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
145 reports, newest first.
Steering, Nov 11, 2024
The steering has recently started sticking at random times while gradually turning left at around 55 mph. When it unsticks on its own it’s a slight jerk back to the right. In at aid if it doesn’t correct on its own I would have no choice but to go into the other lane and possibly hit oncoming traffic. This could absolutely cause an accident. The vehicle has not been inspected or taken to the dealership. There are no warnings indicated before the event takes place.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2024
X
Steering, Oct 9, 2024
The steering wheel occasionally sticks and requires me to keep tugging at it to unstick it, then readjust the wheel again to straighten my car up on the road. On highway road trips I've taken (6 or so hours one way), it is an almost constant tug of the wheel for the whole drive. It happens both while driving straight and when going around curves.
Steering, Oct 9, 2024
While driving the steering wheel sticks occasionally and, without warning causes me to over-react and jerk the steering wheel.
Steering, Sep 8, 2024
I have a 2021 Honda Civic Ex with 55, 000 miles on the odometer. The steering sticks at highway speeds and when correcting jerks to break free of the stickiness. Have taken it to the dealership and told the steering box is malfunctioning and would be $4,000 to replace. I work in the automotive industry and recognize this as a manufacture defect that Honda is aware of due to the current lawsuits against the company for this issue in 2022-2024 Honda Civics.
Steering, Aug 27, 2024
Steering can stick and cause a momentary increase in steering effort that could potentially cause overcorrection and an increased risk of a crash. The issue seems to occur after long bouts of highway driving and in warmer weather. My steering rack was just replaced under warranty -- but the issue is identical to what you are investigating here: [XXX] . I have read of many others with 2016-2021 Civic with this issue as well. I really believe you need to expand it to more model years, it is VERY dangerous to drive when it is happening. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2024
There is a warning flash to brake when there is no vehicle or anything in front or alongside. This has happened several times. I am concerned if vehicle is safe to drive.
Steering, Aug 15, 2024
The steering system "sticks" when driving at highway speed. Minor course corrections require excessive driver input and once the resistance is overcome, overcorrection results in undesired swerving of the vehicle. This has the potential to cause loss of control of the vehicle. This vehicle has not been in an accident. The local Honda dealership has examined the vehicle and recommended replacement of the electronic power steering rack.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at approximately 70 MPH, and changing lanes, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system inadvertently activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
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.
Steering, Wheels, Lane departure, Jun 9, 2024
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.
Steering, Lane departure, May 28, 2024
Issue Description: -While traveling in a straight line, particularly at speeds above 45 mph, the steering wheel exhibits a sticky behavior. If left untouched for a few seconds, the wheel becomes difficult to turn, requiring significant force to break it free from the straight line. This resistance is felt both while driving straight and during turns, resulting in noticeable sticking and jerking. Details: -Lane keep assist and driver assist features are turned off. -When driving straight and not touching the wheel for a few seconds, attempting to make a minor correction causes the wheel to stick. This requires applying considerable pressure to free the wheel, often leading to over-correction. -In turns, if the wheel is held in a steady position for more than a second, it sticks and must be forcibly moved out of the turn. Once unstuck, the steering feels normal again. -The issue is most prominent at speeds above 45 mph affecting both slight left and right adjustments. -Potential causes include the steering rack/pinion assembly (EPS gearbox) and the possible need for additional lubricant/grease. Symptoms: -Sticking and jerking of the steering wheel during slight adjustments. -Increased resistance when attempting to correct the wheel after it remains in one position for a few seconds. -Inspection and repair of the steering rack/pinion assembly, with consideration for additional lubrication or grease application. -Further evaluation of steering wheel, steering column, column lock, steering rack/box, linkages, hydraulic power steering pumps and hoses, electrical power steering motors, actuators, wiring and related sensors, electronic control units and software needed to determine if other components contribute to the sticky steering issue.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 20, 2024
The 2021 Honda Civic experienced an emission system failure at 70,000 MPH and detected fault code p0340, possibly an injector failure
Air bags, May 20, 2024
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, May 13, 2024
Blend door actuator failure
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 8, 2024
The front sensor is too sensitive. If there is another car using a turn lane, the Civic will try to brake and will not pass the car. If another car is ahead on a curve, the automatic braking kicks in. This tends to only happen when using cruise control. It is dangerous on the freeway. The sudden braking could cause me to be rearended. I've been lucky, so far, and have only received dirty looks from the drivers that were behind me as they passed. Since it doesn't happen every single time, there seems no way to reproduce it. No one has inspected it for defects. No warning lights, beeps or messages appear before the braking starts. This has been happening since I first bought the car in 2022, but seems to be more frequent now. Probably the reason it was returned... in my opinion.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 8, 2024
The front sensor is too sensitive. If there is another car using a turn lane, the Civic will try to brake and will not pass the car. If another car is ahead on a curve, the automatic braking kicks in. This tends to only happen when using cruise control. It is dangerous on the freeway. The sudden braking could cause me to be rearended. I've been lucky, so far, and have only received dirty looks from the drivers that were behind me as they passed. Since it doesn't happen every single time, there seems no way to reproduce it. No one has inspected it for defects. No warning lights, beeps or messages appear before the braking starts. This has been happening since I first bought the car in 2022, but seems to be more frequent now. Probably the reason it was returned... in my opinion.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 8, 2024
The front sensor is too sensitive. If there is another car using a turn lane, the Civic will try to brake and will not pass the car. If another car is ahead on a curve, the automatic braking kicks in. This tends to only happen when using cruise control. It is dangerous on the freeway. The sudden braking could cause me to be rearended. I've been lucky, so far, and have only received dirty looks from the drivers that were behind me as they passed. Since it doesn't happen every single time, there seems no way to reproduce it. No one has inspected it for defects. No warning lights, beeps or messages appear before the braking starts. This has been happening since I first bought the car in 2022, but seems to be more frequent now. Probably the reason it was returned... in my opinion.
Visibility/wiper, May 8, 2024
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)
Air bags, May 1, 2024
I have contacted Honda Dealer and Customer Service in regards to NHTSA Recall Number 24V-064. Honda is declining to correct the recall due to shortage in supply of parts. Honda is indicating that only vehicle with the airbag sensor light on are being prioritize. This makes me uneasy as I do not know whether or not my vehicle airbag will work properly in case of an incident. There is no waitlist for remedy to be corrected.
Steering, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, excessive effort was needed to maneuver the vehicle. The failure became persistent and made it extremely difficult for the contact to operate the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 17, 2024
The vehicle has on numerous occasions performed automatic braking when no cars are near the front. This is causing the car to break abruptly and I’m fearful that a vehicle to the rear of me will collide due to the erratic and forceful application of the breaks.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 3, 2024
While driving on a city street at about 25 to 30 MPH with no cars or people in front of me and on a clear day, my Civic's Collision Mitigation Braking System flashed "Brakes" on my heads up display and at the same time, it forcefully applied the brakes without me touching the brake pedal. This has happened to me at least twice in six weeks. In both instances, I tried to press on the gas pedal, but it did not let up on the brakes right away. I was nearly rear-ended by other cars both times, putting me and others at risk. I took the car to the dealership, and they told me they couldn't find any issues or codes, nor could they replicate the problem.
Steering, Mar 29, 2024
Purchased a brand new 2021 Honda Civic Sedan in June of 2021. When I turn the steering wheel to the left to make a turn or turn the steering wheel to the left going around a curve or just turning into a parking space the steering wheel sticks for a second and then jerks back to the right while making a popping / clicking sound. My car will not stay in a straight path while driving on the road. The Honda service department has claimed to not “duplicate” the problem, but based on my complaints, Honda services stated “it’s probably the steering rack failure ”. A problem of this magnitude should not be occurring on my Civic with only 50,981 miles. This is a serious safety problem.
Steering, Mar 12, 2024
While driving up to about 50-60 miles I will begin to experience a sticky sensation in the steering wheel. The best way to explain it is essentially when taking a slight turn to merge into another lane there is resistance and or the feeling that might feel "sticky" like something is preventing it smoothly transitioning.