Does the Honda Civic have a collision warning?
Yes. In the latest Civics, collision warning is part of the Honda Sensing driver-assist suite, which provides forward collision warnings and related safety features. This means you’ll typically receive alerts if a frontal collision is possible, and you may have additional braking assistance in some models.
What you want to know is how this technology works, which model years and trims include it, and how to verify its presence in a specific Civic. The following sections outline the technology, its typical availability, and how to confirm it on the vehicle you’re considering or own.
How collision warning works in the Civic
Collision warning in the Civic relies on a combination of cameras and radar sensors to monitor the traffic ahead. When the system detects a potential front-end collision with a vehicle in front of you, it issues visual and audible warnings to prompt the driver to take action. In many Civics equipped with Honda Sensing, this warning is paired with Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which can apply moderate braking to reduce impact if the driver does not respond in time.
Before you rely on these features, it’s important to understand their limits: weather conditions, glare, road spray, or sensor occlusion from debris can affect performance; the system may not recognize pedestrians or bicyclists in all situations; and it is designed to assist—not replace—safe driving. The functionality and behavior can vary by model year and trim.
Key components you’ll typically encounter in the Civic’s collision-warning setup include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), CMBS, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation, all part of the broader Honda Sensing package.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts you to a potential frontal impact with vehicles ahead, using camera and radar data to estimate closing speed and distance.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): May apply braking to help reduce collision severity if you don’t respond to FCW alerts.
- Honda Sensing integration: FCW and CMBS are part of the broader Honda Sensing suite, which also includes other driver-assist technologies for speed control and lane maintenance.
- Availability varies by year and trim: The exact presence and configuration of FCW/CMBS depend on the Civic generation, so checking the specific model’s equipment list is recommended.
In practice, drivers should treat FCW as a supplementary aid. It reduces reaction time and may help mitigate a collision, but it does not guarantee avoidance in every scenario.
Availability by model year and trim
The Civic lineup in recent years has emphasized Honda Sensing as a core safety feature, but exact availability has varied across generations. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect:
- 2023 model year and newer Civics: Honda Sensing is widely available and typically included on all trims sold in the United States, which includes Forward Collision Warning and CMBS as part of the package.
- 2016–2022 Civics: Honda Sensing was offered on higher trims or as part of optional packages; FCW and related safety features were available where Sensing could be added.
- Earlier Civics (pre-2016): Collision warning features were not standard and often not available unless superceded by hardware and software packages from older generations.
Because availability can vary by market, dealer, and specific vehicle configuration, always verify by checking the window sticker (Monroney label), the vehicle’s built-in safety information screen, or by asking the dealer to confirm whether FCW and CMBS are included on a given Civic. If you’re buying used, request the original brochure or a vehicle history report that notes the safety equipment packages.
How to verify in your Civic
To confirm collision-warning capabilities in your particular Civic, look for indicators and settings in several places.
The instrument cluster or multi-information display will typically show an icon when Honda Sensing is active, and there will be a menu item to enable/adjust FCW and CMBS settings. The infotainment system may also provide a list of active safety features. When you start the car, the system often performs a brief self-check and may display a notification if certain features are unavailable due to weather or sensor obstruction.
Summary
Modern Honda Civics generally include collision warning as part of the Honda Sensing safety suite, offering Forward Collision Warning and, in many cases, Collision Mitigation Braking System. Availability is strongest in the current-generation Civics (2023 model year and newer) and varies by trim and region. If you rely on collision warning, confirm the exact equipment on the specific vehicle you’re considering by checking the window sticker or asking the dealer. Always remember that these systems are assistive technologies designed to supplement safe driving, not replace it.
Does Honda have crash detection?
The system detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead. When there is the risk of a collision, the system alerts the driver with audible warnings as well as visual warnings on the display. When the vehicle comes closer to the object, the system applies light brake pressure.
What is the Honda collision warning?
Honda Forward Collision Warning System Features
Scanners can monitor speed changes in objects up to 500 feet ahead of you. They scan the road up to 20 times a second. These scanners can detect vehicles, bicycles, motorbikes, and more.
Does the Honda Civic have a collision avoidance system?
To help reduce the likelihood or severity of a frontal impact, Honda developed the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™). Powered by a combination of radar transmitter and forward-facing camera, the CMBS™ determines the distance and closing speed of detected objects that lie directly ahead.
Which Honda Civics to stay away from?
Years to avoid the Honda Civic include 2001–2005, 2006–2009, and 2012 and 2016, which have been associated with problems like transmission failures, cracked engine blocks, and faulty airbags. The 2001 model is often cited as the worst due to a high number of complaints, recalls, and transmission issues. Other specific years like 2007, 2009, and 2016 also have known problems such as cracked engine blocks and issues with the AC and Bluetooth systems.
Specific model years to avoid:
- 2001–2005:
- Transmission failures: The automatic transmission was known to fail around 100,000 miles.
- Engine problems: Cracked engine blocks are a known issue, especially in the 2006–2009 models.
- Airbag recalls: These models were affected by the widespread Takata airbag recall.
- Other issues: Faulty fuel pumps and battery problems in hybrids were also reported.
- 2006–2009:
- Cracked engine blocks: This was a significant problem for this generation.
- Airbag issues: Recalls were common, particularly for the hybrid models in 2006.
- 2012:
- Transmission issues: Some reports suggest problems with the transmission in this model year.
- 2016:
- AC unit and Bluetooth problems: This model year is known for issues with its air conditioning system and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Steering rack failures: Steering rack failures have been reported in some instances.
What to look for instead:
- Most reliable years:
- 2012–2015: These years generally have good reliability ratings.
- 2020–2024: Recent models are considered reliable with good fuel economy and safety ratings.
- Good alternatives:
- 2004–2005
- 2011
- 2013–2015
