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Honda · NHTSA safety record

2023 Honda Civic

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 255 safety complaints about the 2023 Honda Civic with the US government. Of those, 19 describe a crash, 12 people were injured and no death is recorded. 4 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the steering, named in 191 complaints, 75% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 10,000 miles, the median across the 21 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers January 2023 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

255 complaints on file

255

Complaints

19

Describe a crash

0

Mention fire

12

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
STEERING 191 · 75%
LANE DEPARTURE 19 · 7%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16 · 6%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 16 · 6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 15 · 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 14 · 5%
AIR BAGS 8 · 3%
ENGINE 8 · 3%
POWER TRAIN 6 · 2%
WHEELS 6 · 2%
SUSPENSION 5 · 2%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4 · 2%
0 77 154

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 255.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2024 at 107.

116 87 58 29
23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2023 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2023 Honda Civic. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

4 on file

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

24V859000 · November 14, 2024

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
The risk
An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 121 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING

24V744000 · October 3, 2024

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
The risk
Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 1,693,199 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

23V704000 · October 19, 2023

The defect
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door vehicles that received a replacement power steering rack as part of a service repair. The steering rack may have been incorrectly assembled, which can allow the tire to chafe against the lower suspension or tie rod end, possibly resulting in tire damage.
The risk
A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the electric power steering rack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YFW.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 264,567 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

23V430000 · June 15, 2023

The defect
Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel.
The risk
Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · up to 386 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

2 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Momentary Increased Steering Effort

EA23003

Closed engineering analysis · opened November 29, 2023 · closed January 28, 2025 · led to recall 24V744

the steering

On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Engineering Analysis (EA23003) to assess allegations of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022-2023 Honda Civic, 2023MY Honda CR-V, and 2023MY Acura Integra vehicles (subject vehicles). The complaints received by ODI alleged that the subject vehicles experienced a momentary increase in required steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) occurring mostly at highway speeds after driving for an extended amount of time; these complaints could not be duplicated during dealer service technicians’ quick test drives.  The complaints had been received over the previous two years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear of these vehicles is aided by an electrical power assist unit. This power assist unit inputs force on the steering rack via a worm gear and worm wheel assembly. During PE23005, Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this power assist unit. First, during manufacturing, the steering worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes cause internal stress and strain within the steering worm  wheel. This strain is slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain causes deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This catching results in the driver’s momentary increased steering effort. Second, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and, therefore, some subject vehicles received insufficient grease which contributed to the momentary increase in steering effort. During EA23003, ODI further analyzed the potential safety related consequences of the momentary increase in steering effort. NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) duplicated the allegations of increased steering effort. In addition, VRTC discovered the steering worm wheel and worm gear tended to push grease out of the meshing area, resulting in large amounts of grease resting on top of the worm wheel. Information Request responses collected and reviewed by ODI showed Honda had also discovered this additional root cause during NHTSA’s EA. In addition, Honda discovered the preload of the worm wheel gear spring was set too high, increasing the gear slide load and resulting in higher friction and increased torque fluctuation when steering. The number of consumer complaints made to ODI continued to increase with the expansion of scope from the PE to the EA. Additionally, during EA23003, ODI received ten complaints alleging a crash, in addition to the 13 complaints ODI had received as of the time it opened EA23003. In total, 23 crashes have been reported to ODI due to this alleged defect. On October 3, 2024, Honda filed NHTSA Recall No. 24V-744 to address this defect. The recall will provide consumers with a new steering worm wheel gear spring with a decreased load. Additionally, dealerships will add additional grease and relocate any grease sitting on top of the worm wheel back into the meshing area. The scope of this recall includes all Honda vehicles that were manufactured with this specific improperly produced steering worm wheel and spring. In view of the recall action being taken by Honda, ODI is closing EA23003. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Momentary Increased Steering Effort

PE23005

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened March 17, 2023 · closed November 30, 2023

the steering

On March 17, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-005) to access the alleged defect of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022 and 2023 Honda Civic vehicles. The complaints report that the momentary increase in steering effort (described as "sticky steering") occurs mostly at highway speeds after driving for a certain amount of time. The reports have been received over the past 2 years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear contains a unit that includes a worm gear and a worm wheel. Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this unit. During manufacturing, the worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes caused internal stress and strain within the worm wheel. This strain was slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain caused the deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This results in the consumer’s momentary increased in steering effort. Also, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and therefore, some vehicles within the scope received too little grease which contributes to the momentary increase in steering effort. Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition occurs early in the vehicle’s life primarily in winter months. Additionally, the subject vehicles need to be driven in a straight line for a period of time, possibly until the vehicle is warmed up, to recreate the condition. The condition does not illuminate a malfunction indicator light (MIL). Some complaints allege Honda dealerships are unable to recreate the condition or state this is a normal vehicle operation. However, Honda released Service Bulletin 23-037 in July of 2023 which accurately describes the condition. To address this issue, Honda directs dealerships to remove the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox and replace with a new gearbox.  Further, Honda stated that the worst case steering effort from all warranty returned parts tested was 2.4 pounds. ODI complaint traffic remains steady. ODI has received 13 crashes to date, 11 of which allege roadway departure due to not being able to overcome the momentary increased steering effort prior to their vehicle leaving the roadway. The remaining 2 incidents claim overcorrection of the steering wheel. PE23-005 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23-003) to further assess the scope, frequency and potential safety related consequences of the momentary increase of steering effort.  Further the scope has been expanded to include assessment of the Acura Integra and Honda CR-V models. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

On 12/03/2023, We were involved in serious accident. During this accident, only driver door air bag was deployed. No other air bags were deployed.My wife was on passenger side. She was seriously injured and hospitalized for several days. She is still under medical care. I think air bags on passenger side was defective. Due to defective air bags system, my wife had serious injury and had to go for medical treatment, pain and suffering. We like to investigate defect in air bags. My wife was wearing lap and shoulder seat belt.However, seat belt was not activated and remain loose. Due to loose seat belt, she was injured. Please help. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint 11570497. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

2 injured · crash · towed · 58,000 miles

The contact owned a 2023 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood street at 20 MPH when the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the vehicle began to drift to the right causing the contact to crash into a mailbox. No warning lights were illuminated. There was property damage to the mailbox. The vehicle came to a stop upon crashing into the mailbox. The air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a local junkyard. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact stated that she and her son were injured and that he was seated in the front passenger seat. Nobody outside of the vehicle was injured. The contact sustained injuries to her

NHTSA complaint 11641160, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

So we were in a accident the front right of the bumper was completely destroyed and the airbags didn’t deploy

NHTSA complaint 11653023. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

1 injured · crash · towed

The car wouldn’t turn then it went past the lane into the wall at 60 all pass airbags deployed

NHTSA complaint 11513553. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car displays: Auto Idle Stop System Problem. See Your Dealer

NHTSA complaint 11766414. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Report: Peeling white pearl paint on my Honda civic. The car is 3 years old and already on the hood peeling off. I-Car certified body shop looked at the car and immediately said factory defect upon testing. They have told me no primer for paint to adhere to... will force me to repaint entire hood and front bumper. Honda has unjustifiably denied warranty coverage even with paper work proof from that shop (breach of warranty legally) though the car is under 36k miles. Will mention this is my second Honda suffering peeling paint after new. Previous civic was a 2020 with paint peeling off mirrors, roof, and handles. Will mention my white color is listed in a lawsuit for this exact defect.

NHTSA complaint 11764575, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
I have a christmas tree of lights on my dashboard, I cant use my cruise control or lane assist features. I took my car to a Honda dealership to have a diagnostic done and found that the EPB on the left rear brake was bad. I changed it out and had the computer reset to find that the car is still having issues and now I'm being told to change out the ABS wheel speed sensor that connects to the EPB. When looking online this is a commonly known issue with the 2022 and 2023 Civic sport touring and Honda is aware of this and are trying to get out of having to fix it. This is a huge concern for me because I'm currently living in [XXX] right now for work and have to park on an incline and have been

NHTSA complaint 11764579, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The front camera is inoperative. None of the safety features like automatic emergency braking are working. Dealer inspected and said needs a new camera which they can order.

NHTSA complaint 11760179. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

crash

During a collision on July 7, the airbag initiated but did not deploy. The car is available for inspection upon request. The safety of the driver was put at risk because the airbag did not deploy when intiated. The driver is not injured, but the car cannot be driven due to the airbag posing a risk to the driver. No one has inspected the vehicle. A call was made to Honda Headquarters on Friday, July 10 to report the critical safety and restraint system failure. The car was functioning properly before the accident, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The airbag deployment warning was lit after the accident. And there is a systems

NHTSA complaint 11751487, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Following a drivetrain repair at Gary Yeomans Honda, the vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe driving condition. Specifically, the technician left unsecured heavy metal tools (a pry bar and screwdriver) loose in the engine bay, failed to torque a structural fastener, and rendered the rear brake light completely non-functional while incorrectly marking it as operational on the inspection sheet. Additionally, the inspection sheet indicated a red-flag warning to 'inspect transmission for leaks' that was categorized as a mistake upon return.

NHTSA complaint 11751684. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Honda Civic

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 74 2 —
2024 124 3 —
2022 883 4 —
2021 145 4 —
2020 225 5 —
2019 433 4 —
2018 742 6 1
2017 597 6 —
2016 1,081 5 —
2015 380 1 —
2014 291 2 —
2013 319 0 —
2012 455 3 —
2011 169 9 —
2010 397 8 47

Other 2023 Honda models

HR-V 686 CR-V 515 Pilot 144 Accord Hybrid 140 Ridgeline 128 CR-V Hybrid 116 Odyssey 99 Accord 86

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Honda on this site — 192 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst