BestCarRank
Honda

2021 Honda CIVIC TYPE R

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda CIVIC TYPE R has 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is electrical problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: infotainment system reboots while driving, lose access to navigation, music, and anything controlled with the radio. unable to reverse safely due to loss of back up camera, honda dealer does not want to replace and they tell me to turn my head and look over my shoulder. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 2 crash reports 1 injury

13

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

ELECTRICAL

3 complaints
23%
  • • Infotainment system reboots while driving, lose access to navigation, music, and anything controlled with the radio. Unable to reverse safely due to loss of back up camera, Honda dealer does not want to replace and they tell me to turn my head and look over my shoulder
  • • Entertainment system turns on and off while driving suspected bad alternator.
  • • While operating my 2021 Honda Civic Type R (VIN: [XXX] ) in high-ambient temperatures (approximately 95°F), the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of motive power during acceleration while exiting a busy intersection. This resulted in an immediate engine stall in the path of oncoming traffi
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Infotainment system reboots while driving, lose access to navigation, music, and anything controlled with the radio. Unable to reverse safely due to loss of back up camera, Honda dealer does not want to replace and they tell me to turn my head and look over my shoulder”

— NHTSA complaint filing

FUEL SYSTEM

2 complaints
15%
  • • Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis
  • • While operating my 2021 Honda Civic Type R (VIN: [XXX] ) in high-ambient temperatures (approximately 95°F), the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of motive power during acceleration while exiting a busy intersection. This resulted in an immediate engine stall in the path of oncoming traffi
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis”

— NHTSA complaint filing

ENGINE

2 complaints
15%
  • • Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis
  • • Misfire in cylinder 4 led to head gasket failure. The problem was diagnosed at the dealership, and there is an active TSB for this issue - however my vehicle is not covered.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis”

— NHTSA complaint filing

TRANSMISSION

2 complaints
15%
  • • Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis
  • • The contact owned a 2021 Honda Civic Type R. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis”

— NHTSA complaint filing

AIR BAGS

2 complaints
15%
  • • See attached document for complaint.
  • • The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated that the vehicle in front came to a stop, and the contact did not have ample time to bring the vehicle to a stop. As a result, the contact crashed the front of the vehicle into the rear of the vehicle in front. None of the air bags deplo
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“See attached document for complaint.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 13 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    ELECTRICAL: Infotainment system reboots while driving, lose access to navigation, music, and anything controlled with the radio. Unable to reverse safely due to loss of back up camera, Honda dealer does not want to replace and they tell me to turn my head and look over my shoulder

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    FUEL SYSTEM: Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ENGINE: Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    TRANSMISSION: Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canis

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Honda CIVIC TYPE R — Year Comparison

How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2023
6Excellent Reliability
2021
13Excellent Reliability
2019
7Excellent Reliability
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Fire reports
1
Crash reports
2
Injury reports
1
Segment avg
80

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2021 Honda CIVIC TYPE R

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