Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Honda Civic
The 2017 Honda Civic has a moderate number of complaints and several recalls, primarily concerning steering, electrical, and airbag issues. While these are significant areas to investigate, the broader picture suggests no overwhelming tendency for chronic problems. Inspection should focus on the recall-related components for peace of mind, given the mixed evidence available.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Honda Civic has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 605 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 3 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V332000 Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V858000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V817000 Incorrect Information in Owners Manual/FMVSS 225 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V663000 Magnet Becomes Dislodged Reducing Steering Ability NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V266000 Seatbacks may not have Openings for Air Bags NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V706000 Right Halfshaft may Break NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 174 complaints
- Unknown or Other 166 complaints
- Electrical System 104 complaints
- Engine 66 complaints
- Service Brakes 37 complaints
- Structure 37 complaints
Of the 605 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 605 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering assist malfunction
How to check: Test full lock steering in both directions for irregular behavior.
Sensor magnet dislodgement
How to check: Inspect for electronic power steering alerts or issues.
Faulty airbag sensors
How to check: Check airbag warning light during startup.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocks or tapping sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Instrument panel warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent airbag or engine lights.
- 03
Steering at low speed
What to check: Smoothness and responsiveness of steering.
Red flag: Jerky or opposing steering motion.
- 04
Acceleration from stop
What to check: Smooth transition and no stutter.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough gear shifts.
- 05
Highway speed
What to check: Steering control and straight path
Red flag: Pulling to one side.
- 06
Braking from 50 mph
What to check: Brakes' responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Fading or grinding noises.
- 07
Parking maneuver
What to check: Ease of steering in tight turns.
Red flag: Excessive effort required.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering system been repaired?
- Any recall work completed on airbags?
- Have there been electrical system issues?
- What unexpected repairs have been made?
- How has the vehicle been maintained?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Current registration
- Warranty transfer papers
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Honda Civic at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Honda Civic? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.