Last updated: 2026-03-04

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Honda Civic

2019 Honda Civic Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Honda Civic scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 356 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is year 4 of the Tenth generation.

Recalls

2

Complaints

356

Complaint Rate

10.9

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$368

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

10%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
60/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
90/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
75/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
81/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

STEERING (88)FUEL SYSTEM (71)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54)

2 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2019 is year 4 of the Tenth generation.

  • Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 10th generation Civic (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

Tenth generation

2016redesign
2017
2018
2019selected
2020
2021

Should You Buy the 2019 Honda Civic?

The 2019 Honda Civic scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 4 of the Tenth generation.

With 356 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering (80). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Honda Civic, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2018 Honda Civic for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $158 cheaper to maintain than avg compact cars
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (10%)

Cons

  • STEERING issues reported (88 complaints)
  • FUEL SYSTEM issues reported (71 complaints)

Compare 2019 Honda Civic With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • STEERING (88)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (71)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (19)
  • ENGINE (17)
  • POWER TRAIN (13)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (12)
  • STRUCTURE (11)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7)
  • AIR BAGS (7)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
  • WHEELS (5)
  • SEAT BELTS (4)
  • TIRES (3)
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • EQUIPMENT (2)
  • VISIBILITY (2)
  • Other/I am not sure (1)
  • COMMUNICATION (1)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (1)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2019 Honda Civic has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

10.9

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 15.3

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

23

Fires

0

Injuries

14

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Honda Civic Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Honda Civic. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V2150002021-03-25

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.

20V3140002020-05-28

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

23V8580002023-12-18

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

2019 Honda Civic NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 9.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda Civic Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$368

vs $526 avg for compact cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

10%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Civic
$368
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Honda Civic

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test steering for stickiness at highway speeds
  • Check for fuel system recall completion and test for stalling
  • Inspect air conditioning system for cooling effectiveness
  • Verify proper operation of automatic emergency braking system
  • Check for any unusual engine noises or performance issues
  • Confirm clutch and transmission function smoothly
  • Ensure airbags deploy correctly in a controlled test environment

Check Any 2019 Honda Civic's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Civic in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda Civic with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Honda Civic Common Problems by Component

356 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

88
71
54
64
STEERING (88)FUEL SYSTEM (71)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29)SERVICE BRAKES (19)ENGINE (17)POWER TRAIN (13)Other (64)

STEERING

88 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2019 Honda Civic frequently experiences a "sticky" steering issue, particularly noticeable at highway speeds, often requiring extra force to make adjustments. This issue can lead to abrupt lane deviations, with some owners noting that the problem worsens over time. Complaints typically mention mileage ranging from around 39,000 to over 71,000 miles. The sticking steering is often associated with a need for replacement of the electric steering rack or gearbox, but owners note that there is no recall for this model year despite similar issues in later models. Two complaints involve crashes, highlighting potential safety implications due to impaired vehicle control.

88 complaints total2 crashes

FUEL SYSTEM

71 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic frequently report issues related to the availability of parts for a fuel system recall, with many stating that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repairs. Complaints often describe a "parts distribution disconnect," indicating that parts are not yet available at dealerships, leaving vehicles unrepaired. Additionally, some owners report mechanical failures such as stalling and loss of motive power, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights, with one incident involving a crash due to loss of control. These issues are generally noted at varying mileages, with some reports around 30,000 miles and others as high as 170,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of the ongoing recall and parts availability challenges, as well as the reported mechanical symptoms.

71 complaints total1 crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

54 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic frequently report issues related to the fuel propulsion system, with a significant number of complaints pointing to problems with the fuel pump and fuel injectors. Typical symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling, and sudden loss of power while driving, with some reports indicating these issues occur as early as 58,000 miles. Multiple owners express frustration over delays in obtaining replacement parts for a fuel pump recall, which has led to prolonged periods of unresolved issues. Safety implications are noted, with one complaint involving a crash and others describing near misses due to sudden power loss. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially concerning the availability of parts and the risk of vehicle stalling.

54 complaints total1 crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, particularly failures of the evaporator, compressor, and condenser, often leading to refrigerant leaks and ineffective cooling. These issues are commonly noted around or after 86,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated failures even after repairs. Additionally, complaints highlight problems with the vehicle stalling and not starting properly, sometimes attributed to a fuel pump issue, which may result in loss of power or control while driving. Safety concerns are underscored by reports of crashes and injuries, including a case where the gas pedal broke during a collision. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring mechanical and safety-related issues when considering this model.

39 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

29 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the vehicle's computer and battery components. Common symptoms include the simultaneous illumination of multiple dashboard warning lights, failure of the power steering, and the vehicle's inability to start. These issues often occur at varied mileage, with some owners experiencing problems as early as 5,000 miles, while others report failures around 29,000 miles or more. Safety implications are notable, with two incidents involving crashes, and one report of an injury, often linked to the sudden loss of power steering or complete vehicle shutdown while driving. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system issues, as they may affect the vehicle's reliability and safety.

29 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (19 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly when no obstruction is present. This issue is reported across various speeds, from parking lots to highways, and has led to sudden stops, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Several complaints also describe brake pedal malfunctions where the pedal becomes unresponsive or hard, with some incidents resulting in crashes and injuries, often at mileages ranging from 6,000 to 62,000 miles. Additionally, problems with the emergency brake failing to hold are noted. These reports highlight significant safety implications, with seven crashes and six injuries documented, making it crucial for potential buyers to consider these factors when evaluating this model.

19 complaints total7 crashes6 injuries
ENGINE (17 complaints)

ENGINE

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic frequently report issues related to engine performance, particularly involving gasoline mixing with engine oil, which can lead to strong fuel odors and potential engine stalling. Complaints often describe symptoms such as illuminated check engine lights, unresponsive acceleration, and the vehicle entering limp mode, sometimes at highway speeds. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some reports around 5,000 miles and others as high as 67,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with one report involving a fire linked to head gasket failure and several instances of vehicles losing power unexpectedly. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly regarding potential engine reliability and safety implications.

17 complaints total1 fire
POWER TRAIN (13 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

13 complaints

Owners report several issues with the power train of the 2019 Honda Civic, primarily involving clutch and transmission failures. Common symptoms include grinding noises when shifting into second gear, clutch slippage, and vehicle shutdowns while driving. These problems often occur at low mileage, with reports ranging from as early as 5,000 to around 40,000 miles. Safety implications are present, as some owners describe losing throttle control and experiencing sudden vehicle shutdowns, which can lead to potential loss of control in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these issues and consider inspecting the power train thoroughly before purchasing a used model.

13 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic report issues with unintended acceleration and braking system malfunctions. Common symptoms include the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly even when the brake pedal is pressed, and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) engaging without apparent reason, causing abrupt stops. These problems are noted at various mileages, with one incident occurring around 44,825 miles. Two crashes are associated with these issues, one resulting in an injury. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control and the risk of collisions.

7 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
AIR BAGS (7 complaints)

AIR BAGS

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Honda Civic report several airbag-related issues, with complaints frequently mentioning non-deployment during crashes and unexpected deployment while driving. In three instances, airbags did not deploy during collisions, leading to injuries, while two complaints describe airbags deploying without a collision, sometimes causing disorientation or minor injuries. These issues are reported at varying mileages, including as low as 2,300 miles and around 23,000 miles. The safety implications include potential injuries from non-deployment in accidents and unexpected deployment causing distraction or injury. Buyers considering a used 2019 Honda Civic should be aware of these reported airbag problems and consider having the system inspected.

7 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries

When Do 2019 Honda Civic Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

39,000–75,000 milesSteering stickiness
30,000–58,000 milesFuel system failures
43,000–86,000 milesAir conditioning failures

Best & Worst Honda Civic Years

Honda Civic Years to Avoid

The worst Honda Civic year is 2022 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to steering (790) issues.

See full Honda Civic years-to-avoid analysis →

Honda Civic Reliability Score Trend

Honda Civic reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.

avg 76
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Honda Civic reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201871/100Good
201975/100Good
202078/100Good
202181/100Excellent
202266/100Good
202374/100Good
202481/100Excellent
202584/100Excellent

Honda Civic Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202680/100 (predicted)Predicted07
202584/100+3Excellent549
202481/100+7Excellent5131
202374/100+8Good7315
202266/100-15Good3935
202181/100+3Excellent3118
202078/100+3Good8405
2019(selected)75/100+4Good2356
201871/100Good4605

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Honda Civic reliable?
The 2019 Honda Civic has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 356 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Honda Civic?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Honda Civic include: STEERING (88 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (71 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (54 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Civic have?
The 2019 Honda Civic has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Honda Civic expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Honda Civic has estimated annual repair costs of $368/year, which is $158 less than the compact cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue