CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2001 Civic has transmission problems, transmission problems & more transmission problems. Did we mention transmission problems? And a dangerous defect with the front airbag that didn't get recalled for 10 years.
Although eventually the defective 2001 Civic airbag inflators were fixed under recalls in 2011 & 2013, that meant for 10 to 12 years airbags were activating with excessive force where metal fragments went shooting into passengers when the airbag deployed.
As for the 2001 Civic's transmission woes? Honda conducted a major transmission recall in 2004 & settled a class action lawsuit for defective transmissions in 2006. But, neither the recall or the lawsuit included the 2001 Civic.
Last thing to consider - the 2001 Civic is the most-recalled car ever, closely followed by the 2002 Civic & the 2001 Accord. The 2001 Civic is the 4th most-recalled vehicle overall, only a Ford truck & two Ford vans have more.
Car started to overheat on the way to airport. Took a taxi to airport, had car towed to Honda dealer who diagnosed a head gasket and catalytic converter, way more than car is worth. Had it towed home to local garage who flushed radiator and replaced thermostat. That seemed to do it for awhile...
Car died much in same way as before. While idling on the side of the road, it overheated. Trying to drive, it lost power, pedal to the floor and barely moving. Towed to garage, which did "R&R ELECTRONIC LOAD DETECTOR." AND "E.L.D. 38255-SSA-003".
I HAD TO TAKE 3 DAYS OFF WORK BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT START BECAUSE GAS /WATER DROWNED THE SPARK PLUGS......I COULD HAVE WENT TO THE BEACH FOR VACATION BUT NO HAD TO SIT AT HOME WITH NO RIDE.
Yesterday driving to work, i started noticing a problem that i thought was no big deal, my radio kept going in and out on my car. By going in and out i don't mean the reception was bad, but it was every so often completely turning itself off, including the clock and all, and then magically turning back on. This problem continued on my way home from work which i thought was no big deal until today on my drive to the bank. I had the radio on and air conditioner going when i stopped at the light at an intersection. The radio went out again and suddenly my Immobilizer System Indicator light came on (the one that looks like a green light up key) the light turned green and right before i hit the gas pedal my car stalled. I put it back in park and turned the car off then back on again and it seemed to be working fine. And, it was working fine, because i turned the radio off believing that it was the cause of the problem. I wanted to make sure though, so right before i reached the bank i turned the radio back on and the power of the radio going in and out started again and my car stalled again, but not until i slowed down to make the turn into the bank. Again it stalled! I think it must only happen when slowing down and having the radio on but i'm not sure. what is the deal with my car!?
- Miranda R.,
Centennial, CO, US
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It's great that we can all gripe and moan about these serious issues with our early model civic transmissions but why have none of us attempted to pursue a class action suit against this huge conglomerate. I guess the NTSDB doesn't believe that your transmission failing at 70mph is a safety issue. My Honda stutters more than Forrest Gump and I bought this Honda b/c the engine was so great. Lets polarize people and find an attorney to handle this mess. Whoes with me??? Honda does not care about us they care about the bottom line but I can guarantee you if enough of us squeak we will get the grease. Also, it appears that a class action suit was filed in regards to the transmissions on the Honda mini vans some years ago and those litigants were successful. Sounds like these transmissions have known issues.
My 2001 Civic has problems when the weather turns warmer. Once it is warmer outside it idles very low. On a number of occassions it has died on me. Most of the time it is when I am pushing in the clutch and making a slow turn (ie into a parking space). When it is cooler outside it has never been a problem but once the weather gets warm then the troubles come back.
Engine idle is rough, car has stalled while driving on 5 different occassions. Oh by the way, this car is 3 weeks old and has spent its 4th at the dealer which is where it is now. Honda of America pretty much said its not their problem. Lots faith in the best car manufacturer in the world.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Car stalled while idling AGAIN. 4 codes found:
P1259 VTEC SYSTEM FAILURE P0420 CATALYST EFFICIENCY P1362 TCD SENSOR 1 NO PULSE P1361 TCD SENSOR 1 NOISE LAST 2 CODES INDICATE CAM SENSOR MALF
They cleared the codes and did an oil change with a heavier oil. All seemed well for awhile...
- Ken S., Peterborough, NH, US