1996 Honda Civic Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 1996 Honda Civic, 17% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 48,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “brakes failed” (33% of reports).
- 52service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- 48,000median miles at failure
- 21mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brakes failed: mentioned in 17 of 52 complaints (33%)
- Check valve: mentioned in 7 of 52 complaints (13%)
- Causing accident: mentioned in 7 of 52 complaints (13%)
- Brake booster: mentioned in 6 of 52 complaints (12%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 2 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 52 complaints, 21 mention a crash, 6 an injury.
Honda Civic service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Civic | 2 | 3% | 4,500 |
| 2021 Civic | 1 | 1% | 108,000 |
| 2020 Civic | 1 | 0% | 25,000 |
| 2018 Civic | 5 | 1% | 51,440 |
| 2016 Civic | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2013 Civic | 1 | 0% | 325 |
| 2012 Civic | 4 | 1% | 1,700 |
| 2011 Civic | 7 | 4% | 7,300 |
| 2010 Civic | 23 | 6% | 12,457 |
| 2009 Civic | 24 | 6% | 17,998 |
| 2008 Civic | 21 | 2% | 15,500 |
| 2007 Civic | 28 | 2% | 19,500 |
| 2006 Civic | 43 | 3% | 20,000 |
| 2005 Civic | 13 | 4% | 14,000 |
| 2004 Civic | 8 | 2% | 11,969 |
| 2003 Civic | 20 | 4% | 4,193 |
| 2002 Civic | 17 | 2% | 40,000 |
| 2001 Civic | 37 | 3% | 32,500 |
| 2000 Civic | 13 | 5% | 52,900 |
| 1999 Civic | 16 | 5% | 84,613 |
| 1998 Civic | 9 | 2% | 109,000 |
| 1997 Civic | 22 | 6% | 68,000 |
| 1996 Civic | 52 | 17% | 48,000 |
| 1995 Civic | 10 | 5% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: A soapy lubricant was used to insert the check valve into the vacuum hose which causes the brake booster check valve to stick.
Risk: This condition can cause a loss of the brake's power assist resulting in a reduction in braking performance increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will clean the check valve by washing the vacuum hose with hot water.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On april 20, 2007, i wrecked my civic on the freeway when the car in front of me suddenly hit their brakes, and when i applied my brakes which did not work properly causing my car fishtailed and run into the cement freeway divider. My car was a total loss, and i had to buy another car. *tr
I own a 1996 honda civic ex,, i am having alot of trouble with rotors going bad. I have changed the brakes bought new roters and i'm having trouble with the abs not working right.as there been a recall on this problem?*ak
Engine failed due to faulty key mount on crankshaft, and 2 belts came off pulley, vehicle loss control resulting in an accident. Also, replaced windshield wiper/washer, exhaust system, throttle cable, emissions, axles, brakes, cv boots, and floor mat. *ak 8jb
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1996 Honda Civics have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the 1996 Honda Civic (17% of the 305 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Honda Civic service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 1 safety recall list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems start?
The median reported mileage is 48,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 1996 Honda Civic?
The most frequent phrase is “brakes failed”, in 17 of 52 complaints, followed by “check valve” (7).
Other 1996 Honda Civic problems
- Air Bags problems (70)
See all 1996 Honda Civic problems or service brakes, hydraulic problems across all Civic years.