2017 Honda Civic Safety Report

The 2017 Honda Civic presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side and rollover, and 4 stars for frontal impact, there are significant concerns regarding steering system reliability. With 551 total complaints, the steering system accounts for a substantial 132 complaints, making it the most frequently reported issue. Many complaints describe 'sticky steering' at highway speeds, requiring excessive force and leading to dangerous overcorrections. This issue is directly addressed by a recall (NHTSA ID: 18V-664) concerning the electronic power steering system's torque sensor magnet, which can cause unintended steering input and increase crash risk. However, several complaints indicate that vehicles not covered by this specific VIN range are experiencing identical symptoms, suggesting a broader underlying problem. Beyond steering, other notable complaint categories include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (120 complaints), 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (39 complaints), and 'ENGINE' (22 complaints). The engine complaints include instances of head gasket failure and stalling upon acceleration, which can pose a significant safety hazard. The vehicle also has 5 recalls, including one for a fuel pump failure that can cause an engine stall (NHTSA ID: 23V-003) and another for a potentially improperly heat-treated halfshaft that could lead to a loss of propulsion or roll-away (NHTSA ID: 17V-426). These recalls, particularly those related to propulsion and steering, highlight critical component failures that directly impact vehicle control and safety. In summary, while the 2017 Honda Civic performs exceptionally well in controlled crash tests, the high volume of steering-related complaints, coupled with recalls for steering, fuel pump, and drivetrain issues, indicates potential real-world safety vulnerabilities. The 'sticky steering' problem, in particular, appears to be a widespread and concerning defect that may extend beyond the scope of existing recalls, posing a continuous risk to drivers. The 10 reported injuries, despite no reported crashes or fires, further underscore the potential for harm from these malfunctions.

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Honda Civic has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the prevalent 'sticky steering' issue and multiple recalls; thoroughly check recall completion and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the steering and engine.