2021 Honda Civic: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Honda Civic has 415 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and forward collision avoidance. Owners most often flag ac compressor failure at low mileage (34,000 miles): frequency: recurrent (multiple owners report failures, with warranty extension documented).

Safety record for the 2021 model year

415
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
17
Crash reports
7
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Honda Civic vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2021 a good year for the Civic?

Across the 21 Civic model years we track, complaint volume runs from 256 (2024) to 2,866 (2006). With 415 complaints, the 2021 Civic sits belowthe model's median of 849.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

steering
171
forward collision avoidance
96
service brakes
54
electrical system
54
lane departure
33

Recalls affecting the 2021 Civic

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

Campaign 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 b

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 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, Passpo

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 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

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 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, 201

What owners report on the 11th generation Civic

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

  • AC compressor failure at low mileage (34,000 miles): Frequency: recurrent (multiple owners report failures, with warranty extension documented)
  • AC system failure after dealer repair: Frequency: isolated (one owner reports system failed again a year after dealer replacement)
  • Automatic wipers and automatic climate control perform poorly: Frequency: recurrent (multiple owners criticize these systems as atrocious)
  • Piano black dashboard trim creates sun glare: Frequency: recurrent (multiple owners report blinding reflection during certain commute times)
  • Squeaky seats: Frequency: isolated (one owner reports persistent squeak not covered under warranty)

Owner insights for the 11th generation Civic. Read the full 11th generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Civic listings typically run $16,723–$27,952 across 2014 to 2026 model years.

Other Civic model years

Compare every Civic year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Civic against its rivals