NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2018 Honda Civic Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 598 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 6 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH49 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2018 Honda Civic receives a 4.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 598 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 6 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports with a median failure point at 50,000 miles (IQR: 38,56580,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $450 – $1,400 .

Honda Civic PlatformHonda Civic Series
DLC Port: Under driver dash, right side of steering column

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
4.6 / 10

27.2 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
598

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
6

6 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Civic Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity90% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

244
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):50,000 milesIQR: 38,56580,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11678465 • Filed: 08/05/2025

The electric power steering (EPS) system failed/malfunctioned this past week. When going over 35 mph my steering wheel would become "knotchy/jerky" and lock up and be difficult to turn. As a result, I took it to Honda to which they stated my whole rack and pinion needed total ...

ODI #11677761 • Filed: 08/01/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was drivable. The contact stated that the failure persisted while ...

ODI #11676074 • Filed: 07/25/2025Odometer: 55,000 mi

We have noticed a clicking noise and her steering has begun to stick. Took to Honda and they told us they have been seeing this issue and even sent video telling us they see this is an ongoing problem. Filed claim with Honda. They refused to fix the faulty part because there i...

#2 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONCritical Severity81% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

144
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):60,000 milesIQR: 50,00080,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11675263 • Filed: 07/22/2025

Rack and Pinion steering failure. Sticking, hard to make wheel adjustments. loss of steering control. issue confirmed but Honda Dealership. Honda Dealership contacted Honda North America and was rejected as warranty issue. repair will exceed $7500. This issue corresponded with...

ODI #11669881 • Filed: 06/28/2025

I own a 2018 Honda Civic that is subject to an open fuel pump recall. My vehicle suddenly became completely inoperable. When attempting to start the car, all of the dashboard lights come on, but the engine will not start or crank. The vehicle has power but will not turn over a...

ODI #11666529 • Filed: 06/12/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that she was informed at the State inspection that the vehicle had failed inspection due to the recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet avai...

#3 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity79% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

91
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):16,550 milesIQR: 7,99152,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11669881 • Filed: 06/28/2025

I own a 2018 Honda Civic that is subject to an open fuel pump recall. My vehicle suddenly became completely inoperable. When attempting to start the car, all of the dashboard lights come on, but the engine will not start or crank. The vehicle has power but will not turn over a...

ODI #11653555 • Filed: 04/08/2025

1.Component or System Failure: •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The air conditioning (AC) system in my 2018 Honda Civic has malfunctioned. Initially, the AC compressor failed and was replaced under warranty in...

ODI #11649712 • Filed: 03/21/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jump-started several times. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be repaired and the motor mounts were replaced under a Lemon Law lawsui...

#4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity86% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

62
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):62,500 milesIQR: 53,75071,250 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11678465 • Filed: 08/05/2025

The electric power steering (EPS) system failed/malfunctioned this past week. When going over 35 mph my steering wheel would become "knotchy/jerky" and lock up and be difficult to turn. As a result, I took it to Honda to which they stated my whole rack and pinion needed total ...

ODI #11667796 • Filed: 06/18/2025

Body Control Module The part was detected by Honda agency and they changed it because the battery was discharging. This Honda part already had problems with another model, but I don't want to admit that it also has them with the Civic models. The repair has a cost of $1000

ODI #11656975 • Filed: 04/26/2025

HONDA RECALL THE 2018 CIVIC FOR AC COMPRESSOR SHAFT SEAL AND THE DEALER REPAIR THE AC SYSTEM 3 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIX. ALSO HAS A RECALL FOR A FUEL PUMP MOTOR BUT IM NOT SURE IS WAS CORRECT IT FOR THE OLD OWNER.

#5 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity70% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

48
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):35,700 milesIQR: 10,00049,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11675678 • Filed: 07/23/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and then t...

ODI #11666625 • Filed: 06/12/2025Odometer: 49,000 mi

We started having trouble keeping it on the road. Then on the highway, at about 73, I thought the car was going to go off the road. The steering felt sticky, and It's awful trying to hold it straight. You can also feel it when car is parked. Once parked and in park, keep it ru...

ODI #11655295 • Filed: 04/17/2025

There is an issue with my steering. There is a cranking/clicking noise and the wheel gets stuck when turning or switching lanes. There was a recall for the steering gear box but I my car wasn’t part not included but not sure why. I took it to the dealer when I first got it but...

#6 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity78% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

41
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11665636 • Filed: 06/08/2025

I was driving today and for no reason at all the cars anti collision system automatically braked hard and could have caused an accident if someone was driving behind me. There was no one, objects or vehicles around my car at the time that would cause it to happen.

ODI #11634049 • Filed: 01/04/2025

March 5th 2020 I finally recorded a message that had been appearing in my dash board during late night drives. Message read as "Adaptive Cruise Control Problem" "Collision Mitigation System Problem" I notified Honda of North Hollywood service department at the time, and they s...

ODI #11633908 • Filed: 01/03/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving on a decline of a public garage road and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the power steering became ...

#7 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity78% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

34
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11633908 • Filed: 01/03/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving on a decline of a public garage road and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the power steering became ...

ODI #11624600 • Filed: 11/11/2024

This was such a strange occurance. After pulling off from a stop sign attempting a right turn, my vehicle stalled, readjusted, then stalled again. I was driving on a cobblestone road while it was raining, but did not find any issues with vision or traction. However, during thi...

ODI #11598703 • Filed: 07/03/2024

Passenger airbag deployed with no impact, crash, or anything forceful to have activated it. Passenger airbag cracked windshield glass and injured passenger. An airbag issue was not included in any recall notification from manufacturer in the past year(s). No warning lamps appe...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (6)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #20V314000Reported: 28/05/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #18V421000Reported: 20/06/2018

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #18V663000Reported: 27/09/2018

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #18V817000Reported: 16/11/2018

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Summary: 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."

Safety Consequence: If the information is missing or improper, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V858000Reported: 18/12/2023

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.

Safety Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V332000Reported: 21/05/2026

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2018 Honda Civic

Before purchasing a used 2018 Honda Civic, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2018 Honda Civic

Is the 2018 Honda Civic a reliable used car?

The 2018 Honda Civic earns a 4.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 598 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2018 Honda Civic?

The leading complaint category is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports, with a median failure point around 50,000 miles (IQR: 38,56580,000 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2018 Honda Civic?

Yes, the NHTSA records 6 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.