2021 Honda Civic
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 9 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 35 |
| 1987 | 39 |
| 1988 | 48 |
| 1989 | 69 |
| 1990 | 92 |
| 1991 | 111 |
| 1992 | 100 |
| 1993 | 155 |
| 1994 | 161 |
| 1995 | 199 |
| 1996 | 305 |
| 1997 | 373 |
| 1998 | 435 |
| 1999 | 338 |
| 2000 | 287 |
| 2001 | 1079 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 499 |
| 2004 | 350 |
| 2005 | 314 |
| 2006 | 1402 |
| 2007 | 1204 |
| 2008 | 916 |
| 2009 | 395 |
| 2010 | 396 |
| 2011 | 168 |
| 2012 | 454 |
| 2013 | 318 |
| 2014 | 291 |
| 2015 | 377 |
| 2016 | 1079 |
| 2017 | 591 |
| 2018 | 738 |
| 2019 | 425 |
| 2020 | 222 |
| 2021 | 142 |
| 2022 | 881 |
| 2023 | 252 |
| 2024 | 122 |
| 2025 | 70 |
| 2026 | 28 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
44% of complaints: steering — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
This vehicle has started to randomly start pulling to the left or right as it's moving at a high rate of speed. It was diagnosed by the dealer to need the steering rack replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240125
Steering locks up at highway speeds. This vehicle has only 36,526 miles on the odometer. This is a serious safety issue and could easily cause a high speed crash. The dealer has road tested and confirms the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260729
Vehicle: 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Current Mileage: ~24,400 miles Component: Steering / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Gearbox / Steering Rack Summary of Issue: Vehicle is experiencing severe "sticky steering" (mechanical binding) in the...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
30% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Driving down the highway about 70 mph and it started to rain so little that I had not even needed the wipers yet.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230522
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
13% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
My 2021 Honda civic exâ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250509
12% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing chime.
CRASH8% of complaints: lane departure — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing assist and warning.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 23V458000 — check if this car was fixed
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, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid,...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 24V064000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD.
Campaign 23V858000 — check if this car was fixed
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, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 26V332000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V458000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V064000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V858000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V332000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Honda Civic reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Honda Civic is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda Civic?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Civic have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.