Is the Honda Civic Reliable?
1996–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sedans — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Honda Civic? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Honda Civic Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 25 | — | — | 52 | Fair |
| 2025 | 2 | 90 | 17 | — | 51 | Fair |
| 2024 | 3 | 110 | 14 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2023 | 4 | 210 | 10 | — | 42 | Poor |
| 2022 | 3 | 645 | 19 | — | 27 | Poor |
| 2021 | 3 | 127 | 3 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2020 | 2 | 154 | 9 | — | 47 | Fair |
| 2019 | 2 | 300 | 17 | — | 34 | Poor |
| 2018 | 2 | 402 | 11 | — | 27 | Poor |
| 2017 | 3 | 385 | 9 | — | 28 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Civic Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Civic scores 30 points below the average sedan. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Honda Civic Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 2448 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda Civic reliable?+
The Honda Civic scores 42/100 on our reliability index — rated "Poor." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 25 recall campaigns and 2448 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Civic is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Civic achieved the highest reliability score of 52/100 with 1 recall and 25 complaints.
How many miles does a Civic last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Honda Civic owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Civic will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Honda Civic Research
Check a Specific Honda Civic VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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