2016 Honda Civic Safety Report
2016 Honda Civic: Excellent Crash Ratings, Significant Steering and Fuel Pump Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Honda Civic
Reliability Score
The 2016 Honda Civic receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Honda Civic
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Honda Civic:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky/Notchy Steering Steering wheel feels like it sticks, requiring overcorrection, especially at highway speeds (45mph+), making minor adjustments difficult and potentially dangerous. This is the most reported issue with 368 complaints. |
High | Common | variable, often at highway speeds miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This is covered by a recall (2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic, etc. models). |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Electric Parking Brake (Epb) Malfunction The electric parking brake may not engage if applied immediately after the ignition is turned off, allowing the vehicle to roll away. This is covered by a recall for certain 2016 Civic 1.5L turbo and 2.0L vehicles. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| A/C System Failure (Evaporator/Compressor) Frequent reports of A/C compressor, condenser, and evaporator core failures, leading to loss of cooling and costly repairs. |
Medium | Occasional | 79000+ miles |
| Engine Stalling/Shutting Off Vehicle suddenly shuts off without warning, often while turning, leading to loss of power steering and brake assist. This could be related to fuel system issues or other electrical problems. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Paint Peeling (White Orchid Pearl) White paint, particularly 'White Orchid Pearl,' peeling from various body panels, leading to cosmetic damage and potential rust. |
Low | Occasional | 150000+ miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Honda Civic:
The most common issue, with 368 complaints, is a 'sticky' or 'notchy' steering feel, especially at highway speeds, leading to difficulty in making minor adjustments and potential overcorrection.
A significant number of complaints (179) fall into this category, indicating various miscellaneous issues not fitting specific component categories, some of which include A/C problems and paint peeling.
49 complaints related to the engine, including stalling, head gasket failure, and issues potentially linked to the fuel pump recall.
40 complaints regarding service brakes, though specific patterns are not detailed in the provided data.
34 complaints, some of which may be related to the engine stalling or other system malfunctions.
18 complaints, including instances where airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a crash.
18 complaints, potentially related to transmission issues or other drivetrain components.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Honda Civic
Is the 2016 Honda Civic safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Honda Civic received excellent crash test ratings, achieving an Overall 5-star rating, with 5 stars for Side and Rollover, and 4 stars for Frontal. However, it has a high volume of owner complaints (1021 total), particularly concerning steering issues and has 4 recalls, including one for a fuel pump that can cause engine stalls, which could compromise real-world safety.
What are common problems with the 2016 Honda Civic?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Honda Civic are related to the STEERING system, with 368 complaints describing a 'sticky' or 'notchy' feel, especially at highway speeds. Other common problems include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' issues (179 complaints), ENGINE problems (49 complaints, including stalling), and SERVICE BRAKES (40 complaints). A/C system failures and paint peeling are also frequently mentioned in complaints.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Honda Civic?
Yes, the 2016 Honda Civic has 4 recalls. These include a recall for the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP that can cause engine stalls, a PARKING BRAKE recall where the electric parking brake may not engage, an EXTERIOR LIGHTING recall for damaged LED side marker lights on 2-door models, and an ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recall for 2.0L engines regarding a missing or incorrectly installed circlip.
How does the 2016 Honda Civic perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Honda Civic performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an Overall 5-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for Frontal crash, and 5 stars for both Side crash and Rollover resistance.
Is the 'sticky steering' issue a recall for the 2016 Honda Civic?
While 'sticky steering' is the most common complaint for the 2016 Honda Civic, with 368 reports, it is not currently under recall for this specific model year. However, similar steering issues have led to recalls for newer generation Civics (2022-2025 models), suggesting a potential design flaw that may affect earlier models as well.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2016 Honda Civic boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the prevalent 'sticky steering' issue and ensure all 4 open recalls, especially the fuel pump and parking brake, have been addressed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Honda Civic
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Honda Civic. The data includes 1021 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 36 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 15 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Honda Civic an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.