NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Honda Civic Safety Ratings
The 2026 Honda Civic scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 22 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional safety band. This assessment is supported by a perfect score in avoidance technology and the absence of any recalls for the model year. The vehicle also demonstrated robust performance in its NHTSA crash-test star ratings, collectively presenting a compelling safety profile based on the published data.
The 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Hatchback/Wagons from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Honda Civic ranks 2 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 22 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 4 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Honda Civic?
The 2026 model year represents a meaningful step forward for the Civic Hatchback Hybrid on the safety index. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 87 out of 100 in 2025, a Strong rating, to 94 out of 100 in 2026, landing in the Exceptional band. That 7-point gain is driven in part by a perfect avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 aligns with the NHTSA star results, which show a near-perfect performance with 5-star side and rollover ratings and a 4-star frontal result providing the only modest gap. The defect-record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20 is supported by zero recall campaigns on file. The 22 unverified complaints on record, including 6 alleging issues with Forward Collision Avoidance, are worth monitoring precisely because that system is central to the vehicle's avoidance-tech score, but they do not currently reflect any confirmed defect action from NHTSA.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Honda Civic perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While side impact and rollover protection each earned a perfect 5 stars, with a 10 percent rollover risk and no dynamic tip observed, the frontal crash rating was 4 out of 5 stars. This single result prevented a clean sweep of 5-star scores across all evaluated categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20898
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Honda Civic have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid. NHTSA shows zero recall actions for this model year. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this vehicle. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall filings can be added at any point after a model enters service.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has received 22 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem components are Forward Collision Avoidance with 6 reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 5, Service Brakes at 4, and Steering and Engine each at 3. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
22 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Honda Civic?
As a current model year vehicle, the Honda CR-V's recall status demands close attention. Prospective owners should check the VIN against NHTSA's recall database prior to purchase and again after delivery. Recall campaigns can be initiated at any point in a vehicle's lifespan. Any open recalls must be remedied at a Honda dealership at no charge before ownership is transferred.
- The Safety Index rose 7 points from the 2025 model year, moving from 87 out of 100 in the Strong band to 94 out of 100 in the Exceptional band, the largest year-over-year gain in recent Civic history tracked by this guide.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, contributing directly to the near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20.
- The frontal crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars is the only area where this model year did not achieve a top score, while side and rollover protection both earned a full 5 stars.
- Six of the 22 unverified NHTSA complaints specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the same technology credited with earning a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score, making that complaint category worth tracking as the model accumulates more field time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Honda Civic places
The 2026 Honda Civic qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Honda Civic safety questions
Was the 2026 Honda Civic crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Honda Civic, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2026 Honda Civic crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Honda Civic have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Honda Civic 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 2026 Honda Civic?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 22 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 Hatchback/Wagon (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda Mazda3 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla | 91/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2026 Ford Transit | 66/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20898), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Civic 2026.
- 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 2 of 4 in the Hatchback/Wagon class for 2026.
- 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.