2018 Honda Civic Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
1.Component or System Failure: •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The air conditioning (AC) system in my 2018 Honda Civic has malfunctioned. Initially, the AC compressor failed and was replaced under warranty in 2018. However, the AC never functioned properly afterward. Recently, the AC failed completely, and the dealership diagnosed a leaking evaporator. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2.Safety Risk: •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The malfunctioning AC system poses a significant safety risk, especially considering the high temperatures in the Central Valley of California. Driving without a functional AC in extreme heat can lead to driver fatigue, reduced concentration, and potential heat-related illnesses, increasing the risk of accidents. 3.Problem Reproduction: •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership. They diagnosed the issue as a leaking evaporator and provided a repair estimate of $2,520.16. 4.Inspection by Others: •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership, which diagnosed the issue. There have been no inspections by police or insurance representatives. 5.Warning Indicators: •Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the AC failure. The only symptom was the AC’s inability to cool the cabin effectively, which persisted since the initial compressor replacement in 2018 and culminated in complete failure recently.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jump-started several times. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be repaired and the motor mounts were replaced under a Lemon Law lawsuit settlement. However, the contact stated while driving and coming to a complete stop later, the vehicle made an abnormal rumbling sound. The vehicle was taken to Mavis Tires to be diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine was moving back and forth due to missing motor mounts. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test to be performed. The failure mileage was 1,585.
Engine failure while driving down the highway. Was able to safely get off the highway without being able to accelerate. Car was towed to the Honda dealership where all the maintenance has been done. They said the car had a cylinder misfire and would need the engine replaced. It would cost $13,000. This car had already had the A/C, fuel pump and transmission replaced in the five short years I owned it. It was garage stored and had under 50,000 miles. All the maintenance was done through a certified Honda dealership.
my AC in blowing hot air on one side and cool air on the other side
Headgasket problem Fuel injector Problem Head bolt problem Engine enters limb mode when cold start due to head gasket leak Misfire on multiple cylinders due to fuel injector failure.
Loss of power during drive. Hesitation while acceleration and check engine light on. Unable to accelerate. Fuel pump recall on other same generation models.
This car's evaporator is defective. Evaporator failure left many individuals, including myself, without air conditioning. In California, where I live, the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. Due to the leak and the high flammability of the freon, it is a safety risk. Additionally, drivers who must commute in hot weather may have dehydration due to the lack of air conditioning. Whenever i'm traveling the heat makes me feel weak and dizzy. Honda dealerships charge between $1,500 and $2,000 for repairs. I believe a recall should be issued to repair the entire A/C system in Honda vehicles from 2017 to 2019.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle started to idle very rough. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an engine cylinder misfire failure with DTC codes: P0302 and P0303. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Fuel injectors were replaced by owner April 10, 2022. Upon oil change the same day, oil was very dark, despite only having 600 miles use since last changed and there was fuel noted in oil. Pictures were sent to NHTSA. Since changing injectors fuel mileage has improved greatly. The car has gone from averaging 37MPG to around 41MPG. Oil changed on 6/27/22, coloration was normal for routing change and did not note fuel in oil. No warning lights or issues with operation since injectors changed. The P0302 & P0303 codes were to be covered as part of a service bulletin relating to oil dilution but both Honda corp & dealership stated that injectors were not covered as part of the service bulletin. Even though the injectors could be directly responsible for the oil dilution issue if not properly functioning and throwing codes associated with the bulletin. Owner incurred the expense of rental car for a week, two lost days of onsite work with employer, and cost to purchase injectors. Will provide receipts.
Clutch failure resulting in a non-moveable vehicle in heavy traffic
Driving on the highway and my check engine light starting to flash. I experienced loss of power and hesitation during acceleration. I got home and scanned my computer and it returned P0304. I then removed the #4 ignition coil and that's when I noticed rust. Seems like the seal on the ignition coil failed and water has been leaking into the #4 cylinder over time.
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON THE RIGHT LANE OF THE SAW MILL PARKWAY THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING. THE CAR CAME TO A HALT IN THE RIGHT LANE. IT WAS IMMOVABLE. I PUT THE FLASHERS ON, PUT THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK AND PUSHED THE START BUTTON. THE CAR DID START. I DROVE IT HOME BUT AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AGAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SERVICE CENTER AT HOLMAN HONDA LOCATED AT 12 EAST SUNRISE BLVD, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 PHONE (954) 607-6730. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT FOUND THAT THE ENGINE SHORT BLOCK FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Water leakage from the engine bay that damages coil packs and spark plugs. Coil pack seal is not durable enough to repel water once its introduce from the hood scoop.
10/16/2020 I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 HONDA CIVIC LEASE VEHICLE WITH 20,099 MILES STILL UNDER HONDA BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL NOT START, IT WAS TOW IN TO HONDA DEALER & AS OF TODAYS DATE 1/23/2021 ITS STILL SITTING AT HONDA OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES CAN NOT FIGURED OUT AND HAS HONDA CASE # 11791655 - UN SAFE DEFECTIVE INTERNAL ENGINE POSSIBLY AND THEY DO NOT WANT OTHER CONSUMER'S TO KNOW
THE A/C EVAPORATOR HAS APPARENTLY STOPPED WORKING. THE CONDENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS, AND A RECALL WAS GENERATED. I AM OF THE OPINION THAT THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO THE EVAPORATOR, AS THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED.
CHANGED THE OIL FOR THE SECOND TIME ~12,300 MILES ON MY 2018 HONDA CIVIC EX HATCHBACK WITH THE CVT AND DRAINED 5 QUARTS OF OIL/FUEL OUT OF THE ENGINE. (ONLY HOLDS ~3.7QTS. HAD A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL TO THE OIL. CONCERNED WITH DILUTED OIL NOT LUBRICATING EFFECTIVELY AS WELL AS EXCESS OIL/FUEL IN THE ENGINE CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING, FROTHING ALONG WITH OTHER CONCERNS. THIS OIL WAS DRIVING ALL HIGHWAY MILES AND DURING THE SUMMER.
AC WAS WORKING NORMAL WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN DRIVER SIDE STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR AND PASSENGER SIDE SOME WHAT COLD.DRIVING ON SURFACE STREET.
OIL DIP STICK SMELL LIKE GAS GOING INSIDE THE OIL CAR LACK POWER I NOTICED IT IN COLD WEATHER WE ARE HAVING IN CA STATE A LOUD WHIRLING ENGINE NOISE COMING FROM TOP OF ENGINE DIP STICK SHOW MORE THEN WHAT I FIRST STARTED WITH WHEN I CHANGE OIL 3K MILES B4 IT STALL OUT ON ME 2 TIMES IN THE LAST 3MONTH I LIVE IN AGUANGA CA TEMP FELL TO 29 DEGREES FOR THE LAST COUPLE MONTH WINTER WEATHER WITH SNOW
SUSPECTED OIL DILUTION... RECENT DEALERSHIP OIL CHANGE, LESS THAN A WEEK LATER, THE VOLUME OF "OIL" WAS APPROX. 1/2 INCH OVER THE TOP OF THE DIP STICK MEASUREMENT SECTION. DEALER RE-DID THE OIL CHANGE TWO WEEKS LATER, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO OBSERVE. THE OIL DOES HAVE A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE... COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE LONGEVITY OF THE ENGINE DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR RELATED TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
MY CAR JUST LAST SATURDAY HAS STARTED DRAINING LIGHT BLUE FLUID,AND I WAS TOLD IT IT THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALERSHIP I BROUGHT THE CAR TO SAYS THAT HONDA SENT A NOTICE TO HONDA OWNERS FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL WITHIN A SPECIFIC YEAR RANGE BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS IN ITS ENGINE BLOCK. HONDA DID EXTENT THE WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE DATE. MY CONCERN IS THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2011 AS CERTIFIED USED CAR IN A HONDA DEALERSHIP, AND BEING A SECOND OWNER, I NEVER GOT ANY SAFETY CONCERNS OR RECALLS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE BY ANY MEANS (MAIL, CALL, EMAIL). I NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, WHICH HONDA KNEW ALL ALONG. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THEY DENY WORKING ON MY CAR AS IT IS OVER 10 YEARS WARRANTY FROM ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR ONLY HAS 66000 MILEAGE ON IT. MY CAR PROBABLY DID JUST SHOW SIGNS LATE BECAUSE OF ITS LOW USAGE.
AT 4400 MILES ON THE 2018 CIVIC HATCHBACK 1.5 L (APPROX 4 MOS) THE VEHICLE LOST POWER MOMENTARILY WHILE ACCELERATING AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND HAD A STRONG GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN. A CHECK OF THE OIL SHOWED THAT IT WAS EXTREMELY OVERFILLED WHEN PREVIOUS CHECKS DID NOT. HONDA DEALER (IDE HONDA, ROCHESTER, NY) REPLACED THE OIL AND OFFERED NO CORRECTIVE ACTION OR INFORMATION.
FUEL SMELL IN ENGINE OIL AND ENGINE OIL IS OVER FILLED ON DIPSTICK NOT LONG AFTER OIL CHANGE POSSIBLY DUE TO FUEL DILLUTION INTO OIL
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Quick Summary
The 2018 Honda Civic has 22 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.