2013 Honda Civic Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 1st of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 329; 31 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 8.2; 363,112 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.21×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 87; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 0
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2012 Civic 2014 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2013 Honda Civic?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2013 Honda Civic is 89 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is airbag warning lights (74 of 329 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and the brakes. 87 of the 329 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has no recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for paint cracking, chalking or clouding and hybrid motor power inverter. NHTSA rates it 4 to 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2012 scores 84 and the 2014 scores 85.

Before you buy, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 14-034 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 89
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No recalls

Cons

Airbag warning light74 complaints
Steering: loss of steering control31 complaints
Brakes: loss of braking20 complaints

How the 2013 Civic Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.17×	−2
Everyday problems	0.29×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.38×	−5
Recalls	0.30×	−2
Score		89

What Owners Report

We read all 329 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Airbag warning light
74 complaints (22%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
31 complaints (9%)
Loss of steering control, warning lights and locking up. 13 of these 31 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
20 complaints (6%)
Loss of braking, unusual noises and early wear. 2 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
19 complaints (6%)
No deployment in a crash, partial deployment and deployment with no crash. 3 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
ABS: warning lights
16 complaints (5%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 16 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Paint and rust: damage
15 complaints (5%)
Damage, peeling paint and chalking or cracking paint. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA) failure
15 complaints (5%)
A failure, warning lights and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
12 complaints (4%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and pulling or wandering. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (3%)
Hesitation. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
9 complaints (3%)
Stalling, vibration or shudder and warning lights. 7 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
9 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and wrong readings. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
8 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and the car rolling away. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
7 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU) failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure and a loss of power. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

Show 37 more problems

Screen and audio: works on and off
6 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
6 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
6 complaints (2%)
Damage, a feature that stopped working and electric shocks to occupants. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata) failure
5 complaints (2%)
A failure. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Cruise control: stopped working
5 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, speed not held and surging. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
5 complaints (2%)
Deployment with no crash, a failure and no deployment in a crash. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
5 complaints (2%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Wheel bearings failure
5 complaints (2%)
A failure and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Defroster: stopped working
4 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and windshield fogs faster than it clears. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Fuel leak
4 complaints (1%)
A leak. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Horn: stopped working
4 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
4 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
4 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Seat belts: not releasing
4 complaints (1%)
Not releasing, a feature that stopped working and early wear. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Stalling. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and early wear.
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a failure and warning lights.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, early wear and parts breaking or coming apart.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
A/C: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
CVT: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Blower motor: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part.
Engine sensors or computer failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Ignition or push-button start: not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Cable reel failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Clock spring failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Door hinge: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness.
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Rearview camera: image not visible in rain
2 complaints (under 1%)
Image not visible in rain and problems that come and go.
Starter: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Sunroof: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and water leaking in.
Transmission failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Shifter or park: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and sticking or stiffness.

Reported Once (32)

Show the 32 problems reported once

A/C condenser: a leak
EVAP system failure
Adaptive cruise control: warning lights
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
Brake power assist: loss of braking
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Door latches: sticking or stiffness
CV axles: unusual noises
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Exterior lights: stopped working
Exterior trim: part missing from assembly
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Headlights: too dim
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Manual transmission or clutch: failure or loss of drive
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Oil pressure: warning lights
Cylinder heads failure
Driver airbag assembly failure
Electrical system failure
Fuel cap: a bad smell
Lug nuts: parts breaking or coming apart
Parking brake: locking up
Phone and navigation: works on and off
Piston rings failure
Door lock actuators: works on and off
Road departure mitigation: warning lights
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Struts or shocks: damage
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Windshield: optical distortion

How the 2013 Honda Civic Compares With Other Years

The other Civic years of the 9th generation, 2012 to 2015, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2016	Good	71	0.77×	29.5	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2015	Excellent	84	0.38×	10.8	1	CVT failure
2014	Excellent	85	0.33×	10.6	2	CVT: failure or loss of drive
2013 This year	Excellent	89	0.21×	8.2	0	Airbag warning light
2012	Excellent	84	0.27×	9.7	4	Steering: loss of steering control
2011	Excellent	82	0.29×	10.5	9	Brakes: early wear

See every Civic year

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 14-034
Paint cracking, chalking or clouding
The problem:
The factory paint can crack or look chalky or cloudy on the hood and front fender edges. The roof, trunk and doors can look chalky or cloudy.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the affected painted panels for free.
Who qualifies:
A Honda dealer inspection must find cracked, chalky or cloudy factory paint. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, sap and bird droppings are not covered. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 20-030
Hybrid motor power inverter
The problem:
The hybrid motor power inverter can fail from a defective solder joint. Warning lights come on and electric motor power, braking or steering help can drop.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the motor power inverter, also called the intelligent inverter unit, for free.
Who qualifies:
The inverter must have failed from a defective solder joint, shown by a listed fault code. Otherwise it is not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
15 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-059 and 18-060
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. The owner pays for the inspection if the inflator is not faulty. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until June 30, 2030.
Bulletin 18-059 (PDF)Bulletin 18-060 (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Air bags failing to deploy after electrical overstress
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis studied air bag computers used by six makers. It covered Honda Accords, Civics and CR-Vs from 2012 to 2016. A crash-related electrical spike could damage a chip, so air bags might not deploy. NHTSA closed the case in September 2024 after maker recalls, including 20V-024. It did not clear vehicles outside the recalls.
NHTSA EA19001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 19, 2019 to Sep 19, 2024
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2013 Civic ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD and Hybrid 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

2-door FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2013 Civic, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

14-034: paint cracking, chalking or clouding
20-030: hybrid motor power inverter

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Airbag warning lights
Steering
Brakes
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Civic Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.