Used Honda Civic Hatchback 2012-2017 reliability review

What should I look for in a used Honda Civic?

Honda’s reputation for reliability is well justified, and so your major checks with the Civic should centre on whether it’s had any accident repairs. Lift the bonnet and check the bodywork is straight and true, and do the same in and around the boot, plus inspect along the side of the car to look for any creases in the bodywork or sills.

Recalls have been limited to three. The first related to a fault that allowed the 2.2-litre diesel engine to be started without the clutch being pressed, the second affected a small batch of cars built in April 2016 and related to a possible failure of the vehicle stability control, while the third was for a modification to the mass airflow sensor on the 1.6-litre diesel engine to remove the potential for false readings in cold weather.

Is a used Honda Civic reliable?

The Mk9 Civic is proof that Honda fully deserves its reputation for building some of the most reliable cars on the market. And so while the standard warranty only lasts for three years or 90,000 miles, we wouldn’t hesitate buying a model that is older than that, provided it has a full service history to show it has been properly maintained, and is in good condition.

The fact that all engines use timing chains helps with reliability, as does the location of the 1.6-litre diesel’s particulate filter, close enough to the engine to allow it to warm up very quickly and thus work more efficiently.

In our 2023 used car reliability survey covering cars between six and 20 years old, the Honda Civic performed brilliantly. A second place for petrol-powered models and 4th for diesels means it's one of the most reliable family cars on the market. Honda performed equally well in our rundown of the most reliable used car brands, with a 90.7% rating and a fourth-place finish.