2021 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 145 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 23rd highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 5 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerFeb 1, 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Campaign 24V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderJun 29, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Campaign 23V458000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
18 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 20, 2026
On September 17, 2026 at approximately 8:00 a.m. I was driving my 2021 Honda civic Lx with my children in the vehicle when multiple warning lights and system malfunction messages suddenly appeared on the dash board. The vehicle appeared to experience an electrical malfunction/ reset while still driving and I suddenly lost normal power- steering assistance. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and control while the vehicle was moving.I was able to call for assistance and when jumper cables were hooked on to battery underneath the vehicles hood the vehicle engine was able to restart, then was able to get the vehicle home without a collision or injury. The sudden loss of steering assistance created a serious safety risk to me, my children and others on the road. I photographed multiple warnings displayed on the dash panel, including Electric Parking break problem and collision mitigation system problem. This vehicle has a documented history of electrical/ mechanical concerns and prior repairs, including battery and alternator replacement. The exact cause of this most recent failure is currently UNKNOWN. American Honda motor co. has also opened a case #16640343 regarding this incident. I am reporting this to NHTSA due to the sudden loss of power- steering assistance occured while the vehicle was actively being driven and could have resulted in a collision.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2025
The infotainment system in these vehicles is poor when using the navigation. Having the phone connected via wire will cause the phone and infotainment system to malfunction constantly causing restarts and making the mobile device extremely hot too the touch. The android auto function in the car loses connection and begins to cause the arrow marker to jump around on the map causing confusion, turn directions down wrong roads causing drivers to enter areas of no thruway due to a business being there. Researched this for 2 years and there is no current fix from HONDA other owners through REDDIT have the same issue and have been told by HONDA that nothing can be done to fix the hardware system.
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2025
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 this failure involves a part number tied to a known Honda recall. Although my VIN is not currently part of the recall, the symptoms and overall failed part match exactly. The failure occurred immediately after authorized dealership service without warning. The EPS unit is associated with a known defect. The failure occurred just outside the 3-year warranty and before its time. An EPS is guranteed good over 100,00 miles. The issue created a dangerous situation on the road. Honda America Corporate has inspected the vehicle and refused to cover the repair because I am right outside of my warranty. I am a loyal Honda customer and trust in Honda's commitment for safety and customer satisfaction.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 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 the same thing. I was looking to get a goodwill extension, he said that would not apply due to Honda warranties. Next best thing was for me to be here filing a complaint.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 29, 2025
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 not the case. The car can't travel further then 5 minutes before the spark plus burn. We replaced the spark plugs on Sunday morning and we went to the store and they were charred after that drive same day.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 9, 2025, 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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2024
I have had a few incidents where I am driving and the brake signal starts flashing/dinging when I am nowhere near another car. In one instance; the car automatically braked in the middle of the highway with no car in front of me. This could have caused a major accident if I did not react quickly. In addition, I could have gotten major whiplash as I was driving over 40 MPH. I am also having issues with the auto lock feature on the car. Sometimes when I am driving the car will try to lock the doors even though the doors are already locked. It will continuously lock, the only way this issue has stopped is by turning off my auto lock function. I liked have the auto lock function on because it made me feel safe. There have been no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to these incidences happening. I have not taken my car to the dealer or independent service center due to the cost of high cost the issue. I am open to someone coming to inspect the car as long as it is free of charge.
Electrical system, May 13, 2024
Blend door actuator failure
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 13, 2023
the vehicle has brakes with out cause. Two times I was on the street no cars in sight and the car just brakes without notice or cause. Then it happened again yesterday on the freeway. It was raining no cars close and it just brakes again in the middle of the freeway.
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2022
The coating on the wiring harness is soy based and rodents chew the wires causing multiple electronic failures. Power steering failed, Adaptive Cruise Control failed, Automatic Emergency Braking failed, Lane Keeping Assistance failed. Vehicle is extremely unsafe!
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 23, 2022
While accelerating on a multi-lane freeway, the dashboard speed suddenly indicated 0 MPH and flashed warnings for power steering, emergency braking, suspension, and many other systems. Steering became almost impossible to control, with no resistance felt through the wheel, and small movements of the wheel resulting in unpredictable jerky movements of the vehicle. It was almost impossible to control the vehicle while exiting the freeway and coming to a stop. OBD scanner pulled only one code: U0416(68) Invalid data received - vehicle dynamics control module
Electrical system, Jul 17, 2022
If your new car needs an expensive repair, which your bumper-to-bumper warranty should cover, the service staff tells you statements such as, "We cannot duplicate your complaint." These statements free them from the need to repair your brand-new car. Then, the dealership staff, Group 1 Automotive (owner), and Honda, USA (in my case), work to talk you into a trade or a costly insurance claim or string you along until your warranty runs out. Or they talk you into buying an additional warranty that only offers you the same type of answer of non-duplication. By the time your warranty runs out, the costly not fixed repair is massive and usually a situation only the manufacturer can repair. You know what that means. Either you decide to pay for a trade-in, or you fall into the trap of only the dealership being able to handle the repair they knew was needed. Either way, because the dealership refused to honor your warranty, you are charged by them possibly thousands to make up for them not being able to duplicate your concerns. Or, as I have learned, repair your vehicle the right way the first time. I read about a woman whose tire light would not go out until she bought a new tire because the dealership sold her the wrong size tire. Or another possible SCAM is to give you unpleasant surprises. After you have your car a while, you learn that your payments are possibly much higher than you expected, or you do not have the vehicle that you thought you bought. One of Group 1 Automotive dealerships took advantage of a Vietnam Veteran with an increase of payments possible contract SCAM after he had eye surgery. The moral to that story, make sure you can read your contract before leaving the dealership because you need to ensure that you signed exactly as you bargained. My signed contract from Honda of Slidell informed me that I had bought 2020 when I bargained for a 2021. It was not until I convinced Honda of Slidell management that I was willing to inform the public of their m
Electrical system, Steering, Jun 30, 2022
Honda uses a soy-based insulation on the wires in its new cars. We have a brand new, less than 4,000 miles, Honda Civic. I recently went out to start it in the morning and received warning lights on virtually ALL of the systems you list. Why? Apparently rabbits are attracted to the soy-based insulation and will chew it. Honda knows about this problem -- they have had class action lawsuits filed against them already because THOUSANDS of consumers have had their Hondas disabled when rodents chewed the insulation on the wiring harnesses. I had to have the Honda towed into the dealership here in Helena, Montana because it was COMPLETELY DISABLED -- including no power steering. Notably, the service technician told me "it's a common problem -- rodents like the soy insulation." The cost to repair the 18" wire harness was $350.00!! Rather astounding sum to unclip both ends and clip in a new wire harness. But here's the rub. Honda knows about this problem and have already had class action lawsuits filed against the company for the obvious design and manufacturing flaw. If anyone doubted that, all they have to do is ask what Honda does to deal with the problem. The answer: They sell and install "hot chili tape" that they wrap on the wire harness so rodents/rabbits won't chew it. Obviously, they wouldn't need to produce their own chili tape if there wasn't a known -- well known -- problem with their wiring insulation. This is a very real problem for consumers because virtually everywhere on the planet there are rodents and rabbits. So if you park your Honda anywhere, you may wake up to find it no longer works and you will be stranded. This is particularly a problem in rural areas such as Montana, where dealerships can be hundreds of miles away. Honda does not warn consumers of this problem -- although they do laud their "bumper-to-bumper" 30,000 mile warranty. Oddly enough, the wire harness is located between the bumpers...but the warranty does NOT cover this.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 23, 2022
Three issues I been having every since I got my car. 1. Car navigation displays not working properly, screen completely freezes or black-out. 2. Brake warning sign appears randomly in dashboard even if theres no vehicle in front, probably an issue with the car detection sensor camera . 3 Probably the most important. The car shuts down. Oil light and battery light shows in dashboard when this happens, usually when the vehicle is coming to a stop. This is an outgoing issue that is really concerning. I have take the car multiple times to the dealer and the have failed to solve any of this issues, the previously told me it was the turbo but never replace it, then i was told it was the electronic wastegate nothing was done then, now two days ago April 21, 2022 this happen again, haven't take the car to the dealer because I know they aren't going to do anything about it.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2021
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.
Back over prevention, Electrical system, Jun 21, 2021
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.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2021
In first month of ownership, all four windows automatically opened after I parked the car and walked away. After some online investigation, I made an appointment with Honda Service Dept. and asked them to disable the remote window open feature. They said it could not be done. Then I found video on You Tube showing a Toyota technician enabling this option; if it can be enabled then it can also be DISABLED I would assume. Why is this disable remote window opening not available for my Honda Civic? The title of the You Tube video is 'Make Your Toyota Key Open Windows'. July 6, 2020. Link: https://youtu.be/bM60vOAuUgQ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM60vOAuUgQ Links don't appear to be working here.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2021
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.