The 2010 Civic Hybrid is a solid commuter with excellent fuel economy when the hybrid system works, but it's plagued by expensive IMA battery failures and a pattern of catastrophic engine wear that can grenade motors before 100k miles—unusual for Honda.
IMA Battery Pack Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: IMA warning light, Check engine light with P1447/P1449/P1570 codes, Loss of assist/regeneration, Poor fuel economy (drop to 35-38 mpg), Battery charge gauge erratic or stuck
Fix: Replace entire IMA battery pack. 3-4 hours labor. Aftermarket reconditioned packs available but OE is $3k+ parts alone. Some techs rebuild individual modules but reliability varies.
Estimated cost: $2,000-4,500
Catastrophic Engine Bearing/Piston Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden knocking/rattling from bottom end, Metal shavings in oil, Low oil pressure warning, Complete seizure in worst cases, Blue smoke on startup if rings fail first
Fix: Engine rebuild or replacement. Rod bearings fail prematurely, often taking pistons/crank with them. 12-18 hours labor for proper rebuild with machine work. Many opt for used low-mile engine swap (8-10 hours). Root cause: undersized bearings for hybrid assist loads and extended oil change intervals.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
CVT Transmission Judder and Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration especially 20-40 mph, Hesitation when cold, Whining noise, Slipping feel under load, Check engine light with P0847/P0845 codes
Fix: Early cases responded to CVT fluid flush (Honda HCF-2 only, 2 hours), but transmission often needs rebuild or replacement. Torque converter lock-up clutch and valve body common culprits. 8-12 hours for R&R and rebuild.
Estimated cost: $800-4,000
A/C Compressor Clutch Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: A/C clutch not engaging, Clicking from compressor area, No cold air, Burning smell from belt area if clutch seizes
Fix: Replace A/C compressor assembly. Clutch mechanism specific to hybrid model fails more often than conventional Civics due to electric operation. 2-3 hours labor plus refrigerant recovery/recharge.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
12V Battery Parasitic Draw
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Dead 12V battery after sitting 3-7 days, Slow crank, IMA light after jump start, Radio/clock resets
Fix: IMA system draws on 12V battery even when off. Many owners don't realize hybrid needs high-quality AGM battery replacement (not standard flooded). Also check for DC-DC converter issues. Battery replacement 0.5 hours, parasitic draw diagnosis 1-2 hours if converter involved.
Estimated cost: $200-600
Front Engine Mount/Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe vibration at idle especially with A/C on, Clunking when shifting to Drive/Reverse, Visible engine movement in bay, Torque steer during acceleration
Fix: Replace engine/transmission mounts. Hybrid adds weight and torque characteristics that accelerate mount wear. Upper mount and transmission mount fail together often. 2-3 hours labor for both.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Takata Airbag Inflator (Recall)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Recall notice in mail, SRS light (rare), No symptoms until deployment—inflator can explode sending shrapnel
Fix: Passenger airbag inflator replacement under recall. Free at dealer. 1-2 hours labor. CHECK RECALL STATUS BEFORE PURCHASE—some still unrepaired. NHTSA recall lookup required.
Estimated cost: $0
Owner tips
Change engine oil every 5k miles maximum with 0W-20 synthetic—bearing failures linked to 7500-mile intervals destroying thin hybrid tolerances
Use only genuine Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid, change at 30k intervals despite 'lifetime fill' claim
IMA battery health visible in service mode: 7-8 bars normal, 5-6 bars needs attention, below 5 budget for replacement
Keep high-quality AGM battery in car—cheap batteries cause parasitic draw false diagnosis and IMA system errors
Walk away if engine has metallic knock or seller says 'just needs oil'—that's a $5k rebuild talking
Buy only with documented religious maintenance and passing IMA battery test under $6k—otherwise the repair lottery makes a regular Civic or Prius a smarter bet.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: 12V auxiliary battery only; IMA hybrid battery system separate; battery located in trunk area
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Control Modules — 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid
Every control module on the 2006-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Motor Control Module / Intelligent Power Unit (MCM/IPU)2.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under hood, passenger side, mounted to hybrid motor assembly
🔧 Honda HDS with i-HDS subscription
⚠️ Controls DC-DC converter and motor inverter. High-voltage component requiring isolation procedures. Must be programmed in conjunction with IMA module.
📍 Under dashboard, center, behind radio/climate control assembly
🔧 Honda HDS with i-HDS subscription
⚠️ Must be paired with PCM using seed-key authentication. All existing keys must be present to register. Maximum 6 keys can be programmed.
Multiplex Control Unit (MICU)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under dashboard, driver side, behind fuse panel
🔧 Honda HDS with i-HDS subscription
⚠️ Controls interior lighting, door locks, and multiplex communication. VIN coding required. All electrical accessories must be tested after replacement.
📍 Center dashboard, integrated in center stack (EX-L Navigation trim)
🔧 Honda HDS with i-HDS subscription
⚠️ VIN coding required. Anti-theft code entry needed. GPS antenna connection critical. Only available on EX-L Navigation trim 2009-2011.
Supplemental Restraint System Control Unit (SRS)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, under front center armrest/shifter trim
🔧 Honda HDS with i-HDS subscription
⚠️ Battery must be disconnected 3+ minutes before removal. VIN coding and crash data verification required. All airbag connectors must be inspected.
Climate Control Unit (A/C Control)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dashboard, behind climate control panel
🔧 Honda HDS or self-relearn procedure
⚠️ Actuator relearn procedure required after replacement. Can be performed with HDS or manual button sequence.
Gauge Control Module / Combination Meter (GCM)0.6 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Instrument panel, behind gauge cluster face
🔧 Honda HDS with i-HDS subscription
⚠️ Mileage must be transferred from old unit or verified via HDS. VIN coding required. IMA battery state-of-charge display calibration needed.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V502000
2019-06-27 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles.
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V378000
2019-05-16
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V661000
2018-09-27 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V268000
2018-04-26
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V042000
2018-01-09 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."
Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 17V545000
2017-08-31
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 17V030000
2017-01-10 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V346000
2016-05-24 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid 1.3L I4 Hybrid and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.