What's Wrong with the 6th Generation (1996–2000) Civic?

Civic owners have made 247 complaints about the 1996–2000 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 35th out of 58 Honda generations in overall reliability, with some body and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Civic Generations

Common 1996-2000 Honda Civic Problems

Some of the worst issues 6th generation Civic owners have to deal with.

  1. Automatic Transmission Failure

    If you own a Honda released between 1999-2004 and haven't had any issues with your automatic transmission, may I suggest you go to your nearest conevnience store and play the lottery? 'Cause you're one lucky son-of-a-gun.

    Continue reading article "Automatic Transmission Failure"

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

6th Generation (1996–2000) Civic Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 247 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 35th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 58 eligible generations.