Power
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Extremely positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and value for money across multiple generations. The Civic is consistently described as one of the most reliable cars on the road, with a strong reputation for minimal mechanical issues when properly main
Best version
Consensus varies by generation and region. For the 8th and 9th generations (UK/Europe), the 1.8L i-VTEC petrol engine is frequently recommended for its proven reliability and adequate power, with manual transmissions preferred for engagemen
Known issues
Generation-Specific Engine Problems: Isolated but severe issues include cracked engine blocks on early 8th generation (2006-2009) 1.8L R18 engines and head gasket failures on 7th generation (2001-2005) D17 engines. Frequency: recurrent (for those specific generations)., 1.5L Turbo Engine Concerns: Potential for oil dilution, particularly in cold climates and with frequent short trips; also mentioned are chain problems, turbo issues, and head gasket concerns. Some owners note a software update mitigated the oil dilution issue. Frequency: recurrent.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Civic XI2021–20262,499 complaints · 10 recallsHigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): steering (1830) · forward collision avoidance (276) · lane departure (189)
Overview
Honda Civic (11th generation, 2021-2026)
Overall Sentiment
Owners are overwhelmingly positive about the 11th generation Civic, frequently calling it an amazing car and one of the best commuter cars ever made. Praise centers on the refined interior quality, excellent physical controls, surprisingly fun driving dynamics, and strong fuel economy (owners report 30-40 mpg depending on trim and driving style). Criticisms focus on frustrating automatic systems (wipers, climate control), piano black trim that creates glare, and squeaky seats. The 1.5-liter turbo engine is well-liked, with some owners noting it transforms the car's character compared to the 2.0-liter base engine.
Sentiment Confidence Level
High
Frequently Mentioned Competitors
Mini Clubman, Subaru Forester, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen GTI, Toyota GR Corolla, Toyota GR Yaris
Positioning vs Competitors
Owners position the 11th gen Civic as a superior value and more reliable alternative to the Mini Clubman, which one owner described as a money pit. Against crossovers like the Forester and Crosstrek, owners prefer the Civic's driving dynamics and interior quality. The Civic is seen as a practical, fun alternative to the GTI and WRX, though some note it lacks the GR Yaris's unique rally-homologation character. Owners emphasize that the Civic offers a better balance of comfort, quality, and driving enjoyment than many competitors at its price point.
Best Version According to Owners
The 1.5-liter turbo engine (available on EX and higher trims) is strongly preferred over the 2.0-liter base engine. The Si trim receives particular praise for its fuel economy (30-40 mpg) and driving satisfaction, though some US-market owners note the 11th gen Si lost features compared to the 10th gen (no full digital dash, no heated seats, no blind spot camera in US models). The Type R Sport Line (European model) is noted for its softer suspension and toned-down styling versus the standard Type R.
Recommended Configurations
Owners strongly recommend the 1.5-liter turbo engine over the 2.0-liter. The EX trim with the turbo is highlighted as a sweet spot. For the Si, Canadian-market examples are noted to have more features than US-market versions. The 6-speed manual is available and sought after — one owner reported taking a year to find a low-mileage 2024 manual example. The HPD spoiler is popular on hatchback models, though some find it obstructs rear visibility.
General Recommendations
The 11th gen Civic is recommended for buyers seeking a reliable, fun, and well-built daily driver with excellent interior quality. Owners advise avoiding Firestone for AC repairs and going directly to a Honda dealer due to warranty extensions on AC components. The 2024 model year is well-regarded. Buyers should be aware of potential AC compressor issues (covered under warranty extension) and should inspect for dash rattles, particularly in the passenger-side AC vent area. The car is considered a strong choice for first-time buyers and those downsizing from larger vehicles.
Reported Issues
Remarks
The 11th gen Civic is widely praised for its interior design and material quality, which owners describe as class-leading and better than many competitors. The honeycomb dashboard trim and physical controls are frequently mentioned as highlights. Some owners note the car's styling is more conservative than the 10th gen, which is seen as either a positive (more mature) or negative (boring) depending on preference. The Type R Sport Line (European model) offers a softer suspension and no rear wing, appealing to buyers who want Type R performance without the aggressive styling. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 256 | 2 | steering |
| 2022 | 1,828 | 4 | steering |
| 2021 | 415 | 4 | steering |
| 2019 | 1,526 | 4 | steering |
| 2018 | 1,807 | 6 | steering |
| 2017 | 1,099 | 6 | unknown or other |
| 2016 | 1,060 | 5 | steering |
| 2014 | 849 | 0 | power train |
| 2013 | 926 | 0 | air bags |
| 2012 | 1,358 | 4 | air bags |
| 2011 | 501 | 9 | air bags |
| 2009 | 820 | 8 | air bags |
| 2008 | 1,899 | 7 | air bags |
| 2006 | 2,866 | 17 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices155 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2024 · steeringcampaign 24V744000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured inc
2024 · seats:critical fastenerscampaign 24V859000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these
2022 · steering:rack and pinioncampaign 23V704000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door vehicles that received a replacement power steering rack as part of a service repair. The steering rack may have been incorrectly assembled, which can allow the tire to chafe against the lower suspension or tie rod end, possi
2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acu
2022 · steeringcampaign 24V744000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured inc
2022 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 202
2021 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 23V458000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the b
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acu
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Ho
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 202
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V314000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V215000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Ho
2019 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 202
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V314000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
140 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Generation
Version
2.0 i-VTEC (150 Hp) CVT
From 2024-2026
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