Owners have filed 205 complaints
about the 2021 Honda Civic with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 31 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 — 18
Against the median year of the Honda Civic. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 35
6.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% 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.
Automatic Emergency Braking
2645.6%
Adaptive Cruise Control
915.8%
Warnings
814.0%
Assist
58.8%
Warning
35.3%
Steering Assist
35.3%
Sidewall
23.5%
Navigation System/Software
11.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
525.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
630.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
315.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
210.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
315.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 Honda CIVIC 4 DR FWD
9.5% risk
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.
Mar 2021peak 18Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2021 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.
United States — NHTSA
26V332000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
24V064000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
23V858000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
23V458000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202625112,371 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to. Note: This recall is an expansion of Transport Canada recall no. 2024-059. If the weight sensor fails, the SRS warning light would turn on in the instrument panel. Safety Risk: An airbag system that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the passenger-front seat weight sensor.
Recall 202405966,846 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to. Note: If the weight sensor fails, the SRS warning light would turn on in the instrument panel. Safety Risk: An airbag system that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership for an inspection if the SRS warning light is on. If the SRS warning light is on due to a faulty weight sensor, the weight sensor will be replaced. When repair parts are available, Honda will send you a second letter. They will advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the passenger-front seat weight sensor.
Recall 202336512,246 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder could separate from the brake booster. If this happens, braking could be reduced or you could experience a complete loss of brakes. Safety Risk: Reduced braking or a loss of brakes can increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the brake master cylinder and brake booster. The dealer will inspect for any missing nuts and damaged brake booster parts and replace them as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Drexel Hill, PAFire
ENGINE
While driving the car began to smoke from under hood and engine stopped. Interior and under hood flooded with smoke and fire under hood. This was a major fire, fire company put it out. No repairs were made or needed on car since purchase October 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11733110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Honda civic ex’ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run. As I was in between policies with my insurance therefore I wasn’t covered for the accident and I am now suffering financial hardships.. dealership didn’t want to hear what I had to say because it was a new car & no recalls were announced at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11659892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2021 Honda civic ex’ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run. As I was in between policies with my insurance therefore I wasn’t covered for the accident and I am now suffering financial hardships.. dealership didn’t want to hear what I had to say because it was a new car & no recalls were announced at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11659892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My 2021 Honda civic ex’ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run. As I was in between policies with my insurance therefore I wasn’t covered for the accident and I am now suffering financial hardships.. dealership didn’t want to hear what I had to say because it was a new car & no recalls were announced at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11659892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesColumbus, INCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that his wife was driving at 30-35 MPH, when another vehicle suddenly merged in front of the vehicle causing a T-bone collision. The vehicle was pushed into the middle of the road from the impact where it came to a stop. All air bags deployed. However, the front passenger-side air bag deployed backward onto the front windshield instead of deploying forward. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. A police report was not filed. EMS was called however, refused to take the contact and his wife to the hospital. The contact's wife sustained unknown injuries and was pending an MRI. The contact sustained whiplash and no medical attention was sought. The insurance company towed the vehicle to a storage location and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11648117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TXCrash
STEERING
This vehicle has started to randomly start pulling to the left or right as it's moving at a high rate of speed. It was diagnosed by the dealer to need the steering rack replaced. This is the same issue the 2022-2024 Honda Civic are being recalled for. The dealership stated that they have seen a lot of 2021 model coming in for this same issue so I am concerned it could involve the 2021 models as well. It has become very dangerous to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11567795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fort Worth, TX
STEERING
Sticky steering, especially when it’s hot or humid. The issue has been going on since the car was at 60k miles, taken in multiple times and they don’t see and issue. It’s at 117k now issue still present. Same issue as the 2022-25 that got a recall
NHTSA complaint #11754981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bryan, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
while driving last week with my family, doing some grocery shopping, we got on the highway which is 75mph in our 2021 Honda Civic and it had a catastrophic failure on its ADAS system out of nowhere it stopped and made my car swerve off the road and applied the breaks like it detected a car in front of us, it took us from 75 to 0 pretty darn fast fortunately no one was behind us, after the event im not able to use any features that involve the camera which includes crucial features of the car including cruise control, i can't even see what any info that is supposed to be displayed on the dash, I took it to the dealership where they said that their ADAS system doing this's a common occurrence and that most likely the camera it self will need replacement, i truly believe this to be a very dangerous feature that should be looked into and if the camera is prone to getting messed up like they said they are there should be a recall on this equipment before there's a bad accident! also yes my vehicle is and can be inspected whenever it is needed and no we didn't have any problems whatsoever with the ADAS system before it just failed
NHTSA complaint #11754955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bryan, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
while driving last week with my family, doing some grocery shopping, we got on the highway which is 75mph in our 2021 Honda Civic and it had a catastrophic failure on its ADAS system out of nowhere it stopped and made my car swerve off the road and applied the breaks like it detected a car in front of us, it took us from 75 to 0 pretty darn fast fortunately no one was behind us, after the event im not able to use any features that involve the camera which includes crucial features of the car including cruise control, i can't even see what any info that is supposed to be displayed on the dash, I took it to the dealership where they said that their ADAS system doing this's a common occurrence and that most likely the camera it self will need replacement, i truly believe this to be a very dangerous feature that should be looked into and if the camera is prone to getting messed up like they said they are there should be a recall on this equipment before there's a bad accident! also yes my vehicle is and can be inspected whenever it is needed and no we didn't have any problems whatsoever with the ADAS system before it just failed
NHTSA complaint #11754955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
while driving last week with my family, doing some grocery shopping, we got on the highway which is 75mph in our 2021 Honda Civic and it had a catastrophic failure on its ADAS system out of nowhere it stopped and made my car swerve off the road and applied the breaks like it detected a car in front of us, it took us from 75 to 0 pretty darn fast fortunately no one was behind us, after the event im not able to use any features that involve the camera which includes crucial features of the car including cruise control, i can't even see what any info that is supposed to be displayed on the dash, I took it to the dealership where they said that their ADAS system doing this's a common occurrence and that most likely the camera it self will need replacement, i truly believe this to be a very dangerous feature that should be looked into and if the camera is prone to getting messed up like they said they are there should be a recall on this equipment before there's a bad accident! also yes my vehicle is and can be inspected whenever it is needed and no we didn't have any problems whatsoever with the ADAS system before it just failed
NHTSA complaint #11754955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, LA
STEERING
Steering locks up at highway speeds. This vehicle has only 36,526 miles on the odometer. This is a serious safety issue and could easily cause a high speed crash. The dealer has road tested and confirms the problem. The dealer states the electric steering box is at fault. We are having the electric steering box replaced by the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11753496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pawleys Island, SC
STEERING
Vehicle: 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Current Mileage: ~24,400 miles Component: Steering / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Gearbox / Steering Rack Summary of Issue: Vehicle is experiencing severe "sticky steering" (mechanical binding) in the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) assembly while driving, most noticeably at highway speeds. The steering wheel feels stuck when trying to make minor lane adjustments, requiring noticeable extra force to break free, which causes the vehicle to over-correct and weave. This is an active safety hazard that interferes with normal vehicle control. The vehicle has only ~24,400 miles. A Honda dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty steering rack/gearbox requiring full replacement at a quoted cost of $5,000. This behavior matches the known defect detailed in NHTSA Campaign 24V-744 (gearbox worm gear binding/sticky steering) affecting millions of Honda vehicles sharing this same EPS architecture for 2022-2025 models. Requesting an investigation to expand coverage to 2021 models.
NHTSA complaint #11753123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesLake Wales, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and was sticking while driving. The contact used excessive force to turn the steering wheel while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesWakefield, RI
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle, and the steering wheel was sticking. The contact stated that the steering wheel was continuously turned while attempting to prevent it from sticking. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a power steering rack assembly failure. The contact was informed that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Citrus Heights, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Spontaneous rear window shattering while parked. Problem not confirmed or reproduced Insurance claim filed for repair No warning lamps, messages or symptoms of impending problem.
NHTSA complaint #11746766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beavercreek, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped
NHTSA complaint #11745360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beavercreek, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped
NHTSA complaint #11745360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beavercreek, OH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped
NHTSA complaint #11745360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Ana, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A/C System completely failed. During a diagnostic they found three components with refrigerant leaks. 1) Compressor Shaft Seal 2) A/C Condenser 3) Evaporator Core A certified Honda Service center completed the diagnostic. The issue first appeared in late 2025. During the winter I rarely use Air Conditioning but now in Spring/Summer it does not cool at all. Honda knows there is an issue with the Air Conditioning system on this generation of Honda Civic, they cover the Compressor shaft seal but not the other components, on an extended warranty. My main issue is that Honda covers replacement of the A/C Condenser for 2016-2020 Honda Civics, the last year of the generation is 2021 and it is not on the Extended Warranty bulletin. 2021 cars should be covered, it is the same exact generation. Not only that, the Evaporator core and any other Air Conditioning component should be cover as well. This is not normal wear and tear, my vehicle only has 40,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11743881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tracy, CA
ENGINE
High pressure fuel pump issue diagnosed by mechanic. The models prior to mine up to and some 2021 vehicles were included in the recall but my VIN is not considered within the recall. My vehicle is a very early 2021 bought in 202 that likely has the same fuel filter as 2020sz
NHTSA complaint #11743031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tracy, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
High pressure fuel pump issue diagnosed by mechanic. The models prior to mine up to and some 2021 vehicles were included in the recall but my VIN is not considered within the recall. My vehicle is a very early 2021 bought in 202 that likely has the same fuel filter as 2020sz
NHTSA complaint #11743031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
STEERING
Vehicle: 2021 Honda Civic Mileage: Approximately 58,000 miles Over the past couple of months, I have experienced a steering issue that appears to be worsening. While driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel intermittently feels as though it “sticks” or catches near center, requiring constant small corrections to maintain a straight path. The steering does not feel smooth or normal and creates difficulty maintaining lane position comfortably. I have also noticed similar catching/resistance during sharper turns at moderate speeds. To attempt to resolve the issue, I have: * Replaced a flat tire * Had two separate wheel alignments performed *opened case with Honda directly Neither repair corrected the issue. The symptoms appear similar to “sticky steering” complaints and steering investigations reported on newer Honda Civic models. Because this issue affects steering control and highway driving, I believe it may present a potential safety concern. The problem occurs intermittently but repeatedly during normal driving conditions and is most noticeable at higher speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11739931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayonne, NJ
STEERING
Steering rack binds and requires extra effort to return to center. Specifically for me, when proceeding on a long curve that requires me to turn my steering wheel left more than like 40 degrees the steering will "stick" in place and won't automatically return to center when releasing the wheel requiring me manually start returning the wheel to center before it will auto center. It happens after having driven for about 20 or more minutes. It happens at smaller degrees when driving at highway speeds trying to keep the car centered in the lane. (Adjusting the wheel to the left more then 5 degrees will cause the steering wheel to stick left requiring manually effort to return to center.) I informed my dealership (Metro Honda of Jersey City) of the steering feeling sticky but they couldn't replicate it at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11738707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spanish Fort, AL
STEERING
At speeds between 40 and 70 my 2021 Honda Civic EX Hatchback steering feels sticky when making small adjustments. There is a slight resistant in steering when a slight correction is needed. Once that resistant is overcome, the steering wheel jerks in the direction of the correction potentially causing an over correction. This is a safety problem and can cause an accident. I am not seeing any warning lights or warning noises.
NHTSA complaint #11736942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eastchester, NY
STEERING
The steering wheel gets stuck in lock position making the steering wheel feel sticky. Issue happens at highway speeds of around 40-60mph causing to overcorrect while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11735761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
POWER TRAIN
The clutch began slipping while driving vehicle. Lost power and could not accelerate while on highway.
NHTSA complaint #11734939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Drexel Hill, PAFire
ENGINE
While driving the car began to smoke from under hood and engine stopped. Interior and under hood flooded with smoke and fire under hood. This was a major fire, fire company put it out. No repairs were made or needed on car since purchase October 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11733110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandeville, LA
STEERING
The Steering Gearbox, Electronic Power Steering failed. The steering was resistant and sticks on the highway, causing jerking and overcorrection to control the vehicle. This was with both manual driving and Lane Assist. Took the vehicle to the local Honda dealership, they confirmed the problem, and replaced the steering gearbox, EPS, because it was still under warranty. However, this is the same exact part and this problem will occur again. The car did not display any warnings.
NHTSA complaint #11731202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandeville, LA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The Steering Gearbox, Electronic Power Steering failed. The steering was resistant and sticks on the highway, causing jerking and overcorrection to control the vehicle. This was with both manual driving and Lane Assist. Took the vehicle to the local Honda dealership, they confirmed the problem, and replaced the steering gearbox, EPS, because it was still under warranty. However, this is the same exact part and this problem will occur again. The car did not display any warnings.
NHTSA complaint #11731202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FL
STEERING
There’s a sticky notch in my steering that becomes noticeable at highway speeds. I see later models (2022-) already have been recalled by the exact issue is happening on my relatively new 2021 Civic
NHTSA complaint #11728303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Big Sur, CA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
I went to my dealership for the recall on November seventh of 2025 and the service crew notified me that my car did not have the lug nuts Honda was worried about.
NHTSA complaint #11725983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.