Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (275 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Extremely positive sentiment among enthusiasts, with the vehicle consistently praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, precise handling, and engaging manual transmission.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentSevere dealership markups
Frequently $20,000+ over MSRP, placing the car in a $65,000+ price range.
- Very frequentHarsh ride quality
Suspension described as very stiff and uncomfortable for daily driving and road trips.
- RecurrentPoor real-world fuel economy
Reported averages around 20 MPG, significantly lower than expectations for a 4-cylinder vehicle.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentExcessive road and cabin noise
Loud at highway speeds, lacking sound deadening.
- IsolatedPower limitation in lower gears
Engine power feels artificially restricted in first and second gears, making the car feel slower than its 315 hp rating.
- IsolatedInterior rattles and build quality issues
Described as having unrefined areas typical of a Civic, with specific recalls for cracking seat frames and steering racks on early FL5 models.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish a preferred model year or trim within the FK8 (2017-2021) or FL5 (2022-present) generations. Feedback applies broadly to the Civic Type R model line.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota GR Corolla, BMW M340i, Acura Integra Type S, Volkswagen Golf R and Subaru WRX/STI.
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Extremely positive sentiment among enthusiasts, with the vehicle consistently praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, precise handling, and engaging manual transmission. It is widely regarded as a benchmark for front-wheel-drive performance, offering a "magical" feel at the limit. However, owner feedback highlights significant compromises for daily use, including a very stiff ride, excessive road noise, and poor real-world fuel economy (around 20 MPG reported). The vehicle's practicality as a "do-it-all" car is questioned, with many noting it feels like a regular Civic during normal driving and only becomes special when pushed hard. Widespread and severe criticism is directed at dealership markups, which frequently add $20,000 or more to the MSRP, placing the car in a price bracket with more powerful and luxurious competitors and severely damaging its value proposition.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the top-tier, track-focused front-wheel-drive hot hatch. It is consistently favored over the Toyota GR Corolla for superior warranty support, a more refined interior, and a perceived reliability advantage, though the GR Corolla is noted for its all-wheel-drive traction. Compared to German competitors like the BMW M340i, the Civic Type R is seen as more engaging at the limit but significantly less comfortable, luxurious, and powerful in daily driving; the M340i is described as a more usable and special-feeling daily driver. The Acura Integra Type S is viewed as a more refined, quieter, and slightly more luxurious alternative with the same powertrain. The Volkswagen Golf R is acknowledged for offering more standard creature comforts and all-wheel drive but with potentially higher long-term ownership costs.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is the only available option. No specific trim or package recommendations are detailed in the community feedback. A strong, recurring recommendation is to avoid paying any dealer markup over MSRP, as doing so destroys the car's value.
General recommendations
Recommended for driving enthusiasts who prioritize track-capable handling and engagement and can tolerate a harsh ride for daily use. NOT recommended as a primary vehicle for those seeking comfort, luxury, quietness, or good fuel economy. Strongly advised to test drive extensively on typical roads to evaluate ride comfort. Potential buyers are warned to expect and refuse significant dealer markups, which are reported as very common ($10,000-$25,000 over MSRP). Consider certified pre-owned (CPO) alternatives like the BMW M340i if a comfortable, powerful daily driver is the priority. Verify the completion of any open recalls (e.g., seat frame, steering rack) on used examples.
Remarks
The community perception is heavily bifurcated: the car is engineering perfection for the driving enthusiast but a compromised and overpriced daily driver for anyone else. The overwhelming issue of dealer markups is a dominant theme, with many owners and potential buyers expressing frustration and refusal to participate in the practice. The vehicle's character is defined by its extreme focus; it excels on a track or spirited backroad but imposes significant penalties in comfort and refinement during normal use. Analysis based on owner discussions comparing the vehicle to competitors and detailing ownership experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2023Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 1 | steering |
| 2024 | 10 | 1 | steering |
| 2023 | 13 | 1 | steering |
| 2018 | 601 | 2 | steering |
| 2017 | 518 | 1 | unknown or other |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices6 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · 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 incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
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 incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
2023 · 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 incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
2018 · 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 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2018 · 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, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
2017 · 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, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: FL5
2.0
2.0L 4-cylinder · 329 hp · FWD · manual
Built 2023–2026