NHTSA has 329 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Honda Civic[1]. The air bags group is the biggest, with 116 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Owners filed complaints across several parts of the car, and these are the groups from biggest to smallest.
- Air bags. 116 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe air bags that stayed shut during a crash, and some mention a warning light on the dash.
- Electrical system. 41 complaints[5]. Owners describe a touch screen that freezes or goes dark, a gauge cluster that will not light up, and sudden loss of power while driving.
- Brakes. 40 complaints[6]. Owners describe a rubbing feel soon after purchase, pads that wore out early, and odd noises when stopping.
- Steering. 39 complaints[7]. Owners describe a wheel that turns stiff with a dash warning, a wheel that locks up, and vibration at highway speed.
- Unknown or other. 30 complaints[8]. These reports do not point to one clear part.
- Engine. 25 complaints[9].
- Structure. 23 complaints[10].
- Power train. 23 complaints[11].
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 2013 Civic[12].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Civic, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive[13] | 22 / 31 / 25 | $3,300 |
| Civic Natural Gas, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, CNG, Front-Wheel Drive[14] | 27 / 38 / 31 | $1,500 |
| Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[15] | 28 / 39 / 32 | $2,100 |
| Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[16] | 28 / 35 / 31 | $2,150 |
| Civic HF, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[17] | 29 / 41 / 33 | $2,050 |
| Civic Hybrid, 1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[3] | 43 / 44 / 44 | $1,500 |
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2013 Honda Civic with 1.5L 4-cylinder[20] | 90 to 113 hp |
| 2013 Honda Civic with 1.8L 4-cylinder[21] | 110 to 140 hp |
| 2013 Honda Civic with 2.4L 4-cylinder[22] | 201 hp |
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
| Version | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD LX/EX (manual)[23] | 176 in | 69 in | 55 in | 103 in | 2,690 lb |
| CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD LX/EX/EX-L (automatic) /[24] | 176 in | 69 in | 55 in | 103 in | 2,818 lb |
| CIVIC DX 4DR SEDAN[25] | 180 in | 69 in | 57 in | 105 in | 2,617 lb |
| CIVIC HYBRID 4DR SEDAN[26] | 180 in | 69 in | 57 in | 105 in | 2,877 lb |
| CIVIC LX/EX 4DR SEDAN[27] | 180 in | 69 in | 57 in | 105 in | 2,725 lb |
| CIVIC TOURING/Si 4DR SEDAN[28] | 180 in | 69 in | 57 in | 105 in | 2,855 lb |
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 199 | 0 |
| 1996 | 305 | 2 |
| 1997 | 373 | 2 |
| 1998 | 435 | 4 |
| 1999 | 338 | 3 |
| 2000 | 287 | 6 |
| 2001 | 1,079 | 14 |
| 2002 | 705 | 11 |
| 2003 | 551 | 11 |
| 2004 | 386 | 10 |
| 2005 | 366 | 10 |
| 2006 | 1,465 | 15 |
| 2007 | 1,278 | 10 |
| 2008 | 988 | 7 |
| 2009 | 429 | 8 |
| 2010 | 413 | 8 |
| 2011 | 172 | 9 |
| 2012 | 474 | 4 |
| 2013 | 329 | 0 |
| 2014 | 298 | 2 |
| 2015 | 394 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1,083 | 5 |
| 2017 | 605 | 6 |
| 2018 | 755 | 6 |
| 2019 | 455 | 4 |
| 2020 | 236 | 5 |
| 2021 | 161 | 4 |
| 2022 | 961 | 4 |
| 2023 | 336 | 5 |
| 2024 | 142 | 3 |
| 2025 | 105 | 2 |
| 2026 | 31 | 1 |
NHTSA's counts for the Civic show 329 complaints and 0 recalls for 2013[12]. Among the 32 model years listed, 10 have fewer complaints than 2013 and 21 have more[12]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (31) and the most are for 2006 (1,465)[12]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2013 Civic?
The 2013 Civic has 329 complaints on file, and 29 of them mention a crash, though 0 deaths are reported[1]. The air bags group stands out with 116 complaints[2], so it is worth reading those reports before you buy. The other groups are smaller, with the electrical system at 41[5] and brakes at 40[6]. These are unverified owner reports and they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. Use them as a checklist for a test drive and an inspection, not as a final score.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Honda Civic?
- The biggest complaint group is air bags with 116 complaints[2]. Electrical system follows with 41[5], then brakes with 40[6].
- Does the 2013 Honda Civic have any recalls?
- Check the Recalls section on this page, which is built from NHTSA records. The by-year facts list the recall count for this model year[12].
- How many complaints does the 2013 Honda Civic have?
- NHTSA has 329 owner complaints on file, and 29 mention a crash[1].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2013 Honda Civic?
- See the Fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
- Is the 2013 Honda Civic a reliable car?
- Complaints are spread over several groups, led by air bags[2]. See the by-year comparison and the Safety section on this page, and have any used car inspected before you buy.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Honda Civic
Compare all model years of the Honda Civic
Other Honda models from 2013
Similar cars from 2013: compact cars
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 329 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Honda Civic (29 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 34 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 116 complaints name the air bags component group (19 crashes, 1 fires, 24 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Civic Hybrid, 1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 43 city / 44 highway / 44 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 40 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,532). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 30 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,994). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,355). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,615). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Civic model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Civic, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Civic Natural Gas, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, CNG, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 38 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Civic HF, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 41 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Honda Civic with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 90 to 113 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Honda Civic with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 110 to 140 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Honda Civic with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD LX/EX (manual): length 176 in, width 69 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 2,690 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 2DR COUPE FWD LX/EX/EX-L (automatic) /: length 176 in, width 69 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 2,818 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC DX 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 2,617 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC HYBRID 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 2,877 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC LX/EX 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 2,725 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC TOURING/Si 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 2,855 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov