealership. Questioned warranty and explained issues with car, such as clutch slipping, seems sync rolls are going. Dealership claims it is driver. Called america Honda corp. They admit transmission fix will be coming out in 2008, but only certain…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Honda Civic?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 89 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,000 and 48,000 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 48,000. 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/2007/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.