Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$368
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
10%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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
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
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 78/100
2019 Toyota Corolla
Score: 77/100
2019 Nissan Sentra
Score: 75/100
2019 Kia Sportage
Score: 74/100
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 65/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 15.3
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.3%
Safety Technologies
Honda Civic Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based 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
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.
STEERING
88 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL SYSTEM
71 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
54 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
39 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (29 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
29 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (19 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE (17 complaints)
ENGINE
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (13 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
13 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (7 complaints)
AIR BAGS
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2019 Honda Civic Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Civic Years
Best Honda Civic Years to Buy
The best Honda Civic year is 2025 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (81/100) and 2021 (81/100).
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.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 84/100 | Excellent |
Honda Civic Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 7 |
| 2025 | 84/100 | +3 | Excellent | 5 | 49 |
| 2024 | 81/100 | +7 | Excellent | 5 | 131 |
| 2023 | 74/100 | +8 | Good | 7 | 315 |
| 2022 | 66/100 | -15 | Good | 3 | 935 |
| 2021 | 81/100 | +3 | Excellent | 3 | 118 |
| 2020 | 78/100 | +3 | Good | 8 | 405 |
| 2019(selected) | 75/100 | +4 | Good | 2 | 356 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 4 | 605 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Honda Civic reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Honda Civic?
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Civic have?
Is the 2019 Honda Civic expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
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