2023 Honda Civic vs 2023 Hyundai Sonata

On the public data alone the Sonata edges it 4–1.

2023 Honda Civic

The 2023 Honda Civic is sold in the U.S. as a gas large car with 12 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Civic 4Dr, is EPA-rated at 36 mpg …

2023 Hyundai Sonata

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large car with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sonata Hybrid Blue, i…

	2023 Honda Civic	2023 Hyundai Sonata
Segment	Large car	Large car
Powertrains	Gas	Hybrid, Gas
Best combined mpg	36	52
Safety Signal	60	70
NHTSA recalls	5	2
Critical recalls	0	2
Owner complaints	326	100
NHTSA overall stars	5	5

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Civic

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Seats

121 vehicles

ProblemHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."RiskAn unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V859000reported Nov 14, 2024Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

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Steering

SJS, MJU, QJT, VJV

1,693,199 vehicles

ProblemHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.RiskDifficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V744000reported Oct 3, 2024Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

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Steering

YFW

264,567 vehicles

ProblemHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door vehicles that received a replacement power steering rack as part of a service repair. The steering rack may have been incorrectly assembled, which can allow the tire to chafe against the lower suspension or tie rod end, possibly resulting in tire damage.RiskA damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V704000reported Oct 19, 2023Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Sonata

!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

286

85,043 vehicles

ProblemHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.RiskA melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall

NHTSA campaign 25V796000reported Nov 17, 2025Hyundai Motor America

!critical

Power Train

246

Park outside52,109 vehicles

ProblemHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.RiskAn electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.FixOwners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

NHTSA campaign 23V526000reported Jul 27, 2023Hyundai Motor America