2016 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 21st of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,081; 43 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 29.5; 351,522 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.77×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 225; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2015 Civic 2017 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2016 Honda Civic?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Honda Civic is 71 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 21st of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly sticking or stiffness (438 of 1,081 complaints). Owners also complain about the A/C and the A/C compressor. 225 of the 1,081 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for a/C condenser leaks and engine oil diluted by fuel, misfire and engine damage. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2017 scores 79.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 19-091 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 71
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Steering: sticking or stiffness438 complaints
A/C: stopped working93 complaints
A/C compressor: a leak83 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2016 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	0.53×	−8
Everyday problems	1.3×	−5
Problems in the last two years	1.4×	−10
Recalls	0.89×	−6
Score		71

What Owners Report

We read all 1,081 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Steering: sticking or stiffness
438 complaints (41%)
Sticking or stiffness, locking up and pulling or wandering. 38 of these 438 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 55 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 19 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
93 complaints (9%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and a leak. 2 of these 93 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 21 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
A/C compressor: a leak
83 complaints (8%)
A leak, a failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 83 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 16 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
A/C condenser failure
49 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
36 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Brakes: warning lights
31 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, loss of braking and locking up. 9 of these 31 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: parts breaking or coming apart
31 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. In 17 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 0 miles.
Parking brake: warning lights
29 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, the car rolling away and a feature that stopped working. 11 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. 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 25,000 miles.
A/C evaporator: a leak
25 complaints (2%)
A leak and a failure. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
23 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 23 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Paint and rust: paint peeling
21 complaints (2%)
Paint peeling, peeling / flaking and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
20 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 4 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
16 complaints (1%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. 15 of these 16 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. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
12V battery failure
13 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, draining the battery and the car not starting. 5 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
12 complaints (1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and a feature that stopped working. 8 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.

Show 71 more problems

Phone and navigation: stopped working
12 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and day mode at night. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
ABS failure
11 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, warning lights and a leak. 7 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
CVT failure
11 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, harsh or delayed shifts and stalling. 7 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
11 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
11 complaints (1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 2 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
11 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Defroster: stopped working
10 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and takes over 10 minutes to defog. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
10 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling, surging and a failure. 6 of these 10 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 8,000 miles.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
10 complaints (under 1%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
10 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
10 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 6 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
9 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, warning lights and problems that come and go. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
9 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Rearview camera: works on and off
8 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and distorted image. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
8 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and the system not working when needed. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Tires: blowout
8 complaints (under 1%)
Blowout, parts breaking or coming apart and unusual noises. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
8 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Key fob: stopped working
7 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
7 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away, failure or loss of drive and not releasing. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: works on and off
6 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, hard braking with nothing ahead and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Brake hold or auto hold: the system acting on its own
6 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and hard braking with nothing ahead. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Engine failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 6 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
6 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
6 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell, a leak and overfills, pump does not shut off. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
A/C evaporator coil: a leak
6 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Capless fuel filler: a leak
6 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
5 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell.
Door latches: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, not opening or unlocking and a feature that stopped working.
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA) failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and jerks forward after stopping. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Windshield wipers failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, too weak to clear heavy rain and problems that come and go. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
EVAP system: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure.
Cooling system: a leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and overheating.
Cylinder head gasket failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a leak. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Fuel filler door: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, the system acting on its own and not opening or unlocking. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Transmission computer failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, the car not starting and a stored fault code. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Turbocharger failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Control module (unspecified) failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Fuel pump: rust or corrosion
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion, a failure that needed a new part and stalling. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel leak: rust or corrosion
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion.
Horn: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and too quiet to be heard.
Interior trim: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a fire. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
A/C evaporator core: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure.
A/C expansion valve: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and a leak.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and problems that come and go. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Seat belts failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, sticking or stiffness and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Surging and sudden acceleration. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
2 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Brake power assist failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a hard pedal or less assist. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Headlights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Manual transmission or clutch: slipping
2 complaints (under 1%)
Slipping and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Mirrors: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and damage.
A/C O-ring: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
A/C compressor shaft seal: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Steering wheel controls: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Trunk lid latch or release: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Road departure mitigation: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and warning lights.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Starter: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.

Reported Once (53)

Show the 53 problems reported once

Ball joints and control arms failure
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine overheating
Engine sensors or computer: stalling
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Exterior lights: stopped working
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Heater: stopped working
Hood latch: hood switch trips the alarm
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires
Ignition or push-button start: the car rolling away
Intercooler or charge air cooler failure
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
A/C Schrader valves: a leak
A/C connecting hose failure
A/C front seal failure
A/C gasket failure
A/C hose failure
A/C hoses failure
A/C lines failure
A/C refrigerant piping: a leak
A/C suction hose: a leak
PCV pipe: shattering or cracking
Belt failure
Body panel dent (C-pillar crease): damage
Brake light switch failure
Cruise control: stopped working
Differential (inside transmission): unusual noises
Door fit (door sticks out)
Engine block: shattering or cracking
Front wheel detached: parts breaking or coming apart
Lighting (not specified)
Rear-end fishtailing (cause not stated)
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
Tie rod end
Transmission fluid filler cap: parts breaking or coming apart
Trunk lid spring: parts breaking or coming apart
Unable to reverse (cause not stated)
Underbody cover: parts breaking or coming apart
Underbody protective plate: parts breaking or coming apart
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
Wheel lug nuts: self-loosening
Wheel speed sensor failure
Windshield washer system: a leak
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
Sway bar links: a leak
Sunroof: works on and off
Valve train: a loss of power
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheel bearings failure

How the 2016 Honda Civic Compares With Other Years

The other Civic years of the 10th generation, 2016 to 2021, 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
2022	Caution	64	2.5×	43.7	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2021	Good	78	0.41×	8.1	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2020	Excellent	82	0.38×	7.6	5	Manual transmission or clutch: slipping
2019	Good	78	0.49×	11.4	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2018	Good	72	0.64×	19.0	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2017	Good	79	0.42×	14.7	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2016 This year	Good	71	0.77×	29.5	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2015	Excellent	84	0.38×	10.8	1	CVT failure

See every Civic year

2016 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.

Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Parking brake
If the EPB is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V725000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 11, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Exterior lighting
If a side marker light does not function, vehicle visibility can be decreased to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V526000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 11, 2016. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine and engine cooling: engine
If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire.
NHTSA 16V074000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 9, 2016. By the second quarter of 2017, 97% 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 19-091
A/C condenser leaks
The problem:
The A/C condenser can be defective from the factory. Corrosion can form tiny holes in it and let refrigerant leak out.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the A/C condenser for free.
Who qualifies:
The condenser must leak from corrosion or a factory defect. Leaks caused by foreign object damage are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, if the condenser leaks from a factory defect.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 19-033
Engine oil diluted by fuel, misfire and engine damage
The problem:
Software settings in a control unit can let fuel dilute the engine oil. This can cause misfires, a whirling engine noise and damage to parts like the camshafts.
The fix:
A Honda dealer updates the software and replaces the A/C control unit for free. Engine parts damaged by the problem, such as camshafts or rocker arms, are repaired too.
Who qualifies:
Only Civics with the 1.5L engine qualify. The car must have misfire or too rich fuel fault codes, or a whirling engine noise. Any earlier Honda product updates must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
6 years from the original sale date. No mileage limit for engine repairs caused by these problems.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2016 Civic ratings on NHTSA.gov.

2-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 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.

Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Parking brake NHTSA 16V725000
Exterior lighting NHTSA 16V526000
Engine and engine cooling: engine NHTSA 16V074000

Ask a Honda Dealer

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

19-091: a/C condenser leaks
19-033: engine oil diluted by fuel, misfire and engine damage

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Run the air conditioning on max for 10 minutes. The air should stay cold.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

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

Steering
A/C
A/C compressor
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.