8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,900
Average Mileage:
87,950 miles
Total Complaints:
62 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. repaired at dealer; installed new engine/block (28 reports)
  2. not sure (17 reports)
  3. replace engine block (15 reports)
  4. Honda extended warranty to 8 years from purchase date (1 reports)
  5. honda has fixed the issue (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Honda dealer.

problem #62

Oct 132022

Civic DX In-Line 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,562 miles

The car started overheating, and noticed that the radiator fluid was leaking. Took it to my mechanic verify that the engine block is cracked and the radiator fluid is leaking through the crack in the engine block.

I also re-searched online and verified that the 8th generation of Honda civics had a problem with the engine block cracking, but Honda only warranted the problem for 10 years from the original purchase after that you’re on your own.

- Erika G., San Diego, US

problem #61

Oct 012019

Civic EXL 1.8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,653 miles

Honda made a defective engine block, and it's so bad that they had to extend their warranty to 10 years.

Now my car is 11 years old and has a cracked lower block. Coolant is leaking at 2 liters per hour. Never buying a Toyota again.

- Ayaat K., surrey, BC, Canada

problem #60

Jun 222020

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,474 miles

Well maintained car just can't make it to 100K miles due to manufacturer defect. Honda refused to fix known issue with their cars. Rep doesn't blame me for never buying Honda again. Word to the wise, steer clear of Hondas.

- Paul V., Gardena, CA, US

problem #59

May 292020

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,505 miles

We purchased what we though was a great value, a used 20087 Honda Civic with 35,000 miles and 3 years later and NOW with 85,000 miles was have coolant leak. Discovered Honda TSB 10-048 leaking engine because of a cracked block, that is exactly what we have. Honda advised me to have a Honda dealer completed a report and submit a good will request to have this fixed. The warranty was extended to 10 year no limit on mileage. Honda told me because I did not support the brand by having the car serviced a Honda the they would NOT help us at all.

We purchased a Honda because of the reputation on building a reliable car that when last for many year.

2 year old car with only 85,000 does not sound like anything reliable.

Honda knew of the defect they extended the warranty twice. I should have NO time limit but mileage limits.

Does anyone know of any lawsuit about his issue?

Please contact me

tak96819@yahoo.com

Thank you,

Tom

- tomc808, Kaneohe, US

problem #58

Oct 102019

Civic EX-L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

I bought the 2008 Honda Civic used from a Friend. It had 92000 miles on it. I did regular oil change on it. After 8 months of use at around 107000 miles, I had smoke coming out of the front. It was smelling coolant. I took it to a nearby shop and said the engine block is cracked and they can't fix it. Called the towing company and towed it to the Dealer. The Dealer confirmed that it was cracked engine block. They said it will cost 6000 dollars to replace it. I would have junked it, luckily for me the dealer said I only need to pay 1000 dollars after they got me a discount talking to Honda, I am not entirely sure how. I lucked out here. Even then I think people should avoid buying 2006-2009 Honda Civics, they are not as reliable.

- Jeeru P., Burlington, MA, US

problem #57

Sep 302019

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked engine block

My garage-kept, religiously maintained Honda Civic has one of the DEFECTIVE engines from Honda. I did call Honda corporate - and got a case number - but no help. I am one year past the 10-year-extended warranty for this issue. My chief gripe is that I was NEVER NOTIFIED by Honda. I found out about the issue from my independent mechanic once my block cracked. He was as shocked as I was.

- Max V., Nicholasville, KY, US

problem #56

May 312019

Civic EX 1.8L V4

  • Manual transmission
  • 145,033 miles

It was like any normal day driving my 2008 Honda Civic EX, except Friday, May 31st 2019 would prove to be unlike any other day of driving Honda Civics. I had been driving Honda Civics for almost 16 years! My first 2004 Honda Civic Ex was a gift to me for graduating from college, it had around 74,000 miles. I drove it to around 225,000 miles before the frame was damaged in an accident where I was rear ended. It still drove perfectly, it just had a bend in the frame in the back and I sold it to my friend for $1,500 who wanted to purchase it and fix it.

I used the insurance funds to purchase a new 2008 Honda Civic EX with only 4 miles on it, brand spanking new. If I only knew then, what I know now! I maintained my car meticulously, people were always trying to get me to sell them my car, it was in great shape, that is until Friday, May 31st, 2019. I was driving down the highway and noticed that the engine temperature gauge up more than half-way. Over 145,000 miles I had never seen the engine temperature gauge up that high. I thought I was just seeing things at first. I made it to my destination, did what I needed to do and got back into my car. Sure enough, as I began driving the engine temp. gauge fluxed up and then kept going towards the red line level. I could not believe it, what could it possibly be. I just got the oil changed the day before with expensive high mileage oil. I changed the oil religiously since day one.

Once I stopped, radiator fluid was everywhere and almost none was in the reservoir or radiator. I filled it up with water and it cooled down enough to drive somewhere to have it inspected. I was thinking it was a stuck thermostat or maybe worst case scenario my head gasket was bad. I will never forget the silence after I asked the Firestone rep, who had been maintaining/working on my car for 5 years, what was the matter. It was silence, followed by a sigh, then he said it is was way worse than I thought, that the engine block was cracked! He said he could not believe it, in all his years of being a mechanic it was the first time he had seen a cracked engine block without something else having caused it, blown head gasket, thrown rod, warped piston, etc.

All I could think is why, how? I maintained the vehicle, I was the only owner, it did not make sense. I beat myself up for a day or two before I google searched "2008 Honda Civic engine block cracked." It only took a few minutes to discover that Honda Civics from certain years, all have defective engines and the engine block can crack out of nowhere. It was just a delightful joy finding out that Honda issued an extended warranty up to 10 years for the vehicles to cover the defective engines.

My car was 1 year out of the extended warranty! I trusted Honda for almost 20 years as my go to source for dependability and I had considered purchasing a Honda Insight because of the gas mileage, but I just could not get over my trust issue. If Honda put that defective engine in a Civic, then why would it not put defective engines in other vehicles?

I would love to join a class-action with the other victims here against Honda. I finally gave up my faith in the dependability of Honda, they lost me as loyal, long-term customer.

- Matthew D., Charleston, US

problem #55

Mar 172018

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,915 miles

Car was repaired under the extended warranty. I paid to get a new timing chain as it was already apart. I hope to get another 230,000 KM on this car now its been repaired. I suggest not buying a used 2006-2008 Civic today because the 10 year warranty is now over and it may happen to anyone. I used synthetic oil since day 1, drove very gently and did all the services and it still happened. My wife has a 2004 Civic Si with 220,000 KM on it and it is going strong. I do recommend doing the Auto Tran service each year ( No flush just a drain and add 2.5 Litres)

- Jerry G., Delta, BC, Canada

problem #54

Feb 192019

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,795 miles

On 2/19/2019, I was informed by my mechanic that I had a cracked engine block. I contacted Henio Arcangeli Jr, Senior VP, Honda Auto Sales Division of the problem and requested a repair. I was denied a repair because I branded/salvaged the car in 2014 as a result of it being totaled due to a heavy hail storm in 2014. According to their extended warranty, salvaged cars voided the warranty. I salvaged the car because I thought all warranties had expired as the car was 6 years old (2008 Honda Civic). I was never notified by Honda about the problem with their 2006-2009 Civic engines nor was I ever notified about the 10-year warranty starting with the date I purchased the auto. Since I bought the car in 2010, I was within the 10-year warranty period, but salvaging the car sunk me.

I contacted Honda again pointing out that they had neglected to inform me about the foregoing and requested that they replace the engine. Again they turned me down based on voiding a warranty I knew nothing about. Research shows that Honda did everything possible to hide the Civic engine problem and the warranty from the general public, was negligent in not ensuring that all owners were notified (they had no problem notifying me about the airbag recall); evidently never notified the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) about the safety hazard of sudden complete loss of coolant which could result in a fatal accident; knowingly marketed a defective car for four model years; and, in general, deliberately engaged in unfair and deceptive business practices. No recall was ever issued. I am trying to start a class action lawsuit against Honda North America, inc.

From personal contacts and other sources I have identified over 200 persons who also were denied engine replacements mostly due to the expiration of the 10-year warranty that they knew nothing about. We are getting shafted by Honda and we should not put up with it. You can contact me at cagethmann74@gmail.com and I will add you to the list.

Since 2006-2009 Honda Civics are still being sold through used car dealers, car wholesalers, Craig's List, and Ebay, many other people stand to get screwed by Honda. Please join me in standing up to them. Don't let them get away with it!!

- Carl G., Reading, US

problem #53

Jan 092019

Civic LX 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

My Honda Civic 2008 with 123,000 miles also has a cracked engine block. There was no warning and car suddenly started overheating. I towed the car to a Honda Dealer. I was doing regular maintenance on the car oil changes and everything else as needed.

I am receiving no help from Honda. I thought Honda was a reputable company but this looks very bad and broke my trust in Honda. Nobody in my family will ever by a Honda ever again.

I will keep posting and emailing Honda about this issue in every post, forum, Twitter, Facebook. If you have any ideas on how I can get help for this, let me know.

- jobin, Congers, US

problem #52

Aug 042018

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 167,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked engine block

You buy a Honda because it is reliable, right? WRONG. This is my second Civic and this 2008 has been nothing but a pain in my ass. Apparently, they knew the engine blocks were prone to cracking... they gave a 10 year extended warranty on the damn things! Just my luck, my car was purchased 10 years ago in March. Its August, and I'm out of luck. Now I have to decide if it is even worth it to put in a new engine on this thing. Ridiculous. This will be my last Honda.

- Rachel H., Shawnee Mission, KS, US

problem #51

May 252018

Civic LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked engine block

Honda America Complaint: Problem : Honda Technical Bulletin # 10-048

https://honda.oemdtc.com/340/warranty-extension-engine-block-2006-2009-honda-civic

Description: Honda did not repair a known defect with cracked engine block for a Honda Civic 2008

On May 20th, I purchased a used Honda Civic 2008 from a local dealer. A lovely car. We drove the car for a little over a month before we realized that it loosing water constantly and overheats.  We checked the radiator and thermostat and found no issues with either. We took it to a local Honda repair shop who discovered that there is a hairline cracked engine block. I was about 7 weeks out of their extended warranty for this issue. Apparently, Honda discovered this as a defect for which they offered a 10-year program. However, it appears from everything I read that most owners have had their problems started like mine just recently, and after this warranty has expired. 

I initially escalated within my local Honda dealership and I did not total coverage for the repair. I escalated to Honda America, who assigned me a Regional Customer service; who I can tell from the start had no interest in providing any additional assistance. It always appeared that his responses is scripted, right from the start, he set the expectation that they will unlikely cover my total repair being out of the warranty. It took Anthony from Honda America 10 days, to give me the answer that I knew would be unfavorable from the start. Honda has used the excuse of their time limit to deny service for a problem they recognize as a defect, but unwilling to take responsibility for. It is an unfortunate form of bullying and side stepping the consumer by declaring a timeline convenient for Honda to absolve themselves of responsibility. The engine block should not have any problems like that for 200k miles or even a lifetime. 

Honda Needs to take responsibly for its defective product regardless of timeline. Or especially when they are close to the date. 

If you had a problem like that with your car. Please call me 919-931-6137, or email me: hsabha@yahoo.com, I would like to join as many consumers as possible to take legal action against Honda and correct this injustice. 

- Hisham S., Apex, US

problem #50

Jul 192018

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,400 miles

click to see larger images

cracked engine block

I bought my 2008 Honda Civic from the first owner in July 2014, and it just had the cracked engine block problem last week. Last week I did the oil, coolant, transmission and P/S services at the dealer and when the services were done they charged me about $500 and then told me engine block was cracked and leaking coolant!!! Said just 1.5 month out of the "secretly" extended 10-year warranty but there's nothing they can do.

I did all my maintenance at the dealer, not to mention the $500 I just paid them and the new tires and battery I changed a few month ago. Dealer gave me a quote of about $5000 to replace with an used engine. That's almost close to, if not more than, the car's value. This is my first car and I am so disappointed with Honda, expecting it will last long and putting so much (efforts and money) on it.

I believe I did nothing wrong but just unlucky, or Honda should take more responsibilities as they sold products with known defects. Still arguing with Honda customer service and the dealer but not expecting much based on the attitudes they showed and other's experiences I saw online. Shame on Honda as it's a manufacturing defect and they knew it. They should gave this problem a 200-250K-mile warranty if not a life-time warranty.

- Zengquan W., Knoxville, TN, US

problem #49

May 022018

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Have a 2008 Honda Civic. Suddenly noticed the heat gauge rise quickly. Stopped car right away and checked coolant. Coolant was extremely low and noticed leaking from what i thought was the water pump. Took it to my mechanic only to be told the block was cracked and needed an engine that would cost $2500. I did a quick Google search and found out there was an issue with all 2006-2008 and some 2009 models that had cracking blocks and "free engine replacements".

Contacted my local Honda dealer (Wyler Honda in Cincinnati) and they said they didn't know anything about the issue. I then sent the the Honda bulletins (10-048) that were posted on-line about the problem. They told me to bring car in to diagnose. Told me the block was definitely cracked and needed motor but I was out of the 10 year extended warranty (by 6 weeks!). I argued with them and they finally told me they'd replace the engine for $2100. I still complained that it should be free because of the frequency of the issue and my serial number was a covered serial number for the replacement.

After researching, also found that the majority of failures happens right at 90,000 miles, which is what mine has.They told me i should pay the $2100 then try and seek reimbursement from Honda. If i complained to Honda they wouldn't cover anything so i had the repair done then contacted Honda.

Two months later and several correspondence with Honda Customer Service and the Honda dealership, Honda CS said it was the dealerships responsibility and the dealership said it's Honda's responsibility. No one will call me back or respond to my requests for more communication to discuss.

I've since sold the Civic and am also in the process of selling my 2016 CRV I bought from that dealership. I'll never own another Honda. I have two Nissan Altimas with over 200,000 miles and no issues other than routine maintenance. If Honda treats their customers this way, I don't want to be their customer or ever own their cars.

- Tim W., Cleves, OH, US

problem #48

May 072018

Civic

  • Manual transmission
  • 168,720 miles

Honda Civic (2008) overheated on way to work on a Monday morning 5/7/18, had vehicle towed to Firestone they reported engine problem, engine got so hot dip stick melted. researched found vehicle covered under warranty had vehicle towed to AutoNation Sanford 5/11/18. engine covered but since engine was out they suggested a new clutch kit and replace timing chain paying for parts only no charge on labor, picked car up Friday 5/18/18 my son drove car, clutch pedal is to the floor, check engine light is on, speedometer not working and there is a humming noise, which I have been told should have been addressed with the "new" clutch install.

I am scared to drive the car. Called dealership Saturday morning 5/19/18, no call back. So I drove in my rental that I have had going on 3 weeks! Spoke to sales manager so very nonchalant, called and spoke to team leader 5/21/18 around 8:30 am still not return call from him and it is now 12:14pm. I am getting so very frustrated I thought having the Honda dealership fix the problem was a good thing not so sure right now.

This is my 3rd Honda, but they are making real hard for me to choose Honda again!

- Connie J., Sanford, FL, US

problem #47

Sep 012017

Civic DX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

Unfortunately, I encountered the infamous 2006 Honda Civic Cracked Block issue.

The Bad news is that this happened on a vehicle that had a salvage title. It was salvaged due to damage in the rear quarter panel. Nothing to do with the engine. I took the car in to Honda dealership to have them inspect the engine for a coolant leak issue. They indeed reported that this is the Service bulletin 10-048 issue, but due to the salvage title they would not honor the warranty.

This is very disappointing! Honda is not willing to fix the problem caused due to Honda's poor quality on the engine blocks. I have purchased several new vehicles through this Honda dealership. Will now consider Toyota for my future purchases.

- Tony C., Discovery Bay, US

problem #46

Feb 222017

Civic ES 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 84,716 miles

My car insurance appraiser said this is just "old age", to have a 2008 Honda Civic just have all the lights go up and down on the dash and stop running. My car has $6500 worth of damage to it, the engine must be replaced and it's only worth $6500 wholesale in perfect condition? It's totaled and there nothing anyone can do about it? I am so very, very disappointed and will never buy a Honda again.

- April B., Lakewood, CO, US

problem #45

Apr 072014

Civic 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked engine block

Cracked Engine Honda Civic 2008. My problem is solved but want to let others know. I bought the car used, third owner. It was 4 years old and the engine cracked. I could not believe it! I knew something had to be wrong with an engine cracking on a 4 year old car. I was on the computer for about 8 hours until I found something.

On some 2006–08 and early production 2009 Civics, the engine (cylinder) block may experience engine coolant leaks, resulting in engine overheating and cracking. It was a Service bulletin 10-048, not a recall. This saved my life. I got my engine for free under this bulletin. It wasn't a recall because the first bulletin stated that these engines MAY or MAY NOT crack. So of course they won't going to tell you, or you would not buy the car. They stated they sent letters out, and perhaps they did, but I was the 3rd owner. When I called Honda of course they said "Well, we have to see if it is covered".

I told them IT IS!!! The bulletin did not state any other requirements except that it was a Honda Civic between the year of 2006 - 08. No limit on mileage. So I took it in, and called corporate to file the complaint. They will give you a file number which is your defense if your issue is not worked on. The dealer tried to tell me I would have to pay for the hoses and so forth and I told them NO. The bulletin does NOT state that. I took pictures of my engine before I took it marked it with my finger nail polish, and marked all hoses. Corporate said I did not have to pay for anything. So always file a complaint with them before going to the dealer.

Since then they have changed the bulletin....Warranty Extension: Engine Block (Supersedes 10-048, dated December 23, 2010, to revise the information marked by the black bars) It is sad that many tossed, junked cars that were under this bulletin!!!!!! I am not sure I am allowed to upload the full bulletin but if anyone needs it, please email me.

- texasoup, Corpus Christi, TX, US

problem #44

Jan 242017

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I had a Coolant Leak in my 2008 Civic EX. I went to my local mechanic and he told me that there is an "Engine Block Crack" and he has seen this in lots of Honda Civic and should be covered under extended warranty (Keith from Fiores Auto Center in Shrewsbury MA. Great guy). I searched it online and came to know that it's a known issue for Honda (2006 - 2008) and they extended the warranty for "Engine Block Crack" for 10 years (Technical Service Bulletins : 10-048). I took my car to Honda dealer and they checked and confirmed me that Engine Block is cracked and it's covered under extended warranty (Warranty for 10 years with unlimited mileage). I was lucky that my car was 9 years old. But I can understand the pain for someone whose car is 10+ years and specially with less miles. Honda should have at least had it for 15 years as it's such a great company and build reliable cars and should try to build customer loyalty.

- saxenama, Shrewsbury, MA, US

problem #43

Jul 012016

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

Honda is well aware of the inferior metal they used when manufacturing their 2006 thru early 2009 engine blocks. They end up cracking or in my case allow coolant to leak through pin holes. No check engine light came on and since there wasn't enough coolant in the system to register the temperature gauge it didn't even read hot. and therefore the engine blew up too.

Since I still owed $3,000 on the car loan it seemed like the end of the world, but thanks to my mom who knew to check for recalls or other repair complaints online and the fabulous service writer Gerald at Tipton Honda of El Cajon I ended up with a brand new engine and block. It took a little bit longer to complete due to the 4th of July weekend but Tipton Honda paid for 1/2 of the daily rental car charge and even charged up my A/C for free. I ended up paying only $300 for a few optional replacement parts.

I was truly blown away by their accountability for the repairs. Although I did not purchase my civic from them, I will definitely purchase my next Honda from Tipton of El Cajon as a result of this experience. Thanks,

Karen M.

- Karen M., El Cajon, CA, US

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