The 2016-2021 Honda Civics are notorious for oil dilution and A/C condenser failures. The 2022-2025 models see fewer issues, but still have their share of complaints.
The short version
| Years | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2021 | Buy with checks | Oil dilution on the 1.5T (L15B7) is the defining complaint: fuel washes past the piston… |
| 2022-2025 | Safe bet | The 11th generation is not associated with the oil-dilution or condenser warranty… |
| 2026-2026 | too new to judge | Too new for meaningful owner-report volume |
2016-2021 — proceed with caution
The Honda Civic models from 2016 to 2021 have faced numerous issues, with a total of 3,077 complaints reported on NHTSA’s database. The most common complaint is related to the steering system, accounting for 1,028 reports and making up about one-third (33.4%) of all complaints during this period. Electrical system failures follow closely behind with 360 complaints, or 11.7% of total issues.
Recalls have also been issued for various components in these models. Notably, recall 23V858000 addresses fuel pump problems and affects a wide range of Honda vehicles including the Civic from 2013 to 2023. Another significant recall is 24V064000, which covers airbag occupant classification sensors for Civics from 2020 to 2022.
Owner complaints highlight specific issues such as oil dilution in the engine and faulty A/C condensers that develop pinholes over time. Honda has addressed these concerns by extending powertrain warranties on 2016-2018 models for six years with unlimited mileage, specifically for oil dilution problems. Additionally, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) A19-033 revised engine injection timing and warm-up procedures to mitigate this issue.
The Civic improved considerably after this generation, so these years are worth buying only with the two warranty checks below confirmed.
2022-2025 — the strong years
The Honda Civic models from 2022 to 2025 are generally considered reliable and have fewer reported issues compared to earlier generations. Complaints total 1,502 across these years, with a significant drop-off in complaints each year: 957 in 2022, 323 in 2023, 134 in 2024, and 88 in 2025. Steering problems dominate the issues reported, accounting for 77.3% of all complaints with 1,161 incidents. Forward collision avoidance systems are also problematic, with 122 reports (8.1%), followed by lane departure warnings with 113 reports (7.5%). Electrical system failures account for a smaller but still notable share at 4.7%, with 71 complaints.
Honda has issued several recalls during this period to address critical issues. For instance, recall 24V763000 addressed fuel pump concerns in the Civic and CR-V Hybrid models from 2023-2025. Recall 24V744000 focused on steering-related problems affecting multiple Honda vehicles including the Civic for model years 2023 to 2025.
One owner reported experiencing unexpected loss of vehicle control during rainy conditions, citing issues with both steering and lane departure systems. This highlights potential safety concerns that may affect a small number of drivers but are significant nonetheless.
Despite these isolated issues, the overall reliability of the Civic from 2022 to 2025 remains high, making it a strong choice for new or used car buyers looking for dependable performance and fewer maintenance headaches.
2026-2026 — too new to judge
The 2026 Honda Civic has 25 complaints on file so far, covering two crashes and two injuries, with no fatalities or fires. Forward collision avoidance leads at six complaints (24% of the total), followed by electrical, engine and steering issues tied at four each (16% apiece).
One notable complaint filed on October 9, 2025, mentions brake failure during an emergency situation where the forward collision avoidance system did not activate. Another report from April 14, 2026, describes a sudden tire blowout with no warning from the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
That is not enough data to rank the year against anything — which is our own read, not a federal determination. There are no recall campaigns on the 2026 Civic yet.
If you’re shopping used
Two things decide whether a used 2016-2025 Civic is a good buy: oil dilution and the A/C condenser. For Civics manufactured between 2016 and 2021, verify if the engine software update addressing oil dilution was applied. This fix is particularly important for those in cold climates or with short commutes, as these conditions exacerbate the problem. Additionally, check service records to see if the A/C condenser has been replaced under an extended warranty program. For vehicles from 2022 to 2025, while fewer issues are reported, it’s still essential to confirm that any necessary updates or replacements have been completed.
FAQ
What Honda Civic years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2016-2021 models due to oil dilution and A/C condenser issues. The 2022-2025 models are better but still have some complaints.
What is Honda Civic oil dilution?
Oil dilution occurs when fuel washes past the piston rings into the crankcase, causing the oil level to rise and smell of gasoline. This is common in cold climates and with short-trip driving.
Is the Honda Civic 1.5 turbo reliable?
The 1.5T engine is less reliable in the 2016-2021 models due to oil dilution issues. The 2022-2025 models are more reliable but still have some reported issues.