After a sever rainstorm and ice storm a code that causes BCM (Body Control Module) fault code to show up. It affected systems such as Intermittent lock or unlock trunk and door while vehicle is in operation, Failure to start and Security alarm active at random times. An independent service found the "B12D1" code that indicated the BCM has failed during the prescribed process by the manufacture.…
2017 Honda Civic electrical problems
severe 84 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
84
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
5fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 84 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Honda Civic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 84 electrical 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 18 model years of Honda Civic in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Avoid the 2017 Civic if you can; electrical faults in the Body Control Module are rampant and the part is perpetually backordered, leaving owners stranded for months. A/C compressor failures stall the engine without warning at low speeds, and no diagnostic codes appear for most electrical problems, making even dealerships unable to fix them.
The electrical complaints for 2017 Civics cluster around a faulty Body Control Module (BCM) that causes cascading system failures with no warning lights. Owners report the car randomly entering accessory mode, draining the battery, triggering alarms at night, and becoming unresponsive to key fob commands. Many had to disconnect the battery as a workaround. The BCM part remains on indefinite backorder—Honda quotes nine months to a year—forcing owners to buy used replacements that lack OEM features, leaving vehicles unsafe and unable to pass inspection.
A second major issue involves the A/C compressor locking up, causing the engine to shake violently and stall at traffic lights and while driving. Owners report being stranded or nearly hit because the vehicle cuts power unexpectedly. Honda's dealer network issued a "campaign" rather than a full recall, and many owners paid $400+ diagnostics only to learn the compressor failure was never covered under warranty.
Dashboard and instrument cluster electronics malfunction frequently—touchscreen displays flash on and off, speedometer reads zero at highway speeds while power steering intermittently fails, and all warning lights illuminate simultaneously. When mechanics hook up diagnostic equipment, no codes appear, making these faults nearly impossible to replicate in the shop.
A third category involves compromised wiring harnesses. Some owners report rodents chewing soy-based wire coatings used by Honda, disabling power steering, brakes, and stability control. Others describe mysterious electrical gremlins—windows won't close, trunks pop open, alarms blast without cause, and remote functions fail entirely.
Same Honda Civic electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Body Control Module (BCM) Malfunction
BCM fails without warning, causing the vehicle to randomly enter accessory mode, turn itself on, trigger alarms, disable key fob commands, and drain the battery. Many owners report the car becoming completely unresponsive with all safety features disabled. The part is on indefinite backorder (nine months to a year), forcing owners to install used replacements that lack OEM features.
When: Low mileage; as early as 14,600 miles; some owners report issues within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Car randomly enters accessory mode with ignition off; Alarm triggers continuously, especially at night; Key fob unresponsive or fails to unlock/lock doors; Car refuses to turn off once started; All warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Safety features disabled (airbags, stability control); Battery drains rapidly from parasitic draw; Doors lock/unlock randomly while parked; Trunk pops open while driving; No diagnostic codes appear when scanned
Codes mentioned: B12D1 (BCM failure), Keyless Start System Problem, Remote Key System Failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement BCM costs $1,500–$2,500 if purchased new. Many owners source used modules due to backorder delays. Used replacements often lack features (rear window controls, auto-lock, LED blinkers) and pass as temporary fixes that later fail inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealerships cite indefinite backorder; Honda claimed to have legal right to cancel warranties on affected vehicles; some owners report Honda corporate instructed dealers not to touch vehicles; no official recall issued despite widespread complaints
A/C Compressor Lock-Up and Engine Stall
A/C compressor becomes locked, causing the engine to shake violently and stall without warning. This occurs when the A/C is activated. Owners report being stranded at red lights or losing power while driving, creating an immediate safety hazard. Honda issued a 'campaign' repair rather than a full recall; many owners were initially told the compressor was not covered by warranty and charged $400+ for diagnostics.
When: Within first year to a few years of ownership; low mileage (under 30,000 miles typical); often during hot weather when A/C is needed most
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shakes violently when A/C is turned on; Engine stalls suddenly without warning; Vehicle becomes unresponsive and loses power; A/C blows hot air only; A/C stops cooling after one year of ownership; Vehicle trapped at traffic light or highway merge
Codes mentioned: P0128 (Coolant System Malfunction—possible proxy for compressor issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor replacement cost $1,500–$2,000+. Many owners were initially told the part was not covered; warranty coverage inconsistent across dealers. Some owners paid for multiple recharge attempts ($100–$200 each) before compressor failure was identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued a 'campaign' repair (not a full recall) for some model years 2016–2020; warranty extension varied by dealer; some owners report dealers refused to acknowledge the defect or charged diagnostic fees before admitting the compressor was faulty
Instrument Cluster and Dashboard Display Failures
Touchscreen radio, instrument cluster, and speedometer malfunction intermittently—flashing on and off, displaying zero while driving, or freezing entirely. All warning lights illuminate simultaneously with no correlated fault codes. Owners report these glitches resolve temporarily after restart but recur randomly.
When: Early in ownership (some within months); low mileage (5,500 to 110 miles reported); often after wet weather or prolonged vehicle idling
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen flashes on and off while driving; Speedometer reads zero while driving 50+ mph; Instrument cluster goes completely blank; All warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Climate controls unresponsive or severely delayed; Bluetooth fails to connect or disconnects randomly; Radio audio turns on at high volume without driver input; Backup/side camera displays freeze or remain stuck on screen; Dashboard audio cuts to message 'AMP IS IN PROTECTION MODE'
Codes mentioned: No codes found when scanned at dealership, Intermittent failure—unable to duplicate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cannot diagnose issue without failure occurring during scan. Some owners report hard resets resolved the issue temporarily; one owner quoted $4,000 to replace head unit on a 3-year-old vehicle. No permanent fix documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to replicate failure; Honda states they will not assist if dealer cannot duplicate issue; some owners report Honda North America has no known solution; dealerships suggested recall exists for 2016 models but not 2017
Engine Fire and Electrical Shorts
Vehicle caught fire or experienced electrical system failure resulting in fire. In one case, black smoke poured from engine compartment, vehicle froze up, and burst into flames while driving. In another, vehicle spontaneously ignited while parked. Fire inspectors suspected origin near battery. Owners report electrical shorts and parasitic battery drain from BCM as potential causes.
When: Early in ownership; one vehicle certified pre-owned with 22,100 miles; another at 3 years old during routine driving
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke billowing from engine compartment; Vehicle stalls and becomes unresponsive; Spontaneous ignition/flames; Check engine light illuminated immediately before failure; Oil pressure light illuminated before stall; Sparks visible from engine area
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Oil Pressure Warning
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles totaled; fire inspector estimated cost of full engineering report at $5,000 (owner's insurance declined to pursue). One dealership refused to take vehicle back under lemon law despite being within 15 days/500 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claimed not responsible; one dealership directed owner to insurance; Honda did not investigate or issue recall; manufacturer did not respond to complaints
Soy-Based Wire Coating Rodent Damage
Rodents chew through wiring harnesses due to soy-based plant material used in Honda's wire casing, which attracts rodents. Damaged wires compromise power steering, braking, and stability control systems. This creates immediate safety hazard. Dealerships confirm the cause but state damage is not covered by warranty or dealership responsibility.
When: Variable; one owner reported issue within months of lease start (March 2017); some owners report recurrence on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Power steering warning light; Brake system warning light; Stability control warning light; Visible chewing damage on wiring harness; Multiple warning lights displayed simultaneously while driving
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Power Steering System Problem, Brake System Problem, Stability Control Problem
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $2,600+ for wiring harness replacement. Class action lawsuits filed in California and other states regarding soy-based wire covering. One lease customer paid $500 insurance deductible after dealership refused warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships verified cause but refused coverage under warranty; no recall issued despite multiple complaints and class action litigation
Power Window and Sunroof Control Failure
Front passenger power window and sunroof cannot be closed once opened. Temporary fix is to restart vehicle and use switch on passenger door. Issue recurs intermittently with no permanent solution. Dealers have no service bulletin and claim no problem exists.
When: Variable timing; can occur while vehicle stationary or in motion
Symptoms owners cite: Power window will not close using any control; Sunroof will not close; Requires vehicle restart to reset function
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary workaround: restart vehicle and use passenger door switch. No permanent repair documented. Dealers offer no service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda customer service directs owners to dealer; no service bulletin exists; dealers do not acknowledge problem
Airbag Malfunction and Unintended Deployment
Center airbag in steering wheel exploded during minor curb impact instead of deploying as intended. Explosion created loud noise similar to gunshots, filled cabin with smoke, caused chest and hand soreness. Vehicle was not listed on any official airbag recall at time of complaint.
When: During minor parking lot incident (5 mph curb bump) on July 14, 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag exploded without controlled deployment; Loud bang sound (compared to shotgun fire); Thick smoke filling cabin; Electrical smell from steering column; Owner injury (chest and hand soreness)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed for dealer evaluation; damage extent to be determined by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle VIN did not appear on airbag recall list at time of complaint; no recall issued
ABS/Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
ABS wheel speed sensor (typically right wheel) breaks due to placement vulnerability, triggering multiple sensor warnings and causing ABS to lock up during normal braking. Vehicle may accelerate unexpectedly or brake erratically. Dealers initially reset codes and charge diagnostic fee without identifying root cause.
When: Variable; diagnostic delays can extend issue
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light; Multiple sensor warnings illuminated; ABS locks up during normal braking; Unexpected acceleration; Erratic braking behavior; Difficult vehicle control
Codes mentioned: ABS-related fault codes (reset without repair on first visit)
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel speed sensor replacement required. Dealers charge $100+ diagnostic fee on first visit, reset codes without identifying sensor, then identify sensor on second visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; sensor placement known to be vulnerable per owner complaint
Keyless Start System Failures and Push-Button Ignition Issues
Keyless start system and push-button ignition fail intermittently. Car will not turn off, remains stuck in accessory mode, or refuses to start despite power and dashboard lights functioning. Key fob becomes unresponsive.
When: Variable; some cases occur within weeks of ownership; others after extended operation
Symptoms owners cite: Car refuses to turn off after start; Vehicle stuck in accessory mode; Push-button ignition unresponsive; 'Keyless Start System Problem' warning; Key fob fails to work; Manual key required to unlock vehicle
Codes mentioned: Keyless Start System Problem, Remote Key System Failure
Repairs/costs cited: Remote batteries replaced and reprogrammed; issue persists. Some owners report having to disconnect battery and perform manual resets repeatedly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda unable to find fault codes; no solution offered beyond component replacement; issue attributed to intermittent nature
Fuel Injector Misfire and Extended Warranty Dispute
Engine misfires due to faulty fuel injectors (cylinders 1, 3, 4). Honda issued Service Bulletin (SB) extending powertrain warranty to 6 years/unlimited mileage in 2019 for fuel injector issues. However, dealers refused to honor warranty claim, citing unspecified conditions not stated in SB. Issue affects multiple model lines.
When: Variable; fuel injector issues known to affect 2016–2018 models
Symptoms owners cite: Misfire codes (Cylinder 1, 3, 4); All warning lights illuminated on dashboard; Engine rough running
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 1 Misfire, Cylinder 3 Misfire, Cylinder 4 Misfire, SB codes 19-033, 19-038, 20-002
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector replacement required. Honda SB 20-002 specifies injector replacement as fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Service Bulletin (SB) extending powertrain warranty (6 years/unlimited mileage) for fuel injector repairs; however, dealers refused to honor warranty, claiming conditions not met despite warranty extension letter to all owners
Multiple Warning Lights and System Faults Without Codes
Dashboard displays multiple warning lights simultaneously (power steering, brake system, charging system, stability control, parking brake) with no corresponding diagnostic codes when scanned. Lights persist across multiple restarts and often clear only after hard reset or overnight disconnect.
When: Variable; can occur early in ownership or intermittently throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Charging System Problem light; Power Steering System (EPS) Problem light; Hill Start Assist Problem light; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem light; Brake Hold System Problem light; Automatic Parking Brake System Failure light; Check Engine light; Multiple warning lights flashing simultaneously; Lights persist across multiple vehicle startups
Codes mentioned: No codes found when scanned, Intermittent failures unable to be duplicated
Repairs/costs cited: Hard reset (battery disconnect for extended period) sometimes clears lights temporarily; no permanent repair identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to diagnose due to lack of fault codes; Honda claims intermittent nature makes diagnosis impossible without failure occurring during scan
Unexpected Acceleration and Throttle Control Failure
Vehicle accelerates without driver input when foot is not on accelerator pedal. One owner reported acceleration while approaching a gate at 5 mph with no foot on pedal. Another reported loss of acceleration control at 60 mph where accelerator depressed but vehicle did not respond.
When: During normal driving; low mileage incidents documented (3,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal input; Brake warning light illuminated; Loss of acceleration response when pedal pressed; RPMs drop to zero; Engine shakes after acceleration failure; Vehicle coasts to side of road
Codes mentioned: Brake System warning
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed for diagnosis; no repairs completed in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; field technician diagnostic planned but outcome not documented
Engine Stall During Operation
Engine stalls without warning while driving at various speeds. Vehicle can be restarted but failure recurs intermittently, creating crash risk. Often accompanied by warning light illumination and steering wheel seizure.
When: Low mileage (4,000 miles documented); variable timing across ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Steering wheel seizes at moment of stall; Warning indicators and gauges flicker; Stalling recurs intermittently after restart; Loss of power steering at stall
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles unable to be repaired due to failure not reproducible at dealer; issue remains unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer aware; field technician diagnostic planned; no permanent repair documented
Infotainment System and Bluetooth Radio Interference
Head unit/display and audio system fail intermittently or entirely. Owner reports mysterious behavior where system appears to be controlled by external radio frequency—vehicle replacing owner's phone with another person's phone in navigation, Bluetooth refusing to pair. Trunk also fails to stay closed when loaded.
When: Variable throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Head unit/display stops working; Backup camera malfunction; Passenger camera malfunction; Climate controls unresponsive; Bluetooth won't connect or pairs incorrectly; Navigation system removes owner's phone and displays different phone; Audio controls unresponsive or severely delayed; Trunk won't stay closed when loaded
Repairs/costs cited: Factory reset attempted; issue persisted. Dealership quoted $4,000 for head unit replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda reset navigation system to factory default; issue recurred; no ongoing support documented
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Wiring harness was "damaged by rodents" twice due to the swap to soy-based, edible wiring. No other vehicles have this issue in my area and I have lived here 5 years. This damage causes all electrical systems to fail, including power steering, and will eventually result in a fatality - if it has not already. Honda will not cover this under warranty and has done nothing to resolve the issue! The…
Rodents chewing through electrical wiring in the engine compartment. Honda using soy based wiring jacketing that attracts the rodents to chew up the wiring in the engine compartment.
The back wiper remained in fast speed until shutting off vehicle. Twice. Second time length of approx 5 minutes. Then operated normally. 12/09/19 2nd. Radio has been changing stations on it's own. And the the phone has been asking me to set up with blue tooth when I am driving. I have shut off the radio and it seems to re-set itself. This has been going on for about month. 11/09/19
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 electrical problem on the 2017 Honda Civic?
It's a meaningful issue. 84 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 10,748 and 42,000 miles, with the median around 22,250. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,748; a quarter make it past 42,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2017/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.