I recently discovered that coolant has been leaking into two of my cylinders, causing an overheating issue. The Honda dealership tells me this is a known issue for their engines for that year range, so much so that an extended warranty has been added to all other engines but there is a carve out for the Type-R. The same damage is occurring and they know about it but they are failing to address it. I am a lawyer and I will also be working on putting together other owners to certify a class if this route is not successful. I first became aware of it based on a rev match error and an emissions system error being thrown at the same time, and then the engine started to overheat when it was started from cold. I could get the engine temperature to come down by manually engaging the air conditioning. This was some type of cooling system error as well, but I didn't see that on the checklist above. The dealership has confirmed the error and reproduced it. It is currently still at the dealer and is available for inspection.
The worst 2021 Honda Civic Type R problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine4
- Electrical3
- Airbags2
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine4
- Electrical3
- Airbags2
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Steering1
- Wheels1
Recalls 2
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning May 29, 2026.
Recall number 26V332000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Recall number 24V064000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Honda Civic Type R 16
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Water could enter the hood scoop and accumulate down inside the no. 4 spark plug hole
- Oil leak at the cam chain tensioner inspection cover due to and insufficient sealant adhesion on the...
- American Honda is extending the warranty on the A/C condenser to 10 years from the original date of...
- Due to a new North America regulation which introduces a new refrigerant and oil requirement, the...
- Due to a new North America regulation which introduces a new refrigerant and oil requirement the...
- Dealer Message
- Dealer Message -American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2021 Civic Type R with...
- Customers have complained of the air conditioning system not blowing cold air due to the oil/refrigerant...
- Dealer Message
- Owner Notification Letter
What 2021 Honda Civic Type R owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Head Gasket failure, coolant was found while inspecting a spark plug at my local Honda dealership. Noticed spark plug in cylinder 2 was damaged. Stuck a camera down to find coolant mixed with oil.
While operating my 2021 Honda Civic Type R (VIN: [XXX] ) in high-ambient temperatures (approximately 95°F), the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of motive power during acceleration while exiting a busy intersection. This resulted in an immediate engine stall in the path of oncoming traffic, creating a severe risk of a collision. Following the stall, the vehicle was extremely difficult to restart. Once restarted, it entered a 'limp home' mode with a severely restricted RPM limit and multiple dashboard warnings, including 'Emissions System Problem' and 'Rev Match System Problem.' A diagnostic scan performed immediately after the incident revealed a DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low). The symptoms—thermal-related failure, stalling under load, and the P0087 code—are identical to the documented mechanical failures of the Denso fuel pump impeller swelling defect. Although this production year and model are known to be part of the expanded fuel pump recall population, my specific VIN is not currently showing as 'remedied' or 'open' in the manufacturer's database. I am reporting this as an active, unaddressed safety defect that poses an unreasonable risk of crash or injury due to unpredictable engine failure in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Misfire in cylinder 4 led to head gasket failure. The problem was diagnosed at the dealership, and there is an active TSB for this issue - however my vehicle is not covered.
Entertainment system turns on and off while driving suspected bad alternator.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated that the vehicle in front came to a stop, and the contact did not have ample time to bring the vehicle to a stop. As a result, the contact crashed the front of the vehicle into the rear of the vehicle in front. None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss. The vehicle was driven back to the contact's residence and then taken to an independent service center, where it remained for further investigation. The vehicle was not repaired due to costs. It was unknown if the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags), which was associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
The contact owned a 2021 Honda Civic Type R. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced and the failure was remedied. Later, while driving and making a left turn the steering wheel remained stuck in the left direction and the contact was unable to veer to the right direction causing the vehicle to crash into a tree and then catch on fire immediately. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The contact sustained a fractured right ankle and was transported to the hospital. The contact required surgeries, 16 bolts, and a plate where he was placed in bed rest for 2 years. A police report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 4,000.
See attached document for complaint.
Car abruptly shut off after start up. Then car started and ran normally for 2 days. Then after start up CEL came on for emissions problem. Took to dealership and said it had a P0546 (small evap leak) code. Performed a leak down test and no leak was found. Then said fuel was present in charcoal canister. These are same issues and complaints that other Honda owners have had about vehicles that fall under the fuel pump recall. My car is a 2021, but was built late 2020. Vin # is right at the end of recall vins. I want to report my issue just in case my fuel pump goes bad while driving and causes an accident.
Infotainment system reboots while driving, lose access to navigation, music, and anything controlled with the radio. Unable to reverse safely due to loss of back up camera, Honda dealer does not want to replace and they tell me to turn my head and look over my shoulder
Compare the 2021 Honda Civic Type R
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Questions about the 2021 Honda Civic Type R
Is the 2021 Honda Civic Type R reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2021 Honda Civic Type R, 1.7 times a typical Civic Type R model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Honda Civic Type R?
Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints. Next is electrical (3).
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Civic Type R have?
2 recalls, covering air bags.
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