2021 HONDA Civic

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

The 2021 Honda Civic exhibits several critical recalls related to its braking and fuel systems, indicating potential safety hazards that buyers should consider. With average complaints focused on these core components, vigilance in reviewing service history is essential.

Key Factor:Brake and fuel system risks

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

The recalls affecting the service brakes, airbags, and fuel systems for this model year are particularly concerning due to their direct impact on driver safety. An improperly assembled brake master cylinder poses risks of failure during operation, while issues with the airbag sensor could prevent deployment in an accident, significantly heightening the risk of injury. Furthermore, the fuel pump failure may lead to stalling or reduced engine performance, adding layers of concern for prospective buyers. In a competitive segment known for reliability and safety, a clean record is something early models are often lauded for; however, this 2021 Civic must be scrutinized closely due to the recalls. Buyers should prioritize vehicles with comprehensive service histories that demonstrate prompt attention to these recalls to ensure they mitigate any inherent risks associated with ownership.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.3)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary: Over the past few years, Honda has maintained a strong reputation for reliability; however, the frequency of recalls in this model year suggests a notable deviation from expectations. The ongoing concerns surrounding critical systems such as brakes and fuel delivery underline a need for heightened diligence among prospective buyers.

Safety & Reliability Score

66/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 HONDA Civic

Engine2.0L / 1.5L Turbo
Cylinders4
Drive TypeFWD
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassSedan / Hatchback
Model Year2021
MakeHONDA

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun22
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

28 complaints (28% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
6(6%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
19(19%)
๐ŸŸขLow
75(75%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

With peak failure occurrences noted between 20k to 40k miles, it becomes crucial for current owners and potential buyers alike to consider how these issues may manifest early in ownership. Buyers should particularly evaluate the vehicle's maintenance records within this mileage range to safeguard against future complications.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 11 of 100 complaints (11% coverage)
0-20k
3 reports (27%)
20k-40k
4 reports (36%)
40k-60k
2 reports (18%)
60k-80k
1 reports (9%)
80k-100k
1 reports (9%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAIR BAGSFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Brake Master Cylinder

Issue: Improper assembly could lead to brake failure.

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Verify that all recall work has been completed by an authorized dealer.

๐Ÿ”

Request documentation confirming recall repairs were performed before purchase.

2

Air Bag Sensor

Issue: Potential short circuit may prevent airbag deployment.

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Inspect airbag system functionality regularly post-repair.

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Check if airbag sensor replacement has been conducted as per recall instructions.

3

Fuel Pump

Issue: Risk of fuel pump failure leading to engine stalling.

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null

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๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your HONDA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 23V458000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

Consequence

Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Campaign: 24V064000

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Campaign: 23V858000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Civic.

INV-2021-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Civic performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 7,831

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Civic.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning28%
Jerk11%
Accident10%
Stuck6%
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING

I drive on the highway everyday to get to work and my steering makes it impossible to drive in a straight line it takes every bit of effort to remain in my lane and when I make a slight adjustment it reacts too much. It is unpredictable and it becomes obvious to drivers around me and makes me look like a bad/crazy driver. It becomes so overwhelming to drive to and from work that I don't want my car anymore. Please investigate this. It is a big safety issue for me and the people on the road. I pray something is done about this problem that me and so many other civic owners are experiencing.

Brakes๐Ÿ”ต Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Nov 9th, 3:00pm, Fruitridge Rd 35 mph, driving with foot on the gas The safety brake feature overrode my ability to drive by forcefully coming to a complete stop while flashing 'brake' messege appeared on dashboard. No car, item or person was in front of me. The car behind me (who was also going around 35 mph) almost hit me and drove off angrily.

Body/Interior๐Ÿ”ต Low
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have been calling my local dealership for over a year trying to get my car fixed due to the recall and the dealership keeps saying they do not have the parts and will call when they do.

Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ต Low
AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The infotainment system in these vehicles is poor when using the navigation. Having the phone connected via wire will cause the phone and infotainment system to malfunction constantly causing restarts and making the mobile device extremely hot too the touch. The android auto function in the car loses connection and begins to cause the arrow marker to jump around on the map causing confusion, turn directions down wrong roads causing drivers to enter areas of no thruway due to a business being there. Researched this for 2 years and there is no current fix from HONDA other owners through REDDIT have the same issue and have been told by HONDA that nothing can be done to fix the hardware system.

Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING

When Iโ€™m turning, the steering wheel gets sticky/stuck in place. Whenever it unlocks, itโ€™s usually a very jerky movement:

Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A recent Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure on my 2021 Honda Civic that resulted in a repair of the entire steering rack. I took my vehicle to Vandedrgriff dealership for routine maintenance, including tire replacement, alignment, oil change, and a multi-point inspection. The car passed all checks and was deemed safe to drive. However, immediately after leaving, the steering became sticky and difficult to control on the freeway โ€” a serious safety risk. Upon returning the next day, I was informed of an internal EPS failure, with a repair estimate exceeding $4,584.30. I later discovered this failure involves a part number tied to a known Honda recall. Although my VIN is not currently part of the recall, the symptoms and overall failed part match exactly. The failure occurred immediately after authorized dealership service without warning. The EPS unit is associated with a known defect. The failure occurred just outside the 3-year warranty and before its time. An EPS is guranteed good over 100,00 miles. The issue created a dangerous situation on the road. Honda America Corporate has inspected the vehicle and refused to cover the repair because I am right outside of my warranty. I am a loyal Honda customer and trust in Honda's commitment for safety and customer satisfaction.

Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING

While driving at interstate speeds and turning left into a curve the steering wheel sticks and you have to forcibly pull it back to drive straight jerking the vehicle dangerously. Possibly a known steering rack issue.

Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING

At higher speeds the steering wheel sticks, this make making minor corrections to stay within the lane difficult, subsequently causing the vehicle to swerve while making these adjustments.

Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING

The component that has failed is my electric power steering motor. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. While driving, the steering wheel should turn in a fluid motion, without requiring much force to turn the wheel. When i turn my wheel, it sometimes will get stuck mid turning. Another time when this happens is when i am driving in a straight line. Making the micro adjustments to stay straight in between the lines. The steering wheel will catch, and i will have to exert additional force to get the wheel unstuck. Obviously, this has caused safety issues, as sometimes the strength to overcome the wheel being stuck will cause me to oversteer. This has also been found to be a problem on some 2022 and 2023 year Civics. There is already a recall for this problem, but not for my year civic. It does greatly lower my safety while driving, when i should never be uncomfortable in my own car. The problem has been confirmed by my own mechanic, and by Honda. It has been inspected by my own mechanic as well. There were no indications on the dash to warn me the motor was going to fault. I do not remember the exact date it happened, but sometime last week when i took my car in to have the CV joints replaced. The problem has steadily gotten worse since then.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues reported with the 2021 Honda Civic?'

'Common issues include concerns about brake system failures due to improper assembly of components and malfunctioning airbag sensors that may not deploy correctly during an accident. It's essential for both current owners and prospective buyers to be aware of these risks.'

'How serious are the recalls for the 2021 Honda Civic?'

'The recalls entail critical components such as brakes and airbags which directly impact vehicle safety. Given their potential severity, it's imperative that owners ensure all recall work has been completed prior to any further use.'

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

โžก๏ธStable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified HONDA service centerโ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in HONDA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.