Used car guide

2010 Honda Civic: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 57% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) Stands out: headlights 2.7×, shock absorbers 2.2×, brake lights 2.1× 38,610 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 54% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) Stands out: shock absorbers 2.9×, headlights 2.8×, steering rack inner joints 3.3× 10,806 MOTsSee the diesel guide › Hybrid 67% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) Stands out: headlights 2.5× 416 MOTsSee the hybrid guide › Electric 71% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) Nothing stands out above the usual rate 114 MOTsSee the electric guide ›

Known faults on every 2010 Honda Civic

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Brake pedal recall

    All engines

    Cars built between August 2009 and April 2010 were recalled because a faulty pin in the brake pedal could lengthen stopping distances.

    At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

    Source: What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

  • Handbrake ratchet recall

    All engines

    There was a recall for a handbrake ratchet that could be faulty.

    At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done, and check the handbrake holds firmly.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

  • Squealing brakes and quick-wearing rear pads

    All engines

    The brakes can squeal and the rear pads wear quickly, especially with cheap replacement pads.

    At the viewing: Look at the rear pads and check the handbrake doesn’t pull up too far.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

  • Misty light units

    All engines

    Front and rear light units can mist up in damp weather because of poor seals and breathers.

    At the viewing: Look for condensation inside the headlights and rear lights.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review, What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

  • Soft paint and interior rattles

    All engines

    The paint chips easily, and squeaks, rattles and worn seat bolsters are common.

    At the viewing: Look over the paint for chips and listen for rattles on rough roads.

    Source: What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

Looking at a Honda Civic?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Honda Civic compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023106Tyres 9%
20221,423Tyres 18%
20219,722Tyres 22%
202016,717Tyres 23%
201937,647Tyres 26%
201840,248Tyres 27%
201743,390Tyres 28%
201648,160Tyres 29%
201544,652Tyres 29%
201442,908Tyres 30%
201345,597Tyres 30%
201239,112Tyres 30%
201133,295Suspension 37%
200957,140Suspension 48%
200863,059Suspension 50%
200768,363Suspension 53%
200643,999Suspension 55%
200538,412Suspension 50%
200432,054Suspension 52%
200323,129Suspension 54%
200220,098Suspension 53%
200113,821Suspension 55%
20005,245Suspension 47%
19994,379Suspension 45%
19983,251Suspension 46%
19972,753Suspension 46%
19961,821Suspension 45%
19951,143Suspension 38%
1994735Suspension 33%
1993601Suspension 32%
1992569Suspension 33%
1991687Suspension 32%
1990364Suspension 30%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests
1976–Too few tests
1975–Too few tests