Last updated: 2026-10-10

Honda Civic

Honda Civic Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 78/100

Skip the 2022 Honda Civic. Its steering can stiffen or lock up while driving, and owners filed far more complaints than for any other year. The 2024 is the year to buy instead.

Verdict

Avoid
2022 66/100
Buy
2024 81/100
Model average
78/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Honda Civic Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Honda Civic average of 78/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202266/100Good3935Steering (790)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Honda Civic

Steering is the problem. Owners report sudden stiffness or a full lockup at speeds from 30 to 56 mph, with 27 crashes tied to it. Many cite two steering recalls, parts that were not available, and paying for a rack replacement themselves. Cruise control also drops out with no warning light.

3 recalls935 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Steering (790), Vehicle Speed Control (28), Electrical System (25), Unknown Or Other (18), Forward Collision Avoidance (18), Structure (8)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Honda Civic Problems?

Civic steering problems

1538 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2018, 2023

2022: Sudden stiffness or a full lockup while driving is the core failure, and some cars pull or veer on their own.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

185 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: The air conditioning stops cooling and blows warm air, often at low mileage.

FUEL SYSTEM

168 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2025

2018: Most of these reports concern fuel system recall 23V858000, which owners cannot get done because dealers have no parts.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

158 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: A failing body control module drains the battery, sets off the alarm, locks owners out, or keeps the engine running after shutdown.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

125 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Stalling, power loss on hills, and hesitation tie back to the fuel pump module recall, and most complaints are about getting that repair done.

AIR BAGS

76 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2021

2020: Most complaints concern recall 24V064000.

Best Honda Civic Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Honda Civic

The 2024 has been on the road long enough to judge, and it drew 131 owner complaints against 935 for the 2022. Steering still leads its list, with sticky wheels near center and backordered recall parts, but reports are far fewer and the 2022's lockup pattern is not the main story.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)5 recalls131 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Honda Civic has 5 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Honda Civic Years by Generation

Honda Civic Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Honda Civic year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2022. It drew 935 owner complaints, mostly about steering that stiffens or locks up while driving. The site's analysis puts it well below the model's own average. It is the first year of the eleventh generation.
Is the 2023 Honda Civic a safe used buy?
It is a reasonable buy with a check first. Reliability is good, but 256 of its 315 complaints are about steering, and it has 7 recalls. Confirm that every open recall has been completed on the exact car.
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 Civic instead of a 2024?
The 2024 is the safer pick. The 2025 and 2026 rate highest, but they have had less time on the road, so their complaint counts are low. That does not prove they are better. The 2024 has a longer record.
Which Honda Civic years have transmission problems?
The data shows no year-wide transmission pattern. The 2020 lists power train among its top complaint areas. The 2024 has only 5 power train complaints, including a CVT that hesitated on highway merges and one transmission that failed at 10,000 miles.
Is the 2018 Honda Civic worth buying?
Be careful. The 2018 is among the lowest-rated years, with 605 complaints. Steering leads, followed by fuel system issues, and it has 4 fire reports. Check recall completion and steering feel on a test drive.

How we score every Honda Civic model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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