MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Honda Civic Hatch Type-R

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

0Recalls
146Complaints
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 2021 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 15366

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 2021 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

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

7reported crash
3reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSteering 58Forward Collision Avoidance 32Electrical System 20Service Brakes 18Unknown Or Other 12Air Bags 12

Other Civic Hatch Type-R years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15366), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Honda Civic Hatch Type-R 2021. Class rank 22 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure