What’s the lawsuit on the 2016 Honda Civic?

The 2016 Honda Civic is not tied to a single, universal lawsuit; instead, owners have seen multiple legal actions and warranty programs over specific defects. The most consequential matters have involved alleged air-conditioning (A/C) system defects and, on 1.5-liter turbo models, fuel-in-oil dilution. Outcomes have included extended warranties and, in some instances, reimbursement opportunities, but eligibility depends on your vehicle’s build, where it was sold/registered, and when repairs occurred.

The major legal issues that have touched 2016 Civic owners

Over the past several years, consumer complaints and class-action filings around the 2016 Civic have clustered in a few areas. Below are the most frequently cited disputes and how they were largely addressed.

• A/C system defect litigation (condensers and related components): Owners of 2016–2020 Civics reported cracked condensers and refrigerant loss. Multiple class actions were filed in the U.S., and Honda responded with extended warranty coverage for the A/C condenser—commonly 10 years (unlimited miles) from the vehicle’s original in-service date—and service bulletins. Some cases provided reimbursement avenues for past repairs during defined claim windows. Status varies by case, but the condenser warranty extension remains the main remedy for eligible vehicles.
• Fuel-in-oil dilution on 1.5L turbo models (L15B7): Complaints alleged gasoline mixing with engine oil in colder climates, causing rough running and potential long-term engine concerns. Lawsuits were filed in multiple states; Honda implemented a product update and extended certain powertrain coverages in designated cold-weather states and provinces. Courts dismissed or narrowed some nationwide claims. As of late 2024, there was no single nationwide settlement specific to all 2016 Civics, and coverage depends on location and powertrain.
• Infotainment/display issues (CarPlay/Display Audio): While Honda has faced infotainment defect suits covering other models and years, the 2016 Civic has mainly seen dealer software updates and technical service bulletins rather than a Civic-specific class settlement recognized across the U.S.
• Driver-assistance (ADAS) complaints: Class actions targeting Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) behavior have focused more on Accord and CR‑V, with some filings referencing Civics from the same era. As of late 2024, there was no widely adopted, Civic-specific settlement that applies across the board to 2016 models.

In practice, the most tangible relief 2016 Civic owners have received has come through Honda’s extended warranties and service campaigns—particularly on A/C condensers and, in some cold-weather regions, 1.5L turbo oil-dilution countermeasures—rather than a single sweeping lawsuit victory.

How to check if you’re covered or eligible for reimbursement

If you own a 2016 Civic and believe you’re affected by one of the issues above, the steps below can help you confirm coverage and explore reimbursement options that may stem from settlements, service campaigns, or warranty extensions.

1. Run your VIN for open actions: Use the NHTSA recall lookup and Honda’s owner portal to find recall, service campaign, or warranty-extension eligibility tied to your exact vehicle.
2. Ask the dealer to verify extended coverage: Specifically inquire about the A/C condenser 10-year extension and any region-specific coverage for 1.5L turbo oil-dilution updates and related powertrain warranty extensions.
3. Collect paperwork: Gather repair orders, invoices, and proof of payment for any past A/C or engine-related work—these documents are essential for reimbursement requests.
4. Request goodwill if you’re just outside coverage: If you recently fell out of warranty, ask the dealer to submit a goodwill assistance request to Honda with your documentation.
5. Search for active settlements: Check reputable class-action and settlement-administration sites by make, model, and year. Only rely on official settlement pages or court notices for deadlines and eligibility rules.
6. Report safety concerns: If you’ve experienced a safety-related defect, file a complaint with NHTSA; a pattern of reports can prompt investigations or broader remedies.

Following these steps helps you determine exactly what relief applies to your car, since coverage often turns on your VIN, state of registration, mileage, and repair dates.

Context: recalls versus lawsuits

Some 2016 Civic owners conflate recalls with lawsuits, but they’re different. Recalls are safety actions overseen by regulators; lawsuits are civil claims seeking damages or other relief. The items below illustrate the distinction for this model year.

• Recalls: The 2016 Civic has had safety recalls (for example, an early software recall affecting the electronic parking brake, and component-specific campaigns that may include certain fuel pumps or airbags depending on build and supplier). These are handled at no cost to owners.
• Lawsuits/class actions: Civil cases alleged defects (like A/C condenser failures or oil dilution) and pushed for reimbursement and extended coverage. Results have varied by jurisdiction and claim.

Understanding which bucket an issue falls into is key: recalls are safety-driven and VIN-specific, while lawsuits focus on compensation and policy changes and may not cover every owner uniformly.

Bottom line for 2016 Civic owners

There isn’t a single, monolithic “2016 Civic lawsuit.” Instead, the big developments have been: (1) A/C condenser defect claims leading to broad condenser warranty extensions (and, in some instances, reimbursements), and (2) targeted responses to 1.5L turbo oil-dilution complaints in colder regions, with mixed litigation outcomes and service-based remedies. Your best move is to verify VIN-based coverage, gather repair records, and consult official settlement resources for any open reimbursement windows.

Summary

The 2016 Honda Civic has been the subject of several legal and warranty developments rather than one definitive lawsuit. The most consequential for owners are A/C condenser defect actions that yielded extended warranty coverage and limited reimbursement opportunities, and oil-dilution claims on 1.5L turbo models that prompted service campaigns and region-specific warranty extensions. Eligibility is highly fact-specific, so check your VIN, confirm coverage with a dealer, and refer only to official settlement or court notices for any remaining claim deadlines.

How much can I get for my 2016 Honda Civic?

A 2016 Honda Civic LX Sedan 4D has depreciated $5,509 or 37% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $9,043 and trade-in value of $7,720.

Is there a recall on the 2016 Honda Civic?

Recalls for the 2016 Honda Civic include issues with the engine’s piston assembly (missing/incorrect circlip), the parking brake (failure to engage immediately after shutting off the engine), rear seat belt buckles (difficulty unfastening), and a driver’s seat cushion (inadequate security during a crash). There are also recalls for the fuel pump and an issue with exterior lighting in some models. You can check specific recall status for your vehicle by entering its VIN at the official Honda website.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the recalls and common problems for 2016-2021 Honda Civic: 59sHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKSYouTube · May 29, 2022
Here is a summary of the known recalls:
Engine Piston Assembly 

• Problem: On vehicles with 2.0L engines, the piston wrist pin circlip may be missing or improperly installed during manufacturing.
• Consequence: This can cause the engine to seize, leading to loss of power and a potential crash risk, or oil leaks from engine damage, which could cause a fire.
• Affected Vehicles: Certain model year 2016 Civics manufactured between September 22, 2015, and February 3, 2016.

Electric Parking Brake (EPB) 

• Problem: The EPB might not engage if applied immediately after turning the ignition off.
• Consequence: The vehicle could roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
• Affected Vehicles: Some 2016 Honda Civic two-door and four-door vehicles with 1.5L turbo and 2.0L engines.

Rear Seat Belt Buckle 

• Problem: Certain rear seat belt buckles were improperly manufactured.
• Consequence: While the belts function properly, owners may experience difficulty unfastening the belt after a crash.
• Affected Vehicles: Only buckles with an assembly number on the back starting with 00185, 00186, or 00187.

Driver’s Seat Cushion 

• Problem: The driver’s seat cushion frame may not be secure.
• Consequence: The driver might not be adequately restrained during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Exterior Lighting 

• Problem: Some 2016 Honda Civics have an issue with their exterior lighting system.

Fuel Pump 

• Problem: A component in the fuel delivery system is affected.
• Affected Vehicles: Some 2016-2021 models are affected by a fuel pump motor recall.

How to Check Your Vehicle’s Recall Status
You can check if your specific 2016 Honda Civic is affected by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official Honda Owners website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

What is the class action lawsuit for Honda engines?

Background of the Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit alleges that certain Honda models have engine defects related to oil dilution, fuel system malfunctions, or timing chain failures. Plaintiffs claim that these issues can lead to engine failure, loss of power, and increased safety risks for drivers and passengers.

What is the class action lawsuit for Honda Civic 2016?

Chiulli v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. et al. A proposed class action alleges 2016-2020 model year Honda Civics are equipped with “defective” infotainment systems prone to malfunction, freeze or crash.