CarBrief

The 2015 Civic has 394 NHTSA complaints on file and one recall, for a transmission software problem[1][2]. The power train group is named most often[3].

394owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
25–44MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 394 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Civic[1]. Of those, 37 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 23 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car. So the group counts below overlap and do not add up to the total.

Component group Complaints Crashes Median miles at failure
Power train[3] 181 2 84,000
Air bags[7] 59 22 43,034
Unknown or other[8] 59 5 37,700
Engine[9] 34 2 37,570
Electrical system[10] 29 0 32,000
Steering[11] 21 4 12,125
Speed control[12] 20 6 49,183
Structure[13] 17 2 16,538

Power train is the largest group. It is named in 181 of the 394 complaints[3]. In the sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 7 describe a transmission that jerks, kicks, slips, hesitates, will not engage a gear or fails[3]. Some of those owners say the dealer could not find the cause[3]. One describes damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft and the front wheels locking on a freeway, which matches the recall below[3][2].

Air bags have the most crashes and injuries. The group has 22 crashes and 19 injuries in 59 complaints[7]. In the sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, 6 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash, and 3 describe an air bag warning light that comes on[7]. These are owner accounts of what happened, and we cannot tell from them whether a system failed.

Engine complaints are fewer. The engine group has 34 complaints, including 2 fires[9]. In the sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 5 describe vibration or shuddering, often at idle or in reverse, and 2 describe stalling or loss of power[9]. Electrical complaints number 29[10]. In the sample of 12 we read, 3 mention battery trouble and 2 mention radio, navigation or backup camera glitches[10].

Steering, speed control and structure each have 21 or fewer complaints, Steering, speed control and structure each have 21 or fewer complaints[11][12][13].[11][12][13].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2015 Civic[4].

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2015 Civic differently by version. All versions below are front-wheel drive.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Civic Hybrid, 1.5L, automatic (variable gear ratios)[5] 43 / 45 / 44 $1,500
Civic HF, 1.8L, automatic (variable gear ratios)[14] 31 / 40 / 34 $1,950
Civic, 1.8L, automatic (variable gear ratios)[15] 29 / 37 / 33 $2,050
Civic, 1.8L, automatic (AV-S7)[16] 29 / 37 / 32 $2,100
Civic, 1.8L, manual 5-spd[17] 28 / 35 / 31 $2,150
Civic Natural Gas, 1.8L, automatic 5-spd, CNG[18] 27 / 38 / 31 $1,500
Civic, 2.4L, manual 6-spd, premium fuel[19] 22 / 31 / 25 $3,300

The hybrid has the best combined rating at 44 MPG[5]. The 2.4L version has the lowest at 25 MPG and calls for premium fuel[19]. EPA's annual fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[5].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings differ by body style[6][20].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for the 2015 Civic. The 1.5L four-cylinder is rated 110 hp[22]. The 1.8L four-cylinder is rated 110 to 143 hp depending on version[23]. The 2.4L four-cylinder is rated 201 hp[24].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds, and they can differ slightly from US models[25].

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2-door coupe LX/EX/EX-L Navi[25] 178 in 69 in 55 in 103 in 2,824 lb
2-door coupe Si[26] 179 in 69 in 55 in 103 in 3,000 lb
4-door sedan DX[27] 180 in 69 in 57 in 105 in 2,712 lb
4-door sedan LX/EX[28] 180 in 69 in 57 in 105 in 2,773 lb
4-door sedan Touring/Si[29] 180 in 69 in 57 in 105 in 2,974 lb
Hybrid 4-door sedan[30] 180 in 69 in 57 in 105 in 2,877 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

1995: 199 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 305 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 373 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 435 complaints, 4 recalls1999: 338 complaints, 3 recalls19992000: 287 complaints, 6 recalls2001: 1,079 complaints, 14 recalls2002: 705 complaints, 11 recalls2003: 551 complaints, 11 recalls20032004: 386 complaints, 10 recalls2005: 366 complaints, 10 recalls2006: 1,465 complaints, 15 recalls2007: 1,278 complaints, 10 recalls20072008: 988 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 429 complaints, 8 recalls2010: 413 complaints, 8 recalls2011: 172 complaints, 9 recalls20112012: 474 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 329 complaints, 0 recalls2014: 298 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 394 complaints, 1 recalls39420152016: 1,083 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 605 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 755 complaints, 6 recalls2019: 455 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 236 complaints, 5 recalls2021: 161 complaints, 4 recalls2022: 961 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 336 complaints, 5 recalls20232024: 142 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 105 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 31 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Civic model year. The 2015 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951990
19963052
19973732
19984354
19993383
20002876
20011,07914
200270511
200355111
200438610
200536610
20061,46515
20071,27810
20089887
20094298
20104138
20111729
20124744
20133290
20142982
20153941
20161,0835
20176056
20187556
20194554
20202365
20211614
20229614
20233365
20241423
20251052
2026311

The 2015 model year has 394 complaints and 1 recall[4]. Neighboring years look like this:

Model year Complaints Recalls
2013[4] 329 0
2014[4] 298 2
2015[4] 394 1
2016[4] 1,083 5
2017[4] 605 6

The 2015 count is higher than 2013 and 2014 and well below 2016[4]. Across the 32 model years from 1995 to 2026 that NHTSA lists, 15 have more complaints than 2015[4]. Only 1995 and 2013 list no recalls. 2026 lists 1 recall, the same as 2015[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2015 Civic?

Start the verdict at 'The main thing to settle is the transmission software recall[2].' and drop the opening sentence, which leaves 5 sentences. Ask a dealer to confirm by VIN that 15V574 was done if your car is included[2]. On a test drive, pay attention to how the transmission behaves, because the power train group is the largest in the complaints and 7 of the 12 power train complaints we read describe jerking, slipping or failing[3]. Check which version you are looking at, since fuel economy ranges from 25 to 44 MPG combined[5][19]. The complaints are unverified and our sample is small, so they show what some owners report and not how often a problem happens.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 394 owner complaints, and the power train group is named in 181 of them[1][3]. In the sample of power train complaints we read, 7 of 12 describe a transmission that jerks, slips or fails[3]. Air bags are named in 59 complaints and have the most crashes, at 22[7].
Does the 2015 Honda Civic have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall, 15V574, for transmission software that can damage the drive pulley shaft[4][2]. Honda said dealers would update the software free, with the recall expected to begin October 30, 2015[2].
What gas mileage does the 2015 Honda Civic get?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 MPG for the 2.4L manual to 44 MPG for the Civic Hybrid[19][5]. The 1.8L automatic versions are rated 32 to 34 combined[15][16][14].
How safe is the 2015 Honda Civic?
The 4-door gets 5 stars overall from NHTSA and the 2-door gets 4 stars overall[6][20].
Is 2015 a good year for the Honda Civic?
It has 394 complaints and 1 recall, which is more complaints than 2013 or 2014 and fewer than 2016[4]. 15 of the 32 model years from 1995 to 2026 have more complaints[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 394 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Honda Civic (37 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 23 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 15V574, filed September 15, 2015: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
  3. 181 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Civic model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Civic Hybrid, 1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 43 city / 45 highway / 44 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 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
  7. 59 complaints name the air bags component group (22 crashes, 0 fires, 19 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,034). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 59 complaints name the unknown or other component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,700). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 34 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,570). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 29 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 21 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,125). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 20 complaints name the speed control component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,183). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 17 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,538). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Civic HF, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 31 city / 40 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 37 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Civic, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Honda Civic with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 110 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Honda Civic with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 110 to 143 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Honda Civic with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 2DR COUPE LX/EX/EX-L NAVI: length 178 in, width 69 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 2,824 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 2DR COUPE Si: length 179 in, width 69 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,000 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 4DR SEDAN DX: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 2,712 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 4DR SEDAN LX/EX: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 2,773 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 4DR SEDAN TOURING/Si: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 2,974 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. 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

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.