Honda Civic Years to Avoid

Why 2008 and 2016 made the avoid list

2008 Honda Civic

AvoidTop issue: air bags · 6% of complaints · median 35,000 miles

Owners describe air bags that either don't go off in a crash or deploy with no collision, along with lit SRS lights and Takata recall delays, plus cracked engine blocks that leak coolant and overheat. Many also report sun visors cracking and dropping into their view.

Full 2008 report ›

2016 Honda Civic

AvoidTop issue: steering · 21% of complaints · median 32,000 miles

Owners describe brake and parking brake warning lights with rolling away or sudden braking, clusters of dash lights with blank screens and no-start or lost assist, and steering that sticks after highway driving. Many report dealers couldn't replicate it, and updates or part swaps didn't stick.

Full 2016 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Honda Civic years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2008 and 2016 Civic drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical Civic year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2009 and 2012 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Honda Civic?

The 2021 Civic drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.7× the rate of a typical Civic year), followed by the 2011 and 2013. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Honda Civic?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the steering (34% of complaints), followed by the brakes (11%) and the electrical system (11%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Honda Civic been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 36 recall campaigns covering Civic model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in May 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.