Avoid: 2022, 2007, 2006 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2000 · Best recent: 2017
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 31 model years, the Honda Civic has 27,682 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 298 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. 2006 drew the most complaints (2,866), 2000 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (300).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Honda Civic vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $15,226–$22,795.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 31 |
| 2025 | 93 |
| 2024 | 265 |
| 2023 | 580 |
| 2022 | 1,842 |
| 2021 | 452 |
| 2020 | 914 |
| 2019 | 1,582 |
| 2018 | 1,192 |
| 2017 | 629 |
| 2016 | 1,082 |
| 2015 | 1,113 |
| 2014 | 852 |
| 2013 | 931 |
| 2012 | 1,357 |
| 2011 | 502 |
| 2010 | 1,207 |
| 2009 | 820 |
| 2008 | 1,903 |
| 2007 | 2,480 |
| 2006 | 2,866 |
| 2005 | 363 |
| 2004 | 386 |
| 2003 | 525 |
| 2002 | 720 |
| 2001 | 1,128 |
| 2000 | 300 |
| 1999 | 359 |
| 1998 | 464 |
| 1997 | 401 |
| 1996 | 343 |
Highest: 2006 (2,866 complaints). Lowest: 2000 (300).
Extremely positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and value for money across multiple generations.
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.
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.
Mentioned as a common issue, particularly on older generations, requiring regular cleaning and undercarriage maintenance to mitigate.
Noted for being less engaging than a manual; long-term reliability concerns are mentioned, though not widely reported as failing in the provided data.
Isolated reports of smart entry door handle failures, clock spring/airbag light issues, and blower motor problems.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Civic. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy