NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Honda Civic Safety Ratings
The 2023 Honda Civic scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 249 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Honda Civic presents a mixed safety profile. While its crash protection is excellent, and all avoidance technology is standard, four distinct recall campaigns and a defect record score of 10/20 prevent it from achieving the highest safety distinction. The Civic's overall NHTSA Safety Index stands at 85/100, positioning it in the Strong band.
The 2023 Honda Civic Sedan Si earned an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Honda Civic ranks 62 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 249 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 62 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Honda Civic?
The 2023 Honda Civic Sedan Si holds an 85/100 Safety Index in the Strong band, matching the 2022 model year exactly with no movement up or down. That flat trajectory masks meaningful activity under the surface. The crash protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 is genuinely strong, and a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology reflects the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across this trim. Where the 2023 year specifically diverges from a clean record is the defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20, the weakest component of the index. Four recall campaigns were issued against this model year, covering seat fasteners, two distinct steering-related actions, and a brake antilock control module ball valve defect. The steering category is notable because two separate campaigns address it, and the rack-and-pinion recall is specifically tied to vehicles that already underwent a replacement steering unit, meaning some owners may be on their second interaction with that system. The 249 unverified owner complaints skew heavily toward steering allegations, with 191 of the 249 reports targeting that component. That concentration reinforces why the defect record score pulls the overall index below 90.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Honda Civic perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Honda Civic Sedan Si achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection each earned 5 stars; the latter analysis indicated a 10 percent rollover risk with no dynamic tip. Frontal protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, the only category to fall below the maximum.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18482
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Honda Civic have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include seat critical fasteners, steering system issues affecting multiple Honda and Acura models, a rack-and-pinion concern on vehicles that received a replacement power steering unit, and a brake antilock control module with a ball valve defect. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Honda Civic?
Owners have filed 249 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Alleged problem areas include Steering (191 reports), Lane Departure (18), Electrical System (15), Forward Collision Avoidance (14), and Service Brakes (13). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
249 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Honda Civic?
Four open campaigns for the 2023 Civic, encompassing seats, steering, and brakes, mean that any prospective owner must verify recall remedies. Confirming all manufacturer-mandated repairs are complete is the most critical safety step for this model year.
- Two separate steering recall campaigns were issued specifically against this 2023 model year, one of which targets vehicles that already had a power steering unit replaced, making VIN-level remedy verification especially important.
- The brake antilock control module recall, issued in 2023, cites a ball valve defect and is unique to the 2023 Civic among Honda's sedan lineup for that campaign year.
- Owner-reported steering complaints account for 191 of 249 total unverified NHTSA allegations for this model year, a concentration that directly corresponds to the two active steering recall campaigns.
- The defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20 is the sole reason the 2023 Civic's Safety Index did not improve over the 2022 model year, despite identical crash protection and avoidance technology scores.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Honda Civic places
The 2023 Honda Civic qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Honda Civic safety questions
Was the 2023 Honda Civic crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Honda Civic, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Honda Civic crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Honda Civic earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 2023 Honda Civic have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Honda Civic. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Honda Civic?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 249 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Honda Civic. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Civic years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18482), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Civic 2023.
- 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 62 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.