Last updated: 2026-03-04

2023 Honda Civic Reliability Report
The 2023 Honda Civic scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 315 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
7
Complaints
315
Complaint Rate
15.7
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$368
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (252)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
- SERVICE BRAKES (7)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation.
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 11th generation Civic (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2022: Eleventh generation Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation.
Should You Buy the 2023 Honda Civic?
The 2023 Honda Civic scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation.
Its complaint rate (15.7 per 10k sold) is above the Sedan segment average of 9.2. The most common reports involve steering and steering (256).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering and steering (256). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2024 Honda Civic, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2022 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
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −STEERING complaints dominate (81%)
Compare 2023 Honda Civic With

2023 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 75/100

2023 Toyota Corolla
Reliability: 73/100

2023 Nissan Sentra
Reliability: 80/100

2023 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 67/100

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (252)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2023 Honda Civic has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 9.2
Safety Incidents
18
Crashes
0
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Honda Civic Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Honda Civic. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence
An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
STEERING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
Consequence
Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
STEERING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door vehicles that received a replacement power steering rack as part of a service repair. The steering rack may have been incorrectly assembled, which can allow the tire to chafe against the lower suspension or tie rod end, possibly resulting in tire damage.
Consequence
A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the electric power steering rack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YFW.
2023 Honda Civic NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
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.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Honda Civic.
Test steering for sticky or notchy feel at highway speeds
Check for any active recalls and ensure they are resolved
Inspect for electrical warning lights or system malfunctions
Verify smooth operation of the power steering system
Ensure tires are wearing evenly and check alignment
Test all electronic features, including CarPlay and cigarette lighter
Confirm proper function of all safety systems, including brakes and airbags
Buying a 2023 Civic? Check Its History First
Every 2023 Honda Civic has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
2023 Honda Civic Common Problems by Component
315 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
252 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda Civic frequently report issues with the steering system, notably describing a "sticking" or "binding" sensation while driving at various speeds, which often requires additional effort to correct. This problem can lead to unexpected swerving or difficulty maintaining lane position, with some reports indicating the steering wheel can seize entirely. Complaints are common at mileages ranging from approximately 17,000 to 57,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, with eight complaints involving crashes and six injuries reported, highlighting the potential for loss of vehicle control. Used car buyers should be aware of these steering issues and the associated recall repairs that some owners report as delayed or ineffective.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda Civic frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with multiple complaints about electronic safety system malfunctions and warning lights appearing unexpectedly while driving, especially at highway speeds. Common symptoms include the sudden activation of warning lights for systems such as the brake system, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control, often without a clear resolution from dealerships. Several complaints detail vehicles stalling, shutting down, or failing to restart, sometimes shortly after purchase, with mileage as low as 1,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of unintended acceleration and a crash involving the auto Stop-Start feature, as well as electrical issues leading to vehicle stalls, which pose potential risks in traffic. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be aware of possible unresolved electrical and safety system issues in this model year.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda Civic report several issues in the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category. A recurring problem involves water leaks into the trunk area, affecting the spare tire well and potentially interacting with electrical components, as noted by multiple owners. Some owners also describe incidents where the rear windshield or driver window shattered unexpectedly, with no apparent external cause. Additionally, there are reports of steering wheel "sticking" and producing a clicking sound, which occurs at various speeds and poses a potential safety risk. Notably, one owner reports a minor crash where brake components failed under low-impact conditions, raising questions about the durability of these parts. These issues are reported at various mileages and may affect used car buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2023 Honda Civic's service brakes, with a notable pattern of spontaneous and unintended braking. Multiple complaints describe the brake mitigation system activating without obstruction, leading to abrupt stops and potential loss of control. One incident involved a crash due to unresponsive brakes and a non-activating emergency system. Additionally, some owners experience intermittent soft brake pedals, with associated warning lights and system failures, often requiring numerous dealer visits without resolution. These issues typically arise within a few months of ownership, and in some cases, result in smoking brakes and discolored rotors, suggesting potential safety risks.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda Civic report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with four out of five complaints involving such incidents. Commonly described symptoms include airbags failing to deploy in side impacts and frontal collisions, even when the vehicle sustains significant damage. In some cases, only specific airbags, like the driver's door airbag, deploy, while others do not, leading to injuries. These incidents occur across varying mileages, with one report at 6,300 miles. Additionally, there is a mention of an unexpected airbag deployment without a collision, resulting in a cracked windshield. Safety implications are significant, as these failures are associated with injuries and loss of vehicle control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2023 Honda Civic's adaptive cruise control and vehicle speed control systems. Common symptoms include unexpected and sudden braking, often described as "phantom braking," even when there are no obstacles or other vehicles present. Multiple complaints highlight incidents where the car brakes abruptly while using cruise control, particularly during highway driving at speeds ranging from 20 to 80 mph. Additionally, owners describe aggressive braking in response to nearby vehicles, and some note a jerking sensation when the car shifts gears on its own. These issues have potential safety implications, as sudden braking can lead to near-collisions, especially if a vehicle is following closely behind. No specific mileage range is consistently mentioned across complaints.
WHEELS (3 complaints)
WHEELS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda Civic frequently report issues related to wheel alignment and stability. Symptoms described include the vehicle veering in one direction, feeling unstable, and a wobbly sensation in the tires, often recurring shortly after alignment services. These issues are noted to occur both after initial alignments and subsequent dealership inspections. One owner reports a crash resulting from the alignment problem, highlighting a potential safety risk. Another complaint suggests a possible "sticky steering" issue, though this is not confirmed across all complaints. These problems are typically reported within the first few months of ownership, indicating potential early-life reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda Civic report issues with the CVT transmission, specifically noting that it is sealed and non-serviceable, which limits repair options to full unit replacement. Symptoms described include hesitation during acceleration and inconsistent power delivery, with no dashboard warnings activated. One report mentions these issues occurring without prior warning at unspecified mileages. Another complaint involves a crash where the driver's airbag deployed without impact, leading to loss of vehicle control and injury at approximately 1,200 miles. Safety implications include potential for sudden loss of control due to transmission hesitation and unexpected airbag deployment.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2023 Honda Civic, primarily involving unexpected warnings and system deactivations. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle emitting collision warnings without any apparent obstacle, sometimes triggered by weather conditions like heavy rain. Additionally, there are reports of the braking system warning light activating, which leads to the deactivation of lane departure and cruise control features, causing a sudden speed reduction. These issues typically resolve after restarting the vehicle. No specific mileage range is consistently noted, and there are no reports of crashes or loss of control directly linked to these problems.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners report two main issues with the seat belts in the 2023 Honda Civic. The first issue involves seat belts that squeak, which is noted to occur at lower speeds and even with minimal movement, such as breathing, starting around 3,000 miles. The second issue involves the front driver's side seat belt failing to retract properly, leaving it hanging loosely. Additionally, there is mention of the front driver's seat being loose and making creaking noises. These symptoms could imply potential safety implications, as a non-retracting seat belt may not function optimally in an accident. Buyers should be aware of these issues when considering a used 2023 Honda Civic.
When Do 2023 Honda Civic Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Civic Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Honda Civic Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
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(selected) | 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 | 75/100 | +4 | Good | 2 | 356 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 4 | 605 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Honda Civic reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Honda Civic?
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda Civic have?
Is the 2023 Honda Civic expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Honda Civic without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Look Up a VIN →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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