Is 2019 a good year for Honda Civics?

The 2019 Honda Civic is generally considered a solid and favorable choice in the used compact-car market. A mid-cycle refresh brought improved safety tech, a more refined interior, and better overall performance, all while preserving Honda’s reputation for reliability and strong resale value.

To understand why 2019 stands out, it helps to look at what changed that year, what buyers should expect in daily driving, and how to approach a used-purchase of a 2019 Civic. The following sections break down these aspects with practical details for prospective buyers and owners alike.

What changed in 2019

In 2019, the Civic benefited from a mid-cycle refresh that enhanced styling, tech, and safety features across most trims. Honda refined the engine lineup for better performance and efficiency, and upgraded the interior to improve comfort and usability. The safety suite, once optional on some trims, became more widely available as standard equipment.

Key updates that mattered to buyers include:

• Standard Honda Sensing safety tech on most trims, improving driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation.


• A larger, more intuitive infotainment system with improved smartphone integration and, on many trims, a more responsive touchscreen.


• Engine options retained two pathways: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine for base trims and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine for higher trims, delivering more power where needed without sacrificing efficiency.


• Refresh to exterior styling and interior materials that elevated perceived quality and cabin comfort.

Overall, these changes made the 2019 Civic feel more contemporary and better equipped for daily use, while preserving its well-regarded reliability and broad appeal.

Strengths and caveats for buyers

Pros

These are the aspects that consistently attract buyers to 2019 Civics and contribute to strong ownership satisfaction.

• Strong reliability history and solid resale value, a hallmark of Honda products.


• Standard and available advanced safety features across most trims, enhancing peace of mind in daily driving.


• Versatile engine options: a capable 2.0L base engine and a responsive 1.5L turbo for better performance and efficiency in higher trims.


• Improved interior quality and a larger infotainment screen in many trims, boosting comfort and usability.


• Balanced ride and handling that suit commuting, highway driving, and casual weekend trips.


• Wide range of trims and configurations, from practical to sport-oriented, helping buyers match features to budgets.

In short, the 2019 Civic delivers a compelling blend of practicality, technology, and driver appeal without compromising Honda's reliability legacy.

Potential drawbacks

Every model year has trade-offs; here are some considerations that may affect your decision or ownership experience.

• Base trims with the 2.0L engine can feel underpowered in busy city driving or when fully loaded, especially compared with the turbocharged options.


• Higher-trim models with sport-tuned suspensions can deliver a firmer ride and more road noise on rough pavement.


• Infotainment interfaces, while improved in 2019, may still be less intuitive for some users compared with newer rivals or premium brands.


• Rear-seat space is competitive for the class but may feel snug for taller passengers on longer trips, particularly with the panoramic view options or sportier seat designs.


• Cargo space is solid but not class-leading; some buyers compare unfavorably to rivals with larger trunks or hatch storage.

These points should be weighed against your needs, such as daily commuting, passenger volume, and desired level of tech or sportiness.

Buying a used 2019 Civic: practical tips

When shopping for a used 2019 Civic, a few practical considerations can help you get the best value and reliability from your purchase.

• Check maintenance history and service records, particularly for oil changes and any recalls or safety campaigns that may have been completed.


• Inspect both the 2.0L and 1.5L turbo variants (if possible) to understand how the powertrains feel in real-world driving. If the car has the turbo, ensure there are no signs of boost-related issues or unusual vibrations.


• Test both the standard automatic and the sport-oriented transmissions (where applicable) to evaluate shifts, responsiveness, and smoothness.


• Verify the infotainment system’s functionality, including smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and navigation if equipped, as updates over the model year can affect usability.


• Assess safety-feature operation (lane assist, adaptive cruise, collision mitigation) to ensure all systems perform as expected during a test drive.

By focusing on maintenance history, drivetrain behavior, and the optional safety tech, you can better gauge a 2019 Civic’s condition and long-term value.

Summary

The 2019 Honda Civic stands out in the used compact-car segment thanks to a thoughtful refresh that improved safety features, interior quality, and powertrain options, all while keeping Honda’s famed reliability and resale strength. Buyers should weigh the benefits of the turbocharged higher trims against potential trade-offs like ride firmness and cabin noise, and should verify maintenance history and feature functionality during a used-purchase inspection. Overall, for many buyers, a well-maintained 2019 Civic remains a compelling, well-rounded choice in its class.

What is the most reliable year of Honda Civic?

The most reliable Honda Civic years include the 2013-2015 ninth-gen models and the 2019-2020 tenth-gen models, with many sources also highlighting the eighth-generation (2006-2011) for its overall durability. Other consistently reliable years often mentioned are the sixth-generation (1996-2000) and the more recent 11th-generation (2022-present). 
Highly reliable model years 

• 2013–2015 (Ninth Generation): These models are often praised for their reliability, particularly the later years of this generation. 
• 2019–2020 (Tenth Generation): These years are noted for being highly dependable, even with the added technology of the 10th generation, and are often recommended. 
• 2006–2011 (Eighth Generation): This generation is widely considered to be very reliable, with the 2008-2011 models having resolved some early issues like cracked engine blocks that affected some earlier models. 
• 1999–2000 (Sixth Generation): A long-standing reputation for dependability makes these models a reliable choice, especially for those who prefer older vehicles. 

Key considerations

• Generation-by-generation reliability: While certain years are highlighted, many generations of the Civic are known for being reliable with routine maintenance. 
• Transmission issues: Some sources suggest avoiding certain years like 2001, 2003-2006, 2009, and 2011 due to potential transmission problems. However, other sources consider the 2011 to be a good year, so it is best to research specific model years and potential issues before purchasing. 
• Vehicle history: As with any used car, it is crucial to check the vehicle's history, especially if it's an older model, to ensure it has been well-maintained and has not been involved in any accidents or suffered any major mechanical issues. 

Is 2019 a good year for civics?

Reliability. The 2019 Honda Civic has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #3 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you'll find our owner reviews.

How long will a 2019 Honda Civic last?

between 200,000 and 300,000 miles
With proper maintenance, a Honda Civic can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Many owners have reported reaching well beyond that range. The key to long life? Routine maintenance, timely repairs, and a bit of care in your driving habits.

Are there any problems with the 2019 Honda Civic?

Common problems reported for the 2019 Honda Civic include issues with the air conditioning system (particularly the AC condenser), electrical problems like battery drain and infotainment glitches, and engine issues such as those related to fuel injectors and potential head gasket failures in 1.5T engines. There are also several recalls, including a significant one for a wheel defect that could lead to tire detachment.
 
This video explains a wheel defect recall for the 2016-2021 Honda Civic models: 32sNews 19 WLTXYouTube · Nov 8, 2025
Climate control

• AC condenser: The AC condenser is susceptible to damage from road debris on non-turbo models, though Honda has extended its warranty. 
• Other AC components: Problems with the blower motor, evaporator, and refrigerant leaks have also been reported. 

This video discusses common AC issues in 10th generation Honda Civics, including AC condenser damage: 59sBCauto_YouTube · Aug 2, 2023
Engine and drivetrain 

• 1.5T engine problems: Models with the 1.5-liter turbo engine may experience head gasket failures between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. 
• Fuel injectors: Some owners have reported premature fuel injector failure. 
• Oil dilution: The 1.5T engine can suffer from excessive oil dilution, especially in cold climates or with frequent short trips, although Honda released a software update for 2019 and 2020 models to help mitigate this. 

This video explains potential engine problems in 1.5L turbo-powered 10th generation Honda Civics, including oil dilution and head gasket failure: 54sBCauto_YouTube · Dec 29, 2022
Electrical and electronics

• Infotainment system: Issues with the audio, GPS, and phone integration have been reported. 
• Battery drain: Some owners have noted issues with battery drain, especially when the car sits for extended periods. 
• Other electrical issues: This includes starting problems where the car won't start despite the dash lights coming on. 

This video demonstrates how to check and address warning lights, including those related to electrical system problems, on a 2019 Honda Civic: 51sPLAYER 4 REAL 4K TVYouTube · May 18, 2024
Recalls and other issues

• Wheel defect: A major recall for a wheel defect could lead to tire detachment. 
• Fuel pump recall: Some models were subject to a fuel pump recall. 
• E-brake: The electronic parking brake has been reported to fail, not disengaging properly. 
• Other reported problems: Some owners have mentioned other issues, such as steering wheel problems and sensor malfunctions.