Honda Civic EK (1996-2000): First steps mods
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What are the best first steps mods for the Honda Civic EK (1996-2000)?
It depends on the car’s condition and how you use it. These are the 1 first steps build entry we have sourced for this car: EK Civic first steps: recalls, airbags and wheel torque (Reported). Each lists caveats, related problems and sources so you can match it to your goal.
EK Civic first steps: recalls, airbags and wheel torque Reported
Run the VIN for the 20V-026/027 driver airbag inflator, 02V-120 ignition switch and the earlier EK recalls; check the rear for clunks and the engine for a rear main seal leak; torque wheel nuts to 80 ft-lb (108 N·m; Honda's 1993 manual and TSB 92-031 list 110 N·m) by hand.
Caveats: Recall completion on used cars is often unknown; trust a dealer VIN check.
Related issues: Recall 02V-120: ignition switch contacts can wear (1998-2000), Recalls 20V-026 / 20V-027: driver airbag inflator (1996-2000), Recalls 01V-380 / 02V-051: faulty rear seat belt buckles (2000), Oil leak between engine and transmission: rear main seal (TSB 01-040), Rear clunk or squeak over bumps: trailing arm bushing or gusset bolts (TSB 00-006, 00-058)
Parts: EK Civic factory wheel fastening (4x100, 56.1 mm hub, M12x1.5 nuts, 80 ft-lb)
Sources (10)
- NHTSA recall 02V-120: ignition switch contacts can degrade (1998-2000 Civic and other Hondas, about 1,000,000 units) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall 20V-026: driver frontal airbag inflator (1996-2000 Civic coupe, 1998-2000 Civic sedan, among others; 1,439,841 units) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall 20V-027: replacement driver airbag inflators (2000 Civic coupe and sedan, among others; 875,966 units) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall 96V-106: 1996 Civic brake booster check valve may stick (160,689 units) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall 97V-193: 1997-98 Civic front passenger airbag cloth flaps tucked in too far (9,558 units) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA equipment recall 99E-015: accessory driver floor mats in 1996-98 Civic can interfere with the accelerator (943,005 units) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall 01V-380: improperly made rear seat belt buckles (2000-01 Civic sedans and coupes; 16,459 units) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Honda TSB 00-006: Rear suspension clunk/squeak on bumps (1988-2000 Civic, 1993-97 del Sol, 1997-01 CR-V) — American Honda (service bulletin) via Operation CHARM (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Honda service manual, 1997 Civic DX Coupe 1.6L SOHC: wheel stud / lug nut specifications — American Honda service information, text reproduction on Operation CHARM (charm.li) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Honda TSB 01-040: Civic rear main oil seal leaks (1996-2000 Civic) — American Honda (service bulletin) via Operation CHARM (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
More for this car
- All Honda Civic EK (1996-2000) fitment answers · EK common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Report a correction — spotted an error or have a better source? Email hello@chassisdex.com.