2026 Honda Civic Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
scored
Too new for a score. Here is what owners and NHTSA have reported so far.
- Owner complaints
- 28
- Per 10,000 cars
- 1.6
- 171,239 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 10
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2026 Honda Civic?
It is too new to judge. The 2026 Honda Civic has 28 owner complaints and 1 recall so far. We expect a first provisional score around July 2027.
The 2024 Civic, from the same generation, scored 76 and rated Good. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.
The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (7 of 28 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and windshield wipers. 10 of the 28 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
Cons
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead7 complaints
- Steering: sticking or stiffness3 complaints
- Windshield wipers: washer misses windshield2 complaints
Why There Is No Final Score Yet
Too new to score. First provisional score expected around July 2027.
So far there are 28 owner complaints, 10 with a serious outcome, and 1 recall. Early counts are not enough to judge a model year. The automaker's production report for it is not complete yet.
It is the same generation as the 2024 Civic, which scored 76 and rated Good. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.
What Owners Report
We read all 28 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2026 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
7 complaints (25%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system not working when needed and a feature that stopped working. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (11%)
Sticking or stiffness and not releasing. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
Windshield wipers: washer misses windshield
2 complaints (7%)
Washer misses windshield.
Reported Once (16)
Show the 16 problems reported once
- A/C: insufficient cooling
- CVT: hesitation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Airbags: deployment with no crash
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Brakes: loss of braking
- Cooling system: damage
- Fuel pump: not shutting off
- Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
- Front left wheel and axle
- Steering wheel cable reel (clock spring): unusual noises
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
- Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
- Vibration (cause not stated)
How the 2026 Honda Civic Compares With Other Years
The other Civic years of the 11th generation, 2022 to 2026, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 This year | Too new | – | – | 1.6 | 1 | Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead |
| 2025 | Provisional 75 | – | – | 3.5 | 2 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2024 | Good | 76 | 0.60× | 4.7 | 3 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2023 | Caution | 67 | 1.5× | 20.1 | 5 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2022 | Caution | 64 | 2.5× | 43.7 | 4 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2021 | Good | 78 | 0.41× | 8.1 | 4 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
2026 Honda Civic Recalls
One recall covers the 2026 Honda Civic. It was issued in October 2024: “Difficulty Steering from Steering Gearbox Damage.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.
Difficulty Steering from Steering Gearbox Damage
Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 24V744000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 3, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2026 Civic ratings on NHTSA.gov.
Hatchback Hybrid 5-door FWD, Hatchback 5-door FWD, Sedan Hybrid 4-door FWD, Sedan 4-door FWD and Sedan Si 4-door FWD
Hatchback Type R 5-door FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2026 Civic, from its recall and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Difficulty Steering from Steering Gearbox Damage NHTSA 24V744000
On the Test Drive
- 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.
- Automatic emergency braking
- Steering
- Windshield wipers
- 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