2014 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 2nd of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 296; 15 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 10.6; 265,723 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.33×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 125; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 2
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2013 Civic 2015 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2014 Honda Civic?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2014 Honda Civic is 85 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 2nd of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the CVT, mostly failure or loss of drive (62 of 296 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and tire pressure monitoring. 125 of the 296 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 2 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for hybrid motor power inverter. NHTSA rates it 4 to 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2013 scores 89 and the 2015 scores 84.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 20-030 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 85
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

CVT: failure or loss of drive62 complaints
Airbag warning light31 complaints
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights25 complaints

How the 2014 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	0.35×	−5
Everyday problems	0.30×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.33×	−4
Recalls	0.53×	−4
Score		85

What Owners Report

We read all 296 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

CVT: failure or loss of drive
62 complaints (21%)
Failure or loss of drive, parts breaking or coming apart and harsh or delayed shifts. 45 of these 62 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
31 complaints (10%)
Warning lights. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
25 complaints (8%)
Warning lights and a failure. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
22 complaints (7%)
No deployment in a crash, a failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code. 4 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
22 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a leak and a failure that needed a new part. 8 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
18 complaints (6%)
A leak, fill plug pops off and fill cap comes off. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
14 complaints (5%)
Stalling. 11 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 10 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
13 complaints (4%)
A loss of power and failure or loss of drive. All 13 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 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 27,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
11 complaints (4%)
Hesitation. 6 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
10 complaints (3%)
Loss of braking, inconsistent pedal pressure and locking up. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
10 complaints (3%)
Loss of steering control, a feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. 5 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration, sticking or stiffness and surging. 7 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
7 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and delayed deployment. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
6 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
5 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, a failure that needed a new part and smoke or a burning smell. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.

Show 26 more problems

ABS failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises.
Seat belts: stopped working
4 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and a stored fault code. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
The car not starting. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
4 complaints (1%)
The car rolling away, damage and not releasing. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code.
Ignition or push-button start failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
3 complaints (1%)
Damage and rust or corrosion.
Stability control (VSA): stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder and car jars forward off throttle.
A/C: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Door latches: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Screen and audio: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Manual transmission or clutch failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Fluid leak (type and source not stated) (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and damage.

Reported Once (33)

Show the 33 problems reported once

12V battery: draining the battery
A/C compressor failure
EVAP system failure
VTC actuator: unusual noises
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
Cooling system failure
Engine failure
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel pump: a leak
Fuel leak
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Headlights: low beams too dim
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU): a loss of power
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
Abrupt deceleration when coasting (cause not stated)
Accessory power outlet failure
Belt tensioner bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Burning smell on highway (cause not stated)
Cable reel failure
Cable relay (clock spring) failure
Electrical system failure
Fire from dashboard (cause not stated)
Spiral cable failure
Steering column cable reel failure
Parking brake: parts breaking or coming apart
Phone and navigation: works on and off
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
Seats: stopped working
Side blind zone alert: stopped working
Wheels seized (cause not stated)
Windshield wipers: sticking or stiffness

How the 2014 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 This year	Excellent	85	0.33×	10.6	2	CVT: failure or loss of drive
2013	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

2014 Honda Civic Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Power train: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 15V574000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 15, 2015. By the first quarter of 2017, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Tires: bead
The tire damage could cause the tire to lose air, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 14V109000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 10, 2014. By the third quarter of 2015, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

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 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 2014 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 2014 Civic, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Power train: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) NHTSA 15V574000
Tires: bead NHTSA 14V109000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

20-030: hybrid motor power inverter

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.

Ask the Seller

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

CVT
Airbag warning lights
Tire pressure monitoring
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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.