2015 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 3rd of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 393; 9 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 10.8; 354,535 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.38×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 187; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 1
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2014 Civic 2016 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2015 Honda Civic?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2015 Honda Civic is 84 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 3rd of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the CVT (149 of 393 complaints). Owners also complain about loss of power and airbag warning lights. 187 of the 393 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 1 recall. 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 2014 scores 85.

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 84
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 failure149 complaints
Loss of power (cause not stated)27 complaints
Airbag warning light26 complaints

How the 2015 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	0.41×	−6
Everyday problems	0.30×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.36×	−5
Recalls	0.39×	−3
Score		84

What Owners Report

We read all 393 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

CVT failure
149 complaints (38%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and fill plug popping out. 99 of these 149 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 12 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
27 complaints (7%)
A loss of power, failure or loss of drive and problems that come and go. 25 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
26 complaints (7%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
20 complaints (5%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a stored fault code. 4 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
15 complaints (4%)
Peeling, damage and peeling paint. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Steering: pulling or wandering
14 complaints (4%)
Pulling or wandering, sticking or stiffness and loss of steering control. 5 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
14 complaints (4%)
A leak. 1 of these 14 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
12 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
12 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 9 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
10 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
12V battery failure
9 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, warning lights and a fire. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
8 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 7 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
8 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
7 complaints (2%)
Early wear, blowout and damage. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights.

Show 29 more problems

Manual transmission or clutch: unusual noises
6 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, sticking or stiffness and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Rearview camera: works on and off
6 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, image extremely dark and image too dark in sun. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
5 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises, loss of braking and skid when braking. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
5 complaints (1%)
Stalling, unusual noises and vibration or shudder. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
5 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Shifter or park: stopped working
5 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the car rolling away and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Vibration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
ABS failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure and warning lights. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Engine failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded.
Key fob failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure, draining the battery and problems that come and go.
Seat belts: sticking or stiffness
4 complaints (1%)
Sticking or stiffness, did not restrain driver and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Wheels seized (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Locking up. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: rear end will not hold alignment
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rear end will not hold alignment and early wear. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Blower motor: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
Screen and audio: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, parts breaking or coming apart and problems that come and go.
Stability control (VSA): works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part.
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and a failure that needed a new part.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. Both describe a serious outcome.
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Ignition or push-button start: overheating
2 complaints (under 1%)
Overheating and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Instrument cluster: sun glare obstructs view
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sun glare obstructs view and wrong readings.
Parking brake: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and draining the battery.
Transmission computer: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (under 1%)
Failure or loss of drive. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and unusual noises.

Reported Once (31)

Show the 31 problems reported once

A/C: works on and off
A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart
VTC actuator: unusual noises
Battery drain: draining the battery
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
Climate controls: cold air with A/C off
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
Engine sensors or computer failure
Fuel leak
Hood latch: latch came loose
Horn: stopped working
Interior trim: damage
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
NOx sensor: a loss of power
Cable reel (clockspring): parts breaking or coming apart
Cruise control (resumes after clutch): does not disengage
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Reel cable (clock spring) failure
Throttle body (sticking): sticking or stiffness
Trunk latch: opens by itself
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
Vehicle would not move (cause not stated)
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
Starter failure
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Struts or shocks: early wear
Sunroof: unusual noises
Torque converter failure
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)

How the 2015 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 This year	Excellent	84	0.38×	10.8	1	CVT failure
2014	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

2015 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.

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 2015 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 2015 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

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.
Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.
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.

CVT
Loss of power
Airbag warning lights
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.