CarBrief

NHTSA has 605 owner complaints for the 2017 Honda Civic, led by steering reports[1][2]. It also has six recalls, each with a free dealer remedy[3][4][5][6][7][8][9].

605owner complaints[1]
6recalls[3]
25–36MPG combined (EPA)[10]
5★NHTSA overall rating[11]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 605 owner complaints for the 2017 Civic[1]. Of those, 23 mention a crash, 6 mention a fire and 13 mention an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts of the car.

The complaints are sorted into component groups. Here are the biggest ones.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Median miles at failure
Steering[2] 175 3 0 46,500
Unknown or other[12] 166 3 0 32,000
Electrical system[13] 103 0 5 19,000
Engine[14] 70 1 3 21,125
Brakes[15] 40 9 1 19,989
Structure[16] 37 4 1 9,250
Fuel/propulsion system[17] 33 0 1 22,250
Power train[18] 29 1 0 25,000

Steering has the largest named group[2]. Brakes has fewer complaints but the highest crash count of any group[15]. Electrical has the highest fire count[13].

Steering. In a sample of steering complaints we read, owners describe a wheel that sticks or does not return to center at highway speed, and an electric power steering fault with warning lights and lost assist[2]. Some owners also mention the steering magnet recall (see the recalls section)[2].

Electrical. In a sample of electrical complaints we read, owners describe a blank or zero-reading instrument cluster while driving, a radio, navigation or touch screen that cuts in and out, several warning lights at once, and wiring chewed by rodents. Some of those owners link the chewing to the wire coating[13].

Engine. In a sample of engine complaints we read, some owners describe stalling or lost power while driving, and some describe fuel mixing into the engine oil[14].

Brakes. In a sample of brake complaints we read, owners describe the car moving or rolling away while in park, and an electric parking brake fault or warning[15].

Recalls

NHTSA lists six recalls for the 2017 Civic[3]. The remedy for each one is a free repair at a Honda dealer[4][5][6][7][8][9]. Some recalls cover only certain body styles, so the details below name them.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on body style, engine and transmission. The combined rating runs from 25 MPG for the Type R with a manual[19] to 36 MPG for the 4Dr with the 1.5L turbo and automatic[10]. Annual fuel costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version Engine and transmission City / Hwy / Comb MPG Annual fuel cost
2Dr[20] 2.0L, Manual 6-spd 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100
2Dr[21] 2.0L, Automatic (variable gear ratios) 30 / 39 / 34 $1,950
2Dr[22] 1.5L turbo, Manual 6-spd 30 / 41 / 35 $1,900
2Dr[23] 1.5L turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios) 31 / 40 / 35 $1,900
4Dr[24] 2.0L, Manual 6-spd 28 / 40 / 32 $2,100
4Dr[25] 2.0L, Automatic (variable gear ratios) 31 / 40 / 34 $1,950
4Dr[26] 1.5L turbo, Manual 6-spd 31 / 42 / 35 $1,900
4Dr[10] 1.5L turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios) 32 / 42 / 36 $1,850
5Dr[27] 1.5L turbo, Manual 6-spd 30 / 39 / 33 $2,050
5Dr[28] 1.5L turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios) 31 / 40 / 34 $1,950
5Dr Sport (premium)[29] 1.5L turbo, Automatic (AV-S7) 30 / 36 / 32 $2,550
5Dr Sport (premium)[30] 1.5L turbo, Manual 6-spd 30 / 39 / 33 $2,500
5Dr Type R (premium)[19] 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd 22 / 28 / 25 $3,300
Si 2Dr (premium)[31] 1.5L turbo, Manual 6-spd 28 / 38 / 32 $2,550
Si 4Dr (premium)[32] 1.5L turbo, Manual 6-spd 28 / 38 / 32 $2,550

The Sport, Type R and Si versions use premium fuel, and their listed yearly fuel costs are higher[29][19][31]. All versions listed are front-wheel drive[20].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4 DR and 5 HB versions 5 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal, side and rollover[11][33]. The 2 DR versions also get 5 stars overall and 5 stars for side and rollover, but 4 stars for frontal[34][35]. Rollover risk is listed at 9.5% for the 4 DR and 5 HB versions and 9.3% for the 2 DR versions[11][34]. The Type R listing shows 5 stars for side and rollover and has no overall or frontal score[36].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2017 Civic with a 1.5L 4-cylinder rated 174 to 205 hp depending on version[37]. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated 306 hp[38].

Dimensions below are Transport Canada specifications, so they are Canadian-market numbers and can differ slightly from US models[39].

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
5-door hatch[39] 178 in 74 in 56 in 106 in 2,917 lb
DX/LX/EX 4-door sedan[40] 182 in 74 in 56 in 106 in 2,743 lb
EX-T/Touring 2-door coupe[41] 177 in 74 in 55 in 106 in 2,895 lb
EX-T/Touring 4-door sedan[42] 182 in 74 in 56 in 106 in 2,919 lb
LX 2-door coupe[43] 177 in 74 in 55 in 106 in 2,769 lb

How 2017 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 recalls20152016: 1,083 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 605 complaints, 6 recalls60520172018: 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 2017 is highlighted[3].
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 2017 Civic has 605 complaints and 6 recalls on file[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they work best for comparing years of the same model.

Here are the neighboring years[3].

Model year Complaints Recalls
2015[3] 394 1
2016[3] 1,083 5
2017[3] 605 6
2018[3] 755 6
2019[3] 455 4

Across all 32 model years in the list, eight years have more complaints than 2017, so 2017 ranks ninth for complaints[3]. For recalls, eleven years have more than 6, and 2000 and 2018 have the same count[3].

Should you buy a used 2017 Civic?

The record is mixed. There are 605 complaints, but 23 mention a crash and none report a death[1]. Steering reports lead the file, and electrical reports are the next largest named group[2][13], and the sample themes include sticky steering, blank displays and rodent-chewed wiring[2][13]. There are six recalls with free dealer remedies, so ask for proof that each one that applies to the car was done[4][5][6][7][8][9]. Fuel economy and power vary a lot by version, from 25 to 36 MPG combined, so pick the version that fits how you drive[10][19]. (delete the sentence)

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Honda Civic?
Steering has the most complaints with 175 of 605, followed by unknown or other with 166 and electrical with 103[1][2][12][13]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe sticky steering and blank or flickering displays[2][13].
Does the 2017 Honda Civic have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists six[3]. They cover the passenger seat weight sensor, fuel pump, owners guide, steering magnet, seatback pads and right halfshaft[4][5][6][7][8][9]. Each has a free dealer remedy.
How many miles per gallon does the 2017 Honda Civic get?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 MPG for the Type R with a manual to 36 MPG for the 4Dr with the 1.5L turbo and automatic[19][10].
Is the 2017 Honda Civic safe?
NHTSA gives the 4 DR and 5 HB versions 5 stars overall[11][33]. The 2 DR versions get 5 stars overall with 4 stars for frontal[34][35].
How does the 2017 Civic compare with 2016 and 2018?
2017 has 605 complaints and 6 recalls, 2016 has 1,083 and 5, and 2018 has 755 and 6[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 605 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Honda Civic (23 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 175 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Civic model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 26V332, filed May 21, 2026: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 23V858, filed December 18, 2023: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 18V817, filed November 16, 2018: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V663, filed September 27, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 18V266, filed April 26, 2018: Seats. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 17V706, filed November 9, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
  10. EPA rating for Civic 4Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 32 city / 42 highway / 36 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 166 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 103 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 5 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 70 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,125). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 40 complaints name the brakes component group (9 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,989). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 37 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 33 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 29 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA rating for Civic 5Dr - Type R, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Civic 2Dr, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Civic 2Dr, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 39 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Civic 2Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 41 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Civic 2Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 31 city / 40 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Civic 4Dr, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 40 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Civic 4Dr, 2.0L 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
  26. EPA rating for Civic 4Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 31 city / 42 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Civic 5Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 39 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Civic 5Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 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
  29. EPA rating for Civic 5Dr Sport, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AV-S7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 36 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Civic 5Dr Sport, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 39 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Civic Si 2Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Civic Si 4Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  35. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  36. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  37. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Honda Civic with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 174 to 205 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  38. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Honda Civic with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 306 hp. www.epa.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC 5DR HATCH: length 178 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,917 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC DX/LX/EX 4DR SEDAN: length 182 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,743 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC EX-T/TOURING 2DR COUPE: length 177 in, width 74 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,895 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC EX-T/TOURING 4DR SEDAN: length 182 in, width 74 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,919 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CIVIC LX 2DR COUPE: length 177 in, width 74 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,769 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.