LX / Sport / EX / Sport Touring / Touring (11th gen FE/FL, 2022–2025)
Low Risk
The 11th-gen Civic is a significant improvement over the 10th gen — larger, quieter, better interior quality, and the 1.5T oil dilution issue is substantially reduced (though not fully eliminated on Canadian-spec vehicles). No widespread powertrain failures. The 11th gen is a strong buy at any mileage. Oil dilution on the 1.5T remains a watch item in cold climates; check PCM software version. On recalls, NHTSA lists four campaigns for MY2022 and the one to confirm by VIN is 26V-332, an open front passenger seat-weight-sensor campaign whose letters went out in July 2026; the other three are steering and airbag items with free dealer remedies.
Items to check
9
Open recalls
4
NHTSA complaints
95
Top concern
Minimal
Powertrain
1.5T L15CA — oil dilution reduced vs 10th gen
Low Risk
Honda redesigned the 1.5T for the 11th gen with improved oil dilution management. US-market cars with current PCM software have low risk. Canadian/cold-climate cars may still see minor dilution.
Check oil dipstick color. Golden = good. Dark brown = normal aging. Grey/watery = concern (rare on US 11th gen).
Est. cost: Routine maintenanceSource: Honda L15CA design update
2.0L K20C2 (LX/Sport) — simple and reliable
Low Risk
Naturally-aspirated 2.0L is straightforward. Less power but zero drama.
Standard cold-start and oil check.
Est. cost: Routine maintenanceSource: Honda K20C2 reliability
CVT (LX/EX) / 6MT Reliability
CVT — standard on most trims
Low Risk
Honda's CVT has been reliable in this generation. Test for any noise or shudder during acceleration.
Test full acceleration from stop and highway passing. No belt noise or shudder expected.
Est. cost: $150–$200 fluid serviceSource: Honda CVT standard
Honda Sensing ADAS
Honda Sensing standard — verify camera alignment
Low Risk
Honda Sensing (CMBS, LKAS, ACC) is standard on all 11th-gen trims. Check for any calibration warning lights.
Confirm no ADAS warning lights. Verify windshield has not been replaced without camera recalibration.
Est. cost: $0–$300 if recalibration neededSource: Honda Sensing standard
Documentation
Service records
Low Risk
11th-gen Civic is young. Any well-maintained example is a strong buy.
Request service records. Low concern on this platform.
Est. cost: n/aSource: AutoVetting editorial
NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)
26V-332
Severity: Open — airbag suppression
Front passenger seat-weight sensor can crack and short-circuit, which can make the airbags deploy unintentionally in a crash. 98,892 units across 2016-2026 Honda and Acura models; expands 24V-064; owner letters mailed 2026-07-07. Remedy: seat weight sensors replaced free by a dealer.
24V-744
Severity: Critical — steering effort
Steering gearbox assembly manufactured with excessive internal friction, making the car hard to steer. 1,693,199 units across Honda and Acura, from NHTSA engineering analysis EA23003; Honda SJS/MJU/QJT/VJV; owner letters mailed 2024-11-18. Remedy: worm gear spring replaced and grease redistributed or added, free.
23V-704
Severity: High — tire damage
A replacement power steering rack may have been assembled incorrectly, letting a front tire chafe against the lower suspension arm or tie rod end until the tire is damaged and can fail. 264,567 units, Honda YFW; owner letters mailed 2024-01-16. Remedy: electric power steering rack inspected and replaced as needed, free.
24V-064
Severity: Superseded by 26V-332
The original phased form of the same front passenger seat-weight sensor defect — 750,114 units across 2020-2022 Honda and Acura models, Honda XHP and VHQ, owner letters mailed 2024-03-28. For a 2022 Civic the live campaign is 26V-332, which expands this one. Remedy: seat weight sensors replaced free.
What the VIN tells you
The 11th-gen Civic (FE/FL, 2022+) launched with two engines and the choice matters more than usual. 2.0L i-VTEC I4 (158hp) — naturally aspirated, port-injection only, paired with CVT — fitted to LX and Sport trims. NO oil-dilution exposure; this is the safer used buy. 1.5L L15B7 VTEC Turbo I4 (180-200hp depending on year) — direct-injection, paired with CVT or 6-speed manual (Si trim only) — fitted to EX, EX-L, Sport Touring, Si. The 1.5T retains the 10th-gen Civic's documented cold-weather fuel-dilution problem; Honda's 2022 PCM calibration is the fix but verify it's on the service record AND check the dipstick for fuel-smell or above-MAX oil level before purchase. The Si (6-speed manual only) is the enthusiast pick but the 1.5T is the same engine; abuse-history matters. Easy ID: LX/Sport = 2.0L NA. EX and higher = 1.5T. Full VIN decode at autovetting.com/inspect.
Independent pre-purchase inspection — we arrange it and walk you through the findings.
Send us the listing and we reply within 1 business day. Nothing due until we confirm a mechanic and a time. Piloting in Phoenix; other US metros by arrangement.
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