Honda Civic owners filed 4,916 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2016 Honda Civic drew the most complaints (1,080); across all years, owners complain most about steering (44% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2016, with 1,080 complaints, led by steering (444) and 5 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Steering drew 2,156 complaints and 3 recalls.
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2016 (2.8 times as many complaints), 2017 (1.6 times as many complaints), 2018 (1.9 times as many complaints), 2022 (2.3 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 14k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 25 complaints mention a fire and 243 a crash, with 161 injuries and 1 death reported.
Honda Civic complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 1 recall | 380 | Transmission / powertrain (176), Air bags (58), Engine (31) median 50k mi · 37 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2016 5 recalls | 1,080 | Steering (444), Electrical system (119), Engine (95) median 30k mi · 36 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2017 6 recalls | 592 | Steering (170), Electrical system (101), Engine (66) median 23k mi · 23 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2018 6 recalls | 739 | Steering (311), Fuel System, Gasoline (94), Fuel system (80) median 33k mi · 26 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2019 4 recalls | 429 | Steering (109), Fuel system (70), Fuel System, Gasoline (62) median 16k mi · 26 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2020 5 recalls | 224 | Electrical system (36), Transmission / powertrain (31), Air bags (29) median 15k mi · 15 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2021 4 recalls | 144 | Steering (64), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (33), Electrical system (18) median 30k mi · 5 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2022 4 recalls | 881 | Steering (731), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (71), Lane departure assist (66) median 27k mi · 34 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2023 4 recalls | 254 | Steering (191), Lane departure assist (19), Electrical system (16) median 10k mi · 19 crashes |
| 2024 3 recalls | 123 | Steering (60), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (17), Lane departure assist (10) median 11k mi · 12 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2025 2 recalls | 70 | Steering (27), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (9), Lane departure assist (8) median 7k mi · 10 crashes · 1 fire |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 44, more than the 20 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Honda Civic problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,156 | 44% | 3 | 36k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Electrical system | 464 | 9% | 0 | 19k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 328 | 7% | 2 | 61k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Engine | 323 | 7% | 1 | 19k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Brakes | 269 | 5% | 2 | 15k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Fuel system | 266 | 5% | 4 | 14k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | 234 | 5% | 0 | 14k mi | — |
| Air bags | 203 | 4% | 3 | 28k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Honda Civic owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Steering
Car steering wheel became “sticky” and “jerky” and felt like lane keeping assistance was on preventing car from turning properly. Clicking noise and scraping started. Took to dealership and was told new tires required. Aware of multiple service bulletins and march 2023 class action regarding steering. Took to different dealership who is charging $3800 to replace steering rack.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11534327
The steering on my 2019 Honda Civic has gotten progressively "sticky" when driving at all speeds but it is worse at highway speeds (50-75 mph). I have experienced several close calls lately when the steering wheel sticks when turning into a highway curve and causes my car to veer into the oncoming traffic lane.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11667993
Related recalls: 18V663000 (2017–2018): The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash. 24V744000 (2022–2025): Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash. 23V704000 (2022–2024): A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
2,156 owners reported steering problems; the power steering repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
Car key remotes both failed within the 7 years. They had to replace the sop fuse box and imobi unit. The parts should not have failed within this time. The remote would open the trunk when the open and close feature was lightly touched and created a safety issue for the driver to secure the car and the alarm feature was not working. It was very costly to repair.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11484052
The engine wiring harness cover composition is attractive to rodents. Squirrels chewed into the harness leading to loss of acceleration. The entire harness needs replacing due to the soy based wire coating. The failure was first noticed while at speed (approximately 35 MPH in city traffic. Subsequent attempts at starting the vehicle resulted in rough idle and dangerous hesitation when merging.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11149961
None of these 464 electrical system complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
464 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Clutch began to slip at 20,000 miles. This caused unrepairable damage to the flywheel. This put my safety at risk as clutches wearing out could cause the car to slip out of gear and/or damage the maneuverability of the vehicle. This problem was fixed by the dealer, but they blamed me for the damage and claimed clutch is a wear component. I was charged $3,000 for the clutch and an additional $2,000 for the flywheel.
2023 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11728288
Full transmission failure. Vehicle was travelling on the highway at approximately 70 miles per hour when the vehicle lost traction and the engine revved to the redline. Nearly all warning lights illuminated on the dash. Driver made his way to the side of the road and turned the car off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the transmission refused to to shift into drive.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11362539
Related recalls: 15V574000 (2015): If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. 17V706000 (2017): The improper heat treatment can result in the halfshaft breaking, preventing the engine from moving the vehicle, and can allow a possible roll away situation if the parking brake is not engaged. This can increase the risk of a crash.
328 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Honda Civic recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V332000 | 2026-05-21 | 2016–2022 | Air bags | Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury. |
| 24V859000 | 2024-11-14 | 2023–2024 | Seats | An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 24V763000 | 2024-10-14 | 2025 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 24V744000 | 2024-10-03 | 2022–2025 | Steering | Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V064000 | 2024-02-01 | 2020–2022 | Air bags | An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V858000 | 2023-12-18 | 2016–2021 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V704000 | 2023-10-19 | 2022–2024 | Steering | A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 23V458000 | 2023-06-29 | 2020–2021 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V430000 | 2023-06-15 | 2023 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 21V215000 | 2021-03-25 | 2019–2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V314000 | 2020-05-28 | 2018–2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline | If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V817000 | 2018-11-16 | 2017–2018 | Equipment / accessories | If the information is missing or improper, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash. |
| 18V663000 | 2018-09-27 | 2017–2018 | Steering | The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash. |
| 18V421000 | 2018-06-20 | 2018 | Equipment / accessories | If the owner is not able to verify if their vehicle is involved in safety recall, it can increase the risk of injury or crash. |
| 18V266000 | 2018-04-26 | 2017 | Air bags | If the seat-mounted air bags cannot not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury. |
| 17V706000 | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | Transmission / powertrain | The improper heat treatment can result in the halfshaft breaking, preventing the engine from moving the vehicle, and can allow a possible roll away situation if the parking brake is not engaged. This can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 16V725000 | 2016-10-11 | 2016 | Parking brake | If the EPB is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V526000 | 2016-07-11 | 2016 | Exterior lights | If a side marker light does not function, vehicle visibility can be decreased to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V074000 | 2016-02-09 | 2016 | Engine and cooling | If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire. |
| 15V574000 | 2015-09-15 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
4,916 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Honda models in the index
- Honda CR-V (8,154)
- Honda Pilot (5,597)
- Honda Accord (5,446)
- Honda Odyssey (3,774)
- Honda HR-V (1,821)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.