9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,910
Average Mileage:
98,250 miles
Total Complaints:
183 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. get new engine (60 reports)
  2. not sure (38 reports)
  3. replace short block (28 reports)
  4. replaced engine (18 reports)
  5. honda paid for full repair (12 reports)
  6. get a new car (11 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #123

Sep 102012

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

Cracked engine block with less than 90k miles. Another widespread Honda engine problem.

- Dale B., Westerville, OH, US

problem #122

Mar 012013

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,000 miles

Currently on my 3rd letter to American Honda. THEY ARE USELESS AND SO IS PLANET HONDA IN UNION,NJ and they will scam the sh*t outta you.

I have had nothing but issues with this thing since I bought it BRAND NEW in 2006 with 2 miles on it. Now 7 years later I need a new engine????!!?!?! no...hell no...I've already had to replace the starter due to their neglect AND a cracked engine mount and the rear upper control arm kit (whatever the f*ck that means). I probably got charged for something I didn't need, like a chump, because it sounds made up.

F*CK YOU HONDA!!!!! never ever ever again with honda!!!! Luckily my friend is a lawyer and I am looking into legal action against them. I am owed a brand new engine and so is everyone else who has this problem!!! RECALL THESE CARS ALREADY HONDA!!! I ALMOST GOT STUCK IN BETWEEN AN INTERSECTION BECAUSE OF YOUR PIECE OF CRAP PRODUCT!!!!

- Kimberly S., South River, NJ, US

problem #121

Nov 212012

Civic DX 1.8L 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 105,000 miles

11-28-12: I wanted to report that Honda has been excellent with this issue regarding replacing the engine, however their customer care sucks. I live 2.5 hours from the nearest dealer. When this overheating started the day before Thanksgiving my mechanic gave me the kiss of death "Cracked Engine Block" diagnosis. I spent 4 days trying to figure out how I was going to afford a new car. (I never received the letter stating it was a known issue in 2010!!) Did some research and found this site. I prayed that this issue would be covered. I called Largo Honda on Monday. They had the car towed to the Dealership ($450 tow) with the premise that if it wasn't the engine block I would be responsible for the tow. No problem. Just got the call yesterday (Tuesday), it is covered by the extended warranty. I will have a brand new engine in my 7 year old car! Thank god! My one complaint, is given my location, I have no transportation for 4 days. Honda refused a rental and refuses to tow the car back to me. I HAVE to go pick it up. I don't want to sound too sour as they are replacing the engine for free, but I don't think it's right to leave me stranded if it is a known issue! Total time should be about 1 week from first issue to full replacement! oh and BY THE WAY - while they are replacing the complete engine, they do not include the spark plugs. ???? Weird.

Update from Nov 27, 2013: 11/28/13 - Picked up the car on a Friday 12/7/12. 2 miles from the dealership the check engine light came on. Drove 2.5 hours home as at that time dealer was closed. Called dealer, told to bring it back immediately! 2 days later squealing (metal on metal) and complete loss of power, car shut off, would not restart. Turns out while the engine block was replaced, this dealership used a pneumatic tool to re-install the tensioner. By over tightening the bolts they sheared two off in the BRAND NEW block which caused tensioner to fail, eating the belt and nearly destroyed the water pump! Went to a local mechanic as I was not paying $450 for another tow!! Largo Honda denied all responsibility. After this fix, I had a check engine light that would not shut off. Refused to go back to original dealership of replacement after the service I received. 10/28/13 Gainesville Honda found that Largo Honda had destroyed a canister purge valve and JB Welded is back together and re-installed!! There's a fingerprint in the glue! This seems to be why the light turned on 2 miles from the dealer in the first place! I have since reported these issues to Honda and launched a complaint, contacted the dealership (which denies all responsibility) and am now updating this complaint.

- Kristie K., Big Pine Key, FL, US

problem #120

Nov 302012

Civic LS

  • Manual transmission
  • 96,313 miles

Great to hear i can rant about feeling wrong done by Honda. I had a leakage of anti freeze up to 6 months ago which at first only was visible from how much i had to refill my radiator and run off fill up. Then it started to get worse...i took it to my mechanic (as Honda marks up their work done by so much) who said my water pump was shot. Got it replaced for a cool $400 only to have it continue to leak the very next day. Further investigation revealed a cracked engine block. My friggin car is only 6 years old and I have taken it into Honda faithfully 2x a year for service. Dont you think they would have found the original problem with the slow leaking water pump...or maybe the crack in the engine block??? Was considering taking it to Honda to trade in FAST and get a minimal trade in value. But then I took it for one last opinion only to find out the entire engine was replaceable under an unlimited replacement recall on engine blocks for my model year...in other words....... HONDA KNEW ABOUT ENGINE BLOCK ISSUES AND NEVER REVEALED THIS!!! My mechanic ultimately saved me thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches! As of now, Im carless and waiting for my engine replacement to be finished. My situation with Honda has soured me against the make. They didn't want it to get out to Honda buyers that if your engine cracks prematurely, that it is completely covered free of charge!!

- Alison L., Ajax, ON, canada

problem #119

Nov 272012

Civic

  • Manual transmission
  • 89,000 miles

Car started leaking/burning coolant, but was running fine. The temperature gauge started to fluctuate before I got to the station, so I bought some anti-freeze and made it there without overheating. After about a day of work, my mechanic (and uncle) found the crack and reported the bad news.

Honda City on Long Island was very nice. They told me to have the mechanic top off the radiator and drive the car over. They called back about 3 hours later, confirmed the engine crack and said that they would cover it fully.

I am worried about future problems, so I'm definitely going to ask what they would give me on a trade-in.

The guy I talked to said they would call me back in 5 days with an update. I am wondering if I should call back and see about a possible rental car. He seemed to know my uncle, plus my Dad has been at Acura for over 20 years, so maybe I can convince them.

- iswthunder, Bethpage, NY, US

problem #118

Jun 132012

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Honda aware of issue BEFORE issue occurred. Unaware vehicle was leaking coolant, dog drank coolant, incurred significant pet hospital bills, had to rent a car, all of which Honda refused to pay for. 3rd and last Honda we have/will own.

- shweetbox, Fresno, CA, US

problem #117

Jun 022012

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

My car has been in at the dealership for week now and there is no time as to when I'm going to get it back. I never got any letters from honda stating that there are problems with the engine blocks being cracked and how they extended the warranty on these cars. I'm a faithful Honda owner and this is my 6th Honda in our family. I have never had so many problems with this car for pretty much day one. I bring my car to Honda for EVERYTHING from basic service to new tires and brakes and to the same dealership everytime. I was driving my car to the dealership on 6/1/12 for an oil change, but on my way the car just shut off on me and died while I was driving. Then all the lights came on in the car saying there was a problem and my engine started smoking. After getting it towed to Honda and them looking at it for about 6 hours I got call back saying that the engine block was cracked and that would be covered under this extended warranty that Honda voluntarily did, but that it was going to cost me about $1,000 in labor and another $2,000 to replace the piston heads that warpped due to the engine overheating. They told me that Honda will not pay for new piston heads because it wasmy fault that I did not take it in to be looked at and drove while my engine was overheating. My dealership has been great throughout this whole thing and said that they would split the cost with me, but this being Honda's problem they need to take care of it not me or the dealership. I called American Honda directly and they opened up a case and we got an answer in about 36 hours that they will cover everything, but $300. As I was typing this I got a call from the dealership stating that the right engine mount as failed and does not need to be repaired, but if I did repair it, it would be another $250. I'm done with this car and the countless issues that I've had with it. If anyone needs American Honda's number it is: 1-800-999-1009 call and open up a claim and fight for your right!!!

- drizzo, Welsey Chapel, FL, US

problem #116

May 132012

Civic EX 1.8L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

That's real SAKS!!!!

So many people affected with the same problem and Honda do what?????

Cannot believe, I used to love and respect Honda

...We need to get a GOOD Attorney!!!! and fight for our money!

- vlad17, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #115

May 152011

Civic EX 1.8L 4 V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

I bought my 2006 Honda Civic in 2007. I was in love! it was my first car (besides the soccer mom minivan i was given to drive when i got my license.) HA WAS I FOOLED!

I have had so many issues with this piece of sh*t Honda i just wanna push it off a bridge. I was driving on Interstate 495 outside of Washington DC right after rush hour but if your from the dc area you know what that means. A lot of cars going really fast. I Was driving to Vienna Va to see my dad when my temp gauge shot up to burning hot! with out any warning it didn't slowly go up. No it went from the cool to on fire in a blink of an eye. So had to swerve across 4 lanes of traffic at 80 MPH to the break down lane when my car shut off cause it blew up. I HATE THIS CAR SO MUCH

- Allen B., Jacksonville, NC, US

problem #114

Jan 102011

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I bought my 2006 Honda Civic brand new from the dealership back in July of 2006. I purchased a Honda because of their reputation of being reliable vehicles. However, I have had NOTHING but problems with this car. Aside from the numerous recalls... I had to have the engine replaced. The Honda dealership said the engine was in such bad condition that they took a video of it to send to Honda. Mind you there was only 50,000 miles on the car (if even that) at the time. Virtually everything has had to be replaced on this vehicle. It has not been reliable in the slightest. I am very disappointed in Honda and at this point would not purchase one again.

- Elizabeth W., San Diego, CA, US

problem #113

Sep 012011

Civic 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 37,282 miles

THIS CAR NEED NEW MOTOR THIS MONOBLOCK IS RUPTURE FOR FABRIC NO GOOD QUALITY, IS A DEFECT OF MANUFACTURE HONDA IS NOT GOOD CAR AND NOY GOOD FOR PERSONAL INJURE FOR TOXIC GAS IN PASAGER CAB, VERY TOXIC. PENALITY CRIMINAL COMPANY.

- oscarorozco, Metepec, Estado de Mexico, Mexico

problem #112

Oct 052011

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

Not happy with Honda at all. Just call the dealer and there is a recall for this problem.

I am not sure what will happen next. For now I am stuck with this BAD Honda car.

- anjum, Springfield, VA, US

problem #111

May 232011

Civic DX-G 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,148 miles

2006 honda cicic - 82234 km---could not start the car -- dealer checked --- cracked engine block --replaced new engine under standand warantty - replaced ignition coil paid by my self

- Xuejun C., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

problem #110

Jul 012011

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I think I have the standard engine block crack that everyone else seems to be having. I went to get an oil change and they told me I was leaking coolant from somewhere they couldn't see. I tried to take it to the nearest Honda shop but it suddenly shot up to red (as hot as it could get) and when I tried to pull over it was dead. I'm taking it in a couple days and crossing my fingers for a new engine paid by Honda.

Update from Jul 13, 2011: I took my car to Honda of Sumner because my local Honda shop kept trying to make it sound like it was my fault since the car wouldn't even start. The engine was apparently ruined due to it over heating but Honda of Sumner is getting me a new engine for free and they're even paying for a retal for me! They've been awesome so I suggest anyone with the same problem in my area to go to Honda of Sumner.

- Leah J., Olympia, WA, US

problem #109

Jul 012011

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

Found Coolant on my garage floor after I pulled car out of garage. Looks like it is leaking from the engine block! Taking to the dealer next Tuesday.. Now I have to take a day off from work...What a Headache!!!

- Chris G., Tucson, AZ, US

problem #108

Jun 052011

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 24,171 miles

I got my civic serviced at dealer Magnum Honda. Within 48 hours and 48 kilometers, the engine emitted huge smoke and knocking sound and it just blocked. When I got the car towed to the same dealer, I saw a hole right in the middle of the engine block. I was informed by the dealer that water had entered the engine block. When I asked the dealer to verify if the condition of car if it looks like it has been into too deep water or does it look tempered or did the mileage show I have driven far enough to a place that was flooded or was there any flood in Bangalore in those 2 days? I failed to get any response. The car was doing perfectly fine for last nearly 5 years. It never had any problem or met with any accident and the condition is as close to new as it can be.

I just been robbed off a car either by Honda or by the dealer. I am not sure of the ability of a car to run well after its engine has been done. I have never driven a car whose engine has been done. And I can not risk driving with my family at odd hours in a car that breaks down. Besides, the repair will cost as much as the resale value of the car.

Is there any was that Honda looks at this complaint and does something. Reaching Honda helpline in India meant wasting more than 2 weeks to get back to the same dealer who again gave the same answer. I did not get the answer why and how did water went inside. It could only have been done during servicing with happened just before the breakdown.

Please ask Honda guys to examine the car objectively and replace the car immediately. For more than 3 weeks, the car is lying in the workshop.

- Ambuj S., Bangalore, Karnataka, India

problem #107

Feb 182011

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,000 miles

My car overheated after driving to St. Petersburg and back to Winter Haven fl. I had it checked at a mom and pop auto repair and was told my engine block was cracked and needed a new engine. I then googled the issue and found tha honda was extending warranty on cracked engine blocks to 8 years/ unlimited mileage. I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that Honda would pay for the repairs. I requested a rental car reimbursement/loaner car and was denied one. No biggie as I was happy that I did not have to get a new engine with the one I have running at 146000 miles!

Not sure if they will replace engine or just the block. The service advisor told me they would replace the "small block".

- Sergio J., Winter Haven, FL, US

problem #106

Apr 052011

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I bought my car with 35000 miles 2 yrs ago thinking I got away with a deal...up til yesterday when I got out of my car and smelled engine coolant. sure enough my engine block is cracked on the front side of the engine on the right side of the manifold.call mall of georgia and they told me to bring it in to be fixed,but will not offer of a free rental.just know this needs to be reported so others can be protected.

- jintangible, Cumming, GA, US

problem #105

Dec 222010

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

I THINK HONDA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM!!! THEY NEED TO STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT AND BITE THE BULLET AND FIX IT!!!! I BOUGHT A HONDA KNOWING HOW RELIABLE THEY ARE! NOT!!!! IF THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM THEN WHY IS EVERYONE SAYING THE SAME THING ABOUT THEIR HONDAS! IF I HAVE TO GET EVERY NEWS STATION ON THIS I WILL! THIS IS BULL POOP!

Update from Mar 13, 2011: We contacted Pensacola Honda and they took care of the problem free of charge no questions asked. I am totally satisfied with the Job Pensacola Honda, Pensacola Florida has done

- Gay M., Seminole, AL, US

problem #104

Oct 182008

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

My husband was driving his car home from work and it overheated on the freeway. Cracked engine block at 84,000. Honda refused to even discuss it, much less pay for any of it. Went to small claims court, got rent-a-judge. Found several California laws that Honda had violated, including failing to extend warranty due to hidden defect when purchased. Judge refused to hear the laws, refused to read his copy of the salient laws. We tried mediation outside the courtroom first. Took Honda nearly 3 hours of internal discussions to make an offer: a free tune-up. Since we didn't use Honda dealer for maintenance,(used a private mechanic who is certified), judge ignored all the laws and split the difference. So we were stuck with paying $2000 for a NEARLY new engine that still had a warranty. Outrageous from beginning to end.

This must be stopped. It is dangerous. It is expensive. It can prevent someone from getting to work which would result is a lost job, foreclosure, losing everything. Why NHTSA is ignoring this is unknown, but their have been colluding with Honda. How many laws does a corporation have to break before they are held responsible? It is outrageous and evil. Honda actually said on the phone "We don't ever put anything in writing." They laughed at us. They lied to us. They stole our money. Where is the payback? Where is the legal system? Where the h is our government?

NHTSA should be abolished, the members sent to jail, and a REAL consumer protection agency set up to punish Honda and all the others who continue to perpetuate "goodwill" programs. My foot.

- Joan B., Moorpark, CA, US

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