2021 Honda Civic Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2021 Honda Civic frequently report issues related to airbag recalls, with several complaints highlighting delays in repair due to unavailable parts. Many owners mention receiving recall notifications but express frustration over the extended wait times for parts, which leaves them concerned about airbag reliability in the event of an accident. Additionally, there are reports of airbags deploying unexpectedly without any impact, as well as airbags failing to deploy during a collision. These incidents, occurring at mileages around 48,000 to 78,000 miles, involve crashes and injuries, indicating potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

Owners of the 2021 Honda Civic frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic braking system, particularly when using cruise control. Symptoms described include sudden and unintended braking without any obstacles present, often leading to near rear-end collisions. Multiple complaints highlight the sensitivity of the front sensor, which may trigger braking when passing vehicles in turn lanes or on curves. These incidents occur without warning lights or messages, and some owners note that the issue has persisted since purchasing the vehicle. The mileage at which these problems occur varies, with some reports indicating that the issue becomes more frequent over time. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden braking could result in accidents, particularly on highways.

Owners of the 2021 Honda Civic frequently report issues related to unexpected acceleration and deceleration. Symptoms include the vehicle accelerating rapidly while in reverse, leading to a crash, and the car failing to accelerate as expected from a stop, which poses a risk when maneuvering in traffic. Additionally, some owners describe the car decelerating abruptly while using cruise control or during regular driving, sometimes without any external trigger. The complaints involve vehicles with mileage as low as 200 miles, suggesting issues may arise early in the vehicle's lifespan. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and one incident involving smoke from the steering wheel, although no persistent fire was confirmed. These reports highlight potential risks for buyers considering a used 2021 Honda Civic.

Owners of the 2021 Honda Civic report issues related to the engine, particularly involving the emission system and fuel pump module. A common symptom includes an emission system failure accompanied by fault code p0340, potentially linked to injector failure, occurring around 70,000 miles. Another issue involves misfire in cylinder 4 leading to head gasket failure, with a related technical service bulletin (TSB) noted but not covering all affected vehicles. Additionally, there is a recall for the fuel pump module, but some owners express frustration over delayed remedies, with parts not expected until fall 2024. While no crashes or fires are reported, prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, especially regarding the recall and potential delays in repairs.

Owners of the 2021 Honda Civic report issues related to the power train, with symptoms including sudden loss of power and stalling. One complaint describes a transmission failure at approximately 4,000 miles, leading to a crash and fire, resulting in significant injury. Another owner mentions the vehicle abruptly shutting off after startup and encountering a check engine light for an emissions problem, with a potential link to a fuel pump recall. These complaints highlight concerns about vehicle reliability and potential safety risks, particularly at lower mileages. Buyers should be aware of these issues and consider inspecting the power train components before purchase.

Owners of the 2021 Honda Civic report issues with the lane departure and associated safety systems. Complaints frequently mention the Lane Keep Steering Assist failing to function properly, with one owner experiencing a sticking steering wheel and a diagnosis of steering rack assembly failure at approximately 36,200 miles. Another owner describes the Lane Departure warning system misreading lane positions, particularly on inclines or highways, and the associated safety tech causing unexpected braking due to misinterpreted traffic signals. These issues have not resulted in reported crashes, but the potential for unexpected vehicle behavior could affect safety. Buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially at higher mileages, and consider consulting with a dealer for any software or hardware updates.

Owners report issues with the 2021 Honda Civic's suspension, particularly noting a clunking noise from the rear suspension when driving over bumps at any speed. Another complaint involves the suspension in Sports Mode, where a thin rotor back plate at the front driver's side becomes stuck on the lower control arm during low-speed maneuvers, such as turning into a driveway. This issue leads to a loud screeching noise due to metal-to-metal contact, as described by an owner with only 2,125 miles on their vehicle. No crashes or loss of control are reported, but these symptoms could be concerning for potential buyers, especially when considering vehicles with low mileage.