Ford Fiesta vs Honda Civic
For 2010–2020 models, the Honda Civic has 14.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 56.1 for the Ford Fiesta. 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 (2010–2020), 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.
Ford Fiesta
56.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
3.8× the Honda Civic’s rate
- Complaints
- 3,160
- Sold
- 562,951
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2011–2014. Fewest: 2010, 2017–2018 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 30,406 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Manual clutch, flywheel and hydraulics
Typically around 40,000 mi · repair $1,070–$1,980
-
Transmission control module and sensors
Typically around 65,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 59,000 mi
Honda Civic
14.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
74% fewer than the Ford Fiesta
- Complaints
- 5,162
- Sold
- 3,480,943
- Recall campaigns
- 29
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2016. Fewest: 2011 and 2020. 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
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Fiesta or the Honda Civic?
For 2010–2020 models, the Honda Civic has 14.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Fiesta has 56.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Fiesta?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Fiesta is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 30,406 miles.
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.
Which Ford Fiesta and Honda Civic years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Fiesta: 2011–2014; Honda Civic: 2016.
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.