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2020 Honda Civic

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Honda Civic do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 183.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 53 of 224 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports1 fire reports10 injury reports

Steering complaints

28 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2025
Steering

At high speeds and exceptionally worse during rainy weather, my steering is very sticky and fights me to maintain my lane. It is tough to make micro adjustments to stay straight and it sticks harder making a curve and coming back to straight. I have made my concerns with my dealership who said they felt it but blamed it on high…

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At high speeds and exceptionally worse during rainy weather, my steering is very sticky and fights me to maintain my lane. It is tough to make micro adjustments to stay straight and it sticks harder making a curve and coming back to straight. I have made my concerns with my dealership who said they felt it but blamed it on high winds at the time. It has not been rectified in non windy weather. It feels very unsafe while driving highway speeds. There are several of the same complaints from the same make and model year of this car on many forums

NHTSA ODI #11652666

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2025
Steering

After about twenty minutes of driving the vehicle, the steering wheel will become notchy and sticky feeling, making it hard to perform slight adjustments in the steering while driving in a straight line. This sticky steering feeling causes me to overcorrect in my steering because I am forced to fight the steering wheel. This bec…

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After about twenty minutes of driving the vehicle, the steering wheel will become notchy and sticky feeling, making it hard to perform slight adjustments in the steering while driving in a straight line. This sticky steering feeling causes me to overcorrect in my steering because I am forced to fight the steering wheel. This becomes a larger issue at highway speeds, as this sticky steering issue can make it hard to keep the vehicle in a straight line which poses a safety concern for me and other drivers on the road. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. I am open to having my vehicle inspected for this issue. My vehicle has around 54,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11636973

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Steering

The steering wheel will often stick while turning at high speeds on the high way, causing forceful correction of the steering wheel for it to un stick. This also happens at moderate speeds on city roads. The force required to unstick the steering wheel can cause sharp swerving motions with the car. This can be unsafe.

NHTSA ODI #11633120

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2024
Steering

Steering sticks to one side, especially at highway speeds. For example, if you're going around a left hand curve, you can let go of the wheel and the car will continue turning left. When changing the steering direction at highway speeds, especially to maintain lane position, the steering initially has high resistance, then seem…

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Steering sticks to one side, especially at highway speeds. For example, if you're going around a left hand curve, you can let go of the wheel and the car will continue turning left. When changing the steering direction at highway speeds, especially to maintain lane position, the steering initially has high resistance, then seems to suddenly release and the vehicle darts to the side. Confirmed that no driver assist was active when seeing this behavior. Have not taken it in to be examined, no warning lamps or messages.

NHTSA ODI #11628869

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2024
Steering

Electronic power steering was checked at Honda Jeff Wyler.Cost me $179.00. They are charging me $3200.00 and I have to fix this because this has been going on for a yr and has become increasingly difficult to drive. I am fixing it this week, with our savings.The steering sticks and then over corrects constantly. I am an UBER DR…

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Electronic power steering was checked at Honda Jeff Wyler.Cost me $179.00. They are charging me $3200.00 and I have to fix this because this has been going on for a yr and has become increasingly difficult to drive. I am fixing it this week, with our savings.The steering sticks and then over corrects constantly. I am an UBER DRIVER, so driving others. Someone asked me if I was ok because they saw the jerking and was concerned. No warning lights. I searched Google and saw the beginning of a class action for the 2022 and 2023 civic. But not for 2020. We have to do something before I risk my and others lives. Another concern is that my wife and 2 daughters have 2020 Hondas as well. The cost is extremely high for cars that normally take 6 yrs to pay for. We are [XXX] and don't have an income that can easily afford this. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11609563

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2024
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

my car has been grinding ever since I purchased the car. The vehicle only had 17,000 miles when I bought it. I took it to Honda of Hollywood and let them know that my car was grinding and they said that I needed to change my brakes. I changed my brakes and went back to the dealership and they said I needed to sand the rotors. I …

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my car has been grinding ever since I purchased the car. The vehicle only had 17,000 miles when I bought it. I took it to Honda of Hollywood and let them know that my car was grinding and they said that I needed to change my brakes. I changed my brakes and went back to the dealership and they said I needed to sand the rotors. I went to get my rotors repaired and my car was still grinding. I went back to the dealership and they said nothing was wrong with the car. I don't hear any other Honda grinding like my car. On the freeway my car is rattling. The tires in the back of my car move around they are not straight. I looked under my car and noticed that the wheel bearing is broken. I don't think the dealership should be putting my life in jeopardy like that when my car was under warranty when I reported the issue.i need help.

NHTSA ODI #11585814

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2024
Steering

Steering sticks while driving causing over correction in turns. And sticks in turnes Brought the car to doggett honda of beaumont and they found that the gear box eps has internal failure.

NHTSA ODI #11585084

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2023
Electrical SystemSteering

While driving 20 mile/hr. the car's steering wheel got extremely stiff and difficult to steer. Made an appointment with Hoda Village to fix the issue. After diagnosis, service manager told me that it was rates chowing on electric harness and informed me this was not covered under warranty. Repair cost me about $700.00. Unfortuna…

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While driving 20 mile/hr. the car's steering wheel got extremely stiff and difficult to steer. Made an appointment with Hoda Village to fix the issue. After diagnosis, service manager told me that it was rates chowing on electric harness and informed me this was not covered under warranty. Repair cost me about $700.00. Unfortunately, now the same issue is occurring, I have check all over the engine and don't see any rodent caused harness issues. Again, I called the dealer and spoke to service manager explaining the situation, they indicated I need to pay additional diagnostic charge plush any parts/labor. It's unacceptable what the dealer is telling me. This issue is extremely dangerous, to my safety and others as it may cause serious injury or death.

NHTSA ODI #11555013

40,776 miles · Sep 20, 2023
EngineFuel System, GasolineSteering

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel began to independently turn to the right and the left. The contact stated that the “Steering” and "Lane Departure" warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel had become more difficult to…

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The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel began to independently turn to the right and the left. The contact stated that the “Steering” and "Lane Departure" warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel had become more difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated there was an abnormal gasoline and burned engine oil odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact state that she had been noticing the odor for about a month. The contact also stated that the vehicle was overheating and was felt inside the foot wells. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were no failures found. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,776.

NHTSA ODI #11545621

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2023
Steering

When turning the steering wheel, there is a clicking sound and a notchy feeling where the steering wheel seems to become stuck for a split second when making steering adjustments. It is worse when turning to the right but happens when turning left as well. During high speed driving such as the highway or roads above 45 mph, this…

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When turning the steering wheel, there is a clicking sound and a notchy feeling where the steering wheel seems to become stuck for a split second when making steering adjustments. It is worse when turning to the right but happens when turning left as well. During high speed driving such as the highway or roads above 45 mph, this can cause issues with maintaining the car's direction and leads to overcorrecting when the wheel becomes stuck and then breaks loose causing dangerous swerving into nearby lanes. The vehicle has never been in an accident and has not had any modifications. The problem arose around the 30k mile mark and has gotten progressively worse. The issue has not been inspected by any organization or separate party yet. There are no warning lights of error codes showing, only the sound and the feeling of the sticky steering. Component is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI #11542791

Official recalls

5

26V332000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

May 21, 2026

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 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

24V064000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

Feb 1, 2024

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 RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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 are XHP and VHQ.

23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2023

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, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

23V458000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

Jun 29, 2023

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, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

21V215000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Mar 25, 2021

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, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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