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2022 Honda Civic Review & Buyer's Guide

Honda
Civic
2022

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Overview

The 2022 Honda Civic, marking the start of the 11th generation, receives praise for its refined driving dynamics, upscale interior, excellent fuel economy, and strong value in the compact sedan segment. Available in trims like LX (2.0L base engine), EX-L, Touring (1.5L turbo), and performance-oriented Si, it offers composed handling, smooth ride, and advanced safety features via Honda Sensing, though some owners report NVH issues and trim-gated features. Real owner experiences highlight reliable daily commuting with 35-45 mpg highway, but common complaints include interior rattles, infotainment glitches, and steering problems tied to a major recall affecting the power steering worm gear. Expert reviews from MotorTrend and JD Power score it highly for styling and reliability (80/100), positioning it above average, though Consumer Reports notes average predicted reliability with three NHTSA recalls.

What Are the Strengths of the 2022 Honda Civic?

Excellent Fuel Economy

Owners report 35-45 mpg highway, with one Touring model averaging 35.8 mpg at 1,800 miles and up to 40 mpg easily achieved.

Refined Handling and Ride

Superior chassis composure, precise steering, and smooth ride praised across trims; 18-inch tires on Touring enhance handling over prior Civics.

Upscale Interior

Well-appointed cabin with quality materials, Bose audio on Touring, and good space; mature styling impresses reviewers and owners.

Strong Safety Features

Honda Sensing sensors (backup, collision) outperform competitors like Subaru; excellent brakes and driver assists at affordable price.

Value and Reliability Score

JD Power 80/100 rating; lasts ~200,000 miles with maintenance; better than average per Consumer Reports subscriber data.

Smooth Powertrains

1.5L turbo in Si/Touring and 2.0L base deliver fast acceleration and smooth shifting, with 45 mpg claims in reviews.

What Are the Weaknesses of the 2022 Honda Civic?

Interior Rattles

Multiple reports of dash, pillar, and B-pillar rattles in LX and Si models; persistent even after dealer fixes.

Poor Lumbar Support

Touring seats lack adequate lumbar, causing back pain on drives over 20 minutes; requires aftermarket pillow.

Infotainment Issues

Apple CarPlay buggy, screen freezes requiring monthly resets on Si; software updates often ineffective.

Steering Problems

Power steering recall for faulty worm gear causes sticky/notchy feel; persists post-repair in many cases.

Noisy Tires and Cabin

Goodyear Eagles loud, prompting immediate replacement; CVT thrashy, cabin NVH higher than expected.

What Are the Most Common 2022 Honda Civic Problems?

Power Steering Worm Gear Recall

High

Incorrectly installed gear causes sticky/notchy steering; affects nearly all 2022-2026 Civics, recall repair often leaves residual notchy feel around 10,000-20,000 miles.

Interior Rattles

Moderate

Dash, pillars, and B-pillar rattles reported early, some fixed by dealer but others persist under 5,000 miles in LX and Si.

Infotainment Freezes

Moderate

Display screen freezes starting within 2 months, needing biweekly factory resets on Si; software issues last over a year.

AC Refrigerant Leaks

Moderate

Common in recent Civics, requires 8oz recharge; leaks worsen over time, costly to diagnose/fix around 10,000-20,000 miles.

Tire Noise

Low

OEM Goodyear Eagles excessively loud from new, improved after replacement at low mileage like 1,800 miles.

What Owners Say

Owners love the efficiency, handling, and value but frustration mounts over rattles, steering recall, seat comfort, and tech glitches, leading some to trade in despite strong basics.

"Gas Mileage- Amazing. I easily get into the 40 MPH realm on the highway... Handling: Very, very good." — Edmunds
"Multiple rattles in the interior including from the dash and pillars. Some were able to be fixed by dealer and some haven't." — Consumer Reports
"The worm gear in the power steering unit was put in incorrectly and it causes a sticky steering feel... still not right, very notchy." — YouTube long-term owner
"Slow, and I’ve had a bunch of problems. Such a disappointment for your first new car." — KBB
"Driver's seat is terrible, caused back pain... Lumbar support is virtually non-existent." — Edmunds/KBB
"I can't live with all those rattles anymore really a deal breaker on top of the steering." — YouTube

Reliability Rating

Average

Consumer Reports deems it more reliable than same-year peers based on owner surveys, but predicts average for 2022-2024; JD Power 80/100 (good); 3 NHTSA recalls, common troubles in steering, infotainment, AC; ~200k mile lifespan with maintenance.

Final Verdict

The 2022 Honda Civic excels as an efficient, fun-to-drive daily commuter with premium features for the price, ideal for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing fuel economy and handling. However, persistent issues like steering recall, rattles, and infotainment glitches may frustrate long-term owners—inspect recall status and test seats/steering thoroughly. Opt for well-maintained low-mileage examples or consider if tolerances for minor quality niggles align with expectations.

Price Guide

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Market values, cost of ownership, depreciation data, and buying tips.

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