Vehicle structure, suspension and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2020 Honda Civic continues the decades long of service to enthusiasts. For this model year, the automaker claims that the Civic offers “style for miles,” but looks might be all that’s going for it. Customers complain about the electrical system, suspension and structure defects.
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With a modern electrical system, the vehicle is wired to run a multitude of equipment at once. When these systems begin to fail, the drive becomes unbearable.
That’s what is illustrated in this NHTSA complaint. “Over 4 weeks ago, 2 weeks after leasing the 2020 car, the dashboard started to display numerous error messages. The car was evaluated at the dealer and I was told that a certain module failed. Soon thereafter a tire warning light also started to display and once again the dealer told us not to be concerned as it is likely as a result of the same module. Not taking their word for it, I brought the car to a Costco repair shop and a large nail was discovered in the tire. I’ve been in touch with the dealer and have also called many times to the corporate offices. The same answer was given, the part is on back order and we will call you when we get it. No additional information or suggestion was given to us. In the meantime, over 4 weeks later, although the car is drivable, none of the safety features are operational and I am not sure what warning lights to trust or ignore.”
Software issues go beyond this complaint. In fact, Service Bulletin #A20-032 talks about how the adaptive cruise control might not work because of defective software with the VSA-modulator control unit. With this defect in place, owners cannot maintain an appropriate speed when the adaptive cruise control is engaged. Imagine the rough ride experienced by owners that think the speed is being monitored only to find out it isn’t. It might be like driving a bucking bronco instead of a modern passenger vehicle
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Air Bags | |
| Steering | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Engine | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline |
With a sophisticated suspension system in place, any ride can be enjoyable. However, that’s not what Civic owners are experiencing.
Here is one Cars.com review. “The ride is extremely bumpy feeling more like an amusement park ride even on a smooth highway.”
Of course, Honda has nothing to say about the problems and hasn’t offered any advice. While the automaker is merely worried about the “style” the Civic provides, it might be time to open a new amusement park. This car could be the main attraction at a newly created Civic World Park. Although, it would be far cheaper to visit a real amusement park instead.
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Looking at the way Honda manufactured the structure of this Civic, it is clear that the automaker took just as much care in this department as the others.
Here’s yet another Cars.com review. “I have had my 2020 Honda Civic for several months now and it currently has 4,700 miles. The car had zero creaks and rattles the first day that I bought it, and was like that for the first few weeks. Then all of a sudden, a little rattling sound came. But now there are a fair amount of rattles already in the car, and it honestly makes the car feel more cheap versus when it had no rattles. I also took the car to the car wash for a few times, and the sheetmetal is so thin and cheap, it left a bit of tiny dents. There is also a rattling sound coming from the front grille whenever I close the front driver and passenger doors. The gaps also seem to be a bit bigger on the outside of the car in comparison to older Civics, especially around the trunk area where the gaps are so big, it almost looks like the trunk is slightly open.”
Once again, customers are left with no guidance on how to proceed from here. Instead, their amusement park ride is left making extreme noises and leaving holes that should otherwise be sealed. Honda would prefer that customers simply focus on how good the Civic looks, but these complaints prove this aspect doesn’t impress either.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Honda pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I bought a used Honda Civic 2020 2 hours after I got it off the lot the dash froze nothing would work all the driver assist lights came on took it to the dealer they said the window was replaced and the camera needed calibrated I took it to him to have the camera calibrated they said the window was an aftermarket window so now I got to have a factory window put in and the camera recalivated let’s hope everything works out
We have a 2020 civic. In just over two years I am on my second battery. We were going down the road and noticed a noise that sounded like we were scraping the pavement. Turns out some plate had come loose. While they were fixing that they noticed oil leak at the head gasket. I’ve never had this much trouble with a vehicle this new. I’m very disappointed.
We have had our 2020 Honda Civic EX for a year and 1/2 now. I am the main drive and I travel on the interstate twice a day. About a year ago my car automatic braking system would kick on with nothing in front or around me. I told my husband he blow it off and I was doing something wrong, but it finally happen to him. No designated speed this would happen on. You can be going 40 to45 or 75 to 80 miles a hour. My husband takes our car to the dealership to get the oil change and rotate the tires. He has told them about this issue more then once. They have looked over the car, they can’t find anything wrong and tells him there is no recalls on the car. I am worry driving interstate at high speeds is happens again. This is not a soft braking it is a hard brake, that I have been Jerked forwards.
Is there something we can do?
I bought a Honda Civic 2020, July 25, 2020 and it didn’t start. It seems that the battery is gone. I’ve never had an issue with the battery. Very disappointed that a battery doesn’t even last 2 years. Should I take it to the dealer? Or just fix it myself. 5/6/2022
We have a 2020 Civic Coupe EX & 2020 Civic Hatch Sport. Between 2 cars and 65,000 combined driving, only one issue came up. Guess? You got it…A/C. They replaced the entire unit. We have an extended warranty for that now. Otherwise, the cars have been AWESOME. The EX has 37 mpg from day #1. The Sport 35mpg. Perfectly maintained, OM parts only. Super Unleaded only.