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Head-to-head

2023 Honda Civic vs 2023 Tesla Model S

On the public data alone the Civic edges it 2–1.

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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 …

vs
F

2023 Tesla Model S

The 2023 Tesla Model S is sold in the U.S. as a electric large car. Its longest-range version, the Model S, is EPA-rated at 405 miles with 120 MPGe combined eff…

2023 Honda Civic2023 Tesla Model S
SegmentLarge carLarge car
PowertrainsGasElectric
Best EV range (mi)405
Best combined mpg36
Safety Signal6035
NHTSA recalls513
Critical recalls00
Owner complaints326112
NHTSA overall stars5

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

high

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.)
high

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.)
high

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.)

Model S

minor

Back Over Prevention

SB-26-00-001
218,868 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
NHTSA campaign 26V283000reported May 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.
high

Electrical System

SB-25-20-001
91 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.RiskAn inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
NHTSA campaign 25V172000reported Mar 19, 2025Tesla, Inc.
high

Air Bags

SB-24-20-001
487 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."RiskA torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixTesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
NHTSA campaign 24V967000reported Dec 23, 2024Tesla, Inc.