2016-2021 Honda Civic: Recall History

Recall History for 2016-2021 Honda Civic

Executive Summary

• Official recalls (per the provided data): No recalls found in NHTSA database.
• Owner complaints: 1 record in the dataset, originating from a 2016 Civic with a complaint involving transmission-related concerns and a diagnostic trouble code P0455 (evaporative emissions system large leak) reported during campaigns about fuel economy. The description notes intermittent highway performance issues and that the dealer could not identify a root cause after multiple visits.
• Practical takeaway for owners: There is no listed NHTSA recall in this dataset for 2016-2021 Civics. The single complaint points to an EVAP-related fault code (P0455) that can affect fuel economy and engine performance, with a reported transmission-related symptom by the caller. Given the lack of recall data, owners should treat P0455 as a non-recall fault that may still require diagnostic work. Regular maintenance, proactive EVAP system testing, and VIN-based recall checks remain important.

Data Source and Limitations

• Source: REAL NHTSA DATA FOR Honda Civic (2016-2021) as provided in this request.
• Key data points: 1 owner complaint entry (2016) and a statement of “No recalls found in NHTSA database.”
• Important caveats:
  • The dataset is limited to what is shown here. It does not capture every complaint, investigation, or recall that may exist in broader NHTSA records or other databases.
  • P0455 indicates an evaporative leak (EVAP system) and is not an engine/transmission fault category. The linkage to a “transmission malfunctions” description in the single record may reflect a symptom overlap or misattribution by the caller, rather than a confirmed transmission failure.
  • No official recalls are listed here; owners should still verify recall status for their specific VIN through official channels, as recalls can be issued outside of this sample.

Official Recall Status (as per the provided data)

• Official recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database

Owner Complaint Summary (from the provided data)

• Complaint #1 (Year: 2016)
  • Vehicle: Honda Civic
  • Component noted: transmission
  • Mileage at time of complaint: 25,911 miles
  • OBD Code associated: P0455
  • Reported issue: Vehicle experiencing fuel economy issues with code P0455; The transmission appears to be malfunctioning; Issue occurs intermittently during highway driving
  • Dealer response: Unable to diagnose root cause after multiple visits

In-Depth Complaint Analysis

• What P0455 means
  • P0455 is a diagnostic trouble code for evaporative emissions system (EVAP) large leak. Common causes include a loose or faulty gas cap, cracked hoses, a faulty purge valve, or a more substantial EVAP canister issue.
  • A large EVAP leak can trigger reduced fuel efficiency, check engine indicator, and vague performance symptoms in some driving conditions.
• How this relates to the reported transmission symptom
  • EVAP-related issues typically affect engine control and fuel economy rather than the transmission itself. However, symptoms such as hesitation, reduced power, or misinterpretation of throttle response during highway driving could be perceived as transmission-related by a driver, especially if the engine control system is managing fuel delivery and torque in a way that feels unusual.
  • In the absence of confirmed transmission fault codes, the described “transmission malfunction” may reflect transient engine performance concerns, surges, or throttle-by-wire interactions linked to a fuel system fault rather than a primary transmission failure.
• Diagnostic approach (practical steps for owners and technicians)
  • Verify the EVAP code is still present with a current OBD-II scan; check for any additional codes that might point to related systems (fuel trims, misfire, or misdiagnoses).
  • Inspect the gas cap: check for proper seating, seal condition, and tension. Replace if there is any doubt about sealing integrity.
  • Inspect EVAP system for obvious leaks: hoses, connections, and the charcoal canister; consider a smoke/pressure test to locate large leaks.
  • If no external leak is found, assess EVAP components (purge valve, vent valve, canister) for sticking or failure; replace as needed.
  • Check related engine performance parameters (fuel trim, misfire counts, O2 sensor signals) to determine if the issue is confined to EVAP or if broader engine management concerns exist.
  • If EVAP-related repairs do not resolve the issue, a broader diagnostic to rule out transmission or CVT control concerns (fluid condition, sensor signals, software updates) may be warranted, recognizing that the provided data does not include a reported, verified transmission fault.
• Practical implications for maintenance
  • EVAP issues are often inexpensive to diagnose if caught early and may require only gas cap replacement or EVAP valve repair in many cases.
  • A misattributed transmission symptom should be investigated with a thorough engine and transmission control module (ECM/TCM) data review to avoid unnecessary transmission service.

Practical Guidance for Honda Civic Owners (2016-2021)

• If you see P0455 or EVAP-related codes
  • Start with the gas cap: ensure it is the correct OEM cap, fully tightened, not cross-threaded, and the seal is intact.
  • Schedule a comprehensive EVAP system test with a trusted technician. Request a smoke test to identify large leaks if the cause isn’t obvious.
  • Have the purge valve and canister inspected; replacements are common fixes if leaks or sticking valves are detected.
  • Keep a log of when the code appears and under what driving conditions; provide this to the technician to aid diagnosis.
• If you notice transmission-like symptoms
  • Document the exact conditions (speed, RPM range, load, cruising vs. acceleration), and any accompanying engine codes.
  • Have engine performance diagnostics completed before assuming a transmission fault. In many cases, engine management issues (fuel delivery, misfire, or EVAP-related constraints) can feel like transmission symptoms.
  • If transmission issues are suspected, ensure fluid level, fluid condition, and any platform/service bulletins (SB/TSB) that may be applicable are reviewed by a qualified technician. Note: The provided data does not list any specific recalls or TSBs for this case.
• When to contact Honda or check recalls
  • Even in the absence of the data-listed recalls, periodically check VIN-specific recall status on official sites. Recalls are VIN-specific and can be issued after the date the data was captured here.

2025 Cost Estimates for Common Related Repairs (illustrative ranges; actual costs vary by location and shop)

• EVAP system issues (P0455-related fixes)
  • Gas cap replacement: approximately $20 to $60 (parts and small labor).
  • EVAP purge valve replacement: roughly $150 to $400 parts; $100 to $250 labor.
  • EVAP canister replacement: approximately $500 to $1,200 for parts and labor, depending on canister access and labor rates.
  • EVAP system leak repair (hose/line repair or seal replacement): typically $100 to $500 in parts plus labor, depending on reach and complexity.
  • Total typical repair range if EVAP components are replaced: $150 to $1,400+, depending on what fails.
• Transmission/CVT issues (if suspected or diagnosed)
  • Basic transmission service (fluid change, filter if applicable): $100 to $350.
  • CVT repair or rebuild (non-trivial): $2,000 to $4,500 (parts and labor; may require specialized shop).
  • CVT replacement (new or remanufactured): $3,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on parts availability, warranty, and regional labor rates.
• Note on costs
  • These are general 2025 cost ranges for typical repairs associated with the described conditions. Actual pricing will vary by region, labor rates, vehicle configuration (trim, engine/cvt type), and whether dealers or independent shops are used. Always obtain a written estimate prior to any work.

Data Limitations and How to Use This Report

• This recall history reflects only the data provided in this prompt. It shows one owner complaint and no official recalls for 2016-2021 Honda Civics in this sample.
• For owners seeking a complete, VIN-specific recall history, use official channels:
  • NHTSA recall lookup: enter your VIN or vehicle details
  • Honda official owner portal: check for recall notices and service campaigns
• Use this report as a starting point for understanding potential EVAP-related issues (P0455) and a cautionary note about possible misattributed transmission symptoms. It is not a definitive guide to all 2016-2021 Civic issues, nor does it replace professional diagnostics.

Bottom line

• Based on the provided data: No recalls found for 2016-2021 Honda Civic in the NHTSA database sample. There is a single owner complaint from 2016 involving a P0455 EVAP code with a transaxle-related description, but EVAP codes are not transmission codes. If you own a Civic from these years, stay current with recall checks via VIN-specific sources and be mindful that EVAP-related codes may affect fuel economy and performance and should be diagnosed with a proper EVAP system test. For any repairs, consider obtaining estimates in 2025 dollars as outlined above to plan for potential costs.