Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Golf
For 2005–2021 models, the Honda Civic has 16.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 35.7 for the Volkswagen Golf. 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
54% fewer than the Volkswagen Golf
- 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
Volkswagen Golf
35.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.2× the Honda Civic’s rate
- Complaints
- 1,958
- Sold
- 547,879
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2019. Fewest: 2005–2006, 2014 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 36,909 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 54,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 1,150 mi
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 37,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 18,546 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Honda Civic or the Volkswagen Golf?
For 2005–2021 models, the Honda Civic has 16.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Golf has 35.7, 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 Volkswagen Golf?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Golf is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 36,909 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.
Which Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Civic: 2006–2008 and 2016; Volkswagen Golf: 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
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.