Honda Civic VS Toyota Camry
▸ WHICH ONE HOLDS UP BETTER
Both land on the same verdict, but Toyota Camry scores higher on our scorecard (4.3/10 vs 3.3/10) — see each PixProof's full scorecard for what's behind that gap.
Verdict🟢 BUY THE HYPE🟢 BUY THE HYPE
The RealityIIHS's own published ratings show the 2023 Civic sedan and hatchback actually earned the plain 'Top Safety Pick' award, one tier below 'Top Safety Pick+' -- the 2022 model year Civic held the higher TSP+ rating, but IIHS's criteria change annually and the 2023 model didn't requalify at that tier. Separately, NHTSA's recall database lists 4 recalls for the 2023 Civic, all shared-platform issues rather than Civic-specific defects: a brake fluid leak in the stability-assist module (shared with the Acura RDX, Integra, and Accord), a steering rack that may have been incorrectly reassembled during a prior service repair, a broader steering defect affecting multiple Honda/Acura models, and a driver's seat cushion fastener issue. NHTSA's complaint database shows 0 complaints filed for the 2023 Civic.NHTSA's own recall database backs this up for the 2023 model year: only 2 recalls on file, both minor and administrative rather than safety-defect-driven in the way several other vehicles in this comparison were -- loose lug nuts that could allow a wheel to detach, and insufficiently welded head restraints on two rear seating positions. There are no electrical, battery, or powertrain fire-risk recalls. NHTSA's complaint database lists 63 complaints for the 2023 Camry, the second-lowest count of any vehicle checked in this comparison (behind only the Civic's zero).
SHORT ANSWER
Honda Civic: The 2023 Honda Civic actually earned IIHS's plain 'Top Safety Pick' award, not the higher 'Top Safety Pick+' tier some dealer sites advertise -- but its real recall and complaint record is clean: 4 shared-platform recalls and zero owner complaints on file.
Toyota Camry: Toyota's 'legendary reliability' claim for the Camry holds up against NHTSA's own data -- only 2 minor recalls for the 2023 model year, no fire-risk defects, and one of the lowest complaint counts of any vehicle we've checked.