NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda Civic Hatch Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 136 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect five-star sweep across all NHTSA crash-test categories defines the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch. This exceptional performance, coupled with a complete absence of recalls on file, contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, positioning it firmly within the Exceptional band. For consumers evaluating the used market, the published data indicates a robust safety profile.
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100 based on 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 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 | 95 / 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 | 136 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 16 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch?
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch moved one point higher than the 2020 model, rising from a 94/100 to a 95/100 Safety Index, both within the Exceptional band. That single-point gain reflects a marginally stronger defect record component, which scored 15 out of a possible 20 points, the only category keeping this model year from a perfect index. Crash protection contributed a full 70 out of 70 points, anchored by a clean five-star sweep across all four NHTSA categories and a low 10 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic result. The avoidance technology component also scored a perfect 10 out of 10, supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. The defect record score of 15 out of 20 reflects the 136 unverified complaints on file. The concentration of alleged issues in Steering and Forward Collision Avoidance is worth noting: those two components alone account for roughly two-thirds of all reported allegations. Zero recalls on file for this model year is a meaningful data point, as no remedy campaigns have been initiated by Honda or compelled by NHTSA for this specific variant.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch achieved a five-star rating in every tested NHTSA crash-safety category: overall, frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. This complete five-star result includes a rollover risk assessment of 10 percent, with the vehicle exhibiting no tip in dynamic testing. There are no untested or weak categories to report for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15365
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch have any recalls?
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open recall components to report, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive campaigns associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall databases are updated continuously.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch?
NHTSA has logged 136 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch. The top alleged problem areas are Steering (57 reports), Forward Collision Avoidance (32), Service Brakes (18), Electrical System (17), and Lane Departure (11). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
136 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch?
Given this vehicle's five-year age and likely status on the used market, it is critical to run its VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Though zero recalls are presently on file, new campaigns can be issued even after a model year's production concludes. Buyers should confirm any prior recall-related work has been completed by the seller.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch specifically, distinguishing it from model years that carried active remedy campaigns.
- The defect record component scored 15 out of 20 points, the only gap in an otherwise perfect Safety Index, driven by 136 unverified consumer complaints concentrated in Steering and Forward Collision Avoidance.
- All four NHTSA crash-test categories earned five stars for this model year, including a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in dynamic testing.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all listed as standard equipment for this model year, contributing to a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance technology score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch places
The 2021 Honda Civic Hatch qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda Civic Hatch safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Honda Civic Hatch, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Honda Civic Hatch have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Honda Civic Hatch?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 136 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15365), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Civic Hatch 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 16 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.