Honda Civic Years to Avoid

The Honda Civic has been around since 1972. It is undoubtedly one of Honda’s most popular and successful vehicle brands of all time, but it has still produced some duds over the years. So, which Honda Civic years to avoid?

Avoid the Honda Civic years of 2001, 2003 to 2011, and 2016. Arguably the worst Honda Civic models are from the year 2001. Numerous transmission issues plagued the 2001 Honda Civic and were severe enough to necessitate recalls. It is wise to avoid buying a Honda Civic model from those years.

Car enthusiasts know the Honda Civic as one of the most accessible, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicles to reach the market. Still, with Honda releasing several models over the years, it’s not surprising to learn that some have issues. Specifically, problems with the vehicle’s interior and engine are common issues.

Read on to learn more about the Honda Civic model years to avoid. You can also learn about the best Honda Civic models and the pros and cons of this iconic automobile.

Honda has received plenty of good mileage out of the Civic. A conversation about the most important vehicles in modern automobile history would be incomplete without it.

That said, not every Honda Civic model will be a hit with motorists. Over the years, the Japanese manufacturer has released some less-than-stellar iterations of its flagship offering.

Let’s take a closer look at those Honda Civic models to avoid. Keep them in mind the next time you go shopping for a new car:

1. Honda Civic 2001 Models

Issues

Dangerous airbags
Exhaust problems
Transmission failure
Small rear seating area

A product being recalled is a troubling sign. It’s even more troublesome if a specific product has been recalled several times.

Unfortunately, being recalled numerous times is probably the most striking characteristic of the 2001 Honda Civic.

The 2001 Honda Civic has been recalled more than 25 times. It has a reputation for being one of the most recalled vehicles in automobile history.

The recalls were justified as well. The 2001 Civic model was plagued by issues that put passengers at risk. As the airbags deploy, they release metal shrapnel that can hit the passengers.

Even if you could look past the airbag issue, the 2001 Honda Civic was still bogged down by exhaust and transmission problems. The lack of space in the vehicle’s rear seat was also a significant problem for many motorists.

2. Honda Civic Models from 2003 to 2011

Issues

Short battery life
Cracked engine blocks
Lackluster wheel design

The 2001 Honda Civic represents the nadir of this automobile lineup. That said, there are other Honda Civic years to avoid if you’re seeking a new vehicle.

The rough stretch goes from 2003 and lasts until 2011.

2003-2005

From 2003 to 2005, Honda came out with the seventh-generation Civics. Given the issues that dogged the 2001 model, it seemed like the newer models would be an ideal upgrade.

Although they were better than the vehicles released earlier in the generation, the Civics from 2003 to 2005 was far from perfect. Battery issues hampered their performance significantly. Those batteries lasted only ten years before they eventually had to be replaced.

2006 to 2009

Honda Civic models from 2006 to 2009 were no longer affected by the battery issue. Instead, they had to deal with something different. This time, the vehicle’s engine block became a source of headaches.

It would help avoid those Honda Civic car years because they featured engine blocks that could get damaged easily. Owners could expect numerous issues to arise because of the faulty engine block.

2009-2011

The Honda Civic models released from 2009 to 2011 were not stellar examples of the manufacturer’s capabilities. Many motorists weren’t fond of the vehicle’s wheels or overall design. Plus, many people consider the said Honda Civic models among the ugliest in the lineup’s history.

It didn’t help that the battery issues returned, although they were less impactful then.

3. Honda Civic Models from 2016

Issues

Connectivity issues
Poor AC unit performance

Honda Civics would enjoy a renaissance period from 2012 to 2015 as those models would primarily be free from noticeable issues. Sadly, 2016 became another Honda Civic year to avoid.

The issues that hamper the performance of the 2016 Honda Civic aren’t as challenging to deal with as the ones detailed previously. Even so, they are issues you do not want to see in newer automobiles.

Honda Civic 2016’s Bluetooth connectivity could be spotty at times. That cannot be very pleasant if you’re trying to listen to something while driving or your passengers want entertainment.

Some drivers also experienced issues while using the provided display screen. Notably, though, those issues related to the display were less common.

Honda equipped the 2016 Honda Civic with an air conditioning unit that did not always provide passengers the comfort needed. If you were unfortunate enough to be stuck in traffic during the summer while using that car, you probably knew all about those issues.

It’s worth pointing out that later iterations of the Honda Civic’s tenth generation were not affected by the problems above. Those are Honda Civic years you do not need to avoid.

Again, what are the Honda Civic Years to avoid? You should avoid the Honda Civic years, including 2001, 2003 to 2011, and 2016. Civic owners experienced transmission issues with the 2001 Honda Civic, which is behind its recall. So, it’s best to avoid said Honda Civic models.

Honda Civic Years to Seek Out

As you can see, there have been more than a few lackluster additions to the Honda Civic lineup over the years. Despite that, the brand and the automobile remain immensely popular. That’s mainly because numerous other Honda Civic models have wowed motorists.

Now that we’re done focusing on the lowlights of the Civic lineup, we can turn our attention to some of its best iterations. Detailed below are the Honda Civic years to seek out:

1. Honda Civic Models from 2017 to Present

Are you looking to buy a Honda Civic today? In that case, you should check out the latest models.

We mentioned earlier that not all of the Honda Civic’s tenth-generation models are plagued by issues. The models released from 2017 onwards are proof of that.

The newest Honda Civic models come loaded with the latest safety features. You can get there as a passenger or driver and feel safe throughout your journey. This vehicle is designed to keep you as comfortable as possible.

The design of the tenth-generation Honda Civic is a bit more polarizing. Some are big fans of the aggressive design, while others wish it were toned down. Notably, many drivers have shown that they can look past that and appreciate the vehicle’s other features.

We also want to point out that these newest Honda Civic models are affordable. You don’t have to take out an enormous loan to afford it.

Being affordable is almost always a positive trait for any new car. Consider that as another reason you should purchase a tenth-generation Honda Civic model.

Notable Features

Latest safety features
Affordable
Distinctive styling

2. Honda Civic Models from 2010 to 2012

Honda Civic’s years to avoid spanned from the middle of the 2000s to the start of the next decade. Thankfully for fans of the Honda Civic brand, things started to change as the eighth generation began.

The Honda Civic models released from 2010 to 2012 are among the best in the entire collection.

If you know someone who bought a new Honda Civic around that time, the chances are that they’re still driving it today. The Honda Civics from the eighth generation is remarkably durable. As long as you maintain them, they will remain in good working condition for a long time.

The highly durable nature of those vehicles is not the sole reason they have become so popular. Car enthusiasts also appreciate them for their sleek design.

The design has a timeless quality to it. If you purchase one today, you don’t have to worry about its design becoming outdated.

The Honda Civic models released from 2010 to 2012 are also quite affordable regarding purchasing. Chances are you won’t have to search too long to find a great deal.

Notable Features

Highly durable
Affordable
Sleek design

Common Problems of Honda Civics

Honda Civics are known for being high-quality vehicles. When you drive a Honda Civic, you expect a smooth experience, which you will get most of the time.

Sadly, some issues have troubled many drivers of Honda Civics over the years. Let’s discuss those common problems so you know what to expect if you decide to buy a Honda Civic of your own:

1. Constantly Active TPMS Warning Light

The TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, is supposed to give you a heads-up about an issue with your car. It’s usually represented by an icon you can quickly see while driving. If the TPMS icon lights up, something is off with your tire pressure.

In some Honda Civic year models, the TPMS stays on indefinitely. It grows brightly even after you address the issue with your tire pressure.

The constantly active TPMS light can be annoying, and it has been frustrating for more than a few Honda Civic owners.

2. Uncomfortable Seats

Cramped or awkwardly positioned seats can make staying in a vehicle for an extended time legitimately tricky. You will have to position your body awkwardly, which can cause many issues.

Some Honda Civics years released from 2008 to 2014 had those uncomfortable seats. Remember to inspect the seats first if you’re buying a Civic from that period.

3. Uneven Tires

Honda Civic owners should also keep an eye out for potential tire issues. Model years of the Honda Civic from 2006 to 2009 were famous for having tires that did not wear down evenly. Because of that, some drivers encountered problems whenever they attempted to stop.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Honda Civic

Are you planning to purchase a Honda Civic? You already know which Honda Civic years to avoid, but that may not be enough. Also, take the time to learn about the pros and cons of the Honda Civic before finalizing your purchase:

Pros

1. Loaded with Safety Features

Safety is a priority for Honda, and you can see that in the Civic. You can always feel safe knowing that their vehicles have numerous safety features.

2. Timeless Style

The look of the Honda Civic remains stylish up to this day. It’s not a car you must keep hidden because its design has become outdated.

3. Affordable

The different models of Honda Civic remain very affordable. Good deals are waiting for you if you want a new Honda Civic.

4. Durable

Buy a new Honda Civic today, which should remain operational for many years. That high durability level is another reason the Honda Civic has become so popular.

Cons

1. Cramped Interior

Many Honda Civic models can benefit from being a bit more spacious. That could be an area of improvement for the company moving forward.

2. Required Battery Replacements

The Honda Civic is very durable, but you cannot always say the same thing about its battery. You may have to get that battery replaced sooner than you expected.

Conclusion: Honda Civic Years to Avoid

You can make a good purchase if you avoid Honda Civic models from 2001 and those released from 2003 to 2011. The Honda Civic 2016 models are also worth avoiding for their connectivity issues.

The good news is that you can choose from several high-quality Honda Civic iterations. Begin your search today and find the Honda Civic model that suits your needs.