Owners have reported 26 crashes, 4 fires, 21 injuries and 1 death to NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Civic. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints253
STEERING
Owners report that the 2018 Honda Civic often experiences issues with the steering system, primarily involving the steering wheel becoming sticky or notchy, making it difficult to maintain a straight line or make smooth adjustments. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel sticking, being hard to maneuver, and occasionally making clicking noises, with these symptoms worsening in warm weather or after extended driving. The problem appears across a range of mileages, from as low as 30,000 miles to over 150,000 miles. Some reports indicate that these steering issues have led to crashes, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware that while some vehicles are covered under recalls or service bulletins, others with similar symptoms are not, potentially leading to significant repair costs.
Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints94
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the fuel system in the 2018 Honda Civic, primarily related to a recall where the necessary repair parts are unavailable. Complaints frequently mention stalling while driving, difficulty starting the vehicle, and hesitation during acceleration, with some issues occurring around 48,000 to 100,000 miles. Two incidents involve crashes, with one resulting in injuries when the vehicle stalled and lost power steering, leading to a collision. Buyers should be aware of the potential for unresolved fuel system issues and the current delays in obtaining repair parts.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints90
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report significant issues with the 2018 Honda Civic's air conditioning system, often involving failures of the compressor, evaporator, and condenser, leading to leaking refrigerant and a lack of cooling. These problems frequently occur in vehicles with less than 60,000 miles and can result in unpleasant odors, dizziness, or lightheadedness due to refrigerant leaks into the cabin. Additionally, multiple complaints highlight issues with the fuel pump, which can cause the vehicle to become inoperable without prior warning, contributing to safety concerns due to unexpected stalling or inability to start. Paint peeling and flaking is also noted, particularly on side mirrors, with no specific mileage or timeline patterns. Safety implications include potential exposure to harmful fumes and the risk of being stranded due to fuel pump failures.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints43
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Honda Civic frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the body control module (BCM) and battery failures. Symptoms commonly described include dashboard warning lights flashing, key fob malfunctions, and unexpected battery drainage. Complaints often arise around or after 50,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated air conditioning failures linked to the electrical system. Safety concerns are noted, including instances of the vehicle not starting or shutting down properly, and one report involves a fire. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential electrical system issues and the associated repair costs that may arise.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints30
ENGINE
Owners report several issues with the 2018 Honda Civic's engine, primarily involving cylinder misfires, oil dilution, and air conditioning failures. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine stalling, loss of power, and a strong fuel odor in the cabin, often linked to oil dilution with fuel. These issues are observed at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,585 miles. Safety implications include engine failure while driving, which could lead to loss of vehicle control, and one report of a fire following engine stalling and smoke emission. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the potential for significant repair costs.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints19
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Honda Civic frequently report unexpected airbag deployments without any preceding impact, often leading to injuries. Common symptoms include airbags deploying while driving at low speeds or during minor incidents, sometimes accompanied by smoke or metal fragments causing cuts. Several complaints involve airbags failing to deploy during crashes, with some incidents resulting in significant injuries. The mileage at which these issues occur varies, but one report mentions approximately 156,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries resulting from both unexpected deployments and non-deployments. These patterns suggest potential airbag system reliability concerns that prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 13 injury reports
Owner complaints14
STRUCTURE
Owners report that the 2018 Honda Civic frequently experiences issues with paint peeling and chipping, particularly on the hood and doors. Complaints describe paint bubbling, clear coat lifting, and premature chipping, with some cases leading to corrosion and structural concerns. These paint issues often emerge within the first few years of ownership, regardless of regular maintenance or garage storage. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the sunroof and back windshield shattering without impact, and unsecured front bumpers that could detach at high speeds. Safety implications include a reported crash with one injury, though the details are not specified. These issues may affect the resale value and durability of the vehicle.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints12
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Honda Civic frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving manual transmission problems such as difficulty shifting gears, gears grinding, and not engaging properly. Symptoms often include stuttering during acceleration and random loss of power, with some reports mentioning the car jerking violently and misfiring in cylinder 1. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, but some occur as early as 16,500 miles. Safety implications are present, with one incident involving the vehicle rolling down an incline and crashing into a tree, and another report of a fire occurring while driving. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential issues, especially regarding manual transmission performance and unexpected mechanical failures.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
SEATS
Owners of the 2018 Honda Civic report several issues related to the seats, with some complaints highlighting mechanical problems and safety concerns. Multiple owners describe issues with the driver's seat adjustment mechanism, mentioning grinding or stripping noises and difficulty in adjusting seat height. There are reports of the passenger seat alerting with a dinging sound and interior light activation during turns or when weight shifts, which can be distracting. Safety implications are noted, including a crash where the seat bracket bent, causing injury, and an instance of seat heaters causing burns. These reports occur at varying times, with some issues appearing within months of purchase, indicating potential early onset of these problems.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Honda Civic report several issues with the service brakes, with some complaints involving significant safety concerns. A pattern emerges where multiple owners describe the brake pedal becoming soft or unresponsive, sometimes leading to crashes, as seen in a report where the vehicle failed to stop, resulting in a rear-end collision. Other complaints highlight issues with the brake hold system, where the vehicle unexpectedly rolls despite the system being engaged, posing a risk of accidents in situations such as parking or waiting in line. Additionally, there are reports of the emergency brake not engaging as expected, causing the vehicle to roll when parked. These problems are reported at varied mileages, ranging from around 30,000 to over 88,000 miles, indicating potential reliability concerns over time.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
