2016 Honda Civic
2016 model shown · Photo: DLA75, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact cars · 10th gen generation

2021 Honda Civic: reliability, problems and cost to own

Smart buy Well 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.

Reliability

89/100

Well above average

Repairs, 5 years

$1,378

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$5,667

36 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$14,443

$12,709 – $16,176, estimate

Recalls

4

on record

Owner complaints

159

filed with NHTSA

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

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Honda Civic

Of the years we rate, the 2021 scores best (89/100) and the 2022 worst (15/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202462/100
202338/100
202215/100
202189/100
202074/100
201958/100
201843/100
201745/100
201620/100
201557/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Honda Civic a year to avoid?

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).

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Civic have?

4 recalls on record with NHTSA.