The 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid has 3 recalls, the most serious involving two separate electrical faults in the hybrid drive system that can expose a live terminal or leave the 12-volt battery without a charging source.
The first electrical concern involves the DC-DC converter, a component that steps the hybrid battery's high voltage down to 12 volts to keep the standard battery charged and power the car's accessories. If this converter was damaged before the car left the factory, it may not function reliably, which can leave the 12-volt system without adequate power and affect any component that depends on it. The second electrical issue involves the hybrid system components housed beneath a metal cover behind the rear seat-back. Over time, the weight of passengers sitting in the rear can press that cover against a rubber cap protecting a high-voltage terminal. If the cap gets pinched and pulled away, the terminal underneath becomes exposed, raising the risk of electrical contact for anyone reaching into that area. On the steering side, a fault in the electric power steering system can cause it to cut out without warning, particularly at lower speeds where the system does the most work. When the assist drops out, the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn, which can make it difficult to respond quickly in a tight situation.
