Back in 2011, a 2007 Honda Civic FD car owner, Ashley, contacted our crew to run a detail check on her car. During that time, her car’s odometer has just surpassed 100,000 km (approximately 62,136 miles). However, everything looks very new for a 5-year-old car. The car smells new and runs very smooth when we hit 160km/h (100 mph). Read Honda Civic: It still smells new after runs for one hundred thousand km in five years for the full story we wrote 6 years ago. It really surprises us because we didn’t expect the car to perform just like it was new.
Today, another 5 years has passed and Ashely once again contacted us to review on her car. Currently, the car’s odometer has just surpassed 135,000 km (approximately 83,885 miles). The owner didn’t use the car that much compared to the first five years. Although the car hasn’t run that much, Ashley told us that she has replaced at least 10 parts on the car including wear and tear parts. According to her experience and a few opinions from other Honda Civic’s owners, we have created a list of top 10 most common problems for the 8th generation Honda Civic FD (2006-2011). The list here will be very helpful to those who are considering to buy a used or second-hand Honda Civic made between 2006 and 2011.
1. Motor Mount
This is a very common problems for Honda Civic FD. The engine will vibrate when you put the gear selector to Reverse (R). The vibration also will not happen when the engine is heated up. Ride side motor mount is made of rubber thus it will wear out over time. The part no is 50820-SNL-T01. Check out the detail story here at Honda Civic Engine Vibrates in Parking Reverse Transmission.
2. Air Conditioner Compressor Clutch
According to a Honda workshop in Thailand, they mentioned that Air Condition Compressor Clutch is an common issue for the eighth generation Honda Civic FD as well as Honda Accord.
3. Power Steering Pump
At about 120,000 km (approximately 74,565 miles), Ashley’s car power steering pump starts to leak. Every morning, a few drops of power steering fluid can be seen on the floor. Whining sound can be heard when the steering wheel is turned. It is either to replace a new power steering pump or to replace the seal.
4. Honda VTEC Solenoid Valve
Also at about 120,000 km (approximately 74,565 miles), Ashley’s realize the engine oil level on her car is gone after a few weeks. The engine oil leak from the VTEC Solenoid valve. It is either to replace a new VTEC Solenoid valve or just to replace the seal.
5. Valve Cover Gasket
Other than the VTEC Solenoid valve, the valve cover gasket is another reason that cause the engine oil level goes down.
6. Starter
When the car serves about 132,000 km (approximately 82,020 miles), the starter of the car RIP. Before that, you can feel the car is hard to start.
7. Rear Wheel Bearing
Also at the same mileage, (approximately 132,000 km/82,020 miles), both the rear wheel bearing is giving an annoying sound when the car reaches about 70 km/h or faster. This is also a very common problems for Honda Civic as well as Honda Accord.
8. Shock Absorbers and Struts
When the car reaches 138,000 km (85,749 miles), it starts to give some noises especially run over a bumpy road. That’s when you need to replace the shock absorbers and struts. This is a common wear and tear issue and it happens to the popular Toyota Corolla Altis too.
9. Radiator
The radiator is falling at 138,000 km too. It has to be replaced with a new one because the old one cannot be fixed. The entire job include a set of new water hose and new coolant. Engine flushing is a must too. According to a study, a car radiator usually will last for at least 8 to 10 years if it is well-maintain according to the basic car maintenance schedule. Thus, it is very reasonable to replace a new one after 10 years.
10. Transmission Oil Leak
At the same mileage, transmission oil is leaking from the gearbox. It can be seen clearly from the bottom of the engine bay. We brought Ashley’s car to a Honda dealer nearby and found another 2007 Honda Civic is sitting inside the workshop, having the same problem too. Perhaps this is also another common problems for the eighth generation Honda Civic?
11. Relay & Fuses
For an aged car, regardless of Honda or Toyota, relay faulty or burned fuse is common problem. A bad relay could cause your air conditioning stop working or car won’t start. Therefore, always diagnose your car problem start with the relay or fuse if it is related to electricity. See also: Honda Civic Fuse Diagram and 2007 Honda Civic Fuse Diagram.
12. Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is not in good working condition if you feel your Civic shakes, hesitates when accelerating or hard to drive. That’s another well-known issue on an aged Honda Civic.
Other than the top 10 common problems, Ashley also replaced a lot of wear and tear parts including brake pads, brake discs, Wiper blades and others. Are you also an eighth generation Honda Civic owner? Please share your personal experience with Honda cars at the comment section below. We would like to hear them!
