Head-to-head reliability
Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra
How the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra: The Civic has 3744 complaints over 10 years, with steering issues dominating, while the Elantra has 1943 complaints, with engine problems most common. The Civic averages 374 complaints per year, the Elantra 194. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, over the past decade, has drawn a high volume of complaints, averaging over 370 per year, with steering issues dominating the list. Owners describe electric power steering motors failing, causing the wheel to stick or require extra effort, and some have needed complete steering rack replacements. Beyond steering, there are notable reports of electrical system problems, including battery and sensor failures, as well as issues with the forward collision avoidance system that can brake unexpectedly. While the Civic remains a popular compact car, these patterns suggest that buyers should be prepared for potential steering and electronic gremlins.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra has fewer complaints per year, averaging around 194, but engine problems are the most common issue, with owners reporting sudden shutdowns, loud pops, and smoke. Electrical system complaints also appear, including instances of the car braking and steering itself unexpectedly, and there are reports of horn failures. The powertrain and structure areas also show some concerns, but the engine issues are the most alarming for potential buyers. Overall, the Elantra's reliability picture is mixed, with a focus on engine and electrical gremlins.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Civic | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,744 | 1,943 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 38 | 26 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 206 | 111 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 374.4 | 194.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 143 | 76 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 5 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Honda Civic
- 01STEERING1,922
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER507
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM333
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE257
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM215
Owners report the electric power steering motor failing, causing the wheel to stick or require excessive force, especially at highway speeds. Some have needed the entire steering rack replaced, which is a costly repair.
Battery failures are common, with some owners replacing the battery multiple times. There are also reports of issues with the PCV valve, MAF sensor, and spark plugs, leading to repeated maintenance.
The ADAS system can malfunction, causing the car to brake forcefully or swerve unexpectedly, even when no obstacle is present. This can be dangerous and erodes driver confidence.
Air conditioning systems fail due to refrigerant leaks in the compressor shaft seal, condenser, and evaporator core. Infotainment systems also malfunction, causing restarts and overheating when using navigation with a wired phone.
“The component that has failed is my electric power steering motor. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. While driving, the steering wheel should turn in a fluid motion, without requiring much force to turn the wheel. When i turn my wheel, it some…”
“Vehicle: 2021 Honda Civic Mileage: Approximately 58,000 miles Over the past couple of months, I have experienced a steering issue that appears to be worsening. While driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel intermittently feels as though it “sticks” or c…”
Hyundai Elantra
- 01ENGINE715
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER327
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM305
- 04POWER TRAIN171
- 05STRUCTURE167
Serious engine issues are reported, including sudden shutdowns while driving, loud pops, and smoke. These can lead to dangerous situations, especially at highway speeds.
The vehicle can unexpectedly brake and steer itself, as reported in a highway incident. Horn failures are also common, which can be a safety concern in emergency situations.
Some owners report the car shutting off completely while driving, which is linked to engine control system warnings. This can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
Horn failures are a notable issue, with owners reporting they stop working at low mileage, making it difficult to alert other drivers. This is a widespread problem according to owner reports.
“I had my oil changed in September at McGovern Hyundai in Leominster, MA. I have the invoice on file and my app that I have with them. I went out of town on [XXX]. At approximately [XXX], I heard a loud pop, saw smoke and immediately pulled over, a large amoun…”
“Vehicle shut off 8 times on my wife while driving. Check engine light did come on with a warning from the vehicle stating a possible issue with our Engine Control System. Shortly after, while ON the roadway, at about 35-40 mph, the car completely shut off. Lu…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Honda Civic — 38 recalls
The defect: 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 brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, w…
The risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
The defect: 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 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: 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, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Hyundai Elantra — 26 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra N and 2022-2023 Elantra vehicles. The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment.
The risk: A detached air bag cover emblem may strike a vehicle occupant, which can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 234.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starti…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 220. This recall is a…
Buyer analysis
Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Elantra has fewer complaints per year (194 vs 374), but the nature of its engine and electrical issues can be more severe. The Civic's steering problems are more frequent but may be less catastrophic. In practice, the Elantra may offer a lower risk of frequent issues, but the potential for sudden shutdowns is a serious concern.
Key differences
- The Civic has a much higher complaint rate, with steering issues being the most common, while the Elantra's top issue is engine problems.
- Civic owners report electric power steering failures and ADAS malfunctions, while Elantra owners report sudden engine shutdowns and unexpected braking/steering.
- The Elantra has fewer complaints overall, but the severity of engine failures can be life-threatening.
- Both vehicles have electrical system issues, but the Civic's are more about battery and sensor failures, while the Elantra's include horn failures and unintended ADAS actions.
- Test the steering at various speeds for any sticking or resistance, and listen for unusual noises from the power steering motor.
- Check the battery health and ask about any recent replacements or electrical system repairs.
- Ask about any engine-related recalls or repairs, and listen for unusual sounds or check for warning lights during a test drive.
- Test the horn and ensure it works properly, as failures are common.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system on the Civic, including the EPS motor and rack.
- For the Elantra, request a diagnostic check of the engine control system and look for any signs of oil leaks or unusual engine noises.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system on a safe road to ensure it doesn't brake unexpectedly.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs related to the issues mentioned.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Honda Civic | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 2 |
| 2025 | 89 | 21 |
| 2024 | 266 | 52 |
| 2023 | 582 | 97 |
| 2022 | 881 | 100 |
| 2021 | 142 | 129 |
| 2020 | 222 | 248 |
| 2019 | 348 | 249 |
| 2018 | 598 | 281 |
| 2017 | 589 | 764 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra
- Honda Civic total complaints
- 3,744
- Hyundai Elantra total complaints
- 1,943
- Honda Civic total recalls
- 38
- Hyundai Elantra total recalls
- 26
- Honda Civic avg complaints/year
- 374.4
- Hyundai Elantra avg complaints/year
- 194.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra
- Honda Civic top complaint area
- STEERING
- Hyundai Elantra top complaint area
- ENGINE