Car Yearsto Avoid

2016 Honda Civic Problems

What owners have reported about the 2016 Honda Civic, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2016 Honda Civic a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Civic. Owners have filed 1,082 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 19 Civic model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, electrical system and engine.

1,082 complaints 5 recalls, 1 fire risk 1st worst of 19 Civic years

Top 2016 Honda Civic problems

1

Steering problems

446 complaints (41%) name the steering, most often the steering wheel / handle bar and electric power assist system.

Complaints 446 · Usually at 26,000–53,000 miles

2

Electrical problems

119 complaints (11%) name the electrical system, most often the wiring and speedometer / odometer.

Complaints 119 · Usually at 10,000–45,000 miles

3

Engine problems

99 complaints (9%) name the engine.

Complaints 99 · Usually at 14,000–55,000 miles · Recall 16V074000

4

Brake problems

94 complaints (9%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light.

Complaints 94 · Usually at 7,000–46,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Steering 41%
Unknown or Other 23%
Electrical 11%
Engine 9%
Brakes 9%
Wipers and Visibility 6%
Body 4%
Transmission 3%
Fuel System 3%
Lights 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (462 of 1,082). The amber line is the middle value, about 32,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2016 Honda Civic recalls

Front passenger

The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK.

Recall 26V332000 · May 2026

Fuel pump

Can stall

The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD.

Recall 23V858000 · Dec 2023

Parking Brake

5L turbo and 2.0L vehicles. The electric parking brake (EPB) may not engage if it is applied immediately after turning the ignition off. If the EPB is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to allow the EPB to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off, free of charge.

Recall 16V725000 · Oct 2016

Side marker light may fail, reducing visibility

Crash risk

A circuit board inside the taillight can be damaged, so the side marker light may stop working. Without it, other drivers may not see your vehicle as easily, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will inspect both taillight assemblies and replace them if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 16V526000 · Jul 2016

Engine

Fire risk

0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip. If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016.

Recall 16V074000 · Feb 2016
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2016 Honda Civic gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Honda Civic, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Civic years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

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

2016 Honda Civic problems by system

Steering (446)Electrical (119)

Common questions

Is the 2016 Honda Civic a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Civic. Owners have filed 1,082 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 19 Civic model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, electrical system and engine.

What are the most common 2016 Honda Civic problems?

Owners most often report problems with the steering, electrical system, engine and brakes. 446 complaints (41%) name the steering, most often the steering wheel / handle bar and electric power assist system.

At what mileage do 2016 Honda Civic steering problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 26,000–53,000 miles, with a middle value near 40,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2016 Honda Civic have?

5. Front passenger (26V332000); Fuel pump (23V858000); Parking Brake (16V725000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2016 Honda Civic?

Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2025 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.