I own a 2006 Civic Hybrid with about 85,000 miles on it. All of a sudden, in the last week, there is a weird smell coming from the car after I have driven it and then stop the car and get out. It smells almost like a scented candle burning - not really an acrid odor like burning plastic or an electrical smell. I sometimes can smell inside the car when I am driving too. Has anyone else ever experienced anything like this? I have an appointment next week at the dealer for a recall item and will have them check it out too.

 

Problem diagnosed and half solved. Turns out a plastic bag got stuck on the exhaust pipe underneath the car and has been melting when the pipe gets hot, causing a melting plastic smell. The mechanic tried to scrape off as much as possible but the remainder will just have to burn off. I still have a faint burning plastic smell coming from the car when I stop.

 

I have the same story -- weird smell coming into the cabin of my 2006 Civic. Currently has 85,000 km but this problem has been around for about a year. The odor isn't offensive, it is just that it sticks in my head for the rest of the day.

One dealership changed the air filters and sprayed some anti-mold/mildew stuff. That helped temporarily. About two months later, the problem came back.

One dealer said I needed to replace the clutch. (The car drives fine. Won't be going back there!)

I've been reading a few of these stories. Do you think the plastic bag was the culprit? Are you having any further problems with weird smells?