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2016 Honda Civic Review: A Refreshed Sedan and Coupe With a Few Issues

Rating: 4.45
Based on 100 Owner Reviews โ–ถ
Simon A | March 31, 2025
The 2016 Honda Civic marked the tenth generation of this compact car, a staple since its introduction in the early 1970s. Available as a sedan, coupe, and later a hatchback, the 2016 model offered a fresh, sporty design. Key trims included the LX, EX, EX-T, EX-L, and Touring. New, prices ranged from approximately $18,640 to $26,500. Its popularity stemmed from its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable, well-equipped interior making it a very appealing option.
The Good

The 2016 Civic boasts a strong reputation for reliability and excellent fuel efficiency, appealing to practical buyers. A redesigned, more modern design and available turbocharged engine provides a fun driving experience, attracting those seeking more than just basic transportation. Its comfortable interior and available tech features further enhance its appeal. The 2016 Civic gives emotional buyers a vehicle that looks good, while providing value to more practical drivers.

The Bad

Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, including unresponsive touchscreens and Bluetooth connectivity problems. The climate control system can be slow to respond in some models. Oil dilution in the 1.5L turbo engine was a known issue. Finally, some find the continuously variable transmission (CVT) unengaging. Potential buyers should inspect for these issues.

2016 Honda Civic: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4: Standard on LX and EX trims.
    • 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4: Available on EX-T, EX-L, and Touring trims.
  • Horsepower:
    • 2.0L: 158 hp
    • 1.5L Turbo: 174 hp
  • Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
    • 2.0L: Up to 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway
    • 1.5L Turbo: Up to 31 mpg city / 42 mpg highway
  • 0-60 Times:
    • 2.0L: Around 8.5 seconds
    • 1.5L Turbo: Around 7.0 seconds
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • LX: Standard features include a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic climate control, a 5-inch display screen, and Bluetooth connectivity.
    • EX: Adds a 7-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda LaneWatch, a sunroof, and alloy wheels.
    • EX-T: Includes the 1.5L turbo engine, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
    • EX-L: Features leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver's seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
    • Touring: Top-of-the-line trim includes LED headlights, navigation, a premium audio system, and Honda Sensing safety features (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking).

2016 Honda Civic Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2016
Make Honda
Model Civic
Trim -
Style Extended
Type Passenger Sedan
Category Minicompact Car
Manufacturing Details
Made In United States
Manufacturing City MARYSVILLE
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight 1248.29 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1814.37 kg
Overall Height 139.45 cm
Overall Length 449.33 cm
Overall Width 179.83 cm
Wheelbase Length 270 cm
Standard Seating 5
Engine & Performance
Engine L15B7
Engine Size 1.5L
Engine Cylinders 4
Transmission Automatic
Transmission Type Automatic
Transmission Speeds 6-Speed
Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System 4-Wheel ABS
Steering Type Rack & Pinion
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $19,850 USD
Invoice Price $18,452 USD
Delivery Charges $835 USD

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What Problems Does the 2016 Honda Civic Have?

The 2016 Honda Civic, while generally reliable, has experienced some frequently reported problems. One notable issue is oil dilution in the 1.5L turbocharged engine, particularly in colder climates. This occurs when fuel mixes with the engine oil, potentially leading to premature wear and engine damage. Honda issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) and software updates to address this, but it remains a concern for some owners.

Another common complaint involves the infotainment system. Owners have reported unresponsive touchscreens, glitches, and Bluetooth connectivity issues. These problems can be frustrating, as the infotainment system controls many vehicle functions.

There have also been reports of issues with the air conditioning system, with some owners experiencing slow or ineffective cooling. Certain models were subject to recalls, including issues with the fuel tank and parking brake. Checking the vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website for any outstanding recalls is crucial. Over the long term, the CVT transmission's durability has been questioned, although it doesn't represent a widespread failure. Premature battery drain has also been reported by some users. It's always advisable to have a pre-purchase inspection conducted by a trusted mechanic to identify potential problems.

How long will the 2016 Honda Civic last?

With proper maintenance, a 2016 Honda Civic can easily reach 200,000 miles or more. Many owners report trouble-free operation for well over a decade. Regular oil changes, timely servicing of the CVT transmission, and addressing any cooling system issues are essential for longevity. The engine and transmission are generally durable. However, as the car ages, expect to replace wear items like brakes, suspension components, and potentially deal with sensor failures. The long-term weaknesses include the infotainment system, which may become outdated or fail, and potential rust issues in regions with harsh winters.
Positive Owner Reviews
Joel Perez
The cars is very good and exellent roning on the road, I like and nice cars more better interior and good radio, good back camara
annette r
This car was fun, got great gas mileage and was a sporty looking car without spending tons of $$ I liked it so much I bought a 2021 Civic Sport
Karl Hansen
This car is the car of my dreams I couldn't have asked for a nicer Kinder gentler people to work with when dealing with buying a car like the staff and specially Freddy at the Evergreen Chevrolet dealership
Negative Owner Reviews
Ruth
Honda has really fallen from grace. The starter needed to be replaced a month after I purchaed it. The dealership charged me $998.00 for a pre inspection of the car. Claiming they only accept the cream of the crop. Buyer beware. They are unscrupulous.
Defected Trunk
My 2016 Honda Civic trunk opens spontaneously 3 times a day . Call the Honda complaint department and they did nothing about it . Read the many reviews about the same problem . Honda doesn't care and are not taking responsibility for the defect . This is indeed a manufacturer problem . I will never buy another Honda again .
mcarthurdw
I bought the 2016 Civic Lx to replace a 2012 Civic that the electrical system failed on. I thought it was just a rare issue, boy was I wrong. The first week I owned the 2016 Civic the third break light shroud fell and block view through the rear windshield. The local dealer tried to repair it multiple times, but it just kept falling down. It took threatening Honda Corporate USA with the lemon law to get it fixed. The car was good over all for a few months, but then began having strange random issues. The trunk would open on it's own, windows would roll themselves down when no one was around and the car was locked. By the time it was a year old the Air Conditioning stopped working, a few weeks later one of the key fobs completely failed, replacing the battery in it did nothing. The final event was when the car caught fire sitting in the driveway. It was locked and had not been driven for hours. Honda took no responsibility what so ever for any of the problems, and I lost thousands of dollars I had invested in the car.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2016 Honda Civic features a range of tech and safety features, depending on the trim level. Higher trims (EX and above) include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows for seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication. Lower trims have a smaller 5-inch screen. The audio system varies from a standard four-speaker setup to a premium system in the Touring trim.

Driver-assistance features, bundled under the "Honda Sensing" suite, are available on the Touring trim and include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and collision mitigation braking system. Honda LaneWatch, which displays a camera view of the passenger-side blind spot on the infotainment screen when the right turn signal is activated, is standard on EX and higher trims.

Standard safety features across all trims include a multi-angle rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and multiple airbags. The 2016 Honda Civic received excellent crash-test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with Honda Sensing.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Alabaster Silver Metallic
Crystal Black Pearl
Lunar Silver Metallic
Modern Steel Metallic
Rallye Red
White Orchid Pearl
Blue Sky Metallic
Cosmic Blue Metallic
Burgundy Night Pearl
Interior Colors
Black Fabric
Gray Fabric
Ivory Fabric
Black Leather
Gray Leather
Ivory Leather

2016 Honda Civic Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2016 Honda Civic ranged from approximately $18,640 for the base LX model to around $26,500 for the top-of-the-line Touring trim. As of late 2023, used market prices typically range from $12,000 to $18,000, depending on condition, mileage, and trim level. The Civic holds its value relatively well compared to other compact cars, due to its strong reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency. Lower mileage, a clean title, and documented maintenance history will significantly boost resale value. Higher trims with desirable features like Honda Sensing and leather seats also command a premium.

2016 Honda Civic Cost of Ownership

The 2016 Honda Civic is generally considered economical to own. Insurance costs are typically average for the compact car segment. Fuel efficiency is excellent, reducing running costs. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, is affordable. While some repairs can be pricier, Honda parts are readily available. Long-term ownership costs are low due to the car's reliability and fuel efficiency. However, addressing potential oil dilution issues in the 1.5T engine promptly is crucial to prevent more costly repairs down the line.

2016 Honda Civic Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity 25.36 liters
City Mileage 3.23 km/l
Highway Mileage 2.38 km/l

2016 Honda Civic Safety Rating

IIHS
Roof Strength Test Results Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint Ratings Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Test Results Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test Results Not Tested
Side Impact Test Results Not Tested

2016 Honda Civic Recalls & Defects

Engine and Engine Cooling:engine
Recall date 2016-02-09
Recall no. 16v074000
Source NHTSA
Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2016 Civic Vehicles Manufactured September 22, 2015, TO February 3, 2016 and Equipped With 2.0l Engines. THE Affected Vehicles Have Engines With Piston Assemblies That MAY Have Been Manufactured Without A Piston Wrist PIN Circlip or With AN Incorrectly Installed Piston Wrist PIN Circlip.
Consequence IF A Circlip IS Missing or Incorrectly Installed, THE Piston Wrist PIN MAY NOT BE Secure and MAY Drift and Damage THE Engine Cylinder Causing THE Engine TO Seize, and Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash or A Fire.
Remedy Honda Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Inspect and Replace THE Piston Assemblies and Damaged Engine Components, AS Necessary, Free OF Charge. Parts ARE Expected TO BE Available IN THE Summer OF 2016. Owners Were Mailed AN Interim Notification Beginning March 31, 2016, and Will BE Mailed A Second Notice When Parts ARE Available. Owners MAY Contact Honda Customer Service AT 1-888-234-2138. Honda's Number FOR This Recall IS Jx9.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Exterior Lighting
Recall date 2016-07-11
Recall no. 16v526000
Source NHTSA
Summary American Honda Motor CO. (Honda) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2016 Civic 2-Door Vehicles Manufactured February 23, 2016, Through MAY 20, 2016. THE Affected Vehicles MAY Have A Damaged LED Side Marker Light Circuit Board Inside THE Taillight Assembly, Making THE Marker Light Inoperable. AS Such, These Vehicles Fail TO Comply With THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (Fmvss) Number 108, "lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Consequence IF A Side Marker Light Does NOT Function, Vehicle Visibility CAN BE Decreased TO Other Drivers, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Honda Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Inspect Both THE Taillight Assemblies, Replacing Them AS Necessary, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON August 31, 2016. Owners MAY Contact Honda Customer Service AT 1-888-234-2138. Honda's Number FOR This Recall IS Kb8.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Parking Brake
Recall date 2016-10-11
Recall no. 16v725000
Source NHTSA
Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2016 Honda Civic Two Door and Four Door 1.5l Turbo and 2.0l Vehicles. THE Electric Parking Brake (Epb) MAY NOT Engage IF IT IS Applied Immediately After Turning THE Ignition Off.
Consequence IF THE EPB IS NOT Applied, THE Vehicle MAY Roll Away, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Honda Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Update THE Vehicle's Software TO Allow THE EPB TO Engage Immediately After THE Ignition IS Turned Off, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON November 8, 2016. Owners MAY Contact Honda Customer Service AT 1-888-234-2138. Honda's Number FOR This Recall IS Kc6.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Recall date 2023-12-18
Recall no. 23v858000
Source NHTSA
Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) IS Recalling Certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, Cr-V, Hr-v, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura Ilx, Mdx, MDX Hybrid, Rdx, Rlx, Tlx, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda Cr-v Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity Phev, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX Vehicles. THE Fuel Pump Inside THE Fuel Tank MAY Fail.
Consequence Fuel Pump Failure CAN Cause AN Engine Stall While Driving, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE Fuel Pump Module, Free OF Charge. Owner Letters Were Mailed September 6, 2024. Owners MAY Contact Honda Customer Service AT 1-888-234-2138. Honda's Numbers FOR This Recall ARE KGC and Kgd. This Recall IS AN Expansion OF Nhtsa Recall Numbers 21v-215 and 20v-314.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.

2016 Honda Civic Warranty

Basic
Original warranty 36 months / 36,000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty 60 months / 60,000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Rust
Original warranty 60 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining Expired

2016 Honda Civic Insurance

Insurance for a 2016 Honda Civic is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Passenger Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2016 Honda Civic Compare to Other Passenger Sedan?

The 2016 Honda Civic competes with the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus. Compared to the Corolla, the Civic offers a more engaging driving experience and a more modern interior. The Mazda3 arguably has a sportier feel, but the Civic is more spacious. The Hyundai Elantra offers similar features at a slightly lower price point, but the Civic has a stronger reputation for reliability. The Ford Focus, while fun to drive, suffered from reliability concerns, making the Civic a safer bet.

In terms of reliability, the Civic and Corolla are generally considered top contenders. Feature-wise, the Civic offers a well-rounded package with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were not universally available in its competitors at the time. The Mazda3 offers a more premium interior feel and sharper handling, making it a good alternative for driving enthusiasts. Overall, the Civic provides a balanced combination of reliability, features, and performance, making it a strong choice in its class. Those prioritizing sporty handling might prefer the Mazda3, while budget-conscious buyers may consider the Elantra, but the Civic provides a well-rounded value proposition.

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Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Honda Civic a Good Passenger Sedan?

The 2016 Honda Civic is an excellent choice for individuals and small families seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable compact car. It's a worthy buy, particularly on the used market, offering good value for money. Models with the 1.5L turbo engine provide a more engaging driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of the oil dilution issue and ensure any necessary repairs or software updates have been performed. The EX and higher trims are recommended for their enhanced features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A pre-purchase inspection is crucial to assess the condition of the car and identify any potential problems before committing to a purchase. Overall, it's a very practical and smart choice for a daily driver.

2016 Honda Civic Owner Reviews

4.45
Overall rating
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AB on January 25, 2024

Advise do not buy Honda turbo.

The 1.5 turbo had oil dilution. Dealers and Honda live in some denial. Had the AC controller and software update and that did not help. When it broke down the first time was in summer on interstate and going hard and hot multi hours. Honda says this only happens in the cold. Not true.

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ND on August 4, 2023

Best car I have ever owned.

Bought this as a commuter. I get way about the EPA estimate for MPG. I average 45mpg across a tank of gas. I have the 2.0L model. So easy to do maintenance on and just works. I bought it as a lease turn-in when it was 3 years old and had 34k miles on it. I have 138k on the odometer now. In that entire time, I have replaced a single item that was not part of regular maintenance - some fuel sensor that the dealer replaced because of a light on the dash and was around $150 to diagnose and fix. Otherwise just the basic stuff - oil, brakes, spark plugs, wipers, etc. There has been one common fault that if you look at these reviews long enough you will see. An A/C problem was common on this generation. There is a factory recall on it. Both mine, and my brothers 2017 model had it done at no charge. Other than that my only grips on this car are minor crap like a select few button placement choices or the oddness that the driver can't operate all windows with the window lock engaged - usually that is bypassed only for the driver. So shy of some very small things, I would buy another one of these in a heartbeat.

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Riva Crutchfield on October 15, 2022

5 years and 3 weeks old, transmission failure at o

2016 civic transmission failure! Thought it may be covered by warranty, but no! Loss of this cost too much and disappointment to say the least!!!

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Joel Perez on July 2, 2022

I buy again honda civic is very good cars

The cars is very good and exellent roning on the road, I like and nice cars more better interior and good radio, good back camara

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adil on June 12, 2021

Honda is a head ache in A/C

The A/C part is horrible in that it keeps breaking down and leaking that I have to change the condenser every two years, with a hefty price.I am not going to buy any more honda in the future; I will switch to Toyota.

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annette r on April 29, 2021

Favorite car before my new 2021 Honda Civic Sport

This car was fun, got great gas mileage and was a sporty looking car without spending tons of $$ I liked it so much I bought a 2021 Civic Sport

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Pillow pants on April 21, 2021

Owned the LX coupe for a year now

I picked this Civic coupe LX up last March with 30k miles and have absolutely loved it. I just wanted the base model with the 2.0 because it's one of Honda's best engines and I certainly don't need all the bells and whistles. It took a month or so get used to the CVT transmission, but eventually found the sweet spots and really never need to use sport mode because it's unnecessary. It works, but I'm not Jeff Gordon. Pretty nimble in traffic on both the city and freeways and has ample acceleration especially at highway. Steering is tight like a sport coupe should be. The interior is decent sized and basically designed. I'm 6'1รƒยขรขโ€šยฌร‚ย and have plenty of room, even with someone in back. The rear seats are deep, but the headroom is an issue for anyone over 6'. I commute 50 miles back and forth from work, mostly on the freeway and get about 40-41 MPG at 70-75MPH Sometimes I'll put non-ethanol 88 gas in and it will get 42-44. AMAZING! No mechanical problems, runs like a champ. I love this car so much. The tail light configuration was the closer for me. Sharp.

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whygee on April 6, 2021

yes! buy it! go for it!!

really loved this car its really comfty and spacious would totally recommend to buy it for any type of drive! also good quality car and worth the money

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Karl Hansen on February 24, 2021

Honda Civic

This car is the car of my dreams I couldn't have asked for a nicer Kinder gentler people to work with when dealing with buying a car like the staff and specially Freddy at the Evergreen Chevrolet dealership

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Pinkalicious beauty on January 18, 2021

Amazing vehicle very convenient great on gas

This car is amazing Beautiful stylish comfortable I love my car is great on gas very convenient for my needs since I travel all over Springs

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Simon A

Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.