Blog
Reliability and safety guides grounded in the same NHTSA data behind our vehicle pages.
NCAP Crash Test Ratings: How NHTSA's 5-Star System Works
Sharon Ben-Moshe · July 7, 2026
NHTSA's NCAP program crash-tests vehicles and combines the results into one 5-star rating. Here is what the stars measure, and what they leave out.
NHTSA Investigations Explained: PE, EA, and RQ Stages
Sharon Ben-Moshe · July 7, 2026
NHTSA defect investigations move through three stages — Preliminary Evaluation, Engineering Analysis, and Recall Query. Here's what each means before you buy a used car.
What Is an NHTSA Complaint? What It Means and Doesn't
Sharon Ben-Moshe · July 7, 2026
An NHTSA complaint is one driver's unverified account of a problem, not a confirmed defect finding. Here's what it can and can't tell a used-car shopper.
How to Read a Recall Notice: Defect, Consequence, Remedy
Sharon Ben-Moshe · July 7, 2026
Every recall notice follows the same three-part format: what is wrong, what could happen, and how the fix gets paid for. Here is how to read one correctly.
How to Check for Open Recalls Before Buying a Used Car
Sharon Ben-Moshe · July 7, 2026
Every used car has a recall history separate from its title. Here's how to check a VIN for open, unrepaired recalls in under a minute, and what to do if one shows up.
Honda Civic: Years to Avoid & Common Problems
Sharon Ben-Moshe · July 3, 2026
The 2006 Honda Civic tops NHTSA complaint data with 1,709 reports, a 7.23x rate. See which Civic years to avoid, and the most common airbag, steering, and engine problems.