NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R Safety Ratings
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 214 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, notably without any recalls issued to date. This strong performance is anchored by a comprehensive suite of crash-avoidance technologies. While the available data is robust, consumers should note the absence of full NHTSA crash-test coverage for frontal and overall impact categories.
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 and a five-star NHTSA side-crash rating, per federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R ranks 16 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 214 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 16 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R represents a meaningful step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing eight points from the 2019 model year's score of 86/100 in the Strong band to 94/100 in the Exceptional band. That gain is not cosmetic. The 2020 year achieves a perfect 70/70 on crash protection and a perfect 10/10 on crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the trim. The defect record sub-score of 14/20 is the one area holding the index below a theoretical ceiling, shaped by the complaint volume rather than any recall activity, since this model year carries zero recall campaigns. The 214 unverified complaints, with Air Bags and Electrical System among the top reported categories, are the primary drag on that sub-score. The two confirmed five-star NHTSA results, side protection and rollover resistance, are genuine strengths, while the absence of an overall or frontal NHTSA rating is a factual gap buyers should register rather than interpret as either good or bad.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R five stars in both the side and rollover categories, with a rollover risk of just 10 percent and a dynamic tip result of No Tip. The overall and frontal ratings are not rated by NHTSA, so those dimensions cannot be scored or compared.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15098
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R have any recalls?
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as federal records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
NHTSA has logged 214 unverified consumer complaints against the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (35 reports), Unknown Or Other (34), Power Train (31), Air Bags (29), and Steering (27). These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
214 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
Because this vehicle is now six years old, any shopper should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Even with zero campaigns currently on file, new campaigns can be added at any time. Confirming whether any future remedy has been completed is the buyer's most actionable safety step.
- The 2020 model year jumped eight Safety Index points over the 2019 model year, moving from the Strong band (86/100) to the Exceptional band (94/100), a year-over-year gain driven by perfect sub-scores in crash protection and avoidance technology.
- NHTSA has not issued an overall or frontal star rating for the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R; the only confirmed NHTSA crash-test results are five stars for side protection and five stars for rollover resistance with a 10 percent rollover risk.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, making it one of the cleaner defect records in its segment for 2020, though a VIN check remains essential for any used-market transaction.
- The 214 unverified NHTSA complaints include 29 alleged Air Bag reports and 35 alleged Electrical System reports, two categories that used-market buyers should specifically ask about when reviewing a vehicle's service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R places
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R safety questions
Was the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 214 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Civic Hatch Type-R years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15098), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Civic Hatch Type-R 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 16 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.