The 2010 Honda Civic does have rear brakes. In most non-Si trims, the rear braking is achieved with drums, while the sporty Civic Si uses rear discs.
Brake system overview for the 2010 Civic
The 2010 Civic, part of the eighth generation, uses front disc brakes on all trims and a rear braking setup that varies by model. While front brakes are consistently discs, the rear brakes are typically drum-type on most non-Si versions and disc-type on the performance-oriented Si. This distinction can affect maintenance items like shoes versus pads and the servicing of rear calipers or wheel cylinders.
Typical rear-brake configurations by trim
Below is a concise breakdown of the most common rear-brake arrangements you’d encounter on a 2010 Civic in the United States.
- Non-Si trims (DX, LX, EX, EX-L): rear drum brakes
- Civic Si: rear disc brakes
In practice, this means your day-to-day Civic (non-Si) likely relies on rear drum brakes, while the Si model uses rear discs for added braking performance. Specific configurations can vary by market and optional packages, so checking the exact build sheet or VIN can confirm the precise setup for a given car.
How to identify the rear-brake type on your Civic
To verify the rear-brake type on a particular 2010 Civic, you can use several practical checks. Visually inspect the wheel area for a brake rotor inside the hub, which indicates rear discs, versus a drum housing inside the wheel opening. Consult the owner’s manual or a service bulletin for the exact trim, or look up the VIN-based build sheet from Honda or a trusted parts database. If you’re replacing components, discharge the brake system, loosen the lug nuts, remove a wheel, and carefully observe whether you see a drum or a rotor with a Caliper visible behind it.
Maintenance considerations
Because drum brakes and disc brakes have different service needs, owners should follow the recommended maintenance schedule for their specific trim. Drum brakes typically involve shoe wear and periodic drum resurfacing or replacement, while disc brakes involve pad wear and caliper servicing. ABS and modern electronic brake controls in the 2010 Civic operate across the system, so issues on either rear-brake type can affect overall braking performance and stability.
Summary
In summary, yes—the 2010 Honda Civic has rear brakes. The rear brake design depends on the trim: most non-Si Civics use rear drum brakes, while the Civic Si uses rear discs. For exact specifications on a particular vehicle, verify the trim-level details, VIN, or the official build documentation. Regular inspection and appropriate maintenance of the rear braking components are essential for safe operation.
What kind of rear brakes does a 2010 Honda Civic have?
Description: Disc brakes.
Does a Honda Civic have rear brake pads?
Similarly with front brake pads, your Honda Civic rear brake pads will typically wear down at the same rate on both the left and right side of your vehicle. Unlike front brake pads, most rear brake pads wear down faster due to the brake mechanics of rear wheel drive cars.
Is the 2010 Honda Civic front or rear wheel drive?
Front-wheel drive is standard in all models, and a five-speed manual is the standard transmission.
What are the common problems with a 2010 Honda Civic?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Paint/Trim. Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
- Climate System.
- Exhaust.
- Fuel System/Emissions.
- Body Hardware.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Engine Electrical.
- Electrical Accessories.


