2018 Honda Civic Problems and Complaints

The 2018 Honda Civic is a part of the tenth generation of the sedan and makes its place in the market with its frugality and refined driving dynamics. It comes with a comprehensive set of safety features and promises to be a dependable option. The Japanese sedan has 171 complaints and 4 recalls, however, its sales volume justifies its performance. 

The 2018 Civic price starts at $19,835 and competes with the likes of the Toyota Corolla, the Mazda 3, and the Chevrolet Cruze. It has also improved over the years in terms of its reliability ratings and now gets an overall reliability rating of 80/100 by J.D. Power. Although competitors still get better ratings, it brings the the Civic on par with the rivals. 

2018 Honda Civic User Complaints and Problems

While the Honda 2018 Civic has had its fair share of user complaints registered, the Civic is a high sales volume car and when considering the numbers, the number of complaints is minuscule. Also, the issues weren't too major for them to cause accidents in particular and Honda was prompt enough to fix them quickly. 

Mechanical Complaints

• Chewed engine wiring: In the 2018 Honda Civic, the wires that run through the engine compartment have been treated with a soy base. However, the use of such materials attracts rodents that chew on these wires, ultimately resulting in engine failures and, in one case, the loss of power steering assistance.
• Issues with the steering system: The 2018 Honda Civic’s steering problems are concerned with the system swerving to the left, without the driver’s input. As a result, the vehicle can independently shift lanes and requires constant correction from the driver. Additionally, some complainants have also reported the power steering assistance to fail, which makes it difficult to maneuver.
• Dilution of oil in fuel line: In several cases in the current year and previous model years as well, buyers have reported a strong odor entering the cabin through the aircon vents. Upon inspection, it was found that the engine oil mixed and diluted into the fuel line, increasing the risk of an engine stall.

Electric System Complaints:

• Failure of airconditioning unit: In several cases, buyers of the Honda Civic have reported the air conditioning unit stopped functioning. This is because of the failure of the AC compressor and condenser. While the problem is widespread, there is no recall currently initiated by the brand and the only solution is the replacement of affected components.
• Infotainment screen malfunction: The Honda Civic’s electrical problems also take into account the failure of the infotainment system. Buyers have reported the erratic functioning of the touchscreen unit. This includes a delayed response to touch inputs, unexpected loss of power, and turning black when the camera is in operation. While there is no determined cause for the problem, it results in the loss of access to basic infotainment functionalities.

Safety Complaints

• Non-deployment of airbags: Among the 2018 Civic issues, buyers of the Japanese sedan have reported the non-deployment of airbags in case of a crash. As a result, complainants have reported injuries to the driver and occupants, and in one case, medical assistance was sought after the crash.

Structural Complaints

• Structural deficiencies: The Honda Civic’s quality issues are concerned with the substandard build of its windshield and sunroof, which shatter without impact or incidence. Additionally, buyers of the sedan have also reported the chipping of the paint, especially from its hood and rear doors.

2018 Honda Civic Recalls

The vehicles that have a particular issue plaguing the entire model lineup are recalled by the manufacturer as per the guidelines of the NHTSA to get them fixed for the owners. While this may not cost you money, it does create a sense of uncertainty of an impending mishap waiting to happen. Luckily, the 2018 Civic has been recalled only 4 times to date, out of which a couple of them were only regarding the owner's manual and certification labels.

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	28th May 2020	20V314000	Failure of fuel pump	The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.	Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge.
2.	16th Nov 2018	18V817000	Incorrect information in owner’s manual	In certain vehicles, the owner's manual might be missing or if present, might have incorrect information. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws.	Dealers will replace the owner’s information kit, free of cost.
3.	27th Sept 2018	18V663000	Reduced steering ability	Due to a dislodged magnet, the steering assist might be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.	Dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge.
4.	20th June 2018	18V421000	Random characters on the certification label	Due to random characters on the certification label, buyers might not be able to comprehend if their vehicle is included in a safety recall.	Dealers will replace the certification label, free of charge.

Should you buy the 2018 Honda Civic?

The 2018 Honda Civic complaints might be a carryover from yesteryear models, yet their impact has reduced significantly. As a result, the Japanese sedan has amassed widescale popularity for its reliability and proves to be an unquestioned choice. However, CarHP recommends buyers conduct their due diligence about the air conditioning unit and the steering system, before finalizing a buying decision. 

 

Check out some top Honda Civic rivals:

• The 2022 Subaru Impreza: Redesigned and back with more power than ever!
• The Civic's Korean rival: the 2022 Kia Forte