The Most Common Problem With the 2017 Honda Civic

The most common problem reported by 2017 Honda Civic owners is air-conditioning system failure, most often due to a leaking A/C condenser. Owners frequently describe sudden loss of cooling, warm air from the vents, and repeated refrigerant leaks. Honda acknowledged condenser defects on certain 2016–2018 Civics and issued a warranty extension for that part, which has helped many owners get no-cost repairs.

What Owners Report—and Why It Happens

Across owner forums, complaint databases, and shop reports, the 2017 Civic’s climate system stands out as its chief trouble spot. The root cause is usually a defective A/C condenser that leaks refrigerant. When the condenser drops pressure, the system can’t cool. In practice, drivers notice the A/C works intermittently or not at all, often after just a few summers of use. Honda extended the condenser warranty on affected 2016–2018 Civics, effectively acknowledging an unusually high failure rate for that component.

Symptoms You’re Likely to Notice

Drivers typically encounter a predictable set of signs when the condenser or related A/C components fail. The following list outlines what to watch for if you suspect an issue.

• Air turns warm or lukewarm, especially at idle or in hot weather.
• A/C works briefly after a recharge, then fades again within days or weeks.
• Visible oily residue on or around the condenser (front of radiator) from leaking refrigerant with dye.
• Hissing from the dash or engine bay when the A/C cycles on.
• Compressor clutch engaging and disengaging rapidly due to low system pressure.

While any single symptom can have multiple causes, this pattern—particularly rapid loss of cooling after a recharge—strongly points to a condenser leak on the 2017 Civic.

How Widespread Is It?

The A/C issue is widely documented by owners and independent shops, and it crops up on both 2.0-liter and 1.5-liter turbo Civics. Complaint volumes for the 2017 model year consistently place “A/C not working” at or near the top of reported problems. Honda’s warranty extension specifically targeting the condenser on 2016–2018 Civics underscores the prevalence.

What Honda Has Done

Honda issued a warranty extension for the A/C condenser on affected 2016–2018 Civics, covering replacement for a prolonged period (commonly cited as 10 years from the vehicle’s original in-service date, with no mileage limit). Dealers typically perform a leak test with UV dye and replace the condenser if it fails. If the failure of the condenser damages other A/C components, dealers may address those on a case-by-case basis, but coverage can vary, so it’s important to ask your service advisor to check your VIN and policy terms.

What It Costs If You’re Not Covered

Out-of-pocket repair costs depend on what failed:

These are typical ranges owners report and shops quote for the most common A/C fixes.

• Condenser replacement and recharge: roughly $600–$1,100 parts and labor, model and region dependent.
• Compressor replacement (if damaged or seized): roughly $900–$1,800.
• Hoses, seals, or dryer replacement (if required): add $100–$400.

Prices vary by dealer, independent shop rates, and parts sourcing. A proper evacuation, vacuum hold test, and metered refill are essential to ensure the repair lasts.

What Owners Should Do Now

If your 2017 Civic’s A/C isn’t working—or you want to prevent a repeat failure—these steps can help you resolve the issue efficiently and, where possible, at no cost.

1. Call a Honda dealer with your VIN to verify eligibility under the condenser warranty extension.
2. Ask for a leak diagnosis using UV dye and an electronic sniffer before approving any major repairs.
3. Document symptoms, dates, temperatures, and prior A/C work; bring receipts for any recent recharges.
4. If you’re just outside coverage, request goodwill assistance from Honda, especially with a clear failure history.
5. Avoid “stop-leak” additives; they can contaminate the system and complicate future repairs.
6. After repair, confirm that the shop pulls a proper vacuum, checks for decay, and charges to spec by weight.

A thorough, documented diagnostic path not only speeds the fix but also strengthens coverage claims with Honda if you’re near the limits of the warranty extension.

Other Notable 2017 Civic Issues (Less Common)

While the A/C problem is the headline, owners and technicians also note several secondary concerns that appear less frequently but are worth monitoring.

• Oil dilution in 1.5L turbo engines in cold climates (fuel mixing with engine oil), typically mitigated by software updates and driving longer trips to full operating temperature.
• Notchy or sticky steering feel around center, sometimes requiring steering rack or EPS-related service.
• Infotainment glitches and Bluetooth/CarPlay instability, often improved by software updates or head-unit resets.
• Evaporative emissions (EVAP) faults such as purge valve issues triggering a check-engine light.

These issues don’t reach the same frequency as A/C failures on the 2017 Civic but have been documented across owner reports and service campaigns.

Bottom Line

The 2017 Honda Civic’s most common problem is air-conditioning failure, usually from a leaking condenser. Many vehicles are covered by Honda’s extended condenser warranty, so verify eligibility with your VIN before paying out of pocket. If repairs are needed, insist on a proper leak diagnosis and system service to prevent repeat failures.

Summary

Most 2017 Honda Civic A/C complaints stem from defective condensers that leak refrigerant. Honda extended condenser coverage on many 2016–2018 Civics, and dealerships can confirm eligibility by VIN. Symptoms include warm air, rapid loss of cooling after recharges, and oily residue on the condenser. If not covered, expect $600–$1,100 for a condenser repair, with higher costs if the compressor is involved. Other reported—but less common—issues include 1.5T oil dilution in cold climates, notchy steering, infotainment glitches, and EVAP faults.

What years to avoid for a Honda Civic?

Which Honda Civic Years to Avoid

Model Year	Main Issues
2001	Transmission failure, airbag recall, engine concerns
2006	Cracked engine blocks, coolant leaks
2007–2008	Premature tire wear, engine and body integrity issues
2012	Poor interior quality, underwhelming ride and build

At what mileage do Honda Civics start having problems?

Honda Civics are known for their long lifespan, but major issues often emerge around the 100,000-mile mark, with common problems including alternator failure and transmission issues. Many models, with proper maintenance, can exceed 200,000 miles, and some reach over 400,000 miles, but expect increased maintenance and potential component wear at higher mileages.
 
Factors Influencing Problems

• Maintenance: . Opens in new tabRegular oil changes, timely transmission fluid flushes, and other preventative maintenance are crucial to avoiding issues and extending the car’s life. 
• Driving Conditions: . Opens in new tab100,000 miles of city driving or harsh conditions can put more strain on a vehicle than the same mileage on the highway. 
• Road Salt: . Opens in new tabDriving in areas that use road salt in winter can lead to rust and corrosion, which significantly shortens a car’s lifespan, notes a Reddit thread. 
• Model Year: . Opens in new tabNewer models are often built with better technology and materials, potentially lasting longer than older counterparts, says Nucar Honda of Norwood. 

Common High-Mileage Issues

• Alternator: . Opens in new tabAround 100,000 miles, the alternator can begin to fail, as it powers the battery and electrical system. 
• Transmission: . Opens in new tabWhile durable, the transmission may need attention at higher mileages, especially if proper fluid maintenance was neglected. 
• Suspension Components: . Opens in new tabLower control arm bushings and ball joints can tear or leak, requiring replacement around or after 100,000 miles. 
• Oil Leaks: . Opens in new tabWhile not specific to a mileage, oil leaks are a sign of neglect and potential long-term problems. 

How to Extend Your Civic’s Life

• Monitor Fluids: Regularly check your oil and coolant levels and follow the manufacturer’s schedule for flushes and replacements, especially the transmission fluid. 
• Perform Regular Tune-Ups: Keep up with recommended service intervals, including spark plug replacements to maintain engine performance. 
• Inspect for Leaks: Look for any oil or other fluid drips under the car, which indicate a leak that needs professional attention. 

What is the biggest problem with a Honda Civic?

Top Honda Civic Problems

• Airbag Light Due to Failed Occupant Position Sensor.
• Bad Engine Mounts May Cause Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle.
• Power Window Switch May Fail.
• Hood Release Cable May Break at Handle.
• Possible Shift Control Solenoid Fault.
• Wipers Won’t Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure.

What is the recall on the 2017 Honda Civic?

Recalls for the 2017 Honda Civic include issues with the right driveshaft (which could break and cause a loss of power or rolling away when parked), certain Airbags (specifically the seatback pads on some Hatchback and Type R models), and a potential problem with the fuel pump for models produced from 2017 to 2020 that could cause the engine to fail to start or stall. Owners should check their specific vehicle’s status using its VIN on the Honda owners website.
 
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key recalls:
Right Driveshaft Recall 

• Problem: The right driveshaft in some 1.5L-equipped 2017 Civic sedans and coupes with CVT transmissions may have been improperly heat-treated.
• Consequences: This could cause the driveshaft to break, leading to a loss of drive power or the vehicle rolling away when parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
• Solution: Honda dealers will inspect and replace the right driveshaft if it’s affected by the issue.

Airbag Recall 

• Problem: Some 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback and Type R vehicles were sold with replacement driver and front passenger seatback pads that lacked proper openings for the seat-mounted side airbags.
• Consequences: This interference could adversely affect airbag performance during a crash.
• Solution: Dealers will provide the correct replacement seatback pads for free.

Fuel Pump Recall 

• Problem: A potential issue with the fuel pump could lead to the engine not starting or stalling while driving.
• Vehicles Affected: This recall affects Honda models produced between 2017 and 2020, including some Civics.
• Solution: Honda dealerships will replace the fuel pump for free.

How to Check for Recalls 

• Use Your VIN: Visit the official Honda owners website or other reliable sites like RepairPal and enter your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN to see if your specific 2017 Civic is affected by any open recalls.