Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Despite its popularity and reputation among consumers, the 2020 Honda Civic has faced several issues that have led to four recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Notably, two of these recalls are related to fuel pump failures that could cause the engine to stall.
One major recall, identified by NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-064, addresses a potential airbag malfunction.
This issue could result in unintended airbag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury and affecting over 750,000 vehicles.
Continue reading to learn more about the common electrical system, engine, and powertrain issues that 2020 Honda Civic drivers have reported.
Common 2020 Honda Civic Problems
- Electrical System: Software glitches; Bad wiring; Malfunctioning body control module; Issues with the instrument cluster/panel; Unintended braking
- Engine and Fuel Pump: Check engine light; Timing chain issues; Engine shuts down unexpectedly; Carbon buildup on intake valves; Coolant leaks
- Powertrain: Clutch slip, especially in manual Si models; Clutch/Transmission failure; Difficulty changing gears; Transmission fluid leaks
2020 Honda Civic Electrical System Problems
The 2020 Civic, like other 2020 Honda vehicles may be prone to electrical system errors. One commonly reported problem pertains to battery and starting issues, where the vehicle may fail to start or unexpectedly stall, often requiring a jump-start to resume operation.
Body Control Module (BCM) failures have also been noted in some cases. These failures can lead to random activation of the vehicle’s alarm, the car powering up into accessory mode on its own, and temporary malfunctions in key safety features such as collision warning and lane assist.
Some drivers have also reported instrument cluster malfunctions, including problems with the display screen and mileage indicator, which can affect the vehicle’s overall functionality.
If you are experiencing any of these electrical system issues, you should contact your local Honda dealer for a thorough inspection.
Left unresolved, defects in the electrical system may also contribute to problems with the vehicle’s service brakes.
2020 Honda Civic Engine and Fuel Pump Problems
The 2020 Honda Civic may be vulnerable to few reported engine problems. One common issue is ignition coil failure, which can result in engine misfires, causing rough idling and poor acceleration.
This engine defect can significantly impact the vehicle’s drivability and overall performance.
Another major concern relates to the fuel pump. The low-pressure fuel pumps installed in some 2020 Honda Civics were subject to two separate recalls due to the risk of failure.
A failing fuel pump can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving, which greatly increases the risk of an accident.
This issue was addressed in NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-215. A similar problem led to a later recall under NHTSA Campaign Number 23V-858.
Oil dilution is another issue that has been reported, particularly in models equipped with the 1.5-liter turbo engine.
Gasoline can sometimes seep into the engine oil, which may affect engine performance and long-term durability if not properly addressed. While not part of an official recall, this problem has raised concerns about the engine’s longevity.
Some owners have also reported problems with the vehicle’s speed control. These speed control issues can pose safety risks, as they affect the driver’s ability to maintain a consistent and safe speed while driving.
2020 Honda Civic Powertrain Problems
One common powertrain issue reported by 2020 Honda Civic drivers involves clutch slippage, especially in manual transmission models.
In these cases, the clutch may wear out prematurely, resulting in poor acceleration and difficulty shifting gears. This can severely impact the driving experience and may require early replacement of the clutch.
Some Hondas drivers have experienced rough shifting, while others have encountered more severe issues, including complete transmission failure.
These malfunctions can lead to significant repairs and may pose safety concerns if the vehicle becomes difficult to control due to transmission issues.
In some instances, the vehicle’s drivetrain has lost power, causing unexpected deceleration. This can be particularly dangerous in traffic situations where maintaining a consistent speed is necessary for safety.
2020 Honda Civic Owner Issues
“The body control module is failing, read multiple posts online and Honda is not fixing it. My alarm goes off and I cannot turn it off, have to use my key. The vehicle powers up on its own into accessory mode when parked, vehicle off and no key fob in the car. This causes the alarm to activate, drains the battery and causes temporary safety features- collision warning, lane assist, cruise control etc to not work. As well as drains the battery. Honda has recalled this part on other models but not the 10th generation Civic.”
“Over the last few months, I noticed that the vehicle had poor acceleration when merging onto the highway. When I tried to accelerate, the RPMs shot up as the turbo kicked in, but the car did not move any faster. Previous to this, I had trouble getting the car into 1st while sitting still (50+ times). The final incident occurred during a short trip to a local store. The engine revved high and I couldn’t get over 35MPH. Upon stopping, there was a burning smell coming from the car. I was able to drive it a short distance to a local transmission shop which diagnosed clutch failure.”
“Oil dilution mixed in with gas in the engine. This is supposed to be a honda. Well, just because it’s a honda dose not mean it’s a good car. These cars have way to many problems, including the same exact engine in the CR-V. Oil dilution. I, hate this stupid car!!”
Lemon Law Insights for 2020 Honda Civic Issues
If you’re experiencing recurring problems with your 2020 Honda Civic, the Lemon Law might provide a solution.
These laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards while under warranty.
If your Civic’s issues persist despite multiple repair attempts and significantly impact the vehicle’s safety, usability, or value, you may be entitled to legal remedies.
The specific benefits of a Lemon Law claim can vary depending on your state’s regulations. You might be eligible for a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.
Please note that if a refund or replacement is granted, the manufacturer may deduct a usage fee for the time the vehicle was in working condition.
If you are provided with a replacement vehicle, you might need to cover any price difference between the original vehicle and the replacement.
One of the key advantages of filing a Lemon Law claim is that in many states, the manufacturer is required to pay for your legal fees if you win the case.
This means you can seek legal assistance without worrying about out-of-pocket costs for representation.
Pursuing a Lemon Law claim can thus be both a practical and cost-effective way to address the persistent issues with your 2020 Honda Civic.
Get Back on Track with the Lemon Law Experts!
If you’re dealing with persistent issues with your 2020 Honda Civic, the Lemon Law Experts are here to help. With over a decade of experience, our skilled team has assisted thousands of clients in obtaining favorable settlements for vehicle defects.
We provide personalized legal services tailored to your specific situation, aiming to secure the compensation or resolution you deserve.
If you suspect your Honda Civic qualifies as a lemon, don’t hesitate—reach out today. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at (877) 885-5366.
