Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Honda Civic
The 2019 Honda Civic has a few known issues, particularly with the steering and fuel system. It has a moderate number of owner complaints and several recalls. Check the specific components thoroughly during inspection. Evidence for other issues is limited, so keep an eye out for general vehicle condition.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Honda Civic has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 444 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 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 #21V215000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V314000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 113 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 72 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 62 complaints
- Unknown or Other 61 complaints
- Electrical System 37 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 35 complaints
Of the 444 complaints on file, 27 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 444 complaints, owners report 20 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering problems reported
How to check: Ensure the steering wheel moves smoothly and doesn't drift.
Fuel pump failure
How to check: Verify the recall was completed and listen for unusual noises.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe stability and RPM fluctuations.
Red flag: Erratic idling
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel for smooth steering and handling.
Red flag: Stiff or drifting steering
- 04
Stop-and-go traffic
What to check: Brake response and absence of noise.
Red flag: Squeaking or delayed braking
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth power delivery.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of response
- 06
Cruise at highway speed
What to check: Monitor steering control and lane stability.
Red flag: Drifting or pulling
- 07
Parking
What to check: Test for steering ease and accuracy.
Red flag: Hard to turn steering wheel
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump recall been resolved?
- Have there been any steering repairs?
- What is the service history like?
- When was the last oil change?
- Any accidents or major repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Fuel pump recall documentation
- Repair invoices
- Service history records
- Accident reports
- Registration documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Honda Civic at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 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.