NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Honda Civic Hatch Safety Ratings
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 213 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch achieved perfect scores in every NHTSA crash-test category, a strong indicator of occupant protection. This performance, combined with a record of zero recalls for the model year, contributes to an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100. Such a clean safety slate positions the 2020 Civic Hatch as a standout for its year.
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 15 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) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 213 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 15 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch?
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch presents a genuinely strong NHTSA safety picture, anchored by perfect crash-test results and a zero-recall record. Its overall Safety Index of 94 out of 100 places it in the Exceptional band, precisely matching the 2019 model year. This year-over-year consistency indicates no meaningful safety regression. Examining the index breakdown, crash protection achieved a perfect 70 out of 70. Avoidance technology also scored a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this trim. The defect record sub-score of 14 out of 20 is the sole factor preventing a theoretically perfect overall score. With zero recalls on file, this sub-score is primarily influenced by the 213 reported owner complaints. These allegations include 14 alleged crashes and 11 alleged injuries. For those considering a used model, the 29 reported complaints related to the Air Bags component and the 34 complaints concerning the Electrical System warrant attention. While none of these allegations are verified, their concentration in safety-adjacent systems limits the defect record sub-score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch achieved a complete five-star performance across all NHTSA crash-test categories. This included overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection. The vehicle's rollover risk was rated at 10 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. No categories were left unrated or received a weak score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14482
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch have any recalls?
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no components flagged, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. That clean record contributes directly to the defect record sub-score within the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch?
Owners have filed 213 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other and Electrical System (34 each), followed by Power Train (31), Air Bags (29), Steering (27), and Fuel/Propulsion System (24). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
213 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch?
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch records zero recalls to date. Owners should remain vigilant, however, as new campaigns can be issued, and Honda dealerships will complete any future remedy at no cost.
- The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch is the only model year in the dataset to hold a 94/100 Exceptional Safety Index while simultaneously carrying zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a combination that distinguishes it from many peers on the used market.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year a perfect 10 percent rollover risk score with a No Tip dynamic result, the strongest possible outcome in that test category.
- The defect record sub-score of 14/20 is the sole drag on an otherwise perfect index, driven by 213 unverified owner complaints, with Air Bags (29 alleged) and Electrical System (34 alleged) representing the most safety-adjacent clusters.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all listed as standard equipment for this model year, earning a full 10/10 avoidance technology sub-score with no optional-equipment asterisk.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch places
The 2020 Honda Civic Hatch qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Honda Civic Hatch safety questions
Was the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 213 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Honda Civic Hatch. 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 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 14482), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Civic Hatch 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 15 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.