The car was driving fine until I heard a grinding sound and pulled over to the side of the road. I turned the car off and on again, put it in drive, and pressed the gas pedal but instead of driving the car started to roll backwards down the hill I was stopped on. No check engine or other warning lights came on. I had the car towed to a mechanic who said the transmission was broken and needed to…
2015 Honda Civic powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Honda Civic have filed 168 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 85,600 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
168
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Civic | 3 |
| 2012 Civic | 43 |
| 2013 Civic | 18 |
| 2014 Civic | 98 |
| 2015 Civic (this page) | 168 |
| 2016 Civic | 33 |
| 2017 Civic | 25 |
| 2018 Civic | 11 |
| 2019 Civic | 10 |
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 168 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 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
Of the 17 model years of Honda Civic we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 168.
Powertrain accounts for 45% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Honda Civic CVT is failing catastrophically and routinely, often without warning. The most common failure is the transmission fill plug (cap) disengaging under internal pressure, draining all fluid and destroying the transmission within miles of the leak. Owners report the plug either comes off completely or loosens and falls out while driving. A second major failure mode is CVT belt breakage or pulley shaft fracture, producing a loud pop and instant loss of drive. A third is transmission control module failure causing complete loss of gear engagement and locked wheels. In many cases, no warning lights appear until the transmission is already dead—one ASE-certified mechanic and multiple other owners report sudden, silent failures at highway speeds or traffic lights.
The dangerous part: Honda issued recall 15V-574 in October 2015 for 2014–2015 Civics manufactured before November 2014, but hundreds of owners with VINs matching that exact production window were inexplicably left out of the recall. These excluded vehicles exhibit the identical failure modes—sudden acceleration loss, wheels locking, transmission fluid darkening—as the recalled ones. When owners contact Honda or dealers, they're told their VIN isn't in the database and there's no coverage, despite the failure being identical to the recall issue. Some owners also report transmission hesitation and jerking at low speeds early in ownership, with no codes generated; dealers say it's normal, but it often progresses to complete failure. Repairs consistently run $5,300–$12,000 for transmission replacement alone, before labor and parts. Warranty is routinely denied because the fill plug is "not covered" or the failure is blamed on owner negligence, even when the plug appears to have come off on its own due to internal pressure.
Same Honda Civic powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission fill plug ejection and fluid loss
The transmission fill plug (cap) disengages from the CVT under internal transmission pressure, allowing all transmission fluid to leak out. This occurs while driving with no warning. The plug either comes off completely or loosens enough to fall off at some point during operation. Owners report discovering the missing plug after transmission failure has begun, or finding the plug on the transmission frame or ground. The fluid loss causes transmission overheating and catastrophic internal damage within miles of the leak.
When: Between 28,000 and 100,000 miles; occurs suddenly during normal driving with no advance notice
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses acceleration or refuses to shift gears while driving; Engine revs but car does not move or moves only at 5 mph; Loud knock or banging sound from transmission; All warning lights illuminate (check engine, transmission, power steering, brake, TPMS); Front wheels lock up or become stuck; Vehicle stalls or stops completely in traffic; Transmission fluid visible on ground under vehicle
Codes mentioned: P0793 (Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal), P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Stuck Off)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; quoted costs $5,300–$7,200 (new transmission only, before labor, cap, and fluid). Dealers report finding dark or burned transmission fluid, metal debris in pan from internal damage. Some owners cite overflow vent clogging increasing transmission pressure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda initially denied warranty coverage claiming fill plug is not covered by powertrain warranty. Recall 15V-574 (issued October 2015) was supposed to address CVT transmission failures, but many vehicle VINs with identical production dates and part numbers fall outside the recall range without clear explanation. Honda technicians acknowledge seeing this issue frequently with CVT transmissions and state internal transmission forces cause the plug to dislodge.
CVT transmission control module (TCM) failure and complete transmission failure
Transmission control module or internal transmission control electronics fail, causing immediate loss of gear engagement and complete transmission shutdown. Often follows a check transmission light at around 45,000 miles. No warning prior to sudden failure. Wheels lock up or car enters limp mode (limited to 40 mph) with all warning lights illuminating.
When: Around 45,000–80,000 miles; failure is sudden with no prior symptoms except occasional check transmission light
Symptoms owners cite: Check transmission light illuminates at lower mileage (45k miles reported); Sudden inability to shift to second gear or any forward gear; All warning lights illuminate at once (engine, transmission, brake, power steering, TPMS); Car enters limp mode (speed limited to 40 mph) with all gears unresponsive; Vehicle becomes undrivable; wheels lock up; No acceleration response when pedal is pressed
Codes mentioned: P0793
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; quoted at $5,500 for remanufactured transmission. Dealers note TCM cannot be repaired separately; entire transmission must be replaced. Honda directive to dealers is to not open engines or transmissions—only replace.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V-574 was intended to address this via software update to prevent belt/pulley failure, but many affected VINs are excluded. Honda refuses to diagnose or repair vehicles outside recall range, citing VIN exclusion from database. CVT input shaft speed sensor listed as covered for 15 years/150k miles on CARB-certified vehicles, but Honda declines coverage on TCM failures.
CVT drive pulley or drive belt breakage
The CVT drive belt or drive pulley shaft breaks or fractures during normal driving. Recall 15V-574 included a software update to reduce belt tension to prevent this failure, but excluded VINs report the exact same failure mode. Loud cracking or pop sound emitted; transmission immediately loses all drive ability.
When: Typically 66,000–112,000 miles; failure is sudden without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Loud crack, pop, or grinding sound from transmission during acceleration; Immediate loss of acceleration; engine revs but car does not move; All warning lights illuminate; Vehicle cannot engage any forward or reverse gear; Vehicle must be towed
Codes mentioned: P0741
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; costs $5,300–$7,200 (new transmission only). Upon disassembly, dealers find metal debris from broken belt inside transmission pan, indicating catastrophic internal failure. Some owners who maintained CVT fluid per Honda schedule still experience failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V-574 (October 2015) issued software updates for 2014–2015 Civics manufactured before November 2014. However, multiple owners with identical production dates report VINs excluded from recall despite matching exact criteria. Some owners received no recall notice; Honda argues VIN not in database range. Dealers confirm the failure is identical to recalled vehicles and that software update would have prevented it.
CVT transmission pressure sensor failure and internal damage
Transmission pressure sensor becomes damaged or fails, allowing fluid to leak or forcing the transmission to overheat. Some owners report the fill plug missing preceded sensor damage. The sensor can fail twice in rapid succession, suggesting a systemic issue with transmission pressure management.
When: Around 83,000 miles reported; can recur within weeks of initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knock sound from transmission; Engine revs but no movement; Warning lights illuminate; Pressure sensor damage detected on inspection; Dark or burned transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair: sensor replacement for ~$400. However, sensor often fails again within weeks, requiring complete transmission replacement (several thousand dollars). Mechanics suggest nearby shaft vibrates and strikes sensor, indicating design defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealer suggests repeated sensor failure may be due to vibration from nearby shaft, implying a design flaw but declining warranty coverage.
CVT transmission fluid leaks from loose or missing drain/fill components
Transmission fluid leaks from drain plug, fill cap, or pressure switch, causing transmission to run low on fluid and overheat internally. Leak often goes unnoticed until transmission begins to fail. Owners may not discover the leak until service light appears or transmission stops shifting.
When: Can develop early in ownership (noticed at first oil change around 39,000 miles); failure follows weeks or months later at 43,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid spotted under vehicle or on frame; Service transmission light comes on; Car stops accelerating on highway; Warning lights illuminate; Transmission fluid level low but owner claims no service performed that would remove cap
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; costs $5,300–$7,200. Dealers identify burned or dark transmission fluid inside. Some owners dispute responsibility, noting third-party oil-change technician would not have removed transmission cap (CVT fluid levels are checked digitally) and cap is missing 8 months after last service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim third-party service technician removed cap and failed to replace it, but owners and service centers dispute this. No recall issued. Warranty denied due to excluded components or claimed owner negligence.
CVT transmission stuttering, jerking, or hesitation during acceleration
Transmission hesitates, stutters, or jerks when gradually accelerating from low speeds (10–40 mph), particularly in low-speed driving situations (stop-and-go traffic, slow turns). No error codes generated. Dealers report this is 'normal' but many owners find it concerning and report it progresses to complete transmission failure. Some owners have resolved the issue temporarily with transmission fluid exchange at low mileage.
When: Can appear from new (first week) or develop over years of ownership; continues until full transmission failure occurs
Symptoms owners cite: Shudder or vibration during light to moderate acceleration at 30–40 mph; Jerking or rough shifting when accelerating from a stop; Hesitation when trying to accelerate into traffic or turn; Noise or pinging sound during acceleration; Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input in some cases; Worsens when air conditioning is on
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary improvement reported with transmission fluid exchange and filter service at low mileage (one owner at 4,864 miles); however, issue recurs. No permanent fix identified by dealers. Some owners change CVT fluid regularly per Honda spec but problem persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No technical service bulletins (TSB) issued. Dealers hook up diagnostic tools, find no codes or out-of-spec messages, and declare this normal. Honda has not acknowledged the issue despite numerous complaints. No recall issued.
Transmission failure with no warning lights or diagnostic codes
Complete transmission failure occurs with no check transmission light, service light, or any warning indicator prior to or at the moment of failure. Owners describe sudden loss of acceleration during normal driving, sometimes with associated mechanical sounds (loud pop, knock, grinding). Diagnostic equipment afterward shows serious internal damage, but the transmission diagnostic system failed to detect or warn of the problem.
When: Varies widely: 45,000–120,000 miles; failure is abrupt with zero advance warning
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights or check transmission light before failure; Sudden loss of acceleration; engine revs but car does not move; Loud pop, knock, or grinding sound; All warning lights illuminate only after failure is complete; Vehicle enters limp mode or becomes completely immobile; Front wheels may lock up
Codes mentioned: P0793, P0741
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; costs $5,300–$12,000. Internal inspection reveals burned fluid, broken belts, metal debris, or loose pressure valves. One owner (ASE-certified mechanic) found transmission pressure valve loose, allowing fluid to spill and transmission to burn internally.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for vehicles outside recall VIN range. Manufacturers state vehicle monitoring system did not detect the problem, despite internal failure being imminent. Honda declines warranty or goodwill repair, citing VIN exclusion from recalls.
Manual transmission (Civic Si) clutch grinding or spring noise
When releasing the clutch in first gear, owners hear grinding, vibrational noise, or spring noise from the clutch assembly. Problem occurs on multiple model years (2013 and 2015 Civic Si), suggesting a systemic defect. Dealers cannot hear or reproduce the issue.
When: Can appear early in ownership or develop over years; affects clutch area only
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or vibrational noise when releasing clutch in first gear; Clutch spring or flywheel noise; Sound only present when releasing clutch from first gear
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; dealers unable to diagnose issue. Owner suspects faulty manual transmission clutch assembly used across multiple model years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No investigation initiated. Dealers state they cannot hear the noise and therefore cannot diagnose it. No technical service bulletin or recall issued.
Transmission stalling or loss of power at stops or low speeds
Transmission loses power or stalls abruptly when car is at a stop or moving at low speeds (pulling away from stop sign, stop light, slow acceleration). Car may drop into neutral, refuse to shift to the intended gear, or lose all drive power. Issue can recur multiple times, sometimes after being 'fixed.'
When: Occurs at traffic lights, stop signs, or slow-speed situations; can happen multiple times within a driving session or over months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or cuts out when shifting into drive or reverse from stop; Car refuses to accelerate when pressing gas at a traffic light; Red oil light and battery light come on simultaneously; Brake pedal locks up; pressing gas does nothing; Turning car off and restarting clears the issue temporarily; Jerky transmission behavior before symptoms worsen
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to find codes or replicate the issue. One owner had transmission fluid exchange recommended and performed, which improved jerkiness temporarily but issue returned. No permanent repair found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No technical service bulletins or recalls issued. Dealers unable to diagnose or repair.
Transmission failure after fill plug mishandling during routine service
Transmission fails shortly after an oil change or service visit, with the transmission fill plug found missing or loose. Owners dispute whether the service technician removed the plug, and third-party shops state they would not remove a transmission cap during an oil change (CVT fluid levels are checked digitally, not via dipstick). Plug may have come off on its own due to transmission pressure.
When: Discovered during or shortly after routine maintenance; failure occurs 8 months or more later
Symptoms owners cite: Fill plug missing when checked; Loud knock sound from transmission; Engine revs but no movement; Warning lights illuminate; Transmission fluid level very low
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; costs several thousand dollars. Dealers note no excessive contamination found in transmission fluid despite plug being missing for months, contradicting claims that contamination caused failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blame third-party service technician for removing plug and failing to replace it, but technicians dispute this claim. No recall issued. Warranty denied due to claimed service-related damage.
Axle/drive shaft breakage (passenger side)
The passenger-side drive shaft (axle) snaps in half, typically at the vibration dampener area, causing sudden loss of propulsion and inability to shift gears. Rusting under the dampener leaves the shaft severely thinned, and vibration during acceleration finally causes complete failure.
When: Around 51,000 miles; failure during acceleration from a stop
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking sound during acceleration from red light; Sudden inability to go forward or into park; Vehicle attempts to roll backward without power; Car must be towed
Repairs/costs cited: Drive shaft replacement. Mechanic noted that shaft under dampener was severely tapered due to chronic rusting and stated failure of this type is unusual for a vehicle of this age.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. Failure attributed to environmental corrosion (road salt), though design weakness (dampener trapping salt/moisture) may be a factor.
Synthesized from 168 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
Pressure caused transmission plug to pop out unknowingly. Vehicle now jerks at low speeds or when accelerating from a full stop position. Likely that missing plug is allowing dirt and debris into transmission fluid. Transmission likely negatively impacted. This vehicle has less than 75,000 miles. Seems this vehicle should have been included with the NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 15V574000
Transmission problem I think is cvt that a lot of people had the same issue
Purchased 2015 Honda civic (special edition) in nov, 2015. When driving the vehicle at any speed (highway or streets), when I take off my foot from the accelerator, the car "kicks" a bit, like there's something going on with the transmission. It does it more often when driving the streets. Then when accelerating, it does not feel that it's changing gears properly. It "kicked" once on the…
Transmission failure, similar to NHTSA Recall No. :15V-574, resulting in inoperable vehicle. Transmission serviced following maintenance schedule, with no signs of issues before incident.
Catastrophic failure of the CVT transmission.
While driving the check transmission light came on and vehicle would not accelerate above 20 mph. Vehicle made loud whining noise when pushing the gas pedal. Mechanic found that there was transmission fluid leaking heavily around the transmission fluid pressure switch. It is currently sill in the shop waiting for the replacement switch. Waiting to se if there are any other issues. I have seen…
While driving I felt a vibration. About 15 miles later the rpms were high and I was unable to accelerate. The car stopped completely on a major road going up hill. There was no check engine light, no warning of any sort. The dealership service center claims it is the transmission and keep insisting that it was a faulty switch, although it has never been replaced. The transmission is…
No warning lights or symptoms prior to issue. Driving on the highway and vehicle suddenly started revving like it was in neutral, failing to accelerate, then died on the side of the highway.
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, felt a vibration and noise at low speed and would go away as soon as the vehicle got up to speed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to a transmission shop. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Honda Civic?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 168 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 71 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 66,000 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 85,600. A quarter of owners report trouble before 66,000; a quarter make it past 108,000. 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/2015/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.