2021 Honda Civic Driver assistance Problems

while driving last week with my family, doing some grocery shopping, we got on the highway which is 75mph in our 2021 Honda Civic and it had a catastrophic failure on its ADAS system out of nowhere it stopped and made my car swerve off the road and applied the breaks like it detected a car in front of us, it took us from 75 to 0 pretty darn fast fortunately no one was behind us, after the event im not able to use any features that involve the camera which includes crucial features of the car including cruise control, i can't even see what any info that is supposed to be displayed on the dash, I took it to the dealership where they said that their ADAS system doing this's a common occurrence and that most likely the camera it self will need replacement, i truly believe this to be a very dangerous feature that should be looked into and if the camera is prone to getting messed up like they said they are there should be a recall on this equipment before there's a bad accident! also yes my vehicle is and can be inspected whenever it is needed and no we didn't have any problems whatsoever with the ADAS system before it just failed

NHTSA ID

11754955

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

Cruise control does not disengage upon electronic parking brake being engaged while moving, causing the car to accelerate aggressively after the brake is released. While it does disengage after enough speed is lost, it should disengage immediately as it does when the brake pedal is tapped

NHTSA ID

11745360

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The Steering Gearbox, Electronic Power Steering failed. The steering was resistant and sticks on the highway, causing jerking and overcorrection to control the vehicle. This was with both manual driving and Lane Assist. Took the vehicle to the local Honda dealership, they confirmed the problem, and replaced the steering gearbox, EPS, because it was still under warranty. However, this is the same exact part and this problem will occur again. The car did not display any warnings.

NHTSA ID

11731202

Incident

Apr 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Steering Assist failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was sticking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two dealers, and the vehicle was diagnosed with steering rack assembly failure. The contact was informed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 36,200.

NHTSA ID

11715374

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

Mileage

36,200 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 37 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine, master cylinder, and adaptive cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder, fuel pump, and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11709926

Incident

Dec 19, 2025

Mileage

108,000 mi

Nov 9th, 3:00pm, Fruitridge Rd 35 mph, driving with foot on the gas The safety brake feature overrode my ability to drive by forcefully coming to a complete stop while flashing 'brake' messege appeared on dashboard. No car, item or person was in front of me. The car behind me (who was also going around 35 mph) almost hit me and drove off angrily.

NHTSA ID

11699460

Incident

Nov 9, 2025

Steering wheel sticks once at highway speed, wheel turns but with a glitch

NHTSA ID

11666789

Incident

May 26, 2025

My 2021 Honda civic ex’ forward collision sensor light flashed mid intersection my brakes locked up causing me to be a victim of a hit and run. As I was in between policies with my insurance therefore I wasn’t covered for the accident and I am now suffering financial hardships.. dealership didn’t want to hear what I had to say because it was a new car & no recalls were announced at the time.

NHTSA ID

11659892

Incident

Jul 31, 2023

On multiple occasions my car has applied the brake while driving on the highway as well as my caliper has become frozen and I have replaced brakes 3 times in less than one calendar year. I have all old brakes that have needed to be replaced and there is uneven wear on them.

NHTSA ID

11632366

Incident

Dec 25, 2024

I have had dozens of incidents where I will be driving down the road and my car will just break for no apparent reason. It is totally random and at times terrifying. It happens with no other vehicles in front of my vehicle as well as while I am just driving in traffic with cars behind me. Many times, after it happens initially, I cannot accelerate the car due to the breaks locking up. I have to put the car in park and then drive to accelerate. I have asked my service providers at HONDA the dealership about this, and they have no idea why this is happening. This is so dangerous and frightening.

NHTSA ID

11626872

Incident

Nov 22, 2024

There is a warning flash to brake when there is no vehicle or anything in front or alongside. This has happened several times. I am concerned if vehicle is safe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11610839

Incident

Aug 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at approximately 70 MPH, and changing lanes, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system inadvertently activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID

11604677

Incident

Jul 26, 2024

Mileage

24,000 mi

I have had a few incidents where I am driving and the brake signal starts flashing/dinging when I am nowhere near another car. In one instance; the car automatically braked in the middle of the highway with no car in front of me. This could have caused a major accident if I did not react quickly. In addition, I could have gotten major whiplash as I was driving over 40 MPH. I am also having issues with the auto lock feature on the car. Sometimes when I am driving the car will try to lock the doors even though the doors are already locked. It will continuously lock, the only way this issue has stopped is by turning off my auto lock function. I liked have the auto lock function on because it made me feel safe. There have been no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to these incidences happening. I have not taken my car to the dealer or independent service center due to the cost of high cost the issue. I am open to someone coming to inspect the car as long as it is free of charge.

NHTSA ID

11600482

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

Steering wheel catches and I have had to replace a strut due to the car wearing out my tire. I have kept proper maintenance and align my wheels regularly. This is a manufacturer defect not yet recalled. I've seen multiple people with this issue claiming it may ve the LKAS system or steering worm or steering component issue. This needs to be recalled as it will cause death in the right circumstances. Honda do better. Your reputation is degrading.

NHTSA ID

11593295

Incident

May 22, 2024

Issue Description: -While traveling in a straight line, particularly at speeds above 45 mph, the steering wheel exhibits a sticky behavior. If left untouched for a few seconds, the wheel becomes difficult to turn, requiring significant force to break it free from the straight line. This resistance is felt both while driving straight and during turns, resulting in noticeable sticking and jerking. Details: -Lane keep assist and driver assist features are turned off. -When driving straight and not touching the wheel for a few seconds, attempting to make a minor correction causes the wheel to stick. This requires applying considerable pressure to free the wheel, often leading to over-correction. -In turns, if the wheel is held in a steady position for more than a second, it sticks and must be forcibly moved out of the turn. Once unstuck, the steering feels normal again. -The issue is most prominent at speeds above 45 mph affecting both slight left and right adjustments. -Potential causes include the steering rack/pinion assembly (EPS gearbox) and the possible need for additional lubricant/grease. Symptoms: -Sticking and jerking of the steering wheel during slight adjustments. -Increased resistance when attempting to correct the wheel after it remains in one position for a few seconds. -Inspection and repair of the steering rack/pinion assembly, with consideration for additional lubrication or grease application. -Further evaluation of steering wheel, steering column, column lock, steering rack/box, linkages, hydraulic power steering pumps and hoses, electrical power steering motors, actuators, wiring and related sensors, electronic control units and software needed to determine if other components contribute to the sticky steering issue.

NHTSA ID

11591020

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

The front sensor is too sensitive. If there is another car using a turn lane, the Civic will try to brake and will not pass the car. If another car is ahead on a curve, the automatic braking kicks in. This tends to only happen when using cruise control. It is dangerous on the freeway. The sudden braking could cause me to be rearended. I've been lucky, so far, and have only received dirty looks from the drivers that were behind me as they passed. Since it doesn't happen every single time, there seems no way to reproduce it. No one has inspected it for defects. No warning lights, beeps or messages appear before the braking starts. This has been happening since I first bought the car in 2022, but seems to be more frequent now. Probably the reason it was returned... in my opinion.

NHTSA ID

11587717

Incident

May 5, 2024

The front sensor is too sensitive. If there is another car using a turn lane, the Civic will try to brake and will not pass the car. If another car is ahead on a curve, the automatic braking kicks in. This tends to only happen when using cruise control. It is dangerous on the freeway. The sudden braking could cause me to be rearended. I've been lucky, so far, and have only received dirty looks from the drivers that were behind me as they passed. Since it doesn't happen every single time, there seems no way to reproduce it. No one has inspected it for defects. No warning lights, beeps or messages appear before the braking starts. This has been happening since I first bought the car in 2022, but seems to be more frequent now. Probably the reason it was returned... in my opinion.

NHTSA ID

11587710

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

The front sensor is too sensitive. If there is another car using a turn lane, the Civic will try to brake and will not pass the car. If another car is ahead on a curve, the automatic braking kicks in. This tends to only happen when using cruise control. It is dangerous on the freeway. The sudden braking could cause me to be rearended. I've been lucky, so far, and have only received dirty looks from the drivers that were behind me as they passed. Since it doesn't happen every single time, there seems no way to reproduce it. No one has inspected it for defects. No warning lights, beeps or messages appear before the braking starts. This has been happening since I first bought the car in 2022, but seems to be more frequent now. Probably the reason it was returned... in my opinion.

NHTSA ID

11587708

Incident

Feb 22, 2024

The vehicle has on numerous occasions performed automatic braking when no cars are near the front. This is causing the car to break abruptly and I’m fearful that a vehicle to the rear of me will collide due to the erratic and forceful application of the breaks.

NHTSA ID

11583725

Incident

Apr 17, 2024

While driving on a city street at about 25 to 30 MPH with no cars or people in front of me and on a clear day, my Civic's Collision Mitigation Braking System flashed "Brakes" on my heads up display and at the same time, it forcefully applied the brakes without me touching the brake pedal. This has happened to me at least twice in six weeks. In both instances, I tried to press on the gas pedal, but it did not let up on the brakes right away. I was nearly rear-ended by other cars both times, putting me and others at risk. I took the car to the dealership, and they told me they couldn't find any issues or codes, nor could they replicate the problem.

NHTSA ID

11580981

Incident

Mar 29, 2024

Driving down the road sunny, dry roads, no vehicles around, car starts flashing brake and slams on break has happened 3 or 4 times. Also, Diver assist warning lights keep coming on with radar obstructed. Honda please do something about this before someone gets hurt. I am a single mother and loved this car until recently. I don't have the money to pay the dealership to run diagnostics and lie and say they don't know what's wrong because they cant make it happen again.

NHTSA ID

11558876

Incident

Nov 29, 2023

What is going down the highway and my car almost went into oncoming traffic

NHTSA ID

11549147

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

Car will display BRAKE on the dashboard, and automatically brake without an object in front of vehicle, causing vehicles to have to slam on their brakes to avoid collision. Has happen multiple times. Dealership was unable to replicate the problem as it is very unpredictable and does not have any consistency as to when it happens.

NHTSA ID

11535830

Incident

Jul 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving, the Apple's car play screen went blank. While merging into the left lane, the Automatic Emergency Braking feature engaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who reset the battery but was unable to duplicate the failure. Upon leaving the dealer and driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel was tight, and the vehicle continued to drift towards the left. The brakes, adaptive cruise control, and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 18,480.

NHTSA ID

11527434

Incident

Jun 14, 2023

Mileage

18,480 mi

Driving down the highway about 70 mph and it started to rain so little that I had not even needed the wipers yet. Then out of nowhere with absolutely no warning what so ever the breaks locked up and the car began to slide and was completely unresponsive to any solution possible. The steering wheel was locked in place and the break peddle was so far to the floor I was not able to reach it. After colliding with the propane delivery truck which I was unable to see due to passanger side airbags which inflated unnecessarily with no passanger in the vehicle. After finally coming to a stop I was going to try and catch my breath while I gather my thoughts but unfortunately it was not possible due to the unimaginable amount of smoke that came from the driver airbag in the steering wheel. I jumped out not sure if it was on fire and assessed the situation and learned that the smoke was just coming from the steering wheel so I did my best to get it out. Which took bottles of water poured into the office steering wheel to stop the cap smoking.

NHTSA ID

11523210

Incident

Jun 6, 2022