Honda Civic type-r problems

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The Honda Civic Type R (Japanese: ホンダ・シビックタイプR, Hepburn: Honda Shibikku Taipuāru) is a series of hot hatchback and sports sedan models based on the Civic, developed and produced by Honda since September 1997. The first Civic Type R was the third model to receive Honda's Type R badge (after the NSX and Integra). Type R versions of the Civic typically feature a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine, and upgraded brakes and chassis, and are offered only in five- or six-speed manual transmission. Like other Type R models, red is used in the background of the Honda badge to distinguish it from other models.

EK9 (1997; based on sixth generation Civic)

The first Civic to receive the 'Type R' nameplate was based on the sixth-generation of the fan-base 'EK' Civic. The contributing base model was the JDM Civic 3-door hatchback called the SiR (code-named EK4). Like its sibling, the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8, the Civic SiR's transformation into a Type R was achieved by working on the base model and improving it to Honda's idea of a car capable of high performance on the circuit.

The first Civic to receive the Type R badge was introduced on August 19, 1997, as the EK9. The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight reduction measures, a hand-ported 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC B16B 4-cylinder engine, front-helical limited-slip differential and a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission. The B16B engine boasted one of the highest power output per liter of all time for a naturally aspirated engine with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 8,200 rpm and 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 7,500 rpm of torque from 1.6 L (1,595 cc) of displacement. For the first time, a strategically seam-welded monocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red Recaro bucket seats, red door cards, red Type R floor mats, a titanium shift knob, and a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel. The EK9 was only available for sale in Japan.

Performance figures include a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.3 seconds. The EK9 could attain a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

In 1998, the Civic Type R Motor Sports edition was introduced. It came with steel wheels, the standard grey EK interior, manual windows, no air conditioning and without any other creature comforts.

photo of Honda Civic type-r car production

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Honda Civic type-r model years

honda civic type-r 2023 photo
Civic type-r 2023
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honda civic type-r 2019 photo
Civic type-r 2019
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honda civic type-r 2018 photo
Civic type-r 2018
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Common Honda Civic type-r problems

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R has been praised for its performance, which remains strong even as the car's exterior has become more subdued. However, there are some issues that potential buyers should be aware of.

One issue is related to the seats in the Type R. Sales of the 2023 Civic Type R were reportedly stopped due to improper seat welds, which could lead to squeaking, rattling noises, or breakage of the seat frame weld. This could potentially put drivers at risk of being improperly restrained in a crash, which could lead to passengers being flung about the cabin or ejected on impact. Honda has reportedly instructed dealers to stop sales of the Civic Type R and prepare for a recall, but no replacement parts are currently available.

Another issue that has been reported by some owners is gearbox issues, specifically graunching when changing between first and second gears. Honda has stated that there is not an issue, but it is still worth checking for this symptom, as it could be a sign of bigger problems down the line.

In addition to these specific issues, it is worth noting that the side airbags fitted to the front seats of a small number of Civics may not deploy as they should in a collision, which could put occupants at risk of injury. This issue is most likely to affect cars built between 12 April and 13 September 2017, but it is still worth checking if you own a car from this time period.

It is also worth noting that the Civic as a whole has had mixed reliability in the past. In the 2022 reliability survey, the Civic managed a surprisingly low 28th finish out of 37 cars in the family car class.

Overall, while the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is a strong performer, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and take steps to address them if necessary.

Honda Civic type-r

Are Honda Civic Type R reliable cars?

In our 2022 reliability survey, the Civic managed a surprisingly low 28th finish out of 37 cars in the family car class. Honda, as a brand, has a very good reputation for reliability.

Is Honda Civic Type R high in maintenance?

Servicing is required every 12,500 miles or 12 months, and while costs aren't the cheapest around, neither are they the most expensive.

What is the problem with the Honda Civic Type R FK8?

There are various known issues with the FK8 Type R. Overheating on track days, in-tank fuel pump failures and OEM charge pipe failures. We've also heard of 3rd and 4th gear track failures and a flickering of the dash lights.

What is the most common problem with 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.

Latest 5 recalls Honda Civic type-r

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Honda Civic type-r.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Honda Civic type-r 2023
  • Report Received Date: 2024-10-03
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
  • Consequence: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
  • Model: Honda Civic type-r 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-18
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
  • Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
  • Model: Honda Civic type-r 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-18
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
  • Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
  • Model: Honda Civic type-r 2023
  • Report Received Date: 2023-03-30
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic Type R vehicles. The driver's seat frame may not have been welded properly, which can cause the seat cushion frame to break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
  • Consequence: A broken seat cushion frame may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the front driver seat cushion frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TDY.
  • Model: Honda Civic type-r 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2021-03-25
  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
  • Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.

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