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Honda · Midsize Sedan

2023 Honda Civic

Gas
Large Cars
12 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
C
Safety Signal
70 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 5
Complaints20 crash · 12 injured reported 336
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 36 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2023 Honda Civic is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 12 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Civic 4Dr, is EPA-rated at 36 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of C. Owners have filed 336 complaints, most often about the steering. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

2023 Honda Civic

Trims & pricing

Source: manufacturer press kitCompare a trim →
TrimPowertrainDriveMSRPHPTorqueMPG combSeatsCargo (2nd row)Wheels
LXGasFWD—158 hp138 lb-ft35 mpg514.8 cu-ft16 in
SportGasFWD—158 hp138 lb-ft33 mpg514.8 cu-ft18 in
EXGasFWD—180 hp177 lb-ft36 mpg514.8 cu-ft17 in
TouringGasFWD—180 hp177 lb-ft34 mpg514.4 cu-ft18 in

MSRP excludes destination. Open a trim for the complete spec sheet and standard/optional equipment. Have the car in front of you? Decode its VIN to see which of these trims it is and what it was priced at.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Civic 4DrGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo334236$1,850
Civic 4DrGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl314035$1,900
Civic 5DrGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo313935$1,900
Civic 4DrGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo313834$1,950
Civic 4DrGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl303733$2,050
Civic 5DrGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo303733$2,050
Civic 5DrGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl303833$2,050
Civic 5DrGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl293732$2,100
Civic 4DrGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo273731$2,650
Civic 5DrGasFWD1.5L 4-cyl turbo283731$2,150
Civic 5DrGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl263629$2,300
Civic 5DrGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo222824$3,400

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 46051, 46506, 46137, 46052, 46054, 46138, 46509, 46140, 46053, 46139.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Civic 4Dr, Civic 5Dr7 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 / California LEV-III SULEV30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Civic 4Dr7 / 10California LEV-III SULEV30 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Civic 4Dr, Civic 5Dr7 / 10California LEV-III SULEV30 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Civic 5Dr7 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 / California LEV-III SULEV30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Civic 4Dr, Civic 5Dr6 / 10California LEV-III ULEV50 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

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Factory warranty running out?

The 2023 Honda Civic is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (5)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seats

121 vehicles 63% reported repaired
Problem Honda (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." Risk An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V859000 reported Nov 14, 2024 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

SJS, MJU, QJT, VJV
1,693,199 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem Honda (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. Risk Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V744000 reported Oct 3, 2024 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

YFW
264,567 vehicles 86% reported repaired
Problem Honda (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. Risk A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V704000 reported Oct 19, 2023 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

OEJ,XEK,AEY,XEX,OEW
386 vehicles 93% reported repaired
Problem Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel. Risk Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V430000 reported Jun 15, 2023 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

TDY
640 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic Type R vehicles. The driver's seat frame may not have been welded properly, which can cause the seat cushion frame to break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems." Risk A broken seat cushion frame may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will replace the front driver seat cushion frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TDY.
NHTSA campaign 23V229000 reported Mar 30, 2023 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Steering — Momentary Increased Steering Effort closed

On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Engineering Analysis (EA23003) to assess allegations of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022-2023 Honda Civic, 2023MY Honda CR-V, and 2023MY Acura Integra vehicles (subject vehicles). The complaints received by ODI alleged that the subject vehicles experienced a momentary increase in required steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) occurring mostly at highway speeds after driving for an extended amount of time; these complaints could not be duplicated during dealer service technicians’ quick test drives.  The complaints had been received over the previous two years with most occurring w

Opened Nov 29, 2023 · closed Jan 28, 2025 · action EA23003 · the investigation’s page →

Steering — Momentary Increased Steering Effort closed

On March 17, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-005) to access the alleged defect of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022 and 2023 Honda Civic vehicles. The complaints report that the momentary increase in steering effort (described as "sticky steering") occurs mostly at highway speeds after driving for a certain amount of time. The reports have been received over the past 2 years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear contains a unit that includes a worm gear and a worm wheel. Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this unit. Duri

Opened Mar 17, 2023 · closed Nov 30, 2023 · action PE23005 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Civic

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2023 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Honda publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2023 Honda Civic, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2023 Honda Civic

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Civic →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
336complaints filed

20 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 12 injuries · 0 deaths reported

22 per 10,000 built · Honda reported 151,977 Civic built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2023: 141 · 2024: 129 · 2025: 33 · 2026: 33

Most-cited components

Lane Departure 32
Forward Collision Avoidance 23
Electrical System 19
Unspecified 16
Service Brakes 16

In depth: steering problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

Steering wheel is locking with left hand curves at highway speeds especially when the car has been driven for more than 20 minutes. Multiple incidents where I almost end up on the opposite lane because of this.
Steering Sep 27, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11767295
During a controlled low-speed autocross event (~55 mph entry), I applied the brake pedal firmly to decelerate for an upcoming turn. The vehicle failed to decelerate at anywhere near its rated capability.
Service Brakes Aug 31, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11761048
I respectfully request that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigate Rick Case Honda for a repair I believe was performed negligently and the dealership's refusal to accept responsibility.
Engine Jul 1, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11747700
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic Type-R. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive and unintendedly decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle regained normal functions shortly after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure.
Electrical System at 16,500 miles Jan 31, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11639831
Reported tire loses pressure. Possible danger. Checked regularly. Tire checked by Goodyear dealer, no leak found. Tire DOES lose pressure. Other 3 tires appear uneffected
Tires Aug 24, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11540655
Driver seat and the seat belt squeaking. Started at 3k miles. Usually at lower speeds, sometimes the seat belt is squeaking even just if I’m breathing. Makes me worry about the quality of the assembly of parts
Seats Jun 24, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11528677

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Honda itself: 69 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 77 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 45 per 100,000 built. Every Civic model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 10k

miles, typically

Half the 30 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 6,000 and 25,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 13
10k–20k 6
20k–30k 4
30k–40k 3
40k–50k 2
50k–60k 2
60k–70k 0
70k–80k 0
80k–90k 0
90k–100k 0
100k–150k 0
150k + 0

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Steering2413,1320.82×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2023-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★10%
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★10%
5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★10%
5 HB FWDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★★10%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 3 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Honda warranty extension (66) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 116
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-25
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 61 service bulletins, 55 others

Most often about: Engine, Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper, Structure, Steering.

  • A26-011 Service bulletin
    2026-09-25 · Engine
  • Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or misfire. In some cases, DTCs P0300 through P0304 may also be stored (DTCs are not required for repair).
  • A26-010 Service bulletin
    2026-09-25 · Engine
  • Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or misfire. In some cases, DTCs P0300 through P0304 may also be stored (DTCs are not required for repair).
  • 2026-08-26 · Engine
  • Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or DTCs P0300 through P0304 stored.
  • A26-011 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Engine
  • Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.
  • A26-010 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Engine
  • Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.
  • A23-094 Service bulletin
    2026-04-22 · Structure — Body
  • Service Bulletin - There is a dull creaking, rubbing, popping, or clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while turning at low speeds potentially due to the bump stop contacting the top of the front damper body.
  • 2026-04-08 · Electrical System
  • Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2023 Civic LXs, Sports, EXs, EX-Ls or Tourings equipped with an automatic transmission with a customer complaint of DTCs C1110-13 (Left-Rear Electric Parking Brake Actuator Circuit Open) & C1100-94 (Electric Parking Brake Actuator Malfunction) stored. Customer may also notice intermittent or persistent warning ligh
  • 2026-03-25 · Electrical System
  • Dealer Message - American American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2023 Civic LXs, Sports, EXs, EX-Ls or Tourings equipped with an automatic transmission with a customer complaint of DTCs C1110-13 (Left-Rear Electric Parking Brake Actuator Circuit Open) & C1100-94 (Electric Parking Brake Actuator Malfunction) stored. Customer may also notice intermittent or persistent war

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0011Camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded.Engine10 bulletins
P0300
P0300 on Honda →
Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Engine · Ignition coils →7 bulletins
P0304
P0304 on Honda →
Cylinder 4 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →7 bulletins
P0087
P0087 on Honda →
Fuel rail pressure is below what the system commanded.Engine · Fuel pump →3 bulletins
P0420
P0420 on Honda →
The catalytic converter on bank 1 is not cleaning up the exhaust as well as it should.Engine · Catalytic converter →2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Honda Civic failed the emissions check on 1.1% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%).

New York inspections 1.1%

failed emissions

4,828 initial inspections of 4,763 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2023 CivicEvery 2023 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.1%1.6%4,817
Failed the safety inspection1.6%1.1%4,828
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.33%0.16%4,828
Miles driven a year10,13210,038odometer at inspection
Average odometer33,65232,673odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2023 vehicle” is every 2023 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2023 Civic

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2023 Honda Civic have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 5 recall campaigns for the 2023 Honda Civic. The most serious on file is 24V859000, covering Seats. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2023 Honda Civic?

NHTSA gave the 2023 Honda Civic 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 5-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it C (70/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Honda Civic?

Across the 12 EPA-rated configurations of the 2023 Honda Civic, the best EPA combined figure is 36 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2023 Honda Civic?

Owners have filed 336 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Honda Civic, most often about steering, lane departure, forward collision avoidance. Of those, 20 involved a crash, 12 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2023 Honda Civic?

The EPA smog rating for the 2023 Honda Civic runs 6 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30, California LEV-III ULEV50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 50 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2023 Honda Civic?

The manufacturer has filed 116 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2023 Honda Civic, most often covering engine, electrical system, visibility/wiper. The most recent is dated 2026-09-25. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2023 Honda Civic do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Honda Civic failed the emissions check on 1.1% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Is the 2023 Honda Civic better than the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

Too close to call: Honda Civic 84.9 vs Toyota Prius Prime 83.8 with these weights. The Toyota Prius Prime is ahead on fuel & range and safety. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 3.6 and it flips. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2023 Honda Civic against the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations12 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates12 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls5NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints336NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins116NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSAnoneNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWe had no VIN pattern to decode for this model year, or the manufacturer filed nothing usable.
Trims, pricing & equipment4 trimsManufacturer press kitTranscribed from the manufacturer's own press material, every value carrying the document it came from.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly. Trim-level specifications and pricing are transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit; every value carries its source in the data file.

JSON for this page · API