MODEL
Honda Civic
NHTSA safety across every Honda Civic model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Honda Civic we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 84. 26 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Honda Civic has been a cornerstone of the compact sedan segment for decades, and the 2019 through 2025 generation continues that tradition by targeting value-conscious buyers who want a practical, well-rounded car without sacrificing safety credentials. Positioned squarely against rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3, the Civic blends everyday usability with a safety profile that consistently earns federal recognition.
At MotorCaliber, we dig into the federal data so shoppers don't have to, and the Honda Civic's safety picture across the 2019 to 2025 model years is largely encouraging with a few wrinkles worth noting. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded across this generation is a 91 out of 100 for the 2021 model year, placing it in the Exceptional band. Peak crash-test scores hit the ceiling, with five stars across frontal, side, and rollover categories in the best-performing year. That is about as clean a federal scorecard as any compact sedan can earn. The fuller story, however, includes 17 recalls spanning the covered model years. Recalls are not automatically a red flag since manufacturers issue them to correct known problems, but 17 is a number shoppers should take seriously and verify against any specific used unit using NHTSA's free VIN lookup tool. Owner complaint volume across the generation totals 1,996 submissions, including 115 reported crashes, 8 fire-related allegations, and 80 injury claims. These are unverified allegations and do not represent confirmed defects, but the fire-related complaints in particular deserve attention during your research. The bottom line: the Civic's peak crash-test performance is genuinely impressive, and the Exceptional Safety Index rating for 2021 stands out in this segment. Just go in with clear eyes about the recall history and complaint volume before signing anything.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Civic as one of the stronger entries in the compact sedan class, praising its composed driving dynamics, well-organized cabin, and competitive overall value. Interior materials and refinement are typically described as a step above average for the segment. Most professional assessments position it as a benchmark choice for buyers who prioritize a balanced, polished everyday car.
- The 2021 Civic earned the highest NHTSA Safety Index in this generation at 91 out of 100, landing in the Exceptional band. If you are shopping used, the 2021 model year represents the peak of federal safety scoring for this generation.
- Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, Honda has issued 17 recalls on the Civic. Before purchasing any used example, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall database to confirm all open recalls have been remedied by the previous owner or dealership.
- Owner-submitted complaints total 1,996 across the covered generation, with 8 fire-related allegations among them. These are unverified claims, but the fire complaint category is one MotorCaliber always flags for shoppers to research further before buying.
- The Civic's five-star ratings across frontal, side, and rollover crash tests in its best year reflect a genuinely strong structural safety performance. However, strong crash-test scores do not cancel out recall history, so treat both data points as equally important parts of your pre-purchase checklist.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Honda Civic with 5 recalls.