Representative photo — may show another model year
Sports
2021 Honda Civic Type R
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$40,854–$47,854
Fuel Economy25 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySports
Est. Annual Fuel$2,100/yr
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R scores 8.2/10 at Carivo, ranking #20 of 316 sportss, with 2 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,100/year fuel cost.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Honda Civic Type R
Our scoring places the 2021 Honda Civic Type R at 8.2/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.5/10, reliability is one of this sports's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.9/10. The Honda Civic Type R delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $40,854–$47,854, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Civic Type R sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Honda Civic Type R is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R ranks #20 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 94% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $40,854 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 11%.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Civic Type R Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Honda Civic Type R scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.2 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Honda Civic Type R (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 21/05/2026 · 26V332000
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 01/02/2024 · 24V064000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Honda Civic Type R that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Honda Civic Type R
Is the 2021 Honda Civic Type R reliable?
We rate the 2021 Honda Civic Type R's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Civic Type R have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Honda Civic Type R worth buying?
It scores 8.2/10 overall, ranking #20 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 94% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Honda Civic Type R cost?
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R starts at $40,854 and ranges up to $47,854 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Civic Type R years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 9 Civic Type R model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Honda Civic Type R have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Honda Civic Type R are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Honda Civic Type R
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