Honda Civic Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Avoid the 2005, 2007, and 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid years, which carry complaint indexes of 82, 91, and 100 out of 310 total complaints across all years. The 2013 and 2015 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 18 and 9, making them the lowest-risk choices.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 12
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 310
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Civic Hybrid Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Honda Civic Hybrid problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 82 | 48 | 7 | 0 | 6 | Transmission & Powertrain | 40.5 | — |
| 2006 | Caution | 73 | 55 | 3 | 0 | 7 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 91 | 64 | 6 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 100 | 64 | 5 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 55 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2010 | Good | 36 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Electrical System | 42 | — |
| 2011 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Airbags | 41 | 3★ |
| 2012 | Caution | 64 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 44 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Best | 18 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 44 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Good | 27 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 44 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Best | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 44 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Good | 45 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | — | — |
Civic Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Index 100 · 64 complaints · 4 recalls
For 2008, electrical system and fuel system issues each made up 30% of complaints, with median failure mileages of 60,000 and 75,198 respectively. Engine complaints followed at 27% share with a median mileage of 58,127. Owners reported sudden power loss in traffic, engine shutting off unexpectedly, and airbags not deploying during crashes. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year, including airbag inflator replacements. The 2008 model year has the highest complaint index of the range at 100, ranking worst overall.
2008 electrical system problems →2008 fuel system problems →2008 engine problems →
2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Index 91 · 64 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2007 Civic Hybrid's top problem area was the electrical system, accounting for 53% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 76,081. Engine complaints followed closely at 41% share, at the same median mileage. Owners described unexpected acceleration behavior, delayed engine restarts, and brake performance issues during incidents. NHTSA recorded 5 recall campaigns for this year, several tied to Takata airbag inflators. With a complaint index of 91, 2007 ranks as the second worst year for this model.
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Index 82 · 48 complaints · 6 recalls
Owners of the 2005 Civic Hybrid most often reported transmission and powertrain trouble, which made up 44% of that year's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 90,000. Reports describe juddering and slipping when accelerating from a stop, with Honda extending the CVT warranty for some owners. Airbags were the second largest category at 31% of complaints, with a median mileage of 121,847. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year, including multiple airbag inflator replacement campaigns. The complaint index for 2005 is 82, the third worst of all covered years.','
2005 transmission & powertrain problems →2005 airbags problems →
Most common Honda Civic Hybrid problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Electrical System114 (37%)
- Engine83 (27%)
- Transmission & Powertrain60 (19%)
- Airbags51 (16%)
- Fuel System41 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (7%)
- Other20 (6%)
- Steering18 (6%)
- Brakes15 (5%)
- Structure & Body10 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Honda Civic Hybrid should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2005, 2007, and 2008 are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 82, 91, and 100 respectively. The 2008 model year ranks worst overall out of the 12 model years with data.
- What is the best year for the Honda Civic Hybrid?
- The 2013 and 2015 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 18 and 9. The 2010, 2014, and 2025 model years are rated Good.
- What problems did the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid have?
- Owners most often reported electrical system and fuel system issues, each 30% of that year's complaints, along with engine problems at 27%. Median failure mileage for electrical and fuel system issues was 60,000 and 75,198 miles.
- Does the Honda Civic Hybrid have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 18 total recall campaigns across all covered Civic Hybrid model years, many involving Takata airbag inflators. The 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 model years each carry multiple recall campaigns.
- How many complaints does the Honda Civic Hybrid have overall?
- NHTSA lists 310 total complaints across the 12 model years with data, with the Electrical System accounting for 37% of all complaints and the Engine for 27%.