Honda Civic vs Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is more fuel-efficient at 131 MPG combined, against 36 MPG for the Honda Civic. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,250 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Tesla Model 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 559 | 1,075 |
| Most reported problem | Fuel system | Forward collision avoidance |
| Crashes and fires | 39 and 1 | 104 and 10 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 15,000 miles | 10,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 22 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 36 MPG | 131 MPG |
| City and highway | 32 and 42 | 138 and 124 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $1,850 | $600 |
| NHTSA overall safety |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 559 complaints for the Honda Civic and 1,075 for the Tesla Model 3. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
NHTSA's overall safety ratings: 5 stars for the Honda Civic, 5 stars for the Tesla Model 3.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Honda Civic, 22 for the Tesla Model 3.