Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic
How the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic: The Corolla has fewer complaints per year (132 vs 374) and fewer recalls (24 vs 38), but both have serious issues. Corolla owners report engine stalling and airbag non-deployment, while Civic owners face steering failures and false automatic braking. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla, over the past decade, has accumulated 1,319 complaints, averaging about 132 per year, with 24 recalls. Owners frequently report issues with the engine, airbags, and powertrain, including sudden engine shutdowns, non-deployment of airbags in crashes, and CVT hesitation. Dashboard reflections impairing visibility are also a notable, if less critical, complaint. While the Corolla is generally seen as a reliable commuter, these reports indicate that some model years may have significant safety-related defects.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has a much higher complaint volume, with 3,744 complaints over ten years (averaging 374 per year) and 38 recalls. The dominant issue is steering, with 1,922 complaints, many describing electric power steering failures that cause the wheel to stick or require excessive effort. Other frequent problems include electrical system failures, false activations of the forward collision avoidance system, and fuel system issues. This suggests that while the Civic is popular, its steering and driver-assistance systems have been problematic for many owners.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Corolla | Honda Civic |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,319 Better | 3,744 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 182 Better | 206 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 131.9 Better | 374.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 150 | 143 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 1 Better |
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.
Toyota Corolla
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER260
- 02ENGINE252
- 03AIR BAGS222
- 04POWER TRAIN176
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM150
Owners report the engine suddenly stopping while driving, sometimes at intersections, with messages like 'Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low' appearing. Repeated breakdowns and stalling are also mentioned, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
There are reports of airbags not deploying in collisions, including a rear-end crash and a side impact, with the SRS system showing a malfunction warning. This is a critical safety concern as airbags are expected to deploy in moderate to severe crashes.
The CVT transmission is noted for a noticeable delay in acceleration from a stop, which can affect merging and intersection safety. Some owners also mention issues with the hybrid transmission identification, but the main complaint is the CVT's responsiveness.
“Subject: Vehicle safety complaint — dashboard/windshield reflection severely impairing visibility on 2014 Toyota Corolla (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my 2014 Toyota Corolla, VIN [XXX] . Under certain…”
“Dear Better Business Bureau, I am filing a formal complaint against Toyota Motor North America regarding a serious and unresolved safety defect in my 2024 Toyota Corolla LE (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle experienced two incidents of sudden unintended acceleration—t…”
Honda Civic
- 01STEERING1,922
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER507
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM333
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE257
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM215
The electric power steering motor is a common failure point, causing the steering wheel to become hard to turn or feel like it 'sticks' at highway speeds. This can be alarming and requires significant effort to control the vehicle, posing a safety risk.
Electrical issues often manifest as battery drain, requiring multiple replacements, and problems with the infotainment system that restarts and overheats phones. These can be frustrating and lead to unexpected breakdowns.
The automatic braking system can activate without any obstacle, causing the car to slam to a stop unexpectedly, even at highway speeds. This can lead to rear-end collisions and loss of control, as owners report the car swerving off the road.
“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…”
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.
Toyota Corolla — 24 recalls
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles. Due to cracks developed during the manufacturing process, the steering intermediate shaft assembly may fracture and possibly result in the shaft detaching from the steering column.
The risk: A steering shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TB13/24TA13.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the…
The risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this re…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles. Due to cracks developed during the manufacturing process, the steering intermediate shaft assembly may fracture and possibly result in the shaft detaching from the steering column.
The risk: A steering shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TB13/24TA13.
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,…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Toyota Corolla has fewer complaints per year (about 132) compared to the Honda Civic (about 374), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Corolla's complaints include serious safety concerns like engine stalling and airbag non-deployment, while the Civic's are dominated by steering problems. In practice, the Corolla may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience, but both have significant issues to check.
Key differences
- The Civic has over twice as many complaints per year as the Corolla, with steering issues being the most frequent (1,922 complaints).
- The Corolla's top complaints are split among engine, airbags, and powertrain, while the Civic's are heavily concentrated on steering.
- Both have airbag-related recalls, but the Civic also has recalls for fuel pump and occupant classification sensor, while the Corolla has recalls for steering and labels.
- The Civic's forward collision avoidance system has reports of unintended braking, a safety hazard not commonly reported in the Corolla.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of stalling or unexpected shutdowns, and check for any open recalls related to engine or airbags.
- Test the airbag system by checking the SRS warning light and ensuring it goes off after startup; also review the vehicle's crash history for any non-deployment incidents.
- Test the steering at various speeds, especially highway speeds, for any sticking or stiffness, and listen for unusual noises from the power steering motor.
- Check the electrical system by having the battery tested and inspecting the infotainment for any glitches or overheating issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any previous accidents or airbag deployments.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and steering components.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the NHTSA website and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test drive the vehicle in stop-and-go traffic to feel for any acceleration delays or unexpected braking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for battery replacements, fluid changes, and any steering or airbag repairs.
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 | Toyota Corolla | Honda Civic |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 27 |
| 2025 | 31 | 89 |
| 2024 | 62 | 266 |
| 2023 | 72 | 582 |
| 2022 | 98 | 881 |
| 2021 | 185 | 142 |
| 2020 | 306 | 222 |
| 2019 | 201 | 348 |
| 2018 | 133 | 598 |
| 2017 | 189 | 589 |
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 Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla total complaints
- 1,319
- Honda Civic total complaints
- 3,744
- Toyota Corolla total recalls
- 24
- Honda Civic total recalls
- 38
- Toyota Corolla avg complaints/year
- 131.9
- Honda Civic avg complaints/year
- 374.4
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Corolla top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Honda Civic top complaint area
- STEERING