Is a used Honda Civic a good deal?
Short answer: A used Honda Civic can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 24.5% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Honda Civic? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 7% | 93% | $22,970 |
| 5 years | 24.5% | 75.5% | $18,643 |
| 7 years | 33.1% | 66.9% | $16,513 |
| 10 years | 49% | 51% | $12,596 |
Its class (compact car) averages 30.5% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Honda Civic resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 451 | Steering (112), Fuel/Propulsion System (73), Fuel System (72) |
| 2020 | 5 | 232 | Electrical System (37), Power Train (32), Air Bags (31) |
| 2021 | 4 | 159 | Steering (67), Forward Collision Avoidance (33), Electrical System (21) |
| 2022 | 4 | 959 | Steering (802), Forward Collision Avoidance (74), Lane Departure (70) |
| 2023 | 4 | 332 | Steering (259), Lane Departure (24), Electrical System (19) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 20V314000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles…
- 21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan…
- 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 …
- 26V332000 (Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 201…
- 23V458000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the …
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $1,850–$2,100 per year in fuel for 2022 Honda Civic versions (32–36 MPG combined across 8 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Steering, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Honda Civic a good deal?
A used Honda Civic can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 24.5% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Honda Civic depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Honda Civic loses 24.5% of its value after five years (7% after three years, 49% after ten).
Does the Honda Civic have recalls?
NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Honda Civic year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2022 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (959). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Honda Civic cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $1,850–$2,100 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Honda Civic?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Honda Civic? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models