2021 Honda Civic: Recalls, Complaints and Vehicle Data
Records last imported Oct 31, 2026 · Published · By CarTold Editorial Team
Before you buy a 2021 Civic
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Recalls vs. other years
Its 4 recall campaigns ties for the fewest of the six model years we cover (2016–2021); the busiest has 6.
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Where complaints cluster
Complaints concentrate on the steering: 41% of the 162 on file. The top components are steering (67, of which 1 mentions a crash), electrical system (16, of which 1 mentions a crash) and forward collision avoidance (16). Across all 162 reports, 7 describe a crash, 3 a fire and 2 at least one injury.
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Recent reports
42 complaints (26% of the total) were filed in the last 12 months, so owners are still reporting problems, most often about the steering (22).
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Changes from 2020
NHTSA's frontal crash rating goes from 4 and 5 stars in 2020 to 5 stars in 2021; one recall campaign names one of the two years and not the other (fuel system).
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Fuel economy and running cost
Its most efficient version (1.5-litre 4-cylinder) is rated 36 mpg combined, better than most for the 2021 sedans we cover (median 32 mpg across 29 other EPA listings); the thirstiest version is rated 25 mpg. At 15,000 miles a year and the national average regular gasoline price of $4.28 (EIA, week of Oct 19, 2026), fuel would cost about $1,790 a year in the most efficient version and about $3,190 in the thirstiest (on premium gasoline at $5.31).
Complaint trends
162 complaints on file with NHTSA, by category.
Top components as NHTSA logged them:
- Steering — 57 complaints (35%)
- Air bags — 13 complaints (8%)
- Forward collision avoidance — 13 complaints (8%)
- Electrical system — 8 complaints (5%)
- Unknown or other — 7 complaints (4%)
- Service brakes,forward collision avoidance — 6 complaints (4%)
What owners told NHTSA
Short excerpts from owner reports submitted to NHTSA. They are unverified and describe one vehicle each.
“When it is warm and humid, at highway speeds and slight turns, the steering sticks and the wheel does not recenter on its own. All driver assist features are off when this occurs.”
“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…”
“The infotainment system in these vehicles is poor when using the navigation.”
Recalls
4 campaigns on file. Check a specific car with our VIN recall check.
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
· 26V332000 · 2026-05-22
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
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.
Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
· 24V064000 · 2024-02-01
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
· 23V858000 · 2023-12-19
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
· 23V458000 · 2023-06-29
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Consequence: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023.
Investigations
Manufacturer communications
Service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. They are not recalls.
Electrical system 23 documents (2021-03-17 – 2024-09-12)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-09-12 | other | Electrical system |
| 2024-08-08 | other | Electrical system |
| 2024-07-24 | other | Electrical system |
| 2024-07-09 | other | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-31 | other | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-18 | other | Electrical system |
| 2024-05-03 | other | Electrical system |
| 2024-04-15 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-03-25 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-03-21 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2024-02-29 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment:electrical:infotainment |
| 2022-12-13 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-11-08 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-11-02 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-10-24 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-09-27 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-08-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2022-07-27 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-09-07 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-08-09 | service bulletin | Electrical system, fuel system, gasoline |
| 2021-08-03 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-06-24 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2021-03-17 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
Engine and engine cooling 10 documents (2016-01-19 – 2023-03-28)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-28 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline |
| 2022-12-13 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-11-28 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-11-07 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-10-21 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-10-06 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-07-26 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-07-11 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2022-06-22 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling, equipment |
| 2016-01-19 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
Visibility 8 documents (2021-05-28 – 2023-09-28)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-09-28 | service bulletin | Visibility, visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system |
| 2023-06-15 | service bulletin | Visibility, visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system |
| 2023-05-19 | service bulletin | Visibility, visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system |
| 2023-04-25 | service bulletin | Visibility |
| 2021-07-06 | service bulletin | Visibility |
| 2021-06-18 | service bulletin | Visibility |
| 2021-05-28 | service bulletin | Visibility |
| 2021-05-28 | service bulletin | Visibility |
Service brakes 6 documents (2021-06-03 – 2021-10-05)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-10-05 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2021-09-10 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic, service brakes, service brakes, air |
| 2021-08-25 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2021-07-22 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2021-07-07 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2021-06-03 | service bulletin | Service brakes |
Fuel system 5 documents (2021-06-15 – 2023-03-13)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-13 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling |
| 2023-01-03 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:pressure sensor, fuel system, gasoline, electric… |
| 2021-07-20 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline |
| 2021-07-01 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline |
| 2021-06-15 | service bulletin | Fuel system, gasoline |
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system 3 documents (2023-05-19 – 2024-01-24)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-01-24 | service bulletin | Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system, visibility |
| 2023-06-12 | service bulletin | Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system, visibility |
| 2023-05-19 | service bulletin | Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system, visibility |
Engine 2 documents (2024-11-05 – 2024-12-03)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-12-03 | other | Engine |
| 2024-11-05 | other | Engine |
Vehicle speed control 2 documents (2023-10-17 – 2023-10-25)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-25 | service bulletin | Vehicle speed control |
| 2023-10-17 | service bulletin | Vehicle speed control, forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control |
Show all 19 categories
Suspension 2 documents (2021-06-03 – 2022-05-01)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-05-01 | service bulletin | Suspension |
| 2021-06-03 | service bulletin | Suspension |
Forward collision avoidance 2 documents (2021-08-31)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-08-31 | service bulletin | Forward collision avoidance |
| 2021-08-31 | service bulletin | Forward collision avoidance, electrical system |
Visibility/wiper 1 document (2024-06-19)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-06-19 | service bulletin | Visibility/wiper |
Equipment:electrical:infotainment 1 document (2024-02-15)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-02-15 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical:infotainment, equipment:electrical:infotainment:video (tou… |
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system:compressor 1 document (2023-04-05)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-04-05 | service bulletin | Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system:compressor, visibility |
Electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge 1 document (2023-01-03)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-01-03 | service bulletin | Electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge, electrical system |
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel 1 document (2022-11-28)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-11-28 | service bulletin | Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel, electrical system |
Power train 1 document (2022-09-05)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-09-05 | service bulletin | Power train |
Air bags:SRS malfunction warning lamp/light 1 document (2022-01-29)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-01-29 | service bulletin | Air bags:SRS malfunction warning lamp/light |
Seats 1 document (2022-01-04)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-01-04 | service bulletin | Seats, air bags:SRS malfunction warning lamp/light |
Equipment 1 document (2021-08-09)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-08-09 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility, service brakes, hydraulic |
72 communications on file, grouped into 19 categories.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic 4Dr | 1.5L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 42 | 36 |
| Civic 5Dr | 1.5L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 40 | 34 |
| Civic 4Dr | 1.5L 4cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 |
| Civic 4Dr | 2.0L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 |
| Civic 4Dr | 2.0L 4cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 |
| Civic 5Dr | 1.5L 4cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 35 | 32 |
| Civic 5Dr | 1.5L 4cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 |
| Civic 5Dr | 2.0L 4cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 |
Safety ratings
| Configuration | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda CIVIC 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Built from NHTSA, EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and EIA records with fixed rules; complaint counts reflect reporting, not defect rates. How we make CarTold · Methodology · Buyer guides