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Model reliability

Honda Civic reliability

The Honda Civic fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 41.9% of 189,660 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
11.9% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 30,006 MOT tests of Honda Civics this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 55% more oftenWashers1.7% vs 1.1%
6 to 10 years old
18.4% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 76,262 MOT tests of Honda Civics this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 33% more oftenPosition lamps2% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 57% more oftenTyre pressure monitoring system1.1% vs 0.7%Fix about £90
Over 10 years old
41.9% failed their MOT
About average
From 189,660 MOT tests of Honda Civics this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 52% more oftenHeadlamp aim8.2% vs 5.4%Fix about £30
Fails 47% more oftenPosition lamps7.8% vs 5.3%Fix about £30
Fails 67% more oftenHeadlamps6.5% vs 3.9%Fix about £30
Fails 52% more oftenAnti-roll bars6.4% vs 4.2%
Advised 3× as oftenHeadlamps10% vs 3.7%Fix about £30
Advised 66% more oftenShock absorbers8.3% vs 5%Fix about £200
Advised 33% more oftenAnti-roll bars8% vs 6%
Advised 40% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)7.3% vs 5.2%Fix about £30
Safety recalls

45 DVSA recalls for the Honda Civic

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2026/02516 Feb 2026Built 2017–2021Civic Wheel Steel Bushes Missing (Accessory)

On affected vehicles the alloy steel bushes may be missing in all five positions of the alloy wheel. This may result in the wheel nuts falling off or in the worst-case scenario wheel detachment.

Fix: Inspect the wheels for the presence of bush and replace wheel(s) in case of missing bushes.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 11,169 vehicles

R/2025/02431 Mar 2025Built 2021–202422-25M Civic and Other Models EPS Gear Box Worm Wheel Swelling Failure 6JP

On affected vehicles ​due to decrease of the grease amount in the worm wheel gear meshing area of the EPS gear box during use the sliding resistance at the meshing area increases and the torque fluctuation when turning the steering becomes larger resulting in an abnormal noise or a dangerous sticking occurs when turning the steering.​

Fix: For the Honda Civic (FL4 FE1) CR-V and ZR-V models replace the worm gear pre-load spring with a countermeasure part and add grease. For the Honda Civic Type R (FL5) model replace the Steering Gearbox with a countermeasure part.

Recalled models: Civic E:HEV · 3,377 vehicles

R/2024/4769 Dec 2024Built 2021–202423-25M High Pressure Fuel Pump Solenoid Component Part Breakage - 6YP

On affected vehicles due to manufacturing issues the high pressure fuel pump could leak

Fix: On the affected vehicles check for leaks and replace the high pressure pump if necessary

Recalled models: Civic E:HEV · 3,367 vehicles

R/2024/3895 Dec 2024Built 2022–202323YM Civic Lithium-Ion Battery Negative Terminal Defect

On affected vehicles the Hybrid HV battery may develop a fault where battery electrolyte leakage occurs that may result in a vehicle fire in a worst-case scenario.

Fix: Replace the Hybrid HV battery with a modified component.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 40 vehicles

R/2024/32011 Nov 2024Built 202323-24M ZR-V and Others Overspeed Alarm Inoperative

On affected vehicles after cancelling the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) the ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) will not alert the driver when over speed.

Fix: Update Multipurpose Camera Unit with modified software.

Recalled models: CIVIC FL4 · 303 vehicles

R/2020/06123 Oct 2020The absorption of moisture into the driver's air bag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture

The absorption of moisture into the driver�s airbag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture.

Fix: Replace the airbag inflator or the airbag assembly. Honda is still preparing for the development and production of the remedy parts.

Recalled models: CIVIC COUPE · 42,435 vehicles

R/2020/18624 Aug 2020Built 2017–2020Vehicles may be equipped with a fuel pump module manufactured with low density impellars

Affected vehicles may be equipped with a fuel pump module manufactured with low density impellers.

Fix: The affected fuel pumps will be replaced.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 21,313 vehicles

R/2020/00831 Jan 2020Built 2015–2018The regulatory requirement for emissions levels are not met

The regulatory requirement for emissions levels are not met.

Fix: Update the software in the Engine Control Unit to improve the performance of the emissions control system

Recalled models: CIVIC · 50,823 vehicles

R/2019/24629 Aug 2019Built 2007–2014Possible air bag inflator rupture

Driver air bag may not deploy correctly.

Fix: The inflator inside the drivers airbag module is to be replaced.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 8 vehicles

R/2019/24329 Aug 2019Built 2000–2014Possible air bag inflator rupture

Passenger air bag may not deploy correctly.

Fix: The inflator inside the passenger�s airbag module is to be replaced.

Recalled models: CIVIC HYBRID · 122,397 vehicles

R/2019/24529 Aug 2019Built 2003–2011Possible air bag inflator rupture

Driver air bag may not deploy correctly.

Fix: The inflator inside the drivers airbag module is to be replaced.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 43 vehicles

R/2019/12529 May 2019Built 2000–2007Inner pressure of the inflator may irregularly rise upon airbag deployment rupturing the inflator container

Driver air bag may not ignite correctly.

Fix: Replace the drivers air bag assembly.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 9 vehicles

R/2018/11927 Jul 2018Built 2016–2017Side airbag may fail to deploy as intended

The front seat back pad mould (seat back cushion) and side airbag (SAB) are fitted to the seat back frame. The SAB is fitted underneath the pad mould and the pad mould has been designed with a slit that allows the SAB to deploy from underneath the pad mould. Seat back pad moulds that were supplied for after-sales use were not manufactured correctly; the slit process was not completed. When a front seat pad without the slit is assembled to the car it may block SAB deployment and may not satisfy occupant protection performance which is a non-conformance to side impact regulation.

Fix: Registered owners of affected vehicles will receive a notification letter that will ask them to take their vehicles to a dealership or authorised repairer for a free repair. The technician will carry out inspection to verify the condition of the front seat back pad mould and will replace the pad mould and if necessary the seat heater element and seat back cover.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 8 vehicles

R/2018/03023 Feb 2018Built 2009–2010Passenger airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The propellant used in the air bag inflators may degrade over time due to heat cycles and exposure to moisture. In the event that the airbag is activated it may overinflate due to overly aggressive combustion of the propellant. The excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing severe injury to the vehicle occupants.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the airbag inflator and airbag.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 13,272 vehicles

R/2017/01728 Mar 2017Built 2008–2010Airbag may fail to deploy correctly

Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the passenger's air bag inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the inflator inside the passenger's air bag module.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 22,805 vehicles

R/2016/17712 Aug 2016Built 2016Possible wheel lock when abs activated

Due to a manufacturing a check valve in the Vehicle Stability Assist / Anti lock braking modulator not operate correctly.The anti lock braking may not operate correctly resulting in possible wheel lock under anti lock braking operation. In addition the City Brake Active system (CTBA) may not operate as intended.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace Vehicle Stability Assist / Anti lock braking modulator

Recalled models: CIVIC · 769 vehicles

R/2016/1278 Aug 2016Built 2005–2008Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

In the event that the airbag is activated excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the vehicle occupants and / or in worst cases a fatality.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the passenger front air bag module.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 46,444 vehicles

R/2016/16522 Jul 2016Built 2016Vehicle stability control may not operate correctly

A filter in the Vehicle Stability Assist / Anti lock braking modulator may break and foul one of the one-way check valves in the modulator. If the check valve does not operate correctly the vehicle stability control (using brake pressure) will not operate correctly. In some driving conditions the vehicle stability system may not be able to control the vehicle as intended and this may result in a skid or loss of vehicle control. The braking system does not lose function.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the VSA modulator.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 97 vehicles

R/2016/04516 May 2016Built 2004–2015Drivers airbag inflator may rupture if deployed

Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the driver's air bag inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the inflator inside the driver's air bag module.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 252,174 vehicles

R/2015/10429 Jun 2015Built 2003–2008Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled upward toward the windshield or downward toward the front passenger�s foot well potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the inflator inside the front passenger�s airbag module with a new one.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 242,653 vehicles

R/2015/10329 Jun 2015Drivers airbag may rupture if deployed

Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the drivers airbag module.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 121,686 vehicles

R/2015/04316 Mar 2015Built 2003Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant or in a thermal issue in the interior compartment which may lead to fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 31,135 vehicles

R/2014/1585 Jan 2015Built 2003–2004Drivers airbag may rupture if deployed

The drivers front airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the inflator inside the drivers airbag module with a new one.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 12,723 vehicles

R/2013/04917 Apr 2013Built 2001–2003Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant or in a thermal issue in the interior compartment which may lead to fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 60,365 vehicles

R/2012/12213 Nov 2012Built 2011–2012Vehicle may move unexpectedly

Due to a software issue it could be possible to start the engine when the vehicle is in gear and the clutch is not depressed.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to install new software.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 244 vehicles

R/2012/07116 Jul 2012Transmission may malfunction

In rare circumstances the gear indicator may display neutral when the gearbox is in reverse gear. If this happens the vehicle may reverse unexpectedly and cause an incident.

Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to correct the unit software and inspect the reverse shift holder for deformation. Where necessary the reverse shift piece and shift holder will be replaced.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 14,310 vehicles

R/2011/14430 Nov 2011Built 2006–2010Short circuit may occur

Incorrect positioning of the engine bay wiring harness under the engine mounting bracket could result in damage to the harness leading to a short circuit or in the worst case a fire.

Fix: Inspection of the wiring harness. If damaged harness is to be replaced

Recalled models: CIVIC · 13,183 vehicles

R/2011/02112 Apr 2011Built 2005–2006Engine may stall

It is possible that a diode within the DC converter of the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system became damaged during initial testing. Over time the diode could deteriorate and eventually fail causing a short circuit within the IMA system which results in the 100amp fuse blowing. A melted fuse will result in the engine stalling and the engine cannot be restarted. There will not be any noticeable symptoms prior to the engine stalling.

Fix: The dealer will replace the DC converter with a new one.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 583 vehicles

R/2010/0876 Sept 2010Built 2000–2001If deployed the airbags may endanger passenger

The combustion rate of the airbag propellant may be too fast causing excessive internal pressure in the inflator during airbag deployment. In an extreme case the inflator casing may rupture leading to a scattering of metal fragments.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front passenger airbag assembly.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 132 vehicles

R/2010/05322 Jun 2010Built 2010Brake pedal travel

The footbrake pedal is connected to the master cylinder via the brake pedal pin. It is possible that the retaining clip/locking pin that locks the footbrake pedal pin may not have been installed. If this is the case it is possible that the brake pedal pin may become detached. This will result in an increase in pedal travel and a corresponding increase in stopping distance.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicle and check for presence of retaining clip/locking pin. If found to be missing a new clip/pin will be installed.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 5,376 vehicles

R/2009/09820 Oct 2009Built 2009Possible inadvertent release of handbrake

On affected vehicles the handbrake ratchet tooth dimensions are incorrect resulting in a mismatch and incorrect engagement between pawl and ratchet teeth. Consequently the handbrake lever may disengage

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check date stamp on lever and if marked 200709 replace handbrake lever

Recalled models: CIVIC · 889 vehicles

R/2008/12417 Sept 2008Built 2008Excessive travel of parking brake lever. parking brake performance affected

Parking brake assy; guide plates may separate allowing parking brake cable to move within the guide plates resulting in excess travel at lever and incorrect tension in cables.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace parking brake lever assembly.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 157 vehicles

R/2008/05916 Apr 2008Built 2005–2007Handbrake may release

It has been identified that; if the handbrake is applied with the release button intentionally or unintentionally depressed there is a small risk that the handbrake may not latch sufficiently to hold the vehicle securely on a slope.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the handbrake assembly replaced.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 78,524 vehicles

R/2007/14115 Oct 2007Built 2005–2006Brake lights may fail to illuminate. gear selector may become stuck in park

It has been identified that the brake lights may not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. Additionally it may not be possible for the driver to release the gear selector from the park(P) position.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake light switch replaced additionally a new block connector will be fitted which has additional protection against ingress of foreign substances.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 601 vehicles

R/2007/0256 Mar 2007Built 2005Engine may cut out

It has been established that when the rear seat is occupied the deformation of the seat back may cause a brief interference between a protection plate and an electrical connector. This can result in the main fuse blowing causing the engine to cut out.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have an additional plastic cover placed over the subject electrical connector.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 569 vehicles

R/2006/18027 Nov 2006Built 2005–2006Power steering may be lost

The electrical power steering warning lamp may illuminate and power assistance to the steering will be lost. The driver will not experience any symptoms prior to the failure.

Fix: The electric power steering control unit will be tested and replaced as necessary

Recalled models: CIVIC · 8,872 vehicles

R/2006/1542 Oct 2006Built 2006Engine may cut out and or fail to start

It has been identified that the engine may fail to start or may stall and fail to restart. This situation is caused by the presence of water residue from the tank testing procedure being left on the fuel pump wiring connector block. This situation can result in electrolytic corrosion of the connector terminals which may then break thus interrupting the electrical supply to the fuel pump with subsequent loss of fuel pressure.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will be checked for the presence of corrosion and or water on the fuel pump connector block. Should this situation be found the fuel pump assembly will be replaced.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 3,038 vehicles

R/2004/03424 May 2004Built 2001Low beam headlights may not operate.

Dipped beam headlights may malfunction either when switched on or during driving.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the headlight switch with a modified part. Additionally the terminal for dipped beam operation within the wiring harness will also be changed in order to rectify any heat damage that may have occurred.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 44,055 vehicles

R/2003/07816 Jun 2003Built 2003Possible damage to inner sidewall of tyre

It is possible that the tyre inner side wall may have been damaged during the tyre/wheel balance identification process. In the worst case the tyre could deflate when the car is being driven.

Fix: Examine tyre side walls and replace any tyres found to have been damaged as a result of the wheel balancing operation.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 288 vehicles

R/2002/0716 Aug 2002Ignition switch may fail

Electrical contacts within the ignition switch wear prematurely. This can eventually cause the engine to stall without warning.

Fix: Fit a new ignition switch.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 53,175 vehicles

R/2001/0755 Jul 2001Built 2000Possible incorrect fixing of the fuel filler tube

The screw clips on the filler tube connecting the fuel filler pipe to the fuel tank may not be correctly installed. The tube may not therefore be securely fixed to the tank and/or pipe. This could permit fuel to leak from the tank in the event of a severe rear end impact.

Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled to check for correct installation of the fuel filler tube clips. Any clip not properly installed will be retorqued correctly.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 4,601 vehicles

R/2001/0731 Jul 2001Built 2000–2001Possibility of incorrect brake operation.

There is a possibility that the brake pedal lock pin which ensures a positive connection of the brake pedal to the braking system may be incorrectly installed. In such cases it is possible that excessive free play in the brake pedal can occur leading to incorrect brake pedal operation. The clutch may also be similarly affected.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check for correct installation of the lock pins. If either lock pin is not correctly installed the pin will be re-installed correctly.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 3,694 vehicles

R/2000/1043 Nov 2000Built 1999Rear suspension lower arm bolts could break

There is a possibility that the rear suspension lower arm bolt could break due to improper heat treatment. Vehicle handling and control would be reduced.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace lower arm suspension bolts with quality assured type.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 2,327 vehicles

R/2000/03720 May 2000Built 1999–2000Potential instability under hard braking

Under certain hard braking conditions the PCV (Proportion Control Valve) setting allows inappropriate brake force to be applied to the rear wheels. In these circumstances this may cause locking of the rear wheels leading to possible vehicle instability.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace PCV with a modified unit.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 12,711 vehicles

R/1994/0263 May 1994Built 1992–1994The gear lever position may not match the transmission mode selected

The transmission shift cable lock pin may become ineffective. In consequence the gear lever position may not match the actual gear position selected in the transmission.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the lock pin with a modified type.

Recalled models: CIVIC · 6,788 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Honda Civic before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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