Which years should I avoid for the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla?

For the Civic, NHTSA data flags 2010, 2016, 2018 and 2022 as Avoid years. For the Corolla, the flagged years are 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2020.

Which model has more reported complaints overall?

The Civic has 6,551 total NHTSA complaints across 16 model years (409 per year on average), while the Corolla has 4,430 total complaints (277 per year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

What are the main problem areas for each model?

Civic complaints are led by Steering at 35% (2,307 complaints), followed by Electrical System at 11%. Corolla complaints are led by Airbags at 38% (1,692 complaints), followed by Engine at 17%.

How do the Civic and Corolla compare on fuel economy?

The Civic averages 32.1 mpg combined across its model years, and the Corolla averages 32.2 mpg combined, essentially even. Recent Corolla years (2023-2025) reach higher combined mpg, up to 39.5 mpg, than any listed Civic year.

Which years are considered the best for each model?

Civic's best years per NHTSA data are 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021. Corolla's best years are 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla: Which Years to Avoid

Honda Civic owners should avoid 2010, 2016, 2018 and 2022; Toyota Corolla owners should avoid 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2020. Civic logs 6,551 total complaints across 16 model years (409/year) versus Corolla's 4,430 (277/year), though totals aren't sales-normalized. Corolla's top issue is airbags (38%); Civic's is steering (35%).

Head to head

Honda Civic

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 6,551
Per model year: 409
Recall campaigns: 33
Years to avoid: 2010, 2016, 2018, 2022
Best years: 2011, 2014, 2020, 2021
Top problem area: Steering
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 32.1
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Toyota Corolla

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 4,430
Per model year: 277
Recall campaigns: 30
Years to avoid: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2020
Best years: 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023
Top problem area: Airbags
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 32.2
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.7 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Civic				Corolla
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Avoid	396	8	28.5	Avoid	1,225	15	27
2011	Best	168	9	28.5	Avoid	584	9	27
2012	Caution	455	3	31	Caution	446	5	29
2013	Good	319	0	31	Caution	201	5	29
2014	Best	291	2	31.5	Avoid	269	2	32
2015	Good	380	1	31.5	Caution	219	1	31.5
2016	Avoid	1,080	5	34	Caution	214	1	31.5
2017	Good	593	6	34	Good	178	3	31
2018	Avoid	741	6	34	Best	134	3	31
2019	Caution	430	4	32.5	Best	202	5	32.5
2020	Best	225	5	32	Avoid	306	3	33
2021	Best	144	4	32.5	Good	185	1	33
2022	Avoid	881	4	33	Best	100	0	33
2023	Caution	255	4	33	Best	73	3	39.5
2024	Good	123	3	33	Good	63	2	39.5
2025	Caution	70	2	34	Good	31	0	35

Complaint Index by year

Honda Civic

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota Corolla

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid for the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla?: For the Civic, NHTSA data flags 2010, 2016, 2018 and 2022 as Avoid years. For the Corolla, the flagged years are 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2020.
Which model has more reported complaints overall?: The Civic has 6,551 total NHTSA complaints across 16 model years (409 per year on average), while the Corolla has 4,430 total complaints (277 per year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
What are the main problem areas for each model?: Civic complaints are led by Steering at 35% (2,307 complaints), followed by Electrical System at 11%. Corolla complaints are led by Airbags at 38% (1,692 complaints), followed by Engine at 17%.
How do the Civic and Corolla compare on fuel economy?: The Civic averages 32.1 mpg combined across its model years, and the Corolla averages 32.2 mpg combined, essentially even. Recent Corolla years (2023-2025) reach higher combined mpg, up to 39.5 mpg, than any listed Civic year.
Which years are considered the best for each model?: Civic's best years per NHTSA data are 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021. Corolla's best years are 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.