What are the most common problems on the 2021 Honda Civic?

The most-reported problem areas are steering (171 complaints), forward collision avoidance (96 complaints), service brakes (54 complaints).

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 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).

Safety record for the 2021 model year

415

Owner complaints

Recalls

Crash reports

Fire reports

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

Where owners report problems

steering

171

forward collision avoidance

service brakes

electrical system

lane departure

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 say across generations

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 issue

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.
CVT Transmission Concerns: Noted for being less engaging than a manual; long-term reliability concerns are mentioned, though not widely reported as failing in the provided data. Frequency: isolated.
Rust: Mentioned as a common issue, particularly on older generations, requiring regular cleaning and undercarriage maintenance to mitigate. Frequency: recurrent.
Electrical & Minor Gremlins: Isolated reports of smart entry door handle failures, clock spring/airbag light issues, and blower motor problems. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Civic.

Typical used price

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

Full Honda Civic owner report Compare against another car