5.2

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$250
Average Mileage:
61,100 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. replace engine mounts (2 reports)
  3. replace hydraulic motor mount (1 reports)
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problem #10

Oct 052018

Civic EX 1.8L I4

  • Manual transmission
  • 95,000 miles

This a common problem for the 8th gen Civic. At first cold start, there is a vibration, buzzing, rattling, especially in manual trans and reverse. Honda offers this mount [Rubber Assembly - Honda (50820-SNB-H01)] for $345.42. You can find OEM online for less. It's also available aftermarket, which I chose, as it had a lifetime replacement warranty. In the long run, this was the cheaper option. I think I paid about $25 for the mount, which was exactly the same. My tech charged me an hour of labor to swap it out. When I saw the old one, there was hydraulic fluid leaking out of it in a mess on the floor. Don't be talked into replacing all the motor and trans mounts. It's overkill. This solved my problem. Did away with the noise that went away after it warmed up and engine vibration. Good luck.

- David B., Rockville, US

problem #9

Dec 102015

Civic 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,038 miles

I own a 2008 Civic and have recently noticed a vibrating engine, especially in the morning when first starting. It will continue for approximately 10 miles or so and then subside usually for the rest of the day. When put in reverse, it's worse, almost sounding like my engine will drop. Ugh!! But once again, that also dissipates as the day goes. Once again, this Honda has 35,000 miles on it!!!

- Michele R., Reading, PA, US

problem #8

Jan 052015

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Previously brought the car in for what seemed to be the same problem. Honda replaced spark plugs and did a valve adjustment. Less than a month later the same engine rattle was occurring. Bringing the car in the second time for the same problem I was told that the engine mounts on this vehicle had gone bad. Service rep also stated that this is a common issue and that the parts are faulty.

- Jana N., Valencia, CA, US

problem #7

Jun 012012

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

When I start my car in the morning, it make a low rumbling sound. It makes this noise in park and in reverse. It is fine in drive and once the car warms up. Something seems to be wrong with the engine.

I have taken my car in to several different repair shops, including the dealership and they cannot figure out what the problem is. It is costing me a lot of money. Does anyone know what it is? It has to be a manufacture defect since other people are experiencing the same problem.

- kimdc, Washington, DC, US

problem #6

Sep 032012

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,800 miles

My car rattles really bad in the morning in reverse. was told that it is the motor mounts.

- Ramona P., Atlanta, GA, US

problem #5

Aug 062012

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,980 miles

shocked we had any problems w/a honda before 100.000 miles ....very disappointing!!! we've had nissans that had 300.000 miles and no engine mounts had to be replaced...in matter of fact this is the first car in my lifetime (foreign or domestic) I've had to put engine mounts on...and we keep cars forever and take good care of them.

- jgogalgr, Clementon, NJ, US

problem #4

Jul 162012

Civic LX 1.8L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

The engine has a low pitched vibration/grumbling sound when I first start the engine in the morning. The vibration is worse when the transmission is placed into reverse, but eases when placed into drive. From online researching, this problem seems to be an engine mount problem. Given the number of complaints online, this seems to be another engineering/design flaw. I never had a 10+ year old crap American car give me this problem. So far I'm not impressed with Honda. Two issues within a few weeks. I may go back to Ford, or worse yet, Chrysler. My 88 Ford Taurus only gave me problems with the water pump and alternator. My Chrysler Sebring only gave me computer chip problems (engine control module).

Update from Apr 8, 2019: Rattling issue turned out to be a bad engine mount.

- Michael S., East Windsor, NJ, US

problem #3

Mar 062012

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I just bought this vehicle. It has been fairly warm outside so I never really noticed it. However, anytime you just start my civic for the first minute or so it idles high and you can hear a vibration in the cabin area. When you put it in reverse, it continues. However, after putting it in drive, the idle drops back to normal and the vibration goes away. After the engine warms up, everything returns to normal and I don't hear it for the rest of the day until the next morning or at night if the temperature is down.

- tiffanync, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #2

Sep 272010

Civic 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

on start up engine rattles until transmission is shifted into drive.engine will run rough until it warms up[about 15-20 minutes

- wendellmeyer, Chicago, IL, US

problem #1

Nov 032008

Civic

  • Manual transmission
  • 4,000 miles

I have noticed this problem only occurs when it is cold outside. According to Honda "They are unable to hear any noise when you start this car in the morning."

- gtkoseeman, Las Vegas, NV, US