2021 Honda Civic: reliability, problems and cost to own
Smart buyWell above average
It scores 89 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,058 to own, including $1,378 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
Engine & cooling$458
Steering$302
Transmission & drivetrain$265
Driver-assist & stability$104
Electrical system$86
Fuel system$40
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
No. It scores 89 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact cars of 2015–2024.
Is the 2021 Honda Civic reliable?
It scores 89 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 159 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,378 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
How much does a 2021 Honda Civic cost to own?
About $10,058 over 5 years: $3,013 in lost value, $1,378 in repairs and $5,667 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $14,443 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).