Owners have filed 489 complaints
about the 2010 Honda Civic with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Honda Civic. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 99
19.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 79
47% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
3571.4%
Windshield
36.1%
Front
36.1%
Speedometer/Odometer
24.1%
Cooling System
24.1%
Automatic Transmission
24.1%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
12.0%
Side/Window
12.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
144.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
298.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
7021.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8024.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5917.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3911.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
319.4%
150,000+ miles
72.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2010peak 23Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Honda Civic
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2018523263,289 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cincinnati, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS
Driving on the highway, smooth road, hit nothing and the entire driver side airbags deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11605902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesGainesville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 20 MPH, the driver-side air bag curtain deployed without any impact, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and struck the curb on the passenger side. The inside of the vehicle was damaged due to the deployment of the air bag. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact was severely injured and had to seek medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they stated that the air bag deploy because she struck the curb. The failure mileage was 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11494149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesProvo, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
[12:29 PM] Rosales, Denise CTR (NHTSA) The contact owned a 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated the vehicle had been parked in her driveway and had not been driven for two days, when a fire had spontaneously ignited near the battery on the driver's side of the engine compartment. The fire had fully engulfed the engine compartment. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire using water. The fire marshal filed a report. The vehicle had been declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
2010 HONDA CIVIC LX. CONSUMER STATED THAT FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING COLLISION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE SPUN THROUGH A GRASS MEDIAN, ACROSS 3 LANES AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL HEAD ON. THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT INFLATE. A POWDERY SUBSTANCE SPEWED FROM THE AIRBAG. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TWO OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS RECEIVED NON LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #11480501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesTemple, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact's wife stated while driving 45-50 mph and suddenly the vehicle hydroplaned, the contact's wife lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree, the vehicle then rolled three times then crashed into a telephone pole where the vehicle came into a stop. The frontal air bags did not deploy but the side air bags did deploy. The contact sustained inquires to her c3 and c4 vertebrae's, bruising to the body that was treated medically at a hospital. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a tow yard where the vehicle was determined destroyed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V042000 (AIR BAGS) however the VIN was not included. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11423820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesDallas, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DEALERSHIP BOUGHT USED CAR CATCHES FIRE AFTER JUST TWO DAYS OF PURCHASE: I BOUGHT A USED CAR WITH NO WARRANTY ON IT FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP EXACTLY TWO DAYS AGO. WHILE DRIVING ON THE SECOND DAY OF PURCHASE, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND FUMES STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE CAR RIGHT AND AS I STOPPED THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, FLAMES BEGAN TO FLICKER OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY AND WITHIN A MINUTE OR SO, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE! I WAS ABLE TO CALL 911 AND GET OUT OF THE CAR IN TIME, BUT THE CAR'S GONE, COMPLETELY. I AM THINKING THAT THERE MAY BE SOME FAULTS IN THE CAR THAT WERE NOT SPECIFIED IN THE CAR FAX REPORT FROM THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THIS IS NOT AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE THAT A CAR SETS IN FIRE. NOW, AS MY INSURANCE DOESN'T COVER THIS TYPE OF FIRE DAMAGE (LIABILITY INSURANCE) I AM STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE AND I DEALER IS NOT READY TO CO-OPERATE. THIS IS A BIG FINANCIAL LOSS FOR ME AND I AM SEEKING HELP TO RECOVER SUCH BIG LOSS. THE EXPERIENCE WAS VERY TRAUMATIZING FOR ME AS WELL FOR MY GIRLFRIEND WHO WAS WITH ME. THIS HAS DEFINITELY LEFT US WITH PTSD.
NHTSA complaint #11413457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Elk Grove, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was shipped back to the contact's home state, where the contact also experienced the failure while driving at undisclosed speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was duplicated. The mechanic retrieved fault codes related to the ECM, fuel system, and electrical failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The dealer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11730150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elk Grove, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was shipped back to the contact's home state, where the contact also experienced the failure while driving at undisclosed speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was duplicated. The mechanic retrieved fault codes related to the ECM, fuel system, and electrical failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The dealer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11730150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elk Grove, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was shipped back to the contact's home state, where the contact also experienced the failure while driving at undisclosed speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was duplicated. The mechanic retrieved fault codes related to the ECM, fuel system, and electrical failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The dealer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11730150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,743 milesReno, NV
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V042000 (Air Bags); however, the repair caused the driver’s side seat belt buckle to not be detected while latched closed. The driver’s side seat belt warning light illuminated. The local dealer advised the contact that the passenger’s side air bag would not work as intended due to the driver’s side seat belt buckle warning light. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,743.
NHTSA complaint #11713687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
AIR BAGS
I hit a bumb and my engine started smoking and then airbag triggered on both driver and passenger side
NHTSA complaint #11694499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 142,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 258,000.
NHTSA complaint #11663032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that upon attempting to register the vehicle with his insurance company, he discovered that the VIN on the vehicle and the VIN listed in their private messages were different. The vehicle was a private sale through Facebook Messenger. The contact attempted to reach out to the seller, but the contact stated that his number was blocked. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 133,000. Upon investigation, the contact discovered two different registered mileages; one over 200,00 and another over 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11655907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesWeymouth, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to stop and park the vehicle; however, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the unintended acceleration had occurred several times and almost caused a crash. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #11650998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS
Driving on the highway, smooth road, hit nothing and the entire driver side airbags deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11605902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miramar, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There's an electrical issue that is affecting the A/C connection. The compressor belt won't turn and it's due to the electrical issue. The fuse box over heats and turns on the "Check engine" light. Most Hondas have this same A/C issue but the problem is the faulty fusebox and fuses that are causing electrical issues to the rest of the car making it dangerous to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11527558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesGlastonbury, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact’s relative owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed while turning; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was dragging and hesitating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11527168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,200 milesMarion, OH
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to be unlatch. After several attempts, the contact was able to unlatch the seat belt. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt had previously been replaced twice; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,200.
NHTSA complaint #11512228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cranston, RI
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on this blue Honda Civic 2010 has been wearing away for years. There’s chips of paint missing on the hood. There is paint wear on the roof in two wide strips, on the trunk all over and the fenders. Also, the roof, when washed by auto carwash, buckles in when being dried so you can tell metal is thin. There’s definitely a defect in these civics I see them all over the place and every blue one almost has worn paint just like mine! Honda had to have done something wrong with these paint jobs, they should repaint them for free!
NHTSA complaint #11507637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesGainesville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 20 MPH, the driver-side air bag curtain deployed without any impact, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and struck the curb on the passenger side. The inside of the vehicle was damaged due to the deployment of the air bag. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact was severely injured and had to seek medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they stated that the air bag deploy because she struck the curb. The failure mileage was 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11494149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesProvo, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
[12:29 PM] Rosales, Denise CTR (NHTSA) The contact owned a 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated the vehicle had been parked in her driveway and had not been driven for two days, when a fire had spontaneously ignited near the battery on the driver's side of the engine compartment. The fire had fully engulfed the engine compartment. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire using water. The fire marshal filed a report. The vehicle had been declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cresco, PA
AIR BAGS
I purchased a used Honda Civic last summer. This year I started receiving recall notices. I did not respond until the notice told me that they could provide a loaner because I don't have a ride to drop off and pick up the vehicle. I have made at least 4 attempts over the last couple of months to remedy the airbag situation, but the Honda representatives were not willing to set up a loaner vehicle. Then when they finally seemed like it would happen, I was told that I don't have the right insurance and they won't do it for that reason. I know the company needs to fix millions of these air bags and are trying to save money but, I need them to fix mine too. Now they say they can't accommodate my situation. I am asking Honda to please fix my airbag. The attached flyer states that it is dangerous and deadly and that they would do it. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11488784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redondo Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
Airbag deployed unexpectedly while I was driving through a construction zone - I think it was right when I drove onto a metal construction plate. This would have been very bad if a car was right behind me. I do not have the car for inspection, since due to the cost of replacing the airbag system my insurance declared it a total loss and picked it up for salvage although the car was otherwise in great working condition with no other damage. However I have many pictures of my car from all angles that were taken for insurance purposes. No one else inspected the car in person before it was picked up since my insurance wanted to do a virtual inspection. There were zero warnings of the problem before it happened.
NHTSA complaint #11481606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
2010 HONDA CIVIC LX. CONSUMER STATED THAT FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING COLLISION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE SPUN THROUGH A GRASS MEDIAN, ACROSS 3 LANES AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL HEAD ON. THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT INFLATE. A POWDERY SUBSTANCE SPEWED FROM THE AIRBAG. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TWO OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS RECEIVED NON LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #11480501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cockeysville, MD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I recently read about NHTSA ID Number: 11469938 It made me realize I have the same problem although not as bad. My driver side sun visor is split at the seam. This causes it to hang slightly lower but does not completely block my view of the road. I have never had it inspected/replaced, but after reading about the complaint case above, I am worried the same may happen to my visor in the future (i.e. visor will flop down and block my view of the road).
NHTSA complaint #11473280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The sun visor keeps splitting at the seam. When that happens it'll no longer hold itself in place and it will flop down blocking my view. At this point I've replaced both sun visors 3 times since I bought the car, about once every 3 years in the summer. This started happening at about 80,000 miles. Whatever adhesive Honda is using to put these together don't hold up in the heat. You can feel the visors getting soft and bending in the heat until it inevitably breaks. It can't be usage either since both the driver and passenger side fail at about the same rate and the passenger sun visor rarely gets used.
NHTSA complaint #11469938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westland, MI
AIR BAGS
Dealers will not replace passenger air bag at no cost.
NHTSA complaint #11466571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke Pines, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint has been peeling for at least 3 years and body shop told me Honda has major issues with paint on many years of vehicles. My vehicle has been serviced many times at the dealer where was purchased and no one, not dealer or Honda themselves have notified me of such re-call or warranty of this particular issue.
NHTSA complaint #11465705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Juan, PR
STEERING
1. Power stearing failure. The car is available for inspection upon request. 2. When the failure occurs, the power stearing became very rigid in such way I'm unable to turn the stearing wheel. This has occured when I'm in the middle of a curve but also has occur when I'm in a straight line. This failure is intermitent, to 2-3 consecutive times for a couple of days (3-5days max) to then not appear for months. 3. and 4. The problem hasn't been reproduced or inspected by the dealer or independent service center. 5. A light with a stearing wheel and exclamation mark appears. No symptoms prior to failure. The first time to show this failure was over a year ago.
NHTSA complaint #11464456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
STRUCTURE:BODY
I had my paint recall fixed on my 2010 Honda Civic at a local Honda dealership. They had it for 4 weeks without any loaner car, and now the paint in peeling off my car. The body doesn’t seem to be put back together correctly. The rubber were the body fits together is coming apart.
NHTSA complaint #11461950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bangor, ME
POWER TRAIN
Sudden radiator failure resulting in engine failure.
NHTSA complaint #11445831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.