2020 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 9th of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 230; 22 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 7.6; 275,448 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.38×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 83; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2019 Civic 2021 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2020 Honda Civic?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2020 Honda Civic is 82 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 9th of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the manual transmission or clutch, mostly slipping (27 of 230 complaints). Owners also complain about automatic emergency braking and the steering. 83 of the 230 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 a/C condenser leaks. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 78 and the 2021 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

Excellent reliability score of 82
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

Manual transmission or clutch: slipping27 complaints
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead25 complaints
Steering: sticking or stiffness24 complaints

How the 2020 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	0.37×	−6
Everyday problems	0.41×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.30×	−4
Recalls	1.1×	−6
Score		82

What Owners Report

We read all 230 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Manual transmission or clutch: slipping
27 complaints (12%)
Slipping, failure or loss of drive and surging. 16 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
25 complaints (11%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. 15 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
24 complaints (10%)
Sticking or stiffness, loss of steering control and damage. 6 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. 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 45,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
11 complaints (5%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem.
A/C evaporator: a leak
11 complaints (5%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and shattering or cracking. 2 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
10 complaints (4%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Fuel pump: stalling
9 complaints (4%)
Stalling, the car not starting and rough running or misfires. 7 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
7 complaints (3%)
A loss of power. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Stall (cause not stated)
7 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
A/C compressor: a leak
6 complaints (3%)
A leak and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
6 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, hard braking with nothing ahead and warning lights. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
6 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and unusual noises.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
6 complaints (3%)
The car not starting and hard starting.
Seat belts failure
5 complaints (2%)
A failure, too tight on chest and warning lights.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
5 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking.

Show 23 more problems

Uneven tire wear: early wear
4 complaints (2%)
Early wear and pulling or wandering. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Several warning lights at once
4 complaints (2%)
Warning lights.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
4 complaints (2%)
Not shutting off and the system acting on its own.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Tires: blowout
4 complaints (2%)
Blowout, bubble and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working.
CVT: failure or loss of drive
3 complaints (1%)
Failure or loss of drive and unusual noises. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Battery drain: draining the battery
3 complaints (1%)
Draining the battery. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
3 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Paint and rust: damage
3 complaints (1%)
Damage.
Parking brake: the car rolling away
3 complaints (1%)
The car rolling away. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
3 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own.
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
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.
Body seals (water leak) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and water leaking in.
Headlights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a failure.
Alarm (anti-theft): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.

Reported Once (44)

Show the 44 problems reported once

ABS: warning lights
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Control module (unspecified) failure
Defroster
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
CV axles: unusual noises
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Engine overheating
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel filler door: the system acting on its own
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel injector
Fuel system: failure or loss of drive
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
High-pressure fuel pump: reduced power or limp mode
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Key fob: stopped working
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Driver-assist camera and radar: warning lights
Noise (cause not stated)
Passenger airbag sensor failure
A/C compressor shaft seal failure
A/C shaft seal failure
Alternator drive belt: parts breaking or coming apart
Cruise control: the system acting on its own
Driver assist features: stopped working
O-ring from recall repair (cause not stated)
Rollaway while in Park (cause not stated)
Rollaway while parked (cause not stated)
Steering jerk by an unnamed driver-assist feature: the system acting on its own
Trunk latch: not closing or latching
Wheel attachment (felt about to detach): pulling or wandering
Wheel hub bolts (lug bolts): parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel went sideways (cause not stated)
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
Road departure mitigation: hard braking with nothing ahead
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
Stability control (VSA): stopped working
Struts or shocks: stopped working
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Torque converter failure
Turbocharger: fault code
Wheel bearings: parts breaking or coming apart

How the 2020 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 This year	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	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

2020 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.
Air bags: front passenger
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V064000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 52% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V458000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 84% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V215000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 25, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 90% 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)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2020 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, Hatch 5-door hatchback FWD and Si 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Hatch Type-R 5-door hatchback FWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2020 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
Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 24V064000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder NHTSA 23V458000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 21V215000

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

On the Test Drive

Check that the clutch engages smoothly and every gear goes in without grinding.
Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

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

Manual transmission or clutch
Automatic emergency braking
Steering
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.