Honda Civic vs Lexus ES
For 2005–2021 models, the Honda Civic has 16.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 20.2 for the Lexus ES. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Honda Civic
16.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
18% fewer than the Lexus ES
- Complaints
- 8,815
- Sold
- 5,295,726
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2016. Fewest: 2005, 2011 and 2020–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 83,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 40,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 41,000 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 46,600 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 31,307 mi
Lexus ES
20.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Honda Civic’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,013
- Sold
- 996,002
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2007–2008 and 2010–2011. Fewest: 2015, 2017–2018 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 67,816 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 63,000 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 49,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Honda Civic or the Lexus ES?
For 2005–2021 models, the Honda Civic has 16.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Lexus ES has 20.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Honda Civic?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Civic is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 83,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Lexus ES?
The most-reported problem on the Lexus ES is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 67,816 miles.
Which Honda Civic and Lexus ES years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Civic: 2006–2008 and 2016; Lexus ES: 2007–2008 and 2010–2011.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.