Honda has taken the 2023 Civic compact to the top of many reviewers’ lists as one of the best cars users can buy. The model is excellent for an average driver and enthusiast with its engaging drivetrains, striking styling, and four or five-door configuration.

In a recent study, tens of thousands of verified original owners were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Users collectively rated all Civic models in 10 categories, and here are the three areas owners are least happy with.

Driving comfort—the sticky steering issues have prompted a class action lawsuit

Some Civic owners have reported steering problems that aren’t mechanical-component-related. The NHTSA has received 145 complaints that the steering is sticky and it over-corrects. Drivers say their Civics have a problem turning because of sticky steering that gets out of the lane. One owner comments that the 2023 lane assistance technology is glitchy and almost caused a wreck. 

All these steering problems occur at a higher highway speed, past 60 mph, making it dangerous to drive the vehicle. Honda Civic steering problems are serious safety issues and have prompted action lawsuits from owners. The NHTSA is currently investigating the problem, while Honda is executing an internal review.

Getting in and out of the Honda Civic can be challenging

Another problem the 2023 Honda Civic owners face is access challenges. While people praise how the driver and front passengers get spacious seats and sufficient head and legroom, many report accessibility challenges. Drivers complain that the driving position is on the low side, which enhances the high-performance feel, but makes it difficult to get in and out of the car. 

For a driver to get in, they must drop deep into the driver’s seat, while getting out of the low, snug sport seat takes some effort. Besides, the seats lack lumbar adjustment or heating, and the integrated head restraints are not adjustable.

However, the 2023 Honda Civic has better accessibility than its fierce rival Toyota Corolla whose driving position is far lower, making them even less accessible.

Glitchy infotainment system causes defective in-vehicle communication and entertainment

J.D. Power reports that the infotainment system was owners’ third least favorite category.

The 2023 Civic comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display. However, a buyer can get an optional large 9.0-inch unit or a 10.2-inch digital gauge display. Passengers get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and offer wireless connectivity when paired with a larger screen.

Some users report infotainment issues that include systems that freeze, crash, and cause the failure of the navigation, air conditioning, backup camera system, heating, and radio. According to CarComplaints, the Honda Civic’s infotainment problems caused a class action lawsuit on October 23, 2022. While the company resolved most of the problems, owners of the 2023 model complained in the Civic forum about glitchy infotainment while on the phone. 

Honda Civic owners depend on the driver-assist features such as the blind spot and backup cameras. However, the infotainment issues allegedly prevent the camera images from displaying correctly and extend to Bluetooth systems, in-vehicle microphones, GPS, and USB connections. Users report that a factory reset fixes the problem.