--- title: "Used Honda Civic Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy" description: "A used Honda Civic review for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine, common problems and best years." canonical: https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/honda-civic-review-texas/ last_updated: 2026-11-05 language: en --- # Used Honda Civic Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy Choosing a car # Used Honda Civic Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy A used Honda Civic review for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine, common problems and best years. **[Anthony Hunt](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/about/) ** Updated November 5, 202611 min read ![Used Honda Civic Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/assets/covers/honda-civic-review-texas.webp) Photo: [SsmIntrigue](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2022_Honda_Civic_Sport,_Front_Right,_06-20-2021.jpg) , [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) , via Wikimedia Commons (cropped) This used Honda Civic review covers the 2015 to 2022 model years for Texas buyers. The Civic is one of the most common compact cars on Central Texas roads, so there is a lot of public data to work with. In NHTSA's records, the 2021 Civic has the fewest complaints in the span (148), and the 2019 and 2020 are next. The 2016 and the 2022, each the first year of a new design, have the most complaints, and steering leads both. If I were shopping, I would start with a 2019 to 2021, look at a 2017 or 2018 with every campaign closed, and treat a 2016 or 2022 with extra care. Run the VIN for open recalls and get an inspection either way. The evidence here is public data only: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 5, 2026, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, and size and weight records from Transport Canada through NHTSA's vPIC database. No owner reviews, no invented reliability scores and no prices. ## Honda Civic years for used buyers: 2015 to 2022 The 2015 to 2022 span covers three designs. You can see the breaks in the engine data on [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) and in the size records, where each body record has a start year. ### 2015 The 2015 is the last year of an older design. Its sedan size record starts in 2013 and its coupe record in 2014. fueleconomy.gov lists a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a CVT or a 5-speed manual, a 1.5-liter hybrid, a natural gas 1.8 with a 5-speed automatic and a 2.4-liter that takes premium fuel with a 6-speed manual. The sedan is 456 cm (180 in) long and 175 cm (69 in) wide. ### 2016 to 2021 The 2016 brought a new, bigger Civic. The sedan and coupe records start in 2016, and the hatchback record starts in 2017. The sedan grew to 463 cm (182 in) long and 188 cm (74 in) wide, on a 270 cm (106 in) wheelbase. fueleconomy.gov lists a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder; NHTSA's recall wording calls the 1.5 a turbo. Transmissions are a CVT or a 6-speed manual. A 2016-2018 DX, LX or EX sedan weighs 1244 kg (2,743 lb). ### 2022 The 2022 started the current design. Its sedan record is 467 cm (184 in) long on a 274 cm (108 in) wheelbase, and a 1.5-liter sedan weighs 1391 kg (3,067 lb). The engines are again a 2.0 and a 1.5. The first year of this design has the second-most complaints in the span (886). If you are deciding between a Civic and its main rival, see my [Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-corolla-vs-honda-civic/) or put a 2019 Civic and 2019 Corolla side by side in the compare tool. ## Used Civic review by year: recalls, complaints and crash ratings From NHTSA records pulled November 5, 2026. The recall column counts campaigns that list the model year. Many cover only one body style, engine or build window, and several are Honda-wide campaigns that also cover other models. "Unknown or other" is skipped when naming the top component. | Model year | Recall campaigns | Owner complaints | Crash / fire complaints | Top named complaint component (count) | NHTSA overall rating | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 381 | 37 / 2 | Power train (177) | 4 stars (coupe), 5 stars (sedan) | | 2016 | 5 | 1082 | 36 / 4 | Steering (446) | 5 stars | | 2017 | 6 | 606 | 23 / 6 | Steering (174) | 5 stars | | 2018 | 6 | 596 | 25 / 4 | Steering (224) | 5 stars | | 2019 | 4 | 345 | 22 / 0 | Steering (80) | 5 stars | | 2020 | 5 | 235 | 15 / 1 | Electrical system (37) | 5 stars | | 2021 | 4 | 148 | 5 / 2 | Steering (67) | 5 stars | | 2022 | 4 | 886 | 34 / 3 | Steering (734) | 5 stars | From 2016 on, NHTSA rates every tested Civic version 5 stars overall and 5 stars for rollover. For 2015, the two-door rates 4 stars overall, the four-door 5 stars, and the rollover rating is 4 stars. Compare years within the Civic rather than across brands: a popular car with many owners collects more complaints. My guide to [reading NHTSA complaint data](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-read-nhtsa-complaint-data/) explains why. Check any VIN on [NHTSA's recalls page](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) . **Want a personalized car guide?**Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Honda%20Civic%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) ## The Civic recalls that matter most These are the campaigns I would confirm first, using NHTSA's component names. ### 2015 - **Transmission control software (15V574000).** Covers 2014-2015 Civics built January 16 to November 6, 2014. The software settings may damage the transmission drive pulley shaft. Power train is the top 2015 complaint component (177), and "transmission" appears in 168 of the 2015 complaints, so this is first on my list. ### 2016 to 2021 - **Front passenger occupant classification sensor (26V332000), 2016-2022.** This campaign is from May 2026 and covers many Honda and Acura models. Because it is so recent, a Civic that looked clean last year may have this open recall now. - **Fuel pump (23V858000, 20V314000 and 21V215000).** The fuel pump inside the tank may fail. The first covers 2016-2021 Civics, the second 2018-2019 Civic Hatchback and Type R, and the third 2019-2020 versions. "Fuel pump" appears in 36 of the 2018 complaints, 40 of the 2019 and 18 of the 2020. - **Electric power steering torque sensor (18V663000), 2017-2018.** A magnet in the sensor may come loose. During a full lock turn, steering assist may then push the wrong way. Steering leads the complaints for both years. - **Engine piston circlip (16V074000), 2016 with the 2.0.** Covers cars built September 22, 2015 to February 3, 2016. The piston wrist pin circlip may be missing or installed wrong. - **Electric parking brake (16V725000), 2016.** The brake may not engage if applied right after the ignition is turned off. - **Right halfshaft (17V706000), 2017 sedan and coupe.** The halfshaft may have been heat treated wrong, which reduces its strength. - **Brake master cylinder (23V458000), 2020-2021.** A tie rod fastener may have been assembled wrong, and the master cylinder can separate from the brake booster. - **Passenger seat weight sensor (24V064000), 2020-2022.** The sensor may crack and short circuit. ### 2022 - **Steering gearbox (24V744000).** The gearbox may have been made wrong, causing internal friction and difficulty steering. Steering is the top 2022 complaint component by a wide margin (734 of 886). - **Replacement steering rack (23V704000).** Covers 2022-2024 Civics that got a replacement rack in a repair. The rack may let the tire chafe against suspension parts. ## Honda Civic problems owners report most These counts come from unverified complaints filed with NHTSA. The term counts are substring matches in the complaint text, so they can over-match: "tick" also matches words like "sticky" and "ticket," and "a/c" and "air condition" overlap. **2015:** Power train leads (177), and the text mentions the transmission (168), the CVT (34) and stalling (29). Air bags are the second component (58). **2016 to 2018:** Steering leads all three years (446, 174 and 224). "Tick" shows up often (328, 125 and 143), though some of those are over-matches. The AC is a theme in 2016 and 2017 ("a/c" in 77 and 57 complaints). The 2016 has no steering recall in this data, even though steering is its top component. In 2018, fuel system complaints rise (89). **2019 to 2021:** Totals fall each year to the lowest in the span (148 in 2021). Steering still leads in 2019 and 2021, and the fuel pump shows up in 2019 (40). In 2021, forward collision avoidance is the second component (33). **2022:** Steering dominates (734), and the word appears in 726 of the complaint texts. Forward collision avoidance (71) and lane departure (66) follow. The 24V744000 steering gearbox campaign is the closest recall to that theme. ## Civic MPG and specs by engine EPA ratings from [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) , all front-wheel drive. Ranges cover the versions listed, and the year ranges run past 2022 where the engine continues. | Engine | Years | Fuel | Transmission | City / hwy / combined | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1.8L 4-cyl | 2015 | Regular | CVT or 5-speed manual | 28-31 / 35-40 / 31-34 | | 1.5L hybrid | 2015 | Regular | CVT | 43 / 45 / 44 | | 1.8L 4-cyl | 2015 | Natural gas | 5-speed auto | 27 / 38 / 31 | | 2.4L 4-cyl | 2015 | Premium | 6-speed manual | 22 / 31 / 25 | | 1.5L 4-cyl | 2016-2024 | Regular | CVT or 6-speed manual | 28-33 / 37-42 / 31-36 | | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2016-2027 | Regular | CVT or 6-speed manual | 25-32 / 35-41 / 29-36 | | 1.5L 4-cyl | 2017-2026 | Premium | CVT or 6-speed manual | 26-30 / 35-39 / 30-33 | | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2017-2027 | Premium | 6-speed manual | 22 / 28 / 24-25 | For daily driving, the regular-fuel 1.5 and 2.0 are the versions most used buyers will see. The premium-fuel versions cost more at every fill-up and rate lower. Most automatic Civics in this span use a CVT, so read my guide on CVT transmissions for used buyers before a test drive. ## Texas notes for Civic owners **Heat.** A Civic parked outside through Central Texas summers works its AC, battery and cooling system hard. That matters here because the AC is a complaint theme for 2016 and 2017. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery date. My [used cars and Texas heat guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/used-cars-and-texas-heat/) has the full list. [fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) notes AC use can cut a conventional car's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips. **I-35 commuting.** The regular-fuel 1.5 and 2.0 rate 29 to 36 combined, with highway ratings up to 42. For a daily run between Georgetown, Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio, those highway numbers matter more than the city ones. **Hail.** Compact cars often park outside at apartments and work lots. Check the roof, hood and trunk lid in low, angled light for dents, and run the title for brands. My hail damage guide explains what to look for. **Rideshare.** If you plan to drive for Uber or Lyft, check the platform's current vehicle rules before you buy. My guides on buying a used car for Uber or Lyft in Texas and the [best used cars for Uber in Austin](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/best-used-cars-for-uber-in-austin/) cover the extra checks a high-mileage car needs. **Emissions counties.**[TCEQ](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. More in my [inspection and emissions guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/texas-vehicle-inspection-and-emissions-rules/) . ## Best years: the Civics I would shortlist, and the ones I would check extra carefully My opinion, based only on the data shown here. ### Years I would shortlist - **2021 Honda Civic.** The fewest complaints in the span (148), the fewest crash complaints (5) and four campaigns. Confirm the fuel pump, brake master cylinder and both passenger sensor campaigns. - **2020 Honda Civic.** 235 complaints and five campaigns, with no single component above 37 complaints. Same campaign checks as the 2021. - **2019 Honda Civic.** 345 complaints, four campaigns and no fire complaints. The fuel pump is the theme to check, so confirm all three fuel pump campaigns that can apply. ### Years I would check extra carefully - **2016 Honda Civic.** The most complaints in the span (1082), led by steering (446), and the first year of its design. Steering has no recall for this year in the data, so a careful test drive matters more. On a 2.0, confirm the piston circlip campaign. - **2022 Honda Civic.** The first year of the current design: 886 complaints, 734 of them steering. Confirm the steering gearbox campaign and ask whether the rack was ever replaced. - **2017 and 2018 Honda Civic.** Six campaigns each and around 600 complaints, with steering leading. Confirm the torque sensor campaign. ## Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a used Civic Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist. 1. Run the VIN on [NHTSA's recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) and ask a Honda dealer for completed recalls. Re-check close to purchase, since the passenger sensor campaign is new. 1. Confirm the exact engine, transmission and body style from the build sheet or a dealer lookup. 1. Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and at low speed. Steering effort should feel even, with no notchy or sticky spots. 1. Drive on the highway and feel for pulling, wander or uneven steering effort. 1. On a CVT car, accelerate gently and hard from a stop; note shudder, slipping or hesitation. 1. Start the engine cold with the hood open and have a mechanic listen for ticking or knocking. 1. Set and release the electric parking brake, including right after shutting the car off. 1. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery. 1. On 2021-2022 cars, check that the collision warning and lane systems show no faults. 1. Check the roof, hood and trunk for hail dents, and look for silt or rust under the carpet. 1. Check the title through [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) for salvage, flood or buyback brands. For model data across years, see the Honda Civic car data page, and for the recall process, my guide on [checking recalls before buying](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-check-recalls-before-buying-a-used-car/) . ## Sources - [NHTSA recalls lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-05 - [fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, Honda Civic)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) - [fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) - Transport Canada vehicle specifications through NHTSA vPIC (vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov), size and curb weight - [TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) - [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) ## Frequently asked questions **What are the best years for a used Honda Civic?** Based on NHTSA data for 2015-2022, the 2021 has the fewest complaints (148), followed by the 2020 (235) and the 2019 (345). Neither guarantees a good Civic, so inspect it and check its recall history. **Which Civic years have the most problems in NHTSA data?** The 2016 has the most complaints (1082) and the 2022 is second (886). Both were the first year of a new design, and steering leads both. **What is the most common Civic complaint?** Steering is the top named component in six of the eight years. For 2015 it is power train, and for 2020 it is the electrical system. **What MPG does a used Civic get?** On fueleconomy.gov, the regular-fuel 1.5 and 2.0 in 2016-2022 Civics rate 29 to 36 combined. The 2015 1.8 rates 31 to 34 combined, and the 2015 hybrid 44. **Does a used Civic need an emissions test in Texas?** A gasoline Civic needs one in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County from November 1, 2026, per TCEQ. **How safe is a used Civic?** NHTSA rates every tested 2016-2022 Civic 5 stars overall and 5 stars for rollover. The 2015 coupe rates 4 stars overall, the 2015 sedan 5 stars. Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything. ## Want a personalized car guide? Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars. [WhatsApp Anthony](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Honda%20Civic%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) 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