This page covers 6 recalls, 211 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 Honda Civic.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2020 Civic draws complaints spread fairly evenly across three main areas: the powertrain, airbags, and steering. On the powertrain side, owners describe a range of engine and transmission concerns, including rough running, stalling, and hesitation. The airbag complaints center on the passenger seat occupant sensor, owners report the system misreads the seat's occupancy status, and several describe concerns about airbag deployment behavior tied to that sensor malfunction. Steering is the third notable cluster, with owners reporting a sticky or jerky steering feel, particularly during turns, sometimes leading to a diagnosis of a faulty electric steering rack. A smaller but recurring thread involves the air conditioning losing cooling ability and blowing warm air, though that system ranks lower by volume than the three leading categories.
211
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Honda Civic has 6 recalls, the most serious being a faulty front passenger seat weight sensor that can cause the front passenger airbag and knee airbag to deploy unnecessarily in a crash, raising the risk of injury.
A separate but equally serious brake concern involves the connection between the brake booster and master cylinder: a fastener may not have been assembled correctly, allowing the master cylinder to separate from the booster and cause a complete loss of braking. The airbag warning light on the instrument panel may illuminate if the seat sensor fails, providing some indication of the problem before a crash occurs.
On the fuel system side, the low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail, causing the engine to stall while driving.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which could prevent the front passenger air bag from deactivating when it should.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensors at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may be defective, causing the passenger-front and knee airbags to deploy unnecessarily during a crash.
What the fix does
The weight sensor will be replaced. Honda will mail instructions and notify you when parts are available to schedule replacement at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fastener connecting the brake booster to the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled, allowing the master cylinder to separate from the booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
