NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 146 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, landing it in the Exceptional band. This strong performance is primarily driven by perfect scores in both crash protection and avoidance technology. However, prospective owners should note the significant volume of owner complaints and the incomplete crash-test data published by NHTSA for this specific model year.
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R received a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 and NHTSA 5-star ratings in both side-impact and rollover crash-test categories according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R ranks 22 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 | 146 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R holds a Safety Index of 94/100, identical to the 2020 model year's 94/100 Exceptional score, meaning the index held flat rather than improving or declining. That stability is supported by a perfect 70/70 in crash protection and a perfect 10/10 in avoidance technology, both reflecting the side and rollover star ratings and the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Where the year distinguishes itself is in the defect record sub-score of 14/20, a figure shaped by the absence of any recalls but also by the weight of 146 owner complaints reported to NHTSA. The complaint volume is the single most notable feature of this specific model year. Steering alone accounts for 58 alleged reports, and Forward Collision Avoidance accounts for 32, which is striking given that the avoidance tech sub-score is perfect. That sub-score measures equipment presence, not complaint-free operation, so the two figures coexist without contradiction. The 2021 year is therefore best characterized as a vehicle with strong structural credentials and a complaint footprint that warrants scrutiny.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R secured a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both side-impact protection and rollover resistance. The vehicle exhibited a low rollover risk of 10 percent and a "No Tip" dynamic tip result in testing. NHTSA did not assign ratings for frontal impact or overall safety for this model year. The absence of these ratings does not indicate a poor performance.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15366
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R have any recalls?
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no components under recall, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. That clean recall record contributes directly to the defect-record component of its Safety Index score.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
Owners have filed 146 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem areas are Steering with 58 reports, Forward Collision Avoidance with 32, Electrical System with 20, and Service Brakes with 18. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
146 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
The absence of any federal safety recalls for this 5-year-old vehicle is notable. While no recall campaigns have been issued since its model year launch, any prospective owner should still consult the NHTSA's VIN lookup tool for the most current information.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect record that directly supports its 14/20 defect-record sub-score within the 94/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded 5/5 stars in both side-impact and rollover testing for this model year, with a rollover risk of 10 percent and a No Tip dynamic result, but frontal and overall ratings were not conducted and are not rated.
- 146 unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Steering at 58 alleged reports and Forward Collision Avoidance at 32 representing the two largest complaint categories.
- The Safety Index of 94/100 held flat from the 2020 model year's identical 94/100 score, indicating no year-over-year safety profile change between those two model years based on available NHTSA data.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R places
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 146 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15366), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Civic Hatch Type-R 2021.
- 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 22 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.