Is the 2016 Honda CIVIC reliable?

The 2016 Honda CIVIC has 1344 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Honda CIVIC?

Top problems: STEERING (425 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (272 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (117 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Honda CIVIC?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING, PARKING BRAKE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Honda CIVIC?

The 2016 Honda CIVIC gets 33 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1455. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Honda CIVIC?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Honda CIVIC is approximately $1,548/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Honda CIVIC

Q: Is the 2016 Honda CIVIC often stolen?

The Honda CIVIC was the #13 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 7,900 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Honda CIVIC has 1344 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.8x the segment average of 485. The most common issue is steering problems (32% of all complaints), specifically: when the adaptive cruise control (acc) and the vehicle lane keeping assist system (lkas) are engaged simultaneously, the vehicle will react unpredictably under certain conditions. the vehicle may brake suddenly, rapidly decelerate, and quickly depart the highway when approaching exit ramps. the sit. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 31 crash reports 9 injuries

1344

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

425 complaints

32%

• WHEN THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) AND THE VEHICLE LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) ARE ENGAGED SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE VEHICLE WILL REACT UNPREDICTABLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE MAY BRAKE SUDDENLY, RAPIDLY DECELERATE, AND QUICKLY DEPART THE HIGHWAY WHEN APPROACHING EXIT RAMPS. THE SIT
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND VOLUNTARILY DRIFTED INTO THE OTHER LANES. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE LANE DEPARTURE AND STEERING REQUIRED WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCA
• UPON STARTUP VSA, TPMS, CMBS, BRAKE WARNING ILLUMINATED AT 4400 MILES. POWER STEERING FAILED. DELIVERED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“WHEN THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) AND THE VEHICLE LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) ARE ENGAGED SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE VEHICLE WILL REACT UNPREDICTABLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE MAY BRAKE SUDDENLY, RAPIDLY DECELERATE, AND QUICKLY DEPART THE HIGHWAY WHEN APPROACHING EXIT RAMPS. THE SIT”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Honda CIVIC

Based on 650 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 29K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

334

30-60K

225

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 23K mi · 68 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 27K mi · 64 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 29K mi · 61 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 39 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING11/07/2016

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic 2-Door vehicles manufactured February 23, 2016, through May 20, 2016. The affected vehicles may have a damaged LED side marker light circuit board inside the taillight assembly, making the marker light inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Risk: If a side marker light does not function, vehicle visibility can be decreased to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect both the taillight assemblies, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KB8.

High theft risk

#13 most stolen in 2025

The Honda CIVIC was the #13 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 7,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Popular for tuning; older models targeted

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Honda CIVIC

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,455

Per month

$121

Per mile

12.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,143/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Honda CIVIC

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,548

Full coverage / month

$129

Liability only / year

$565

vs US avg

-8%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1548

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CIVIC Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2016 CIVIC, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1344 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: WHEN THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) AND THE VEHICLE LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) ARE ENGAGED SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE VEHICLE WILL REACT UNPREDICTABLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE MAY BRAKE SUDDENLY, RAPIDLY DECELERATE, AND QUICKLY DEPART THE HIGHWAY WHEN APPROACHING EXIT RAMPS. THE SIT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE TRUNK AND GLOVE COMPARTMENT DO NOT LOCK...THEIR IS NO WAY TO SAFELY VALET PARK THE VEHICLE AND LEAVE ANYTHING IN THE TRUNK OR THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THIS MAY NOT BE A DRIVING SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE NON THE LESS. HONDA MUST HAVE LOST THEIR MINDS WHEN THEY REDESIGNED THE VEHICLE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY MOTHER IN LAW'S NOT EVEN A WEEK OLD CIVIC HAD A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE ON I-210 EASTBOUND JUST BEFORE THE CAMPUS EXIT, PROBABLY DOING THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE AFTERNOON OF 02/06/2016. AAA AND THE POLICE RESPONDED. THEY COULD NOT RESTART IT. IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO ROCK HONDA WHERE THE C
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: PISTON CLIP RING RECALL FROM HONDA WITH NO FIX UNTIL MID-MARCH AS TOLD BY HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE. RECALL NOT PUBLICLY RELEASED BY HONDA AT THIS TIME. THE RESULT OF THIS PART FAILURE IS ENGINE FAILURE, AND/OR STALLING. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOOMING AND UNRESOLVED ISSUES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)