2020 Honda Civic: reliability, problems and cost to own
Smart buyAbove average
It scores 74 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,020 to own, including $1,562 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Honda Civic.
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Where repair money is likely to go
Transmission & drivetrain$500
Engine & cooling$472
Steering$201
Electrical system$101
Driver-assist & stability$84
Fuel system$58
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Recalls
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front PassengerMay 22, 2026 · campaign 26V332000
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 tan
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master CylinderJun 29, 2023 · campaign 23V458000
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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
No. It scores 74 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact cars of 2015–2024.
Is the 2020 Honda Civic reliable?
It scores 74 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 238 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,562 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
How much does a 2020 Honda Civic cost to own?
About $10,020 over 5 years: $2,791 in lost value, $1,562 in repairs and $5,667 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $13,379 today.
What are the best years of the Honda Civic?
Of the years we rate, the 2021 scores best (89/100) and the 2022 worst (15/100).