Honda Civic Years to Avoid
We analyzed 5343 owner complaints and 44 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Honda Civic model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2016 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in steering system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Steering System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Honda Civic Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Honda Civic Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda Civic | 456 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 319 | 0 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Honda Civic | 293 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 381 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 1082 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 604 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 596 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Honda Civic | 345 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 234 | 5 | 93/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 147 | 4 | 61/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Honda Civic | 886 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Honda Civic | 0 | 4 | 24/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
Buying a Used Honda Civic: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Honda Civic years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Honda Civic model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring steering system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Honda Civic?
The most reliable used model year for the Honda Civic is 2023 (as well as 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Honda Civic?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Honda Civic are Steering System, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Honda Civic?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 44 safety recall campaigns and recorded 5343 official owner complaints for the Honda Civic.