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Is Your Civic Having Problems?
Honda Civics have a reputation for being extremely reliable vehicles. They have a long history - the first Honda Civic hit the market in the early 70s. Today, they’re a common go-to for drivers looking for a smart car purchase.
However, as reliable as the Honda Civic is known to be, it’s still capable of developing serious issues under the hood. In some cases, the problem may be an expensive and recurring one.
If you develop a serious mechanical or electrical problem with your Honda Civic, the cost of repairing it may outweigh the cost of selling and replacing it. For example, numerous Civics in the 2000 to 2010 range have developed transmission failures or engine block cracks, both of which are extremely costly to repair.
It’s time to discuss common problems you might face with your Honda Civic. Finally, if you’re thinking about selling your Civic and getting some cash for it, CarBrain can help you out.
Common Civic Problems
Although Honda Civics have a great reputation, there are some recurring problems that exist across models and generations.
Honda Civic Transmission Problems
Honda Civics have a tendency to stay on the road for a decade or more. Whether it’s due to years of use or a manufacturing issue, Honda Civic owners have been dealing with transmission problems since the beginning of the century.
Transmission failure is a serious and costly problem to face. You can detect the early signs of transmission failure if you hear whining or clunking noises while driving.
If your car is stalling, unable to move or leaking transmission fluid, that could be another sign of early transmission failure. Finally, if your car jerks or shakes whenever you shift gears, that’s another bad sign.
Replacing the transmission on a vehicle is an extremely expensive repair. It can cost $1,800 to $3,500 to replace a transmission between parts and labor, depending on the specific model.
Honda Civic Engine Block Problems
Unfortunately, one common issue drivers might face with Honda Civics is engine block problems. This is a serious mechanical problem that can cause major safety issues on the road.
Typical signs of a cracked engine block include smoke coming from under the hood, antifreeze mixing into the oil, repeated overheating and engine performance problems.
If you’ve got a cracked engine block, chances are the only thing you can do to fix it is to replace the engine block entirely. Unfortunately that’s an expensive repair job. It can cost at least $1,500 to complete the replacement properly.
If you’ve got an older model Honda Civic with a cracked engine block, it may not be worth sinking that much money into. Rather than trying to repair the engine block, you may be better off selling the vehicle and buying a new one with the money you get from the car.
Honda Civic AC Problems
Although engine and transmission problems are more common among older model Honda Civics, Honda Civics from the 2010s and onward are equally likely as older models to have problems with the AC system.
Honda Civics from 2015 to 2019 in particular have developed numerous problems with the AC system, particularly with coolant fluid leaks that prevent the system from blowing cold air.
In some cases, it can be an expensive problem to fix. If a mechanic determines that the compressor needs to be replaced, you could end up paying more than $1,500 to get cool air again.
Although not every Honda Civic develops AC problems, it pops up often enough that drivers should pay close attention to their AC system.
Honda Civic Airbag Light Problems
One minor but inconvenient issue drivers may face with a Honda Civic is the airbag light repeatedly coming on and off depending on the presence of a passenger. Many customers reported the problem developing after bringing their car in for a recall associated with the airbags.
Because the problem is minor, diagnosing and fixing the problem can cost more than the average Civic owner may feel it’s worth. This is one of the more common complaints across Honda Civic models over the past two decades.
Honda Civic Engine Mount Problems
Many Honda Civic drivers report strong vibrations or a rattle when they drive their vehicles or switch gears. This is often due to faulty engine mounts that are no longer providing suspension and support.
Engine mounts are typically expected to last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, many Honda Civic owners have reported that their mounts need to be replaced with less than 75,000 miles on the vehicle.
Replacing an engine mount can cost between $250 and $500, depending on the parts needed and cost of labor. Although it is not a huge expense, it may be an annoying one for Civic drivers who expect their vehicles to be reliable.
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Models With Higher Than Normal Complaints
Although certain problems appear across models, certain Honda Civic model years have earned significantly more complaints than others. If you want to minimize your chances of generating expensive repair bills, avoid the following Honda Civic models entirely.
Honda Civic 2001
When it comes to expensive repairs, 2001 Civics appear to top the list. Hundreds of drivers have reported that the transmissions on their 2001 Civics have failed entirely, resulting in extremely costly repairs.
Transmissions are typically expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. However, many owners have reported seeing their transmissions give out at under 100,000 miles.
Along with the transmission, drivers also report dealing with a cracked exhaust manifold on their 2001 Civics. Although it’s not as serious as a failed transmission, it can cost $700 or more to repair.
This could be caused by heat exposure or the exhaust manifold gasket. Exposure to heat could prevent it from maintaining the seal between the exhaust manifold and the engine block.
Honda Civic 2007
The 2007 Honda Civic seems to be a magnet for minor to major car problems. The most costly issue by far is a tendency to develop a cracked engine block, which requires an expensive replacement project.
However, along with a cracked engine block, many drivers also reported excessive and uneven wear on their tires. This problem was so major that in 2013, Honda settled a class action lawsuit for drivers with Honda Civic models 2006 and 2007 regarding uneven wear due to defective rear suspensions.
Unfortunately, the deadline to claim funds from the lawsuit ended in 2014. If you have a 2006 or 2007 Honda Civic, you probably won’t get any funds from Honda to fix it today. You may have to pay $500 or more out of pocket to replace the control arm in the back of the car.
Finally, Honda Civic 2007 models have a tendency to develop peeling and cracking paint. This doesn’t affect how the car runs, but it can be an unsightly appearance for car owners, and a paint job can cost $1000 or more. An unsightly paint job can affect the value of a car, which may be a problem for owners who intend to sell their vehicles somewhere down the line.
Honda Civic 2016
The 2016 Civic is the most recent model to generate a flurry of complaints. Luckily, the problems found in the 2016 Civic tend to be less severe than the problems found in older models. However, they can still be a major nuisance for owners who expect a sturdy, reliable and attractive vehicle.
One of the most persistent problems reported is a Bluetooth connectivity issue. Owners report repeatedly losing their connection or being entirely unable to connect to the system. Unfortunately, Honda has not yet developed a fix for this problem.
In addition, Honda Civic 2016 owners report multiple problems with their AC system. Some owners are attempting to bring a class action lawsuit against the company due to its failure to inform customers that the vehicle might have AC problems.
The solution ranges from replacing the condenser to replacing the compressor. Either solution can cost close to $1000 in parts and labor.
The 2016 model is also prone to brake issues according to some reports. Some drivers report that the electronic brake system doesn’t work or that the emergency brake may disengage unprompted. This can cause serious accidents for drivers if not addressed.
No matter what kind of problem you’re facing with your Honda Civic, whether it’s a Bluetooth connectivity problem or a complete transmission failure, CarBrain may be the solution. If you’re ready to give up on your current vehicle and get a replacement, you can sell your car to CarBrain. We’ll take any less-than-perfect vehicle, no matter what shape it’s in. We’ll make an offer on your Honda Civic — or any other model vehicle you might drive - in its current condition. See what offer you can get on your car today.