MODEL
Honda Civic SI
NHTSA safety across every Honda Civic SI model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Honda Civic SI we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 86. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Honda Civic Si is a sport-tuned compact sedan that slots above the standard Civic in Honda's lineup, targeting driving enthusiasts who want sharper handling and a more engaging experience without sacrificing everyday practicality. Offered here for the 2019 and 2020 model years, the Si competes in a segment that rewards both performance and value, appealing to younger buyers and commuters who want a little more edge from their daily driver.
From a pure safety standpoint, the 2019 to 2020 Honda Civic Si presents one of the stronger records in the compact sedan class. The 2020 model earns a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 91 out of 100, landing in the Exceptional band, while the 2019 model rates in the Strong band. NHTSA crash-test results back that up with a perfect sweep of 5 out of 5 stars across frontal, side, and rollover categories in the best-tested year. That is not a common achievement, and it reflects the structural integrity Honda built into this generation of the Civic platform. Perhaps equally notable is the recall picture: zero recalls across both covered model years. For a vehicle sold in meaningful volume, a clean recall record over this span is a genuine positive and not something every competitor can claim. Owner complaints total 572 across the two years, which is worth monitoring. Within those, NHTSA received reports of 37 crashes, 25 injuries, and 1 fire. These are unverified allegations and not confirmed defects, but the injury count in particular warrants attention from prospective buyers. No fatalities were reported. Overall, the Civic Si's safety foundation is genuinely strong, and the zero-recall record adds real confidence. Shoppers should simply stay alert to the complaint volume as more real-world data accumulates.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Civic Si as one of the most well-rounded sport compacts available, praising its composed handling, driver-focused cabin, and the everyday usability that the standard Civic platform provides. Most find it punches above its price point in engagement and refinement, though some note the sport tuning can feel firm on rough surfaces.
- The 2020 Civic Si earned a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, with perfect 5-out-of-5 NHTSA stars in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.
- Neither the 2019 nor the 2020 Civic Si has been subject to any NHTSA recalls, a clean record that is relatively uncommon for a model with this level of market presence.
- Owner complaints across both model years total 572, including 37 reported crashes and 25 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects, but the injury figure is worth tracking as you research.
- The Civic Si shares its core platform with the broader Civic lineup, which means its strong structural crash performance carries over from a well-tested foundation, giving buyers added confidence in the underlying safety engineering.