2018 Honda Civic problems owners report most

2018 Honda Civic problems are documented in public: owners have filed 596 complaints with NHTSA, the earliest in 2017 and the most recent in 2025. Sorting those by the component the filer named puts the steering clearly first, at 224 of the 596 complaints, two of every five filed.

A complaint is not a repair bill and not a defect finding. It is one owner telling the regulator something went wrong. What makes the count useful is the concentration: when one component takes 38 per cent of everything filed on a car, the pattern is doing more than chance.

2018 Honda Civic complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
STEERING22438%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10518%
FUEL SYSTEM8915%
GASOLINE8915%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7012%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM519%

Against the 2017 car, this model year has drawn 1 per cent fewer complaints (596 against 599). Both years are led by the steering, so this is a fault that carried over rather than one introduced with the 2018 car.

Of those complaints, 25 describe a crash and 4 describe a fire. Filers reported 21 injuries. One complaint reports a death.

Recalls on the 2018 Honda Civic

A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator found a safety defect, and the repair is free at a franchised dealer however old the car is. There are 6 recalls on this model year. Your own car may be covered by some, all or none of them, so check the VIN rather than the model.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V314000 · reported 28/05/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

The risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS18V421000 · reported 20/06/2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Civic vehicles. The manufacturing date area of the certification labels may have random characters which can affect the owner's ability to determine if a safety recall includes their vehicle.

The risk. If the owner is not able to verify if their vehicle is involved in safety recall, it can increase the risk of injury or crash.

The fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is U23.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM18V663000 · reported 27/09/2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.

The risk. The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.

The fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL18V817000 · reported 16/11/2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic Hatchback and Civic Type R vehicles. The owners guide in these vehicles may not have been included or if included, the owner's guide may not have been properly provided required information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

The risk. If the information is missing or improper, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.

The fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the owners information kit, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O3A.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000 · reported 18/12/2023

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.

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

The fix. 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.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000 · reported 21/05/2026

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

The risk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

In owners own words

These are complaints filed about the steering, quoted as written. They are one persons account rather than a diagnosis, and they are here because a symptom described by a driver is easier to recognise than a component name.

This is the transcript of a conversation with NHTSA. This is a huge safety issue that should include my VIN. Honda was also contacted, and they explained that my VIN was not covered. Does anyone care that this safety issue could result in a fatality? Info: Please wait for a site operator to respond. Info: Agent 'AnnMarie' has joined the Desktop Sharing session AnnMarie: Thank you for contacting the Dept. of Transportation Vehicle Safety Hotline, How may I assist you? I own a 2018 Honda Civic, VIN [XXX] . It has 1 unrepaired recall showing, and that is for the fuel pump module. I have another i

Filed with NHTSA 04/15/2025

2018 Honda Civic racking pinning steering needs replaced at 44,000 miles. My steering gets stuck turning right to left and worsens at higher speed. Honda dealership states its not under recall and will cost me $3,587.85. The manufacturing power steering rack costs $ 2,455.28. I have researched the internet and numerous consumers have complained and needed racking pinning replaced prior to warranty expiration and thereafter. This is definitely a safety concern. I cant believe that Honda Manufacturer has not recalled this defect. Other consumers complaints found for the same defect: #2 I just

Filed with NHTSA 07/05/2021

AFTER ABOUT 10-20 MINUTES OF DRIVING, THE CAR STARTS TO PULL TO THE LEFT WHEN GOING STRAIGHT ON THE ROADWAY. THE STEERING CHANGES FROM ALLOWING SMOOTH, SLIGHT ADJUSTMENTS, TO BEING STICKY AND JERKY. THEN THE CAR OVERCORRECTS TO THE RIGHT, AND THE STICKY STEERING OVERCORRECTS TO THE LEFT. IT BECOMES A CONSTANT STRUGGLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. ONCE THIS ISSUE STARTS, IT HAPPENS WHETHER TRAVELING AT LOW OR HIGHER SPEEDS, BUT IS MUCH MORE OBVIOUS AND DANGEROUS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I TOOK THE CAR INTO HOLLER HONDA WINTER PARK FL, AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE IN

Filed with NHTSA 06/13/2020

WE PURCHASED A 2018 HONDA CIVIC SPORT HATCHBACK IN LATE SPRING OF LAST YEAR. WHILE DRIVING IT IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, IT CONSISTENTLY COLLECTS SNOW AND ICE IN THE WHEEL WELLS TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS ACTUALLY CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE INNER WHEEL WELL AND CAUSES CONSISTENT RUBBING AND BURNING SMELLS DUE TO THE ICE RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THE RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIP (GARBER HONDA IN ROCHESTER) AND THE AUTO MANUFACTURER (AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE COMPANY) IS THAT THIS IS DUE TO 'OUTSIDE INFLUENCES' AND IS THEREFORE NOT COVERED BY THEM. THE ISSUE IN QUESTION IS REGARDING THE MATERIAL DESIGN A

Filed with NHTSA 03/20/2019

Every component, by complaint count

The full breakdown of what owners named when they filed. Components below the top ten are grouped out of this table.

2018 Honda Civic complaints by component, full list
ComponentComplaintsShare of all complaints
STEERING22438%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10518%
FUEL SYSTEM8915%
GASOLINE8915%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7012%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM519%
ENGINE508%
SERVICE BRAKES214%
AIR BAGS203%
STRUCTURE193%

What parts cost for the 2018 Honda Civic

Prices read from one AutoZone store for this exact year, make and model, covering 8 kinds of part and 232 products. AutoZone year, make and model catalog prices. Engine, trim, transmission and VIN fitment are not confirmed. They are what the shelf said on the day, not a quote.

2018 Honda Civic part prices by category
PartListedRangeTypical
Battery16$99.99 to $359.99$184.99
Brake rotors43$29.99 to $205.99$69.99
Brake pads72$26.49 to $147.99$58.49
Cabin air filter partial9$19.99 to $47.99$29.99
Engine air filter16$18.99 to $68.99$24.99
Wiper blades partial48$8.19 to $42.99$19.99
Spark plugs16$6.99 to $35.99$15.99
Oil filter12$6.99 to $17.99$12.99

The cheapest way to keep it serviced

Taking the lowest listed price in each routine maintenance category, the filters, plugs and wipers for this car come to $61.15 in parts. That is parts alone, before labour, tax and the oil itself, and it assumes the cheapest option fits your engine.

Battery. 16 products listed, from the Econocraft Group Size 51R Battery 51R-E at $99.99 up to the OPTIMA Yellow Top Group Size 47 / H5 Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery DH5 at $359.99. A refundable core deposit of $22.00 is charged on top and returned with the old part. AutoZone's own labels account for 10 of them, starting at $99.99.

Brake rotors. 43 products listed, from the PowerStop Disc Brake Rotor JBR1728SCR at $29.99 up to the PowerStop Disc Brake Rotor Set JBR1730XPR at $205.99. AutoZone's own labels account for 9 of them, starting at $66.99.

Brake pads. 72 products listed, from the PowerStop Z16 Evolution Ceramic Performance Brake Pads 16-1878 at $26.49 up to the PowerStop Track Day Semi-Metallic Carbon Fiber High Performance Brake Pads PST-1001B at $147.99. AutoZone's own labels account for 13 of them, starting at $42.99.

Fitment is by year, make and model only. Engine, trim and transmission were not selected, so confirm the part number against your own car before buying. Prices change and vary by store.

How other model years compare

The same nameplate across the years we hold. Complaint counts fall naturally for newer cars because fewer of them have been on the road for long, so read the column as a rough signal rather than a ranking. In this set the 2016 Honda Civic has drawn the most complaints and the 2021 Honda Civic the fewest.

Honda Civic by model year
Model yearComplaintsRecallsMost reported
20161,0815STEERING
20175996STEERING
2018 (this page)5966STEERING
20193464STEERING
20202275UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20211454STEERING

What to check on the steering

Steering reports describe the wheel going heavy or sticky at speed, pulling to one side, or a loose feeling where the car wanders and needs constant correction. Several describe the effort changing mid-drive rather than being wrong from the start.

Buying a used 2018 Civic

Take it on a road where you reach a steady highway speed and hold it there. Most of these complaints describe a fault that only shows after some minutes at speed, which a drive around town will not find.

If you already own one

Raise it with a dealer before paying for a repair yourself. Steering faults draw manufacturer service bulletins and extended warranties more often than most components, and some of these cars were covered after the standard warranty ended.

  • Drive at a steady highway speed for several minutes, not around town.
  • Ask whether a service bulletin or extended coverage applies to the VIN.
  • Check for play at the wheel with the engine running and stopped.
  • Have the alignment checked before replacing any steering part.

Where the 2018 Honda Civic problem data comes from

Every figure on this page is counted from complaints and recalls published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, read October 12, 2026. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by the agency before publication. We count each complaint once per component it names, so a complaint naming two components appears in both rows.

  1. NHTSA recalls and complaintsRead October 12, 2026
  2. NHTSA record for the 2018 Honda CivicRead October 12, 2026