Honda Civic si problems
The Honda Civic Si is a sport compact trim of Honda's Civic. The Si (Sport Injected) trim was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America. In Canada and elsewhere, the trim became known as the SiR for the sixth and seventh generations as the "Si" badge was used for the equivalent to the USDM Civic EX model.
For the Japanese and European markets, the Civic Type R was adopted as the high-performance variant of the Civic, starting with the EK9 hatch for Japan in 1996 and then with the EP3 hatch for Europe in 2001. The 2017 model year marked the first time that the Civic Type R was sold in North America, previous to this the Si trim was the highest in North America (except for Acura vehicles). While the Civic Type R has a more powerful engine, plus it being available in a more track-oriented and spartan configuration including less sound deadening and amenities, by contrast the Civic Si has been positioned as more of a full-featured sport trim, featuring luxury options such as a sunroof and a seven-speaker audio system.
1984–1987
Honda first adopted the Si badge for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) third-generation Civic in November 1984. Japanese and European Si's received a 118 hp (88 kW) DOHC engine, while US and Canadian cars were powered by a 91 hp (68 kW), 12-valve SOHC engine. The Civic Si also appeared in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, with specifications similar to those of the American-market Si.
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Honda Civic si model years
Common Honda Civic si problems
The Honda Civic Si, a performance-oriented variant of the popular Civic lineup, has been praised for its reliability over the years. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common issues and problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the Honda Civic Si, based on complaints from owners:
- Carbon Build-up on Spark Plugs: The Honda Civic Si's highly efficient engine can take a while to warm up, allowing carbon to build up on the spark plugs over time. This can lead to rough idling, misfires, and more frequent spark plug maintenance and replacement intervals.
- Turbocharger Issues: The factory turbocharger on the Honda Civic Si can be prone to issues when boost pressure is increased. Higher boost pressure causes the turbocharger to spin faster, which can lead to premature failure. If you plan on increasing the boost pressure on your Civic Si, it is essential to monitor the condition of your factory turbocharger and consider upgrading to a more robust aftermarket solution that matches your power goals.
- Oil Pump Gears: The factory oil pump in the Honda Civic Si, particularly in the 1.5T engine, has been known to fail when attempting to increase power. To address this issue, Boundary Pump Division developed a gear for the 1.5T engine that is a direct drop-in replacement and ensures stability and efficiency when increasing power levels.
- Manual Transmission Grinding: Many owners of the Honda Civic Si have reported issues with the manual transmission, particularly in earlier generations. The transmission can grind, especially in third and second gears, which can be frustrating in daily driving. Replacing the synchros, shift fork, and gears may be necessary to fix this issue, but it can be a costly and time-consuming process.
- Gas in Oil Sump: The 1.5-liter inline-four engine in the Civic Si tends to collect gas in the oil sump, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. Honda faced two class-action lawsuits regarding this issue, and while it has been acknowledged and addressed by the company, it is still something to keep an eye on when purchasing a Civic Si.
- Clutch Master Cylinder Failure: The eighth-generation Civic Si, produced between 2005 and 2012, has a known issue with its clutch master cylinder. The cylinder can fail, locking the driver out of all gears. While the part is relatively inexpensive, the inconvenience of a failed clutch can be significant, especially during highway driving.
- Paint Issues and Air Conditioning Problems: Other common issues with the Honda Civic Si include paint problems and issues with the air conditioning system, particularly in ninth-generation models. It is essential to thoroughly inspect any potential Civic Si purchase for these issues and consider aftermarket solutions if necessary.
In conclusion, while the Honda Civic Si is generally considered a reliable vehicle, it is not without its common issues and problems. Owners should be aware of these potential issues and consider addressing them proactively to ensure the longevity and performance of their vehicles.
Is Civic Si reliable?
As expected, the Civic Si was dead reliable during its yearlong stay with us.
What is the most common problem with a Honda Civic?
Brakes. Some Civic owners have complained of squealing brakes; Honda is said to be aware of the problem and working on a fix, though it's worth keeping in mind that any Civic you test drive with noisy brakes may not be easy to fix.
How long do Civic Si engines last?
A typical Honda will last 200,000 to 300,000 miles without much issue, which is an excellent range for most drivers. The Honda Civic will last about 200,000 miles with proper care, putting it in that range. Winter driving impacts young and experienced drivers alike.
Is Honda Civic Si expensive to maintain?
Is a Honda expensive to maintain? No, Honda cars are not expensive to maintain. According to RepairPal, Honda owners pay about $428 per year for maintenance and repairs. This is much cheaper than the industry average of $652 per year.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Honda Civic si years
We have researched Honda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Honda Civic si cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Honda Civic si model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Honda Civic si model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Honda Civic si years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Honda Civic si car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Honda Civic si , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Honda Civic si vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Civic si model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Civic si model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 44 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Honda Civic si . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Honda Civic si vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Honda Civic si 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2019-07-27
- VIN: 2HGFA555X7H
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED AND LEAKING COOLANT.
Honda Civic si 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-08
- Date Complaint: 2019-05-18
- VIN: 2HGFA55519H
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE SCANNED THE CAR WITH CAR MD SCAN TOOL AND IT CAME BACK WITH 10 SRS CODES. 15-1,25-1,27-1, 56-1, 61-1,68-1,83-1, 86-1, 02-8, 09-2.
Honda Civic si 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-08
- Date Complaint: 2019-04-08
- VIN: 19XFB2F76FE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: "TAKATA RECALL" MY "CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT" IS ON CONSTANTLY SINCE DECEMBER 2018. I TOOK IT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG THAT IS AFFECTED. THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX MY AIR BAG, BECAUSE IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL. I HAVE NEVER, EVER, EVER HEARD OF A CAR THAT IS 3 1/2 YEARS OLD WITH 43,000 MILES THAT NEEDS A NEW AIR BAG? THIS CAR HAS NEVER, EVER, EVER BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOT NORMAL! HOW DOES AN AIR BAG GO BAD THAT HAS NEVER DEPLOYED??? I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY A NEW DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. IF I DID HAVE THE MONEY, I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A BRAND NEW AIR BAG ON A NEW CAR. THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN IN USE FOR 3 1/2 YEARS. I HAVE TO DRIVE MY NIECE WHO IS A SENIOR TO VISIT COLLEGES IN FLORIDA FOR SPRING BREAK ALL THE WAY FROM CONNECTICUT. I HAVE TO DRIVE FOR 4 FULL DAYS AND DRIVE AROUND FLORIDA AND BACK RISKING MY LIFE, HER LIFE AND HER BEST FRIEND'S LIFE. THAT IS NOT FAIR. IF I DIE, OR THE KIDS DIE, BECAUSE THEIR AIR BAGS DO NOT WORK, THAT IS NOT FAIR AND CRUEL. I PAID FOR A BRAND NEW CAR THAT ADVERTISED WORKING AIR BAGS, NOT A "LEMON". THE CAR MANUFACTURER AND TAKATA, IS BEING SHIELDED FROM HAVING TO PAY TO FIX ALL OF THESE DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS, WHILE HUMAN BEINGS WILL DIE TO SAVE THEM MONEY. I AM AFRAID FOR MY LIFE! I DO NOT WANT TO DIE, OR KILL MY PASSENGERS BY KNOWINGLY LET THEM RIDE IN MY VEHICLE THAT HAS DEFECTIVE, NON-FUNCTIONING, DEADLY AIR BAGS. MY CAR SUPPOSEDLY IS FINE. HOW COULD THAT BE? MY AIR BAGS DO NOT WORK! ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT THIS IS ALL JUST A BIG COINCIDENCE? HOW COULD A NEW CAR HAVE BROKEN TAKATA AIR BAGS? THAT DOES NOT SEEM UNUSUAL TO YOU? THIS IS COLD-BLOODED TO KNOW THAT BECAUSE OF MONEY MY LIFE IS EXPENDABLE. WHY ISN'T MY VIN NUMBER INCLUDED IN THE RECALL? I DO NOT HAVE MONEY TO BUY A NEW AIR BAG(S) AND PAY FOR MANY HOURS OF LABOR AT HONDA. PLEASE HELP ME!!
Honda Civic si 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-30
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. HONDA REFUSES TO COME TO MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE AND REPLACE MY RECALLED PASSAGER SIDE AIR BAG ACTIVATOR-SEEMS MAYBE DISCRIMINATION- AGE RELATED. MAYBE- OR MAYBE JUST MEAN.
Honda Civic si 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-14
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-18
- VIN: 2HGFG4A51FH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: NOTICING RIGHT NOW JUST THE INTERMITTENT STAGE OF THIS NEW CLUTCH NOISE ON AN UPHILL/INCLINE ALSO THE INCREDIBLY COMMON VTC ACTUATOR COLD START NOISE ON BASICALLY ALL K24 VARIATIONS, STILL RESEARCHING IF THESE TWO ARE CORRELATED WHICH I BELIEVE SO AT THIS MOMENT I WRITE THIS. I JUST BOUGHT THIS 15' CIVIC SI 9 MONTHS AGO, 06 OF 18' WITH JUST OVER 20K. HAD THE COLD START NOISE PROBABLY 5 OR 6 MONTHS IN AS IT BECOMES WINTER AND NOW I'M GETTING CLUTCH NOISES PLUS I FEEL SLIGHT DECREASE IN PERFORMANCE. FROM WHAT I'VE READ AND I'VE DONE WAY TOO MUCH RESEARCH, IT STARTS OUT AS A TYPICAL NOISE EVEN HONDA CANADA THEMSELVES CLAIM AS NOTHING BUT HAD LEAD TO CASES OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO COMPLETE HEAD REPLACEMENTS TO COMPLETE CLUTCH REPLACEMENTS AND SOME CASES SOUNDS RETURNING DUE TO DEFECTIVE OEM DESIGN. CERTIFIED PRE OWNED WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE: 2015 CIVIC SI HAVE YET TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN, ONCE AGAIN BEGUN NOTICING THIS WIDESPREAD ISSUE AT ONLY 27K MILES. PATHETIC
Honda Civic si 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-11
- VIN: 2HGFB6E55CH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN I STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT AND I TAKE OFF THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. CAR ONLY HAS 30,700 MILES
Honda Civic si 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-06
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2HGFG21557H
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I HAD AN ISSUE WHERE THE BRAKES DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE I WAS MOVING AROUND 40 MPH. AS IF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS ACTIVATING TO EARLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE LIGHTLY DEPRESSED. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE FURTHER DID NOT INCREASE BRAKING FORCE. I HAD TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION BY RUNNING OFF THE ROAD INTO AN EMBANKMENT. I HAVE FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES ONLINE WHERE PEOPLE REPORTED THIS IS FROM A VSA, ABS, TCS MODULATOR THAT IS FAULTY. THIS SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE A FAIL-SAFE DESIGN NOT A FAIL-ARMING TYPE SYSTEM. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THAT IT DOES NOT! I ASKED A CO-WORKER WHO HAS A NEWER MODEL HONDA CIVIC AND SHE SAID THIS ISSUE HAS STARTED WITH HER CAR AS WELL.
Honda Civic si 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2019-02-01
- VIN: 2HGFG21517H
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TOOK THE CAR FOR RECALL AIRBAG . 1 MONTH PASS AND THE PASSENGERS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON
Honda Civic si 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-29
- Date Complaint: 2019-01-29
- VIN: 2HGFB6E52FH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE WELDS AND THE FRAME ON THE SUBWOOFER HAS STARTED TO FAIL AS SHOWN IN THE PICTURE THAT I ATTACHED...
Honda Civic si 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-07
- Date Complaint: 2019-01-27
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: AIR TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE COMES OFF AND ON EVEN THOUGH TIRE PRESSURE IS ALRIGHT. BACK WINDOWS RANDOMLY STOP WORKING. AIR CONDITIONING COMES AND GOES. NOT RELATED TO ANY SPECIFIC REASON.
Honda Civic si 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-30
- Date Complaint: 2018-12-08
- VIN: 2HGFA555X8H
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: COOLANT LEAK FROM THE RADIATOR. NEW HEAD GASKETS, NEW SEALS. MYSTERY COOLANT LEAK, COOLANT PUSHES FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE OVERFLOW, LEAVING RADIATOR LOW COOLANT. NEW SEALS AND NEW WATER PUMP, NO DRIPS OR INDICATION OF LEAKING
Honda Civic si 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2018-11-19
- VIN: 2HGFA5E56AH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAVE A 2010 HONDA CIVIC SI AND ON 4/29/17 I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE HONDA DEALER TO ADDRESS THE 'CHAULKING, CLOUDING OF MY PAINT. THIS WAS REPAIRED BY CAMPAIGN # 14-034, ENTITLED: PAINT CHALKING, CRACKING, CLOUDING WARRANTY EXTENSION. THIS WAS REPIRED AND THE PAINT LOOKED GREAT AFTER PICKING THE CAR UP. NOW ON 5/30/18 EXACTLY 1 YEAR LATER THE SAME EXACT THING IS HAPPENING TO THE PAINT ON MY CAR ON BOTH REAR DOORS AND RIGHT SIDE PILLAR ABOVE THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE SAME HONDA DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPIRED BUT THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THOSE PANELS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE CAMPAIGN. BUT I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THESE PANELS WERE ORIGINALLY REPAIRED ON 4/29/17 BECAUSE WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN THERE WAS SOME CLOUDING IN THOSE AREAS ALTHOUGH MINIMAL IN COMPARISON TO ROOF, TRUNK, HOOD AND FENDERS. SO IT'S MY CONCLUSION THAT THEY ONLY COMPOUNDED THE MINIMAL 'CLOUDING/CHAULKING' TO BANDAID DOOR PANELS AND PILLAR INSTEAD OF THE PROPER FIX BECAUSE LESS THAN A YEAR LATER I'M HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. HONDA CLEARLY HAS A ISSUE WITH THEIR CLEAR COAT BECAUSE THESE CLOUDING/CHAULKING ON BOTH REAR DOORS AND RIGHT FRONT PILLAR LOOK EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS MY ROOF,HOOD,FENDERS AND TRUNK DID AND THEY REPAIRED THOSE ITEMS ON 4/29/17 THUS ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY. SO HONDA SHOULD BE REPAIRING THE CLEAR COAT ON MY DOORS AND PILLAR NOW.
Honda Civic si 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-10-06
- VIN: 2HGFG21508H
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: SUN VISOR WAS RCALLED AND FIXED BUT IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THNG IT WAS RECALLED FOR.
Honda Civic si 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2018-07-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 2HGFG21516H
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AS MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ENTERING THE CAR, HE HADN'T EVEN SHUT THE DOOR COMPLETELY . WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A LOUD BOOM! MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE DRIVER SEAT I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I COULDN'T SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED . AND WHEN I TURNED TO MY HUSBAND'S SIDE HE WAS REALLY HURT ON HIS ARM. THE AIR BAGS FROM THE DRIVER SEAT DEPLOYED AND ALSO THE CURTAIN AIR BAG FROM THE DRIVER SEAT. IT WAS AWFUL MY EARS WERE HURT. MY HUSBANDS WHOLE ARM IS BRUISED UP AND SWOLLEN . THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED . THE VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD ANY WORK DONE TO SAY IT WAS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF WORKED DONE. WE WERE JUST GETTING INSIDE OUR CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED OUT OF NO REASON WHAT SO EVER.
Honda Civic si 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-25
- Date Complaint: 2018-05-14
- VIN: 2HGFG4A55FH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH MAKES A METAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN RELEASING FROM A STOP TO START MOVING FORWARD IN 1ST GEAR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CLUTCH SPRING.
Are you having problems with your Honda Civic si?
