Most common 2013 Honda Civic problems
Share of the 319 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Civic complaints by model year
Best Civic years: 2011, 2021, 2014. Years to avoid: 2022, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2017. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2013 Honda Civic:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2013 Honda Civic owners say
Air bags all 114 →
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the contact was rear-ended by another vehicle, which caused the contact to crash forward into another vehicle. The contact and their spouse were taken to a local emergency room to be evaluated. The contact and their spouse sustained multiple injuries, such as whiplash and back injuries. In addition, the contact's spouse sustained an arm injury. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the driver crashed into the rear of a Ford Focus. The front passenger air bag was partially deployed. The check air bag system and the passenger air bag off message were displayed. There were no reported injuries, police report filed, or fire. The contact called the local dealer who informed her to take the vehicle to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000. The VIN was not available.
Brakes all 39 →
I am writing to express my frustration and disappointment regarding the ongoing VSA/ABS module failure in my 2013 Honda Civic Si. This issue, common among Honda vehicles from 2013-2017, has caused significant stress, both financially and emotionally. The ABS module in my vehicle has malfunctioned, affecting the vehicle's anti-lock braking and stability assist systems. This is a serious safety concern, as the failure could impair the car's ability to brake effectively, especially in adverse driving conditions. The failure of this critical component puts my safety, and the safety of others, at risk.I took my car to two separate service centers, a certified Honda dealer and a Honda tuner shop, both of which confirmed the ABS module failure. They quoted over $2,200 for installation and reprogramming of a new module, which itself costs approximately $1,800. …
The component that has failed is the abs modulator system. The problem with the abs modulator failing on me puts me and my family at great risk including death because the abs modulator works alongside with the brakes, power steering and the vsa system all of which are the main components to a cars safety. Yes I have take my Honda to a certified technician who informed me that the and modulator has gone bad and will need to be replaced immediately due my safety alongside everyone who is on the road. Lastly when I first purchased the car everything my worked fine and their were no problems whatsoever until one day I was driving down the road and suddenly the abs light, power steering light, vsa light, and brake light all turned on which led to my car having horrible performance alongside my brakes feeling sloppy as well as my steering literally moving even though I was going straight. …
Electrical system all 39 →
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the steering wheel and seats would frequently shock her and other occupants while inside the vehicle. The contact stated that her check engine and TPMS warning lights would intermittently flash on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer twice for repair; however, the failure remained. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they requested a blueprint of the vehicle's wiring mechanism from the manufacturer. Despite receiving the blueprint and rewiring the vehicle, the mechanic was unable to correct the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure by the contact, but they offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition switch, the ignition switch would not turn, and the engine could not be started. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The ignition switch was replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
2013 Honda Civic engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 43 / 44 / 44 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 29 / 41 / 33 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 28 / 35 / 31 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 31 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Honda Civic a good car?
Based on 319 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Civic rates average: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Civic at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Honda Civic?
The air bags — 114 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal › driver clockspring/spiral cassette. Next are the brakes (39) and electrical system (39).
How many recalls does the 2013 Honda Civic have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 Honda Civic. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Civic?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2021 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2017. See the full Honda Civic years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Honda Civic problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 24,000 miles; 69% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.