Car Yearsto Avoid

Honda Civic Years to Avoid

Every Civic model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.

Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Which Civic years should you avoid?

The 2016, 2008 and 2022 Civic have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2011, 2009 and 2014 models have the fewest problems.

Complaints by model year

Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.

2016 Civic 1,082
2008 Civic 916
2022 Civic 884
2018 Civic 745
2017 Civic 600
2012 Civic 456
2019 Civic 437
2010 Civic 397
2009 Civic 395
2015 Civic 381
2013 Civic 319
2014 Civic 293
2023 Civic 256
2020 Civic 228
2011 Civic 169
2021 Civic 145
2024 Civic 124
2025 Civic 75
2026 Civic 31

Every year at a glance

YearComplaintsPer yearRecallsTop problem
2026 31 31 0 Emergency Braking
2025 75 38 2 Steering
2024 124 41 3 Steering
2023 256 64 4 Steering
2022 884 177 4 Steering
2021 145 24 4 Steering
2020 228 33 5 Electrical
2019 437 55 4 Fuel System
2018 745 83 6 Steering
2017 600 60 6 Steering
2016 1,082 98 5 Steering
2015 381 32 1 Transmission
2014 293 23 2 Transmission
2013 319 23 0 Airbags
2012 456 30 3 Airbags
2011 169 11 9 Airbags
2010 397 23 8 Airbags
2009 395 22 8 Airbags
2008 916 48 7 Engine

"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.

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Common questions

What is the worst year for the Honda Civic?

The 2016 Civic, with 1,082 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the steering.

What is the best year for the Honda Civic?

Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2011 Civic has the fewest complaints per year on the road.

Which Honda Civic years should I avoid?

Be most careful with the 2016, 2008 and 2022 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.