2021 Honda Civic Problems & Owner Complaints

Steering 60 1 crash

“This vehicle has started to randomly start pulling to the left or right as it's moving at a high rate of speed. It was diagnosed by the dealer to need the steering rack replaced. This is the same issue the 2022-2024 Honda Civic are being recalled for. The dealership stated that they have seen a lot of 2021 model coming in for this same issue so I am concerned it could involve the 2021 models as well. It has become very dangerous to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11567795, 2023 · crash

“Steering locks up at highway speeds. This vehicle has only 36,526 miles on the odometer. This is a serious safety issue and could easily cause a high speed crash. The dealer has road tested and confirms the problem. The dealer states the electric steering box is at fault. We are having the electric steering box replaced by the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11753496, 2026

“Vehicle: 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Current Mileage: ~24,400 miles Component: Steering / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Gearbox / Steering Rack Summary of Issue: Vehicle is experiencing severe "sticky steering" (mechanical binding) in the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) assembly while driving, most noticeably at highway speeds. The steering wheel feels stuck when trying to make minor lane adjustments, requiring noticeable extra force to break free, which causes the vehicle to over-correct and weave. This is an active safety hazard that interferes with normal vehicle control. The vehicle has…”
NHTSA complaint #11753123, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 32 2 crash 1 fire

“Driving down the highway about 70 mph and it started to rain so little that I had not even needed the wipers yet. Then out of nowhere with absolutely no warning what so ever the breaks locked up and the car began to slide and was completely unresponsive to any solution possible. The steering wheel was locked in place and the break peddle was so far to the floor I was not able to reach it. After colliding with the propane delivery truck which I was unable to see due to passanger side airbags which inflated unnecessarily with no passanger in the vehicle. After finally coming to a stop I was goin…”
NHTSA complaint #11523210, 2022 · crash · fire

“My 2021 Honda civic ex’ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run. As I was in between policies with my insurance therefore I wasn’t covered for the accident and I am now suffering financial hardships.. dealership didn’t want to hear what I had to say because it was a new car & no recalls were announced at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11659892, 2023 · crash

“Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped”
NHTSA complaint #11745360, 2026

Service Brakes 18 2 crash 1 fire

“Driving down the highway about 70 mph and it started to rain so little that I had not even needed the wipers yet. Then out of nowhere with absolutely no warning what so ever the breaks locked up and the car began to slide and was completely unresponsive to any solution possible. The steering wheel was locked in place and the break peddle was so far to the floor I was not able to reach it. After colliding with the propane delivery truck which I was unable to see due to passanger side airbags which inflated unnecessarily with no passanger in the vehicle. After finally coming to a stop I was goin…”
NHTSA complaint #11523210, 2022 · crash · fire

“My 2021 Honda civic ex’ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run. As I was in between policies with my insurance therefore I wasn’t covered for the accident and I am now suffering financial hardships.. dealership didn’t want to hear what I had to say because it was a new car & no recalls were announced at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11659892, 2023 · crash

“Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped”
NHTSA complaint #11745360, 2026

Electrical System 17 1 crash

“My 2021 Honda civic ex’ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run. As I was in between policies with my insurance therefore I wasn’t covered for the accident and I am now suffering financial hardships.. dealership didn’t want to hear what I had to say because it was a new car & no recalls were announced at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11659892, 2023 · crash

“A recent Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure on my 2021 Honda Civic that resulted in a repair of the entire steering rack. I took my vehicle to Vandedrgriff dealership for routine maintenance, including tire replacement, alignment, oil change, and a multi-point inspection. The car passed all checks and was deemed safe to drive. However, immediately after leaving, the steering became sticky and difficult to control on the freeway — a serious safety risk. Upon returning the next day, I was informed of an internal EPS failure, with a repair estimate exceeding $4,584.30. I later discovered thi…”
NHTSA complaint #11681077, 2025

“With my steering wheel, when turning, the wheel will sometimes get “sticky”. Making it so I have to use extra force to get he wheel “unstuck”. Took it to my mechanic, they found a recall for the ‘22-‘23 year model civics for this same problem. The electric steering motor can sometimes fault and cause the wheel to get stuck while turning.This was not for the ‘21 year. I called my dealership, they said there was nothing I could do as there is no recall for my vin, although I’m having the exact same problem as the ‘22-‘23 models. He recommended I can the Honda 1-800 number. Pretty much got told…”
NHTSA complaint #11674074, 2025

Unknown Or Other 12

“Spontaneous rear window shattering while parked. Problem not confirmed or reproduced Insurance claim filed for repair No warning lamps, messages or symptoms of impending problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11746766, 2026

“Steering wheel seems to "stick" when positioned in the center and "unsticking" it requires extra effort causing the wheel to jerk free and making you overcorrect for what would be a minor lane adjustment. It causes you to zig zag back and forth in your lane as you try to correct each time the steering wheel stick. It has happened to me multiple times on multi hour drives on the highway and persists until the end of the drive. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by any professionals and the first signs of the sticking issue appeared several weeks ago beginning this winter.”
NHTSA complaint #11718048, 2026

“A/C System completely failed. During a diagnostic they found three components with refrigerant leaks. 1) Compressor Shaft Seal 2) A/C Condenser 3) Evaporator Core A certified Honda Service center completed the diagnostic. The issue first appeared in late 2025. During the winter I rarely use Air Conditioning but now in Spring/Summer it does not cool at all. Honda knows there is an issue with the Air Conditioning system on this generation of Honda Civic, they cover the Compressor shaft seal but not the other components, on an extended warranty. My main issue is that Honda covers replaceme…”
NHTSA complaint #11743881, 2025

Lane Departure 11

“The Steering Gearbox, Electronic Power Steering failed. The steering was resistant and sticks on the highway, causing jerking and overcorrection to control the vehicle. This was with both manual driving and Lane Assist. Took the vehicle to the local Honda dealership, they confirmed the problem, and replaced the steering gearbox, EPS, because it was still under warranty. However, this is the same exact part and this problem will occur again. The car did not display any warnings.”
NHTSA complaint #11731202, 2026

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Steering Assist failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was sticking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two dealers, and the vehicle was diagnosed with steering rack assembly failure. The contact was informed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made awar…”
NHTSA complaint #11715374, 2025

“Steering wheel sticks once at highway speed, wheel turns but with a glitch”
NHTSA complaint #11666789, 2025

Air Bags 8 1 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that his wife was driving at 30-35 MPH, when another vehicle suddenly merged in front of the vehicle causing a T-bone collision. The vehicle was pushed into the middle of the road from the impact where it came to a stop. All air bags deployed. However, the front passenger-side air bag deployed backward onto the front windshield instead of deploying forward. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. A police report was not filed. EMS was called however, refused to take the contact and his wife to the hospital.…”
NHTSA complaint #11648117, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11696081, 2025

“While driving my 2021 Honda Civic Sport, both front airbags deployed without warning and without any accident or impact. There were no warning lights beforehand, and no collision occurred. The deployment also caused my windshield to crack. After the airbags went off, the dashboard displayed a ‘SRS airbag system problem’ message. This is a serious safety concern as the vehicle was operating normally at the time. I’m requesting that this be investigated as a potential manufacturer defect”
NHTSA complaint #11666885, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 6 2 crash 1 fire

“Driving down the highway about 70 mph and it started to rain so little that I had not even needed the wipers yet. Then out of nowhere with absolutely no warning what so ever the breaks locked up and the car began to slide and was completely unresponsive to any solution possible. The steering wheel was locked in place and the break peddle was so far to the floor I was not able to reach it. After colliding with the propane delivery truck which I was unable to see due to passanger side airbags which inflated unnecessarily with no passanger in the vehicle. After finally coming to a stop I was goin…”
NHTSA complaint #11523210, 2022 · crash · fire

“was in reverse backing into parking spot. my foot was on the break; however, the car accelerated rapidly resulting in hitting a post. there were no warnings that registered took it to Honda and reported, they indicated they were not aware of this issue and did not run diagnostics as requested”
NHTSA complaint #11464241, 2021 · crash

“Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped”
NHTSA complaint #11745360, 2026

Engine 5 1 fire

“While driving the car began to smoke from under hood and engine stopped. Interior and under hood flooded with smoke and fire under hood. This was a major fire, fire company put it out. No repairs were made or needed on car since purchase October 2024.”
NHTSA complaint #11733110, 2026 · fire

“High pressure fuel pump issue diagnosed by mechanic. The models prior to mine up to and some 2021 vehicles were included in the recall but my VIN is not considered within the recall. My vehicle is a very early 2021 bought in 202 that likely has the same fuel filter as 2020sz”
NHTSA complaint #11743031, 2026

“The 2021 Honda Civic experienced an emission system failure at 70,000 MPH and detected fault code p0340, possibly an injector failure”
NHTSA complaint #11589806, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“High pressure fuel pump issue diagnosed by mechanic. The models prior to mine up to and some 2021 vehicles were included in the recall but my VIN is not considered within the recall. My vehicle is a very early 2021 bought in 202 that likely has the same fuel filter as 2020sz”
NHTSA complaint #11743031, 2026

“Our battery died in April 2025. We've had this car since October 2021 with only 8 miles on it. We've replaced: The PCV valve The PCV valve tube The MAF sensor The sparks plugs 3 times which was $90 each time Replaced our battery 2 times since April 2025 3 oil changes And finally replacing our entire fuel injector system with the hard fuel line. And replacing the battery the first time is what revealed all these issues because we kept getting codes on our obd-ii scanner of P0172, U0038 and U0100. Honda told us once the fuel injectors were replaced then our car would be fixed but that is no…”
NHTSA complaint #11670114, 2025

“The 2021 Honda Civic experienced an emission system failure at 70,000 MPH and detected fault code p0340, possibly an injector failure”
NHTSA complaint #11589806, 2024

Seats 3

“I have been calling my local dealership for over a year trying to get my car fixed due to the recall and the dealership keeps saying they do not have the parts and will call when they do.”
NHTSA complaint #11698512, 2025

“I was informed of a recall notice for my vehicle in the summer months of 2024 (approximately). I took my vehicle to the Culver City Honda dealership in Los Angeles to address this, however they informed me that the issue was not critical and that they did not have the parts. Hence, the recall notice has still not been addressed. I recently (June 2025) imported this vehicle to Canada and I am unable to proceed with the import procedure because of this outstanding recall notice.”
NHTSA complaint #11671533, 2024

“There’s been a safety recall and I took my car like more than a year ago to repairs and then the check the car but told me the piece it’s not ready yet. I have to wait almost a whole year for it and I receive the notification that the piece was ready. When I call to make the appointment the lady told me that I receive the notification but the piece it’s not on the Honda yet and I have to wait. Wait more ? I’m seriously concerned about my car and even though I receive the notification that it’s ready she says they haven’t receive the piece yet ? This is a serious matter and my car and even my f…”
NHTSA complaint #11632083, 2024

Back Over Prevention 2

“What is going down the highway and my car almost went into oncoming traffic”
NHTSA complaint #11549147, 2023

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated while making a left turn, they noticed the rearview camera in the center console does not show an image or no notification alert for blind sport warning when making a turn. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who inspected the vehicle and inform the contact the failure experience on the vehicle is just the way the vehicle was manufactured and could not repair the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 400.”
NHTSA complaint #11421697, 2021

Exterior Lighting 2

“both fog lights have cracked due to placement and cheap plastic covers on the outta fog light.”
NHTSA complaint #11634914, 2024

“HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM, WITH POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT, EVEN WHEN THE FOG LIGHTS ARE ON. H ROAD NEEDS TO BE ILLUMINATED A LITTLE BIT MORE, OR EVEN HAVE A FURTHER BEAM. THE LED VERSION OF THE CIVIC HAS A EXCELLENT HEADLIGHT PATTERN/BRIGHTNESS. HOWEVER, LX, SPORT AND EX SHARE THE SAME DIM HEADLIGHTS AT NIGHT. THAT IS. A SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN CAUSE A CRASH, OR HIT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ILLUMINATED MORE.”
NHTSA complaint #11400071, 2021

Power Train 2

“The clutch began slipping while driving vehicle. Lost power and could not accelerate while on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11734939, 2026

“My car has multiple electric problems and it has been trying to die on me since I bought the car and they dealership doesn’t want to look at it unless I mention Apple CarPlay.”
NHTSA complaint #11435579, 2021

Suspension 2

“rear suspension making cluncking noise over bumps off brakes at any speed”
NHTSA complaint #11472346, 2022

“2125 miles on this Type R, fresh off the show room floor. At low speed turning into the slight dip in my driveway, the suspension in Sports Mode flexed enough for the driver side tin rotor back plate at the driver front wheel to get caught on the lower control arm. Drove it to Honda, and yes, they confirmed that this had happened, that the thin tin plate had indeed become stuck on the LCA! Screeching like you cannot believe b/c when this happens, the top of the plate is flexed onto the top of the brake rotor and it goes metal to metal. Honda told me they have no idea how this happened but mys…”
NHTSA complaint #11440302, 2021

Tires 2

“I went to my dealership for the recall on November seventh of 2025 and the service crew notified me that my car did not have the lug nuts Honda was worried about.”
NHTSA complaint #11725983, 2025

“23540 r Tire sidewall separated and burned up while traveling on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11673457, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 2

“Driving [XXX] just south of [XXX] ~10 am on a Monday. No large trucks near by, and pretty minimal traffic otherwise. Heard loud thud and shattering. Slightly retracted sunshade and saw shattered glass where my sunroof used to be. Closed sunshade and exited freeway to survey the damage. No injuries, fortunately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11587652, 2024

“The windshield of my 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring CVT has prematurely cracked in two places, inhibiting the frontward-facing view (and ultimate safety!) of both the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle. Neither crack was due to a chip or normal windshield damage caused from driving. Again, these cracks are NOT driver-induced and are not considered "wear and tear!" Both cracks began at the middle of very top of the windshield, in parallel with the position of the front collision camera nd also near the internal rearview mirror mounting stem.”
NHTSA complaint #11518179, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 37 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine, master cylinder, and adaptive cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder, fuel pump, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000…”
NHTSA complaint #11709926, 2025

Seat Belts 1

“Seatbelt does not latch properly. Reported to dealership at last oil change appointment.”
NHTSA complaint #11512288, 2022

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the rear-view mirror casing detached from the vehicle without warning or impact. The contact detected an abnormally loud explosion. The contact stated that she taped the casing back together. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed her that the failure was due to the rear-view mirror being struck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and spoke with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 15,071.”
NHTSA complaint #11496237, 2022

Wheels 1

“Steering wheel catches and I have had to replace a strut due to the car wearing out my tire. I have kept proper maintenance and align my wheels regularly. This is a manufacturer defect not yet recalled. I've seen multiple people with this issue claiming it may ve the LKAS system or steering worm or steering component issue. This needs to be recalled as it will cause death in the right circumstances. Honda do better. Your reputation is degrading.”
NHTSA complaint #11593295, 2024