Here Are The Honda Civic Years To Avoid
We've rounded up the Honda Civic years to avoid. See which ones (and which Civic years are considered best) so you can car shop confidently.
The Honda Civic is an all-time favorite among consumers, known for its solid reputation. It’s economical but durable and has a valid claim as one of the best cars around. The Honda Civic has been on the market for some time now, and not each release was picture perfect. We’ve compiled a list of Honda Civic years to avoid, helping you get the best of the make and avoid the worst.
Honda Civic Years to Avoid
Honda is a great brand, and the civic is one of their best. Still, when a brand has been out for a while, they are likely to come out with new releases that don’t make the cut, like a few of those listed below.
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2001
The model is one of the worst Honda Civics on the streets. They have a reputation for being the most recalled car of all time, which buyers should be aware of. Recalls came after many owners reported transmission failure and issues with the exhaust system.
2003-2005
With the hype that hybrids were bringing, the brand thought that they would be doing good in jumping on the bandwagon. However, since the technology was so new, the batteries came with a long list of issues, including that they only lasted about ten years. Anyone who purchased a used car was in for an expensive surprise, which is why this Honda Civic has a bad rep.
2006-2009
Just when the brand thought they had all the kinks worked out, they were in for another set of issues. The eighth-generation Honda Civic has problems with the engine block, where it would crack and create a slew of issues.
2009-2011
Honda decided to come back to the idea of a Hybrid, creating the second generation around this time. Though the battery didn’t give out as fast, the model was ridiculed for its hideous looks and terrible wheels. However, the battery life was a second cause for concern, though Honda had vastly improved it.
2016
New technology is always risky, as some companies do it well and others do not. In 2016, Honda took the plunge toward Bluetooth connectivity, which came with issues along the way. There were also many reports about the AC unit, making it the second big issue with Honda Civics around this year.
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Some of the Best Civics on the Market
Apart from Civic years to avoid, we thought we’d give you a look at the years where performance and everything checks out. If you’re buying used, try to get your hands on any one of these years.
2017-2020 Tenth-Generation Honda Civic
Back in 2017, Honda dropped the Type-R Civic. It not only performed well and satisfied many buyers, but it also scored top points for safety and affordability. The looks are sharp, and the drive is smooth, making it an attractive vehicle for anyone in love with the brand.
2012-2015 Ninth-Generation Honda Civic
From 2012 to 2015, the Honda Civic performed well. They had just the right amount of technology, killer performance, and various trims. In this time, all the previous kinks were ironed out and what was left was the ninth-generation Civic.
2010-2012 Eighth-Generation Honda Civic
If you can get your hands on a Civic between these years, do it. This was one of the best periods for the brand, and all of the Civics of this time run well, last long, and look great. For a great car that lasts, it doesn’t come with a hefty price tag either, something that will catch some attention.
1992 – 1995 Fifth-Generation Honda Civic
The Civic got its name at this time, making it one of the most popular years out there. Everyone seemed to want to get their hands on a Civic, with the brand releasing this new and stylish sporty economy car.
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Common Issues with the Honda Civic (By Year)
When checking out used Honda Civics, there are years that you want to avoid just because they came with a long list of issues. Some of the most common issues per year are listed below, helping you avoid them.
2001
The 2001 Honda Civic went down in history as one of the worst. They had significant recalls and issues with the transmission, all of which came with average costs of $2300.
2004
This year was the year of the fuses, where it seemed like the brand was suffering from heating issues. In the most extreme cases, HVAC systems had to be replaced entirely, with costs up to $200.
2005
In 2005, many of the Civic models were said to come with airbag issues. One of the most common was a warning light that wouldn’t turn off. This resulted in an airbag recall, which damaged this year’s model a bit.
2006
The widespread cracked engine blocks throughout the 2006 Civics came with several issues, including coolant leakage and engine failure. Though the warranty did cover the engine block, outside of it, drivers would have to pay the entire thing out of pocket.
THE MOST RELIABLE HONDA CIVIC YEARS
We’ve researched the most reliable years for the Honda Civic, so you’ll have all the information necessary to make an informed decision when perusing used cars to buy.
Common Honda Civic Problems
According to RepairPal, the venerable Honda Civic has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, placing 3rd out of 36 compact cars ranked. Despite its excellent reputation for reliability, the Civic has a few issues you need to be aware of:
- Transmission issues - If you’re planning an older Civic, one reliability issue that you should keep an eye on is the transmission. Older Civics starting with the 2001 model, had transmission systems that could slip or outright fail. You could get the transmission rebuilt or replaced for the average cost of $2,300.
- Defective airbags - Early 2000 Civics have been outfitted with the disastrous Takata airbags and were part of the massive recall. These faulty airbags can explode when deployed. Make sure this issue has been resolved when buying early 2000 Civics.
- Body integrity issues - The 2009 and 2010 Civics have problems with body integrity issues like peeling paint and cracked sun visors. The peeling paint is so widespread that owners were baffled that there’s no recall.
- Faulty A/C systems - Used Civic models, especially from 2001 to 2004, are known for their problematic climate system. A common cause is a bad thermal fuse that causes the blower to stop working.
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Civic Years to Avoid: The Takeaway
The Honda Civic is a staple economy car known for its outstanding performance and sporty looks. Still, that doesn’t mean that there haven’t been a few upsets here and there, something that owners or potential buyers should be aware of.
Here at CoPilot, we can find Honda Civics for all of the best years for you, making sure that you avoid those with the most issues. We don’t work with dealerships, so you’ll get the best deal and won’t have to deal with the sales talk.
If you’ve been eyeing the Honda Civic, it’s a great car but there are a few years that you should avoid. If you’re shopping and not sure which to pick, you don’t have to go at it alone. Give us a call, and we’ll show you the top listings in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions: Honda Civic Years to Avoid
Q: Which Honda Civic years have the most problems?
A: The 2001 Honda Civic is considered one of the worst models due to significant recalls and transmission issues. Other problematic years include 2003-2005 (battery issues in hybrids), 2006-2009 (cracked engine blocks), and 2016 (Bluetooth connectivity and AC unit problems).
Q: Are there any reliable Honda Civic years?
A: Yes, several Honda Civic generations are known for their reliability. The tenth-generation (2017-2020), ninth-generation (2012-2015), eighth-generation (2010-2012), and fifth-generation (1992-1995) Civics are considered some of the best in terms of performance, affordability, and longevity.
Q: What are some common issues found in Honda Civics?
A: Some of the most common problems include transmission failures (2001 models), heating issues due to faulty fuses (2004), airbag warning light problems (2005), cracked engine blocks leading to coolant leaks and engine failure (2006), and defective Takata airbags in early 2000s models.
Q: What should I look for when buying an older Honda Civic?
A: When purchasing an older Honda Civic, especially from the early 2000s, it’s essential to check if the Takata airbag recall issue has been resolved. Additionally, pay attention to the transmission condition, as older models (mainly 2001) are prone to transmission slips and failures.
Are Honda Civics typically reliable?
The Honda Civic is well-known for reliability and is frequently on the list of those looking for dependable transportation. The Civic, along with the Accord and CR-V, have helped establish Honda as one of the world’s dominant automakers. However, not every Civic is perfect (even Honda makes mistakes).
How much does a used Honda Civic typically cost?
Used Honda Civics command a premium because these cars have a strong reputation for reliability. This is made worse by tight used car supplies. Of course, prices will vary significantly, based on model year and other factors. CoPilot Price Pulse reports that a 2008 Honda Civic sedan has an average selling price of $8,187. A 2019 goes for $22,862, which includes a 36% market premium due to current selling conditions.
Is the Honda Civic a good car to purchase?
Yes, definitely. The Civic is an excellent car to buy. This is evidenced by the millions of Civics that Honda has sold over five decades. Importantly, there are some Civic model years that should be skipped. Read about which Honda Civics are reliable.
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