Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Beetle
For 2005–2019 models, the Honda Civic has 17.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.8 for the Volkswagen Beetle. 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 (2005–2019), 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
17.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
29% fewer than the Volkswagen Beetle
- Complaints
- 8,430
- Sold
- 4,770,714
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2016. Fewest: 2005 and 2011. 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 Beetle
24.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.4× the Honda Civic’s rate
- Complaints
- 876
- Sold
- 352,627
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005 and 2015–2016. Fewest: 2011 and 2017–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 73,525 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 50,100 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 47,364 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Honda Civic or the Volkswagen Beetle?
For 2005–2019 models, the Honda Civic has 17.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Beetle has 24.8, 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 Beetle?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Beetle is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 73,525 miles.
Which Honda Civic and Volkswagen Beetle years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Civic: 2006–2008 and 2016; Volkswagen Beetle: 2005 and 2015–2016.
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.