2018 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 18th of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 748; 107 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 19.0; 337,867 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.64×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 189; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 Civic 2019 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2018 Honda Civic?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2018 Honda Civic is 72 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 18th of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly sticking or stiffness (306 of 748 complaints). Owners also complain about the A/C and the A/C evaporator. 189 of the 748 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. Honda also offers 3 warranty extensions that may still apply, for a/C condenser leaks and a/C condenser leaks. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2017 scores 79 and the 2019 scores 78.

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 72
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Steering: sticking or stiffness306 complaints
A/C: stopped working47 complaints
A/C evaporator: a leak35 complaints

How the 2018 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	0.52×	−8
Everyday problems	0.90×	−4
Problems in the last two years	1.1×	−10
Recalls	1.1×	−6
Score		72

What Owners Report

We read all 748 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Steering: sticking or stiffness
306 complaints (41%)
Sticking or stiffness, loss of steering control and locking up. 36 of these 306 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 19 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 11 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
47 complaints (6%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and one side blows warm. 2 of these 47 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. In 8 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
A/C evaporator: a leak
35 complaints (5%)
A leak, a failure and a feature that stopped working. 3 of these 35 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
A/C condenser failure
32 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, a leak and a feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
27 complaints (4%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 14 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
A/C compressor failure
26 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, a leak and unusual noises. 1 of these 26 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
21 complaints (3%)
Stalling, vibration or shudder and unusual noises. 17 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
19 complaints (3%)
Stalling and nearly stalled. 17 of these 19 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 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (2%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and surging. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
16 complaints (2%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. 1 of these 16 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
13 complaints (2%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
13 complaints (2%)
A failure, draining the battery and damage. 6 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
12 complaints (2%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, a feature that stopped working and the system not working when needed. 8 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
12 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
11 complaints (1%)
Damage, paint chipping off and paint bubbling and clear coat lifting. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.

Show 47 more problems

Fuel injector: rough running or misfires
10 complaints (1%)
Rough running or misfires, a failure and surging. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
10 complaints (1%)
A bad smell and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
9 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
9 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and a feature that stopped working. 5 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a loss of power
9 complaints (1%)
A loss of power, a failure and the car not starting. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Brakes: loss of braking
8 complaints (1%)
Loss of braking, warning lights and unusual noises. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
8 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and muffled call audio. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
8 complaints (1%)
A loss of power. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Tires: blowout
8 complaints (1%)
Blowout, shattering or cracking and damage. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
7 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
6 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires and reduced power or limp mode. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
6 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, unusual noises and a failure.
Seats: unusual noises
6 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, overheating and damage. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Key fob: not opening or unlocking
5 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, problems that come and go and reduced range.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
12V battery failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and draining the battery. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and warning lights.
Airbag warning light
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
4 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Defroster: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and not securely attached.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and the system acting on its own.
Manual transmission or clutch: harsh or delayed shifts
4 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, sticking or stiffness and failure or loss of drive. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Parking brake: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system not working when needed and the car rolling away. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Brake hold or auto hold: the car rolling away
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away, warning lights and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Seat belts: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, not closing or latching and warning lights. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
ABS: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a failure that needed a new part.
CVT: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and a failure that needed a new part.
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.
Body seals (water leak): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and water leaking in.
Cylinder head gasket: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
CV axles failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Engine failure: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and failure or loss of drive. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Forward collision warning: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed and a feature that stopped working.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: a loss of power
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Door handle failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and draining the battery. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Rearview camera: blurry low-resolution image
2 complaints (under 1%)
Blurry low-resolution image and a feature that stopped working.
Stability control (VSA) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights.
Shifter or park: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (under 1%)
Failure or loss of drive and the car rolling away. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.

Reported Once (37)

Show the 37 problems reported once

EVAP system failure
Brake power assist failure
Control module (unspecified) failure
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine overheating
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel leak: a bad smell
Headlights: works on and off
Horn: the system acting on its own
Ignition or push-button start: key turns to off when bumped
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
Mirrors: loose, shakes while driving
Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
A/C expansion valve and pipe failure
A/C hoses failure
A/C refrigerant tubing: a leak
Car moves a foot after shifting into park (cause not stated)
Cylinder head bolts
Electrical power loss: works on and off
Emissions system: kick back while driving
Engine block (fluid leak)
Lane departure warning: stopped working
Rear window wiper and washer: stopped working
Trunk latch or release: the system acting on its own
Underbody skid plate: unusual noises
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Phone and navigation: works on and off
Power windows or regulator: unusual noises
Road departure mitigation: the system acting on its own
Side blind zone alert: works on and off
Sway bar links failure
Starter failure
Struts or shocks failure
Sunroof: stopped working
Turbocharger: a loss of power
Wheels seized (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own

How the 2018 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 This year	Good	72	0.64×	19.0	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2017	Good	79	0.42×	14.7	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2016	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

2018 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.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V314000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
If the information is missing or improper, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
NHTSA 18V817000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 16, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering: electric power assist system
The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 18V663000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Equipment: labels
If the owner is not able to verify if their vehicle is involved in safety recall, it can increase the risk of injury or crash.
NHTSA 18V421000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2018. By the fourth quarter of 2019, 100% 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 21-014
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:
Only Civic Type R cars qualify. 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 2018 Civic ratings on NHTSA.gov.

2-door FWD and Si 2-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

4-door FWD, 5-door hatchback FWD and Si 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Type R 5-door hatchback FWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 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
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 20V314000
Equipment: owners/service/other manual NHTSA 18V817000
Steering: electric power assist system NHTSA 18V663000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

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
21-014: 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.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits 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 evaporator
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.