The Honda Civic Type R spans 2017–2026 with 9 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2018, 2017, 2026 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2019, 2020, 2021. It delivers up to 33 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2017 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Honda Civic Type R VIN — every digit explained
Every Honda Civic Type R carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Honda and the country it was built in (real Honda codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Civic Type R.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA19U · 19V · 19X · 1HF · 1HG · 478
- Canada2HG · 2HH · 2HJ · 2HK · 2HN · 2HU
- Mexico3CZ · 3DH · 3H1 · 3HD · 3HG
- JapanJH2 · JH3 · JR2
- ChinaLAL · LWB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Civic Type R, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Honda Civic Type R have?
The Honda Civic Type R has 9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2025 Honda Civic Type R recalls 1
Steering
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
Risk. Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
2024 Honda Civic Type R recalls 1
Steering
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
Risk. Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
2023 Honda Civic Type R recalls 1
Steering
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
Risk. Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
2021 Honda Civic Type R recalls 1
Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
2020 Honda Civic Type R recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
2019 Honda Civic Type R recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
2018 Honda Civic Type R recalls 2
Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
2017 Honda Civic Type R recalls 1
Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Best and worst years for the Honda Civic Type R
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 2018, 2017, 2026 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2019, 2020, 2021.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Civic Type R | Steering | Avoid | |
| 2018 Civic Type R | Steering | Avoid | |
| 2019 Civic Type R | — | Best | |
| 2020 Civic Type R | — | Best | |
| 2021 Civic Type R | — | Best | |
| 2023 Civic Type R | — | Average | |
| 2024 Civic Type R | — | Average | |
| 2025 Civic Type R | — | Average | |
| 2026 Civic Type R | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Honda Civic Type R problems?
The most-reported Honda Civic Type R problems are Seats (9 reports), Tires (4 reports) and Engine (113 reports) — out of 1,128 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Honda Civic Type R specifications & dimensions
The 2020 Honda Civic Type R measures 178″ long on a 106″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,120 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Honda Civic Type R window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 178″ | 74″ | 56″ | 106″ | 3,120 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Honda Civic Type R cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Civic Type R holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 106 cu ft of passenger volume and 17 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Honda Civic Type R tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Honda Civic Type R get?
The Honda Civic Type R returns up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,900/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2017 Honda Civic Type R (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 350 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 9/10) — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Civic Type R | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl |
The 2026 Honda Civic Type R (1.5L 4-cyl) gets 32 mpg combined and costs about $1,950/yr to fuel, emitting 276 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10) — that's about $1,250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Civic Type R | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 276 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 Civic Type R | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 6/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 Civic Type R | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 Civic Type R | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 Civic Type R | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 Civic Type R | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 Civic Type R | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 Civic Type R | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 Civic Type R | 27 | 36 | $2,100 | 292 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Civic Type R stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Civic Type R's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Honda Civic Type R have? Power & range
The Honda Civic Type R is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.5L 6-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | FWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 1.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Honda Civic Type R cost to own?
A used Honda Civic Type R sells for a median of about $54,000 for a 2026 — most listed between $54,000 and $54,000, from 82 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Civic Type R | $54,000–$54,000 | 3 | |
| 2025 Civic Type R | $36,985–$49,998 | 30 | |
| 2023 Civic Type R | $24,950–$45,700 | 11 | |
| 2021 Civic Type R | $16,950–$39,000 | 20 | |
| 2019 Civic Type R | $22,809–$31,985 | 13 | |
| 2018 Civic Type R | $36,499–$38,595 | 5 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Civic Type R is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Honda Civic Type R holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Civic Type R loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $9,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Civic Type R ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Honda Civic Type R to insure?
A Honda Civic Type R costs about $1,251 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 13% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (87, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Civic Type R's HLDI loss index. See Honda insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Honda Civic Type R safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Civic Type R yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Honda Civic Type R last?
A well-maintained Honda Civic Type R typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Honda Civic Type R’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Civic Type R’s VIN free →All Honda Civic Type R model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Honda Civic Type R — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Civic Type R | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Civic Type R | 1 recall | — | |
| 2024 Civic Type R | 1 recall | — | |
| 2023 Civic Type R | 1 recall | — | |
| 2021 Civic Type R | 1 recall | — | |
| 2020 Civic Type R | 1 recall | — | |
| 2019 Civic Type R | 1 recall | — | |
| 2018 Civic Type R | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2017 Civic Type R | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Civic Type R?
By owner-complaint volume, 2018, 2017, 2026 drew the most reports. 2019, 2020, 2021 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Civic Type R have?
9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Honda recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Civic Type R get?
Up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Civic Type R last?
A well-maintained Civic Type R typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Civic Type R reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Civic Type R is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Honda Civic Type R warranty?
New Honda models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.
Where is the Honda Civic Type R made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Civic Type R's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Honda may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Civic Type R have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.