MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Honda Civic

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

4Recalls
249Complaints
2Investigations
ABOUT THE HONDA CIVIC

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.

VERDICT

The 2023 Honda Civic earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong 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. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

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 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18482

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record10/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS24V859000

Risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Reported 2024-11-14

STEERING24V744000

Risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.

Reported 2024-10-03

STEERING:RACK AND PINION23V704000

Risk: A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the electric power steering rack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YFW.

Reported 2023-10-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE23V430000

Risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.

Reported 2023-06-15

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

18reported crash
0reported fire
12reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSteering 191Lane Departure 18Electrical System 15Forward Collision Avoidance 14Unknown Or Other 13Service Brakes 13

Other Civic years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18482), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Honda Civic 2023. Class rank 62 of 92 in Sedan 2023. Methodology · Disclosure