Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2022 Honda Civic
The 2022 Honda Civic shows a significant number of steering-related complaints and recalls. Although the model has generally been reliable, attention is required for specific issues due to 733 steering complaints and four total recalls, especially concerning air bags and steering components. With limited data on other categories, be cautious and inspect thoroughly.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2022 Honda Civic has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 886 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V332000 Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V744000 Difficulty Steering from Steering Gearbox Damage NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V064000 Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V704000 Incorrectly Assembled Steering Rack NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 734 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 71 complaints
- Lane Departure 66 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 42 complaints
- Unknown or Other 41 complaints
- Electrical System 38 complaints
Of the 886 complaints on file, 34 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 886 complaints, owners report 19 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering gearbox defects
How to check: Check for smooth steering, especially during slow turns.
Occupant classification sensor issues
How to check: Ensure airbag system warning lights are not on.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or rough idle.
Red flag: Loud knocking or irregular idle
- 02
First minute driving
What to check: Steering responsiveness and smoothness when turning.
Red flag: Steering feels heavy or unresponsive
- 03
City acceleration
What to check: Monitor smooth acceleration without hesitation.
Red flag: Car hesitates or stutters while accelerating
- 04
Highway driving
What to check: Check for vehicle stability at higher speeds.
Red flag: Wobbly or unstable feel at speed
- 05
Braking
What to check: Ensure firm, responsive brake pedal feel.
Red flag: Soft pedal or delayed braking response
- 06
Parking maneuvering
What to check: Steering ease and wheel return to center.
Red flag: Resistance or failure to center
- 07
Post-drive inspection
What to check: Inspect for fluid leaks under the car.
Red flag: Any visible leaks or dripping fluids
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering rack been replaced?
- Were there any airbag sensor issues?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Are there any electrical problems?
- Has the car been in an accident?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall repair receipts
- Accident history report
- Ownership history details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2022 Honda Civic at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2022 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.