Honda Civic vs Toyota Prius
For 2005–2022 models, the Honda Civic has 17.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 40.6 for the Toyota Prius. 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 (2005–2022), 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
17.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
58% fewer than the Toyota Prius
- Complaints
- 9,302
- Sold
- 5,429,658
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2006–2007, 2016 and 2022. 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
Toyota Prius
40.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.4× the Honda Civic’s rate
- Complaints
- 9,671
- Sold
- 2,383,988
- Recall campaigns
- 24
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2005, 2007–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2018–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
ABS module and wheel speed sensors
Typically around 8,665 mi · repair $660–$1,260
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 69,180 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 81,500 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Honda Civic or the Toyota Prius?
For 2005–2022 models, the Honda Civic has 17.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Toyota Prius has 40.6, 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 Toyota Prius?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Prius is abs module and wheel speed sensors, typically around 8,665 miles; the repair typically runs $660–$1,260.
Which Honda Civic and Toyota Prius years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Civic: 2006–2007, 2016 and 2022; Toyota Prius: 2005, 2007–2008 and 2010.
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.