Pre Purchase Inspection for 2017 Honda Civic
Two generations. Check 1.5L turbo oil dilution on 2016 to 2018 cars, the A/C condenser coverage, sticky steering on 2022 on, and open recalls. We check the known trouble spots before you pay.
Buying a 2017 Honda Civic? Smart move to check it first. The engine it has changes what matters most.
Transmission: CVT or 6-speed manual. Tenth generation. The hatchback, the Si and the first US Type R arrive. Check the axle shaft (17V-706), steering torque sensor (18V-663), fuel pump and seat sensor recalls. Oil dilution year.
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- 1.5L turbo 4-cyl
On some 2016 to 2018 Civics with the 1.5L turbo, fuel can mix into the engine oil, mostly in very cold weather. Honda updated software on cars in 21 cold weather states and extended powertrain coverage to 6 years from purchase with no mileage limit for the camshaft, rocker arms and spark plugs. That 6 year window has now passed for most of these cars.
WE CHECK We check the oil level and smell the dipstick for fuel, scan for codes, and ask for the software update record. We note if the oil is overfull.
SOURCE Consumer Reports: Honda extends warranty on troubled turbo engines
Honda Service Bulletin 19-091 says the A/C condenser on many tenth generation Civics was not built to spec and can corrode and leak. Honda extended coverage to 10 years from the original sale with no mileage limit. It covers 2016 to 2020 sedans and coupes and 2017 to 2021 hatchbacks, with the Type R under its own bulletin. It does not cover road damage, or a car that was ever given a salvage or branded title.
WE CHECK We check that the A/C blows cold, look at the condenser behind the grille for oily residue or damage, and read the title history since a branded title voids the extension.
SOURCE Honda Service Bulletin 19-091, A/C condenser warranty extension (filed with NHTSA)
Recall 23V-858 covers the fuel pump in the tank on many 2016 to 2021 Civics. NHTSA says a failed pump can make the engine stall while driving. It expanded two earlier recalls (20V-314 and 21V-215). Dealers replace the pump for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for all three campaigns and listen for rough running, hard starting or stalling.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-858 · NHTSA recall 20V-314 · NHTSA recall 21V-215
Two recalls cover the sensor that decides whether the passenger air bag fires. Recall 24V-064 covers some 2020 to 2022 Civics whose sensor can crack and fail to turn the air bag off when it should. Recall 26V-332 covers many 2016 to 2022 Civics whose sensor can crack and cause the air bags to deploy when they should not. Honda mailed owner letters for 26V-332 on July 7, 2026, so many cars may still be open.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for both recalls and watch the passenger air bag status light with the seat empty and with an adult seated.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-064 · NHTSA recall 26V-332
NHTSA opened an investigation in March 2023 into 2022 and 2023 Civics whose steering could stick for a moment, mostly at highway speed. NHTSA's file says Honda traced it to strain in a worm wheel and uneven grease in the steering gear. Recall 24V-744 now covers many 2022 to 2024 Civics, and dealers replace a spring and add grease. A separate recall (23V-704) covers cars that got a wrongly assembled replacement steering rack.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for both recalls and drive at highway speed long enough to feel for a notchy or sticky steering wheel.
SOURCE NHTSA ODI resume PE23-005 (2022 to 2023 Civic steering) · NHTSA ODI resume EA23-003 · NHTSA recall 24V-744 · NHTSA recall 23V-704 · Autoblog: NHTSA investigates sticky Civic steering (March 2023)
Recall 18V-663 covers some 2017 and 2018 Civics whose steering torque sensor magnet can come loose, which can push steering assist the wrong way at full lock. Dealers replace the steering gearbox. Separately, owners of 2016 to 2021 Civics have filed many sticky steering complaints with NHTSA: the 2016 Civic alone has 444 complaints coded to steering as of September 2026. There is no recall for that complaint on these years.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 18V-663, turn the wheel lock to lock in a parking lot, and feel for sticky or notchy steering on the highway.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 18V-663 · NHTSA owner complaints, 2016 Honda Civic
Recall 23V-458 covers some 2020 and 2021 Civics whose brake master cylinder can separate from the booster, causing a loss of braking. Recall 23V-430 covers some 2023 Civics whose stability control unit can leak brake fluid, which can cause the car to move while Brake Hold is on or make the pedal travel farther.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for both recalls, test pedal feel and Brake Hold, and look for brake fluid leaks.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-458 · NHTSA recall 23V-430
Some early 2016 Civics with the 2.0L were built with missing or loose piston wrist pin clips, which can let the engine seize (16V-074). Some 2016 cars needed a software update so the electric parking brake would set right after shutdown (16V-725). Some 2017 sedans and coupes had a right front axle shaft that was not properly heat treated and can break (17V-706).
WE CHECK We check the VIN for each recall, listen for engine knock, and test the parking brake on a slope.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 16V-074 · NHTSA recall 16V-725 · NHTSA recall 17V-706 · NHTSA recall data, 2016 Honda Civic
Recall 24V-859 covers some 2023 and 2024 Civic sedans and hatchbacks whose driver seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, so the seat may not be secure. Dealers replace the frame.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for this recall and rock the driver seat to feel for looseness.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-859
- Confirm the generation, body style and engine from the VIN
- Open recall check on the VIN
- Oil level and fuel smell on 2016 to 2018 1.5L turbo cars
- A/C output and condenser condition
- Highway road test for sticky or notchy steering
- Passenger air bag status light with the seat empty and occupied
- Brake pedal feel and Brake Hold
- Clutch, gearbox and signs of modification on Si and Type R
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a 2017 Civic? A pre purchase inspection checks these trouble spots on the car in front of you.
What is the difference between the 2016 to 2021 and 2022 to 2024 Civic?
Does the Honda 1.5 turbo have oil dilution problems?
Is the Civic A/C condenser covered?
Is there a recall for Honda Civic sticky steering?
Does the Civic have a CVT?
Why do I need to check the passenger seat sensor recall?
How do I check a Civic for open recalls?
We'll check it first
Pre-tagged for the 2017 Honda Civic. One call and a tech is on it.
951-267-8500Call nowRequest a 2017 Civic inspection
Pre-tagged for the 2017 Honda Civic.
Buying a 2017 Civic? Let us check it first.
Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.