Research · Subcompact Cars
2011 Honda Civic CNGRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 166 owner complaints for the 2011 Honda Civic CNG. Most complaints involve air bags (48) and service brakes (26). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
3of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
166
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$1,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Honda Civic CNG as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
166 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2011 – Nov 2025
- Air bags48
- Service brakes26
- Electrical system15
- Visibility/wiper13
- Structure10
- Vehicle speed control10
- Visibility8
- Seat belts7
- Engine7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
48 reports16 crashes
“Airbag sensor light for front passenger seat has recently lit up and won’t turn off. Honda dealer said my daughter needs to replace the passenger seat weight sensor which means replacing the whole seat at $3000+ cost. Please check, thank you.”
Service brakes
26 reports5 crashes
“Each time I applied brakes I would hear a scraping sound in sync with a point or span of tire rotation. Then as I was attempting to stop at a red light the brakes failed. The nearest place was OR automotive and they rebuilt rear braking system yet I could hear the same scraping sound. So I carried the car to Honda dealership. They adjusted brakes $237.00 and replaced $341.00 the two rear drums. The sound remains and is magnified. They are claiming it is because e brake cables stretch. Somehow the stretching can cause entire rear brake on that side to catastrophically fail.”
Electrical system
15 reports2 crashes3 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Civic. The contact stated that upon obtaining the vehicle history report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle's mileage was 89,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 161,158. The contact stated that there was a white substance throughout the vehicle, which was determined to be mold.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl cng
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Natural Gas
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic CNG Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 36 | 28 | $1,650 | 251 |
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
3/ 5
3 of 5Honda Civic CNG 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 2 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 696
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 Civic CNG questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Honda Civic CNG have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Honda Civic CNG problems?
Owners filed 166 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (48), service brakes (26), electrical system (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Honda Civic CNG get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Honda Civic CNG at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2011 Honda Civic CNG?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Honda Civic CNG 3 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026