Although Honda Civic is considered reliable, several recalls and consumer complaints mar the compact car’s worst years. But, it’s still a Civic. Even the least reliable models are cheaper to run than most of its competition.
Key Points
- Honda Civic’s worst years include the seventh and eighth-generation models, especially, 2001-2004, and 2006-2008. Complaints about faulty airbags, coolant leaks, and transmission failure are not uncommon.
- With an average cost per mile of 41 cents, the Honda Civic is among the most value-centric cars in today’s market.
- If you’re shopping for a used Honda Civic, years 2012-2015 are among the best. Reliability ratings are excellent, and they come loaded with features like automatic headlights, cruise control, and a powered moonroof.
- Used 2012 Honda Civics retail around the $10,000 mark, while the 2013 model demands a $1,000-$2,000 premium. The 2014 and 2015 Civics are priced between $12,000 and $18,000.
- Although there are problems, the Honda Civic is by no means a bad car. It’s just that its multi-decade-long reputation has been tainted by some not-so-great years.
Among Honda Civic’s Worst Years are 2001 and 2006, Known for Airbag Issues and Engine Problems
If you’re in the market for a used Honda Civic, it’s best to avoid years 2001–2004, and 2006–2008. Also worth looking out for is the 2016 model year. Although the Civic has a decent reliability record, these models have proven to be quite problematic, with multiple recalls and consumer complaints.
2001-2004 Honda Civic Receive the Most Number of Complaints, Part of the Massive Takata Airbag Recall
The seventh-generation had a rough start. The NHTSA has a total of 27 recalls and over a thousand complaints for the 2001 Civic. Model years 2002 and 2003 receive 24 recalls each, while 2004 gets 15 recalls.
As for consumer complaints, the NHTSA registered over 700 complaints for 2002, roughly 500 complaints for 2003, and less than 350 complaints for the 2004 Honda Civic.
The majority of the complaints were over airbag problems. Part of the infamous Takata recall, which affected millions of vehicles, including over 1.5 million Hondas.
Other complaints include the Civic’s automatic transmission failing unexpectedly, while a cracked manifold causes dangerous fumes to enter the cabin. Also, fuel pump failures are not uncommon in these models.
Engine Block Cracking, Coolant Leaks and Airbag Issues Plague 2006-2008 Models
Model year 2006 introduced the eighth generation Civic. However, it wasn’t as smooth as Honda hoped. The NHTSA has nearly 1,400 complaints against the 2006 model, while recalls stood at 15. Subsequent models saw a slight improvement, with 2007 and 2008 getting nine and seven recalls respectively.
The Civic’s engine block would reportedly crack without warning. Once the block is broken, the 1.8L engine leaks coolant, overheats, and eventually stalls. Also, certain 2006 Honda Civics have the accelerator pedal improperly installed.
Per the NHTSA, it may come loose and cause the throttle to become stuck, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 2007 model year had its exterior paint flaking and hubcaps randomly coming loose. As for 2008, airbag issues continued, as did the engine blocks cracking, which eventually led to a class-action lawsuit.
2016 Honda Civic has ‘Sticky’ Steering and Problems with Auto Emergency Braking
Model year 2016 introduced the Civic’s 10th generation. Although recalls are far less compared to its predecessors, there were still quite a few worrying issues.
For instance, out of its 600 plus complaints, almost 80 are against the car’s auto emergency braking. Owners report the system activating inadvertently and in some cases, not working as intended.
But the most reported issue was its steering. Around 150 complaints are available that specify the steering being “jerky” or “sticky.” Some sort of resistance causes the steering to catch, which when tried to overcome leads to oversteer. No recalls have been issued on the matter as yet.
Honda Civic’s Best Years Include 2012-2015 for their Impressive Reliability and Exceptional Safety Ratings
Look for the ninth generation models, if you’re shopping for a used Honda Civic. Years 2012-2015 have shown to be excellent when it comes to peace of mind. Not only are they among the most reliable, but they also have commendable safety ratings and come loaded with features.
2012 and 2013 Models Gets Minimal NHTSA Complaints, Score Excellent Safety, and Reliability Ratings
2012 and 2013 Honda Civics are among the best years. Per the NHTSA, recalls are minimum, as are complaints. Reliability-wise, J.D. Power gives the 2012 model an overall rating of 83 out of 100, while the 2013 Civic gets 84, with both models scoring 86 in reliability.
What’s more, the 2012 Honda Civic bags IIHS’s Top Safety Pick award, while model year 2013 does one better, getting Top Safety Pick+. In terms of available features, these models offer remote lock/unlock, powered moonroof, and tire-pressure monitoring.
Convenience features include cruise control, heated seats, automatic headlights, and integrated navigation.
As for pricing, a used 2012 Honda Civic starts from $10,000, while the 2013 model demands a $1k-$2k premium.
2014 and 2015 Honda Civics are Reliable Commuters with Impressive IIHS Ratings and Few Recalls
These models are perhaps the Civic’s best years. The NHTSA reports model year 2014 only having two recalls, while 2015 gets just one. Per J.D. Power, reliability ratings stand at 86 for the 2014 model, while 2015 scores 83.
The IIHS is also pleased with the 2014 and 2015 Honda Civics. The former gets Top Safety Pick Plus, while the latter bags the Top Safety Pick award.
As for features, the 2014-15 Honda Civic offers a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment, Honda’s lane watch, push-button start, climate control, and a backup camera.
Used 2014 Honda Civics cost between $12,000 and $15,000. Opt for the 2015 model, and you’re looking at a $2k-$3k premium.
Despite 2001’s Airbag Issues and 2006’s Engine Problems, the Honda Civic is Still a Dependable Daily Driver
The Honda Civic is certainly a reliable commuter; there’s no arguing that. Yes, the 2000s weren’t particularly great, but the least reliable among them are still cheaper to maintain than almost any of its competition.
Understand that the Honda Civic is by no means a bad car; it’s just that its multi-decade-long reputation has been tainted by some not-so-great years.
Photos: Honda
