MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
214Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE HONDA CIVIC HATCH TYPE-R

The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance hot hatch that Honda positions squarely at driving enthusiasts who want track-capable thrills in a practical, daily-driveable package. Sold in hatchback form despite the model data noting sedan, it competes in the compact performance segment against a small handful of rivals. For 2019 through 2021, MotorCaliber examined how this driver-focused machine holds up where it matters most: safety.

VERDICT

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Civic Type R as one of the most accomplished front-wheel-drive performance cars available, praising its handling precision, turbocharged power delivery, and surprising everyday usability. Most agree it punches well above its price point in engagement, though some note its firm ride and aggressive styling are not for everyone.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15098

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R at NHTSA as of 2026-07-03. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

214 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

14reported crash
1reported fire
11reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 35Unknown Or Other 34Power Train 31Air Bags 29Steering 27Fuel/Propulsion System 24

Other Civic Hatch Type-R years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15098), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Honda Civic Hatch Type-R 2020. Class rank 16 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure