2021 Honda Civic Safety Report

The 2021 Honda Civic presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star ratings across Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover categories from NHTSA, indicating strong occupant protection in a collision, its complaint data reveals significant concerns, particularly with steering. With 121 total complaints, the most prominent issue is 'STEERING,' accounting for 41 complaints, or approximately 33.9% of all reported problems. Many of these steering complaints describe a 'sticky' or 'stuck' feeling, making minor corrections difficult and potentially leading to overcorrection, which is a significant safety hazard, especially at highway speeds. This issue is frequently compared by owners to a known steering recall for later model year Civics, suggesting a potential broader defect. Beyond steering, 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' systems have garnered 12 complaints, indicating potential malfunctions or unintended activations, as evidenced by reports of the safety brake feature overriding driver control and causing sudden stops without obstacles. 'AIR BAGS' also have 8 complaints, including reports of unintended deployment without impact, which is a severe safety concern. The vehicle has been subject to three recalls: one for 'AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION' (affecting 2020-2022 models), one for 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP' (a broad recall across many Honda models), and one for 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER' (affecting 2020-2021 Civics). These recalls address critical safety components, with consequences ranging from increased injury risk from unintended airbag deployment to engine stall or complete loss of brake function. In summary, while the 2021 Honda Civic excels in crashworthiness, the high volume of steering complaints, coupled with issues in forward collision avoidance and airbag systems, and the existence of three safety recalls, suggest potential reliability and safety concerns in its operational components. The 'sticky steering' issue, in particular, appears to be a widespread and concerning pattern not fully addressed by existing recalls for this specific model year, despite similar symptoms reported by owners.

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the prevalent 'sticky steering' complaints and ensure all three open recalls (airbags, fuel pump, brakes) have been addressed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering system functionality is highly recommended.