CarBrief

NHTSA has 755 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Honda Civic[1]. Steering is the largest group with 315[2], and the recalls include steering, fuel pump and air bag sensor repairs[3][4][5].

755owner complaints[1]
6recalls[6]
25–36MPG combined (EPA)[7]
5★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 755 owner complaints for the 2018 Civic[1]. Of those, 27 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 23 injuries, and 1 death is reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one component, so the groups below overlap.

The smaller groups are small. We do not call brakes or engine common problems on these counts. We also have no complaint text for engine, brakes or air bags, so we cannot describe what owners say there.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Civic[6]. Newest first:

Recalls name specific body styles and years, so not every 2018 Civic is in each one[4][13]. Honda customer service for these recalls is 1-888-234-2138[5].

Fuel economy

EPA combined ratings run from 25 MPG for the Civic 5Dr Type R on premium fuel[19] to 36 MPG for the Civic 4Dr with the 1.5L turbo and automatic[7]. Every version except the Type R is rated 32 to 36 combined[20][7].

Fuel type changes the yearly cost. The Civic 5Dr with the 1.5L turbo and manual is rated 33 combined on regular fuel at $2,050 a year[21]. The Civic 5Dr Sport with the same engine and transmission is also rated 33 combined but takes premium at $2,500 a year[22]. EPA bases the cost on its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA yearly fuel cost
Civic 4Dr, 1.5L turbo, automatic (variable gear ratios), regular[7] 32 / 42 / 36 $1,850
Civic 2Dr, 1.5L turbo, manual, regular[23] 30 / 41 / 35 $1,900
Civic 5Dr, 1.5L turbo, automatic (variable gear ratios), regular[24] 31 / 40 / 34 $1,950
Civic 4Dr, 2.0L, manual, regular[25] 28 / 40 / 32 $2,100
Civic Si 4Dr, 1.5L turbo, manual, premium[26] 28 / 38 / 32 $2,550
Civic 5Dr Type R, 2.0L turbo, manual, premium[19] 22 / 28 / 25 $3,300

All versions in our data are front-wheel drive[21][19].

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star ratings are listed by body version[8]. Where an overall rating exists, it is 5 stars[8][27][28][29][30]. The two 2 DR versions get 4 stars in the frontal test, and the other rated versions get 5[8][30][27][28][29].

Version Overall Frontal Side Rollover Rollover risk
2 DR FWD[8] 5 4 5 5 9.3%
5 HB FWD[27] 5 5 5 5 9.5%
4 DR FWD[28] 5 5 5 5 9.5%
Civic Si 4 DR FWD[29] 5 5 5 5 9.5%
Civic Si 2 DR FWD[30] 5 4 5 5 9.3%
Civic Type R 5 HB FWD[31] not listed not listed 5 5 9.5%

The Type R listing has side and rollover ratings only, so we cannot give it an overall or frontal score[31].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2018 Civic with a 1.5L 4-cylinder rated 174 to 205 hp depending on version[32]. It also lists a 2.0L 4-cylinder rated 306 hp[33]. Our fuel economy ratings include a 2.0L turbo[19] and 2.0L versions without turbo in the name[34][25]. We cannot tell from our data which version the 306 hp rating belongs to[33].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
CIVIC 5DR HATCH[35] 178 in 74 in 56 in 106 in 2,917 lb
CIVIC DX/LX/EX 4DR SEDAN[36] 182 in 74 in 56 in 106 in 2,743 lb
CIVIC EX-T/TOURING 2DR COUPE[37] 177 in 74 in 55 in 106 in 2,895 lb
CIVIC EX-T/TOURING 4DR SEDAN[38] 182 in 74 in 56 in 106 in 2,919 lb
CIVIC LX 2DR COUPE[39] 177 in 74 in 55 in 106 in 2,769 lb

How 2018 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 recalls2018: 755 complaints, 6 recalls75520182019: 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 2018 is highlighted[6].
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 2018 Civic has 755 complaints and 6 recalls on file[6]. Complaints are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so these counts show how much was reported, not how likely a problem is.

Next to its neighbors, 2018 has more complaints than 2017 (605) and 2019 (455)[6]. Six model years have more complaints than 2018: 2001 (1,079), 2006 (1,465), 2007 (1,278), 2008 (988), 2016 (1,083) and 2022 (961)[6].

For recalls, 11 model years before 2012 have more than 6[6]. From 2012 on, 2017 and 2018 have the most, at 6 each[6].

Should you buy a used 2018 Civic?

The 2018 Civic sits in the upper part of its own model history for complaints, with 755 and six years higher[6]. Steering is the group to look at first, with 315 complaints and 10 of the 12 texts we read describing steering trouble[2]. Check any car against all six recalls, especially the two fuel pump recalls that warn of stalling and the seat sensor recall[5][11][4]. Owners in our sample describe waiting for fuel pump parts, so ask for proof the repair was done[10]. On the plus side, every version except the Type R is rated 32 to 36 MPG combined[20][7], and the rated versions earn 5 stars overall from NHTSA[27][28].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Civic?
By complaint count, steering leads with 315 of 755 total complaints[1][2]. Fuel system, gasoline has 98[10] and fuel/propulsion has 80[12]. In a small sample of fuel/propulsion complaints, 7 of 12 describe gasoline in the engine oil or a fuel smell[12].
Does the 2018 Honda Civic have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls: front passenger seat sensor[5], two fuel pump recalls[11][4], owner's guide[13], power steering magnet[3] and certification label[14]. Each recall names specific body styles and years, so check your car.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Honda Civic get?
EPA combined ratings are 32 to 36 MPG for every version except the Type R, which is rated 25[20][7][19]. The best rating is 32 city and 42 highway for the 4Dr with the 1.5L turbo and automatic[7].
How safe is the 2018 Honda Civic?
NHTSA gives 5 stars overall to the versions it rates overall[8][27][28]. The 2 DR versions get 4 stars in the frontal test[8][30].
Is 2018 a bad year for the Honda Civic?
It is not the worst on file. Six model years have more complaints, such as 2006 with 1,465[6]. The 2018 Civic has 755 complaints and 6 recalls[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 755 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Honda Civic (27 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 23 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 315 complaints name the steering component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,564). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 18V663, filed September 27, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 20V314, filed May 28, 2020: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 26V332, filed May 21, 2026: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Civic model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 128 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 98 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. Recall 23V858, filed December 18, 2023: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  12. 80 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,015). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 18V817, filed November 16, 2018: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V421, filed June 20, 2018: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  15. 61 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,775). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 58 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 26 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,775). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 23 complaints name the air bags component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). 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 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
  21. EPA rating for Civic 5Dr, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Civic 5Dr Sport, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  32. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Honda Civic with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 174 to 205 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  33. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Honda Civic with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 306 hp. www.epa.gov
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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.