The 2004 Honda Civic is a compact car that was popular among consumers for its fuel efficiency and reliability. However, like any vehicle, it may experience some problems over time. Some common problems reported by owners of 2004 Honda Civics include issues with the transmission, suspension, and electrical system.
It is important for Honda Civic owners to be aware of these potential issues and to address them promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common 2004 Honda Civic problems and provide tips on how to address them.
2004 Honda Civic Problems
1. Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor
This is a common problem reported by owners of 2004 Honda Civics. The airbag light, also known as the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light, may come on if the occupant position sensor fails.
The sensor is responsible for detecting the presence and position of a passenger in the front seat, and it is used to determine whether or not to deploy the airbag in the event of a crash. If the sensor fails or becomes damaged, it may cause the airbag light to come on.
This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty sensor.
2. Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle
Another common problem with 2004 Honda Civics is failing engine mounts. The engine mounts are responsible for securing the engine to the frame of the vehicle, and they can become worn or damaged over time.
If the engine mounts are faulty, it may cause the engine to vibrate excessively, leading to a rough or jarring ride.
It may also cause a rattling noise to be heard while driving. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty engine mounts.
3. Power Window Switch May Fail
Some 2004 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the power window switch. The switch is responsible for controlling the movement of the power windows, and if it fails, it may cause the windows to become stuck in the open or closed position. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty power window switch.
4. Hood Release Cable May Break at Handle
The hood release cable is a small but important component of a vehicle. It is responsible for allowing the hood to be opened when the hood release handle is pulled.
If the hood release cable becomes damaged or breaks, it may prevent the hood from being opened. This can be a frustrating issue for Honda Civic owners, as it may make it difficult to access the engine or perform maintenance on the vehicle.
This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty hood release cable.
5. Possible Shift Control Solenoid Fault
Some 2004 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the shift control solenoid, which is a component of the transmission. The solenoid is responsible for controlling the shifting of gears, and if it fails, it may cause the transmission to shift erratically or not at all.
This can lead to issues such as difficulty accelerating or a lack of power while driving. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty shift control solenoid.
6. Wipers Won’t Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Another problem that has been reported by 2004 Honda Civic owners is the windshield wipers failing to park properly. The wipers may stop mid-sweep or fail to return to the parked position.
This issue is often caused by a failure of the windshield wiper motor, which is responsible for driving the movement of the wipers.
If the motor fails, it may cause the wipers to malfunction. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty wiper motor.
7. Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers
The door lock tumblers are small components located within the door lock mechanism that allow the lock to function properly. If the tumblers become worn or damaged, it may cause the door lock to become sticky or not work at all.
This can be a frustrating issue for Honda Civic owners, as it may prevent them from being able to lock or unlock their doors. This issue can be resolved by replacing the worn or damaged door lock tumblers.
8. Problem with the IMA Light on
Some 2004 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) light coming on. The IMA system is a hybrid technology that helps to improve fuel efficiency by providing an electric boost to the engine. If the IMA light comes on, it may indicate a problem with the system.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty battery or a malfunctioning motor. It is important to address this issue promptly, as it may affect the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
9.Cracked Exhaust Manifold/Catayltic Converter
Another problem that has been reported by 2004 Honda Civic owners is a cracked exhaust manifold or catalytic converter. The exhaust manifold is responsible for collecting and directing exhaust gases away from the engine, while the catalytic converter is a device that converts harmful emissions into less harmful substances.
If either of these components becomes damaged or fails, it may cause the vehicle to experience reduced performance and increased emissions. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty exhaust manifold or catalytic converter.
10. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
Some 2004 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with the front brake rotors becoming warped and causing a vibration when braking. The brake rotors are components that the brake pads clamp onto to create the necessary friction to stop the vehicle.
If the rotors become warped, it may cause the vehicle to vibrate or shake when the brakes are applied. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty brake rotors.
11. Front Compliance Bushings May Crack
The compliance bushings are small components that are located in the front suspension of the vehicle. They are responsible for absorbing shock and allowing the suspension to move freely.
If the compliance bushings become cracked, it may cause issues such as poor handling, reduced ride comfort, and increased noise and vibration.
This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty compliance bushings.
12. PCM Software Update to Correct False Oxygen Sensor Code
Some 2004 Honda Civic owners have reported receiving a false oxygen sensor code, which may indicate a problem with the sensor. In some cases, this issue can be resolved by performing a software update on the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM is a computer that controls various systems in the vehicle, including the engine and transmission. A software update may correct any issues with the PCM that may be causing the false oxygen sensor code.
13. Faulty head gasket may cause oil and coolant leaks
The head gasket is a seal located between the engine block and the cylinder head. It is responsible for sealing the combustion chambers and preventing the coolant and oil from mixing.
If the head gasket becomes faulty, it may cause oil and coolant leaks, which can lead to engine overheating and reduced performance. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty head gasket.
14. Coolant Leaking and Engine Overheating
Some 2004 Honda Civic owners have reported issues with coolant leaking and the engine overheating. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty radiator, a leaking hose, or a malfunctioning water pump.
It is important to address this issue promptly, as engine overheating can cause serious damage to the vehicle.
15. Engine rear main oil seal may leak
Another problem that has been reported by 2004 Honda Civic owners is a leaking rear main oil seal. The rear main oil seal is a seal located between the engine and the transmission. It is responsible for preventing oil from leaking out of the engine.
If the seal becomes faulty, it may cause oil to leak, which can lead to reduced engine performance and damage to the vehicle. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty rear main oil seal.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor | Replace the faulty sensor |
| Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle | Replace the faulty engine mounts |
| Power Window Switch May Fail | Replace the faulty power window switch |
| Hood Release Cable May Break at Handle | Replace the faulty hood release cable |
| Possible Shift Control Solenoid Fault | Replace the faulty shift control solenoid |
| Wipers Won’t Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure | Replace the faulty wiper motor |
| Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers | Replace the worn or damaged door lock tumblers |
| Problem with the IMA Light on | Address the issue causing the IMA light to come on |
| Cracked Exhaust Manifold/Catayltic Converter | Replace the faulty exhaust manifold or catalytic converter |
| Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking | Replace the faulty brake rotors |
| Front Compliance Bushings May Crack | Replace the faulty compliance bushings |
| PCM Software Update to Correct False Oxygen Sensor Code | Perform a software update on the vehicle’s PCM |
| Faulty head gasket may cause oil and coolant leaks | Replace the faulty head gasket |
| Coolant Leaking and Engine Overheating | Address the issue causing the coolant leak and engine overheating |
| Engine rear main oil seal may leak | Replace the faulty rear main oil seal |
2004 Honda Civic Recalls
| Recall Number | Problem | Affected Models |
| 19V501000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models |
| 19V499000 | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 14 models |
| 18V268000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Potentially Installed Improperly During Replacement | 10 models |
| 15V370000 | Front Passenger Air Bag Defective | 7 models |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s Front Air Bag Defective | 10 models |
| 14V700000 | Front Airbag Inflator Module | 9 models |
| 14V353000 | Front Airbag Inflator Module | 9 models |
| 04V550000 | Honda Recalls Certain 2004-2005 Civics for Front Seat Beltanchor Position Issue | 1 model |
| 07V512000 | Honda Recalls Certain 1998-2007 Civic CNG Vehicles to Add Insulation for the CNG Tank | 1 model |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a passenger airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a driver’s airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a driver’s frontal airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a front passenger airbag. The recall was issued due to the potential for the airbag inflator to be improperly installed during replacement, which may cause the airbag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash. This can increase the risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 15V370000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a front passenger airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 15V320000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a driver’s frontal airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 14V700000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a front airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 14V353000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda Civic models equipped with a front airbag. The recall was issued due to an issue with the airbag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 04V550000:
This recall affects certain 2004-2005 Honda Civic models. The recall was issued due to an issue with the front seat belt anchor position, which may be improperly positioned. This can increase the risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle in the event of a crash.
Recall 07V512000:
This recall affects certain 1998-2007 Honda Civic CNG models. The recall was issued due to an issue with the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tank, which may rupture, explode, and be ejected from the vehicle. This can cause serious injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2004-honda-civic/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Civic/2004/
All Honda Civic years we talked –
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