2017 Honda Civic Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2017 Civic
5
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (170 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 170 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (101 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 101 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (66 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 66 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (37 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 37 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (35 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 35 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
126 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
6
Steering Red flag
The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
Equipment Red flag
If the information is missing or improper, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
If the seat-mounted air bags cannot not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.
Power Train Red flag
The improper heat treatment can result in the halfshaft breaking, preventing the engine from moving the vehicle, and can allow a possible roll away situation if the parking brake is not engaged.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
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Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2017 Civic–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Honda Civic have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 Civic. The most serious involve Steering (18V663000) and Equipment (18V817000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Civic?
The top complaint areas are Steering (170 complaints) and Unknown or Other (165 complaints), out of 593 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Civic?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Steering, which drew 170 complaints for this model-year.