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)
2006 Honda Civic engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Honda Civic Owner Comments (Page 7 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #63

Feb 082010

Civic EX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine blocks should not fail for so many vehicles. This should have been a Honda covered repair based on a product defect. The over heating occurred while I was commuting to work some 70 miles from home. Took it to the dealer near work. They were great, the problem was covered by by extended warranty and they gave me a 2009 civic to use as a loaner while they made the repair. We've had extended warranties for almost every car we've had for 20 years, except for a $1000 covered repair on an older Subaru, this is the first time one has kicked in to cover a big repair. I'd continue to get extended warranties because I really don't trust the car manufacturers to come clean on defects.

- poconodad, Shawee On Del, PA, US

problem #62

Mar 032010

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 103,000 miles

I am so mad with Honda. One day I was drving and all the sudden smoke came out from my hood. I just figured a hose busted or something like that. But no. It was a cracked block. This will cost me so much money. I have heard Honda even changed it and beefed up those areas on their newer models. I am only twenty years old but itf they do not recall my car I will never purchase another Honda in my life.

- Jacob S., Florence, AL, US

problem #61

Mar 162010

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,529 miles

This is a shocker!! leaking smurf blue anti freeze from my 2006 Honda civic so changed the water pump, also changed the belt because there was a flaw in the way the belt wraps around pulley, "too much tension on water pump" added the new belt, put everything back like a pro. Then come to find out it is still leaking Coolant!! We then discover that there is a crack in the block. Honda won't help, says I am on my own. I will NEVER buy a Honda product again!! poor service when there product fails! Nice looking car but I wish my Honda would have made it to 200.000 miles not die at 100.000 miles.

- Kenneth B., New Bedford, MA, US

problem #60

Mar 152010

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hello, I have the same problem... sweet smell, thermostat didn't indicate any high temp, my Honda is my baby, always serviced, she started leaking coolant yesterday in the front side of the block. Thank goodness it happened under the best circumstances. I had the Dealership tow my car to them. I just got off the phone with the Honda Dealership & it's a cracked engine block. The manager assured me that it is covered under the power train warranty but he's not sure how quickly he can locate all of the parts that's needed for the job. I don't know how/ when I'll get her back. I'm so disappointed that Honda. I am waiting to see if they intend to supply me with a rental car during this ordeal.

- trishd, Grand Prairie, TX, US

problem #59

Mar 152010

Civic DX-X 1.8L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,517 miles

I have to say I have really enjoyed this car up until this point. I have had absolutely zero problems and Honda has been wonderful with any servicing and recalls especially given that I have such high mileage on the car.

What angers me is that they have known FULLY about this issue with the engine blocks since 2008, yet for those of us who are having it happen, Honda will not compensate us whatsoever for a design flaw that THEY are responsible for. I have taken good care of the engine, had it serviced when it was required, and this is what I get.

Lucky for me, the place I took my car to found an engine with 2 kms on it (written off in a road test) and will only cost me around $2700 installed and for another $250 they will add a LIFETIME warranty, which I'm seriously considering since the last engine obviously didn't do so well.

- thracky, Brampton, Ontario, Canada

problem #58

Mar 142010

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

Cracked engine block...just like many others with a high mileage 2006 Honda Civic. I got little sympathy from the Honda Service Department; they were willing to reduce the bill by $200! And, in an attempt to trade-in the vehicle, the Sales Department was willing to give me $1000-1500 for my car (depending on what new vehicle I purchased). I even called American Honda Customer Service and they weren't willing to help out either. According to the Representative, because my car was beyond warranty and this is not a recall situation, there was nothing that they could do. She even went so far as to tell me to discuss further with the Honda Dealership OR take the car to another repair shop!

I bought this car because I thought a Honda would last....boy, was I wrong!

- bdipaolo25, Breinigsville, PA, US

problem #57

Feb 282010

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2006 Honda Civic EX just started smoking out of nowhere, i pulled off to the side of the road immediately and shut off the car. There were no warning signs and I always get all my fluids checked with proper maintenance. I opened up the hood and there was coolant spewing from the front of the engine. I got it towed to an auto shop and they said it was a cracked engine block. This is a $3000-$5000 fix, but luckily I am covered under the powertrain warranty that comes with the car. So Im getting a new engine, but I'll never buy Honda again. I recommend the same to all my friends.

- matatat1985, Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #56

Mar 012010

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

So I bought this car used from a dealer. It had high mileage, but, "Hey, it's a Honda" I reassured myself. In fact, I sought this car out for the exact reason I bought it.

You know the rest, noticed some antifreeze on the ground, car running hot. No biggie, it's just a hose or something. I took it to my local garage and they diagnosed a cracked engine block, right over the coolant channels -- just where the technical bulletin says it will occur. Estimated repair cost is $3800. I just bought the car in October!

I contact my dealer and they are going to chat with the regional/district folks. We'll see what they say.

Interestingly, Honda has apparently known about this problem long enough to have redesigned their engine block to beef up the areas that are prone to cracking. Infers to me that the engineers realized it was defective design. Soooo, if you put in a 2006-2008 block in your car, you are at risk for it happening again.

- Kevin K., San Antonio, TX, US

problem #55

Mar 022010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

I guess I'm with the rest of the people that purchased a 2006 Honda Civic. It is sitting at the Honda shop with a cracked engine block. I was driving down the road and hit a pot hole which I thought caused a hose to bust because fluid was dripping from underneath the car. I took it to the Honda Dealer in Warner Robins, GA and was advised that the engine block had cracked. The mechanic said that it was a common problem with Civics. It seemed that everyone at the Honda dealer knew that this was a problem with these cars. The mechanic advised that he didn't think the pot hole caused the crack. He thought it was a weak spot in the engine block. I was advised that this was NOT a recall and of course my warranty was up. It seems to me that if this is a known problem to ALL people that work with Honda (because they have been notified by Honda that this is a problem) and (after reading the complaints on this website) all Honda Civic owners, Honda should step up and fix their mistake without any expense to the owner. That is why people buy Honda's. They EXPECT a quality product and EXPECT Honda to stand behind their products. I have been told that it will cost $3300.00 to fix my car. I have not discussed this with the Manager yet, but I plan on it. I have filed a claim with my insurance company and I am waiting to here a response. I expect if my insurance will not cover the cracked engine, I will try to get some satisfaction from Honda. If that doesn't work, I will go to the local news station and get the attention off of Toyota. If anyone wants to be interviewed and voice their opinion, just let me know. I will update how Honda responds later.

- Chad F., Dublin, GA, US

problem #54

Feb 142010

Civic EX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

My car ran hot going to the store so I just turned around and went back home. I took it the very next day to a mechanic that informed me that I have a cracked blocked that he found out was a common problem in the 2006 model Honda Civic. I then called my Honda dealer that then gave me the 800 number for Honda to file a complaint. I was told that a case Manager would call me back...I haven't heard from anyone yet.

I will let you know if Honda helps me out on this...I sure hope so cause I have only had this car 8 months and still owe too much money for such a costly problem that I feel is a manufacturers defect that Honda should fix . I feel like Honda will stand behind their product. I don't think they will want to tarnish their image. I am a firm believer in Hondas...I have owned 4 and never have I had a problem. We were planning to trade in our 2004 Civic on a new one this year...but I guess that depends on the outcome of this problem.

Update from Feb 22, 2010: I reported my cracked block to Honda the day after it happened and they responded the very next day. Even though I have 67,000 miles on my car they have agreed to pay $2500.00 of the cost to repair which is $3500.00 Now I am pleased that they responded so quickly but $1000.00 is still alot of money to me for something that they have admitted is a problem that they know about.

I am going to call them back to see if they can do more but at the same time I know that I am passed the warranty by 6000 so I guess I should be happy that they are willing to help. I would like to know what others think on this...feel free to respond.

- loriy, Fort Payne, AL, US

problem #53

Feb 012010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am a Consumer Class Action attorney and we file class action lawsuits for people who have common car problems that the manufacturer is ignoring and will not help them with. We are looking for consumers with these types of problems that are willing to be class action representatives in lawsuits against the car companies. We never charge our class action clients any money whatsoever! My email is Chris@CLBrownLaw.com. Contact me if you are interested in looking into this. Thanks

Chris B

- Christopher B., Germantown, TN, US

problem #52

Feb 152010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

My mechanic said a cracked engine block for 2006 Civic is becoming an evident problem. He showed me an alert (that he pays for) stating what the problem is and where to look for the problem. It can crack either in front or back. The alert also said to ask Honda for a "goodwill" consideration for fixing the problem, however, my local dealer said absolutely not... even though we still owe Honda 9300.00 for the car! I'm very upset. Already contacted AP to see if they are ready to take on Honda the way they have Toyota. People need to know!

- colk, Wharton, NJ, US

problem #51

Feb 102010

Civic EX

  • Manual transmission
  • 71,000 miles

Just found out I have a crack in the engine block....seems to be an issue with the 06 civic but no recall yet. With all the issues going on with Toyota...I hope Honda is willing to fix for us!!!

- megs, Marlborough, MA, US

problem #50

Feb 052010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I guess Iam # 48. I used to love my 2006 Honda Civic until today when I was on my way to class when I had to pull over on the side of the road because my car went hot and the engine was smoking! Im a girl and had no idea what was going on luckily my boyfriend is a mechanic and came and met me. When we went to look under the hood we saw coolant on the ground, once we popped my hood he filled it up with water and took it to his shop. I used his vehicle to go to class (after missing my first class) in between classes he informed me that it was a cracked engine block! ARE YOU SERIOUS?? The service adviser at Honda told us it was a huge problem and its not uncommon that he sees this all the time. WHAT??? AND HONDA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS AND IS NOT PAYING FOR THIS? Hopefully the warranty covers it but I will have to wait until Monday when an inspector from the warranty company can get out to the dealership to inspect it to make sure I didn't neglect the problem. HOW CAN I? HONDA NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ASAP! If my car is not covered and Honda tells me I will have to pay out of pocket I will be contacting my Lawyer!!!

- Meghan S., Baton Rouge, LA, US

problem #49

Feb 012010

Civic LX 1.8L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,906 miles

My 2006 Civic LX began to have a sweet smell in the cabin last week...coolant right...right. I noticed coolant on my driveway and in the lot at work. Topped off fluid but more spots on drive way the next day. I drove it less than 3 miles and it began to overheat. I took it to Midas, closest to home with a hot engine and they told me that my engine block was cracked. I have it at Honda now. It has 58,000 miles so I'm expecting it to be covered under powertrain. They told me the repair would be about 6K if it is not covered. I don't see why it would not be covered but these things can get ugly. I will let you know. After this repair, depending how it gets handled, I'm done with Honda. This is my first but they had been so good to my family in the past. 2000 more miles and I would have been screwed! I will keep everyone posted.

- Rigo R., West Caldwell, NJ, US

problem #48

Oct 012009

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 72,000 miles

I guess this is a more common problem. i am the first owner. i drive the car like a granny, oil change and maintenance is good. mostly highway miles on my car. one day i loaned it to my brother and he calls and says it was leaking fluid. he took it apart to see where it was coming from and the block was cracked. i called Honda, out of my warranty. they will not fix but offered to tow it to closest dealership to "find out what it is" and will charge me? if it's not covered under my warranty? what? you just told me i was out of my warranty, i just told u it was a cracked block...is this suppose to be customer service? you pretend to be nice when you know there's a problem.

I will call Honda north America again and will file a complaint. honda will fix this problem or we can put it on the news. i will be collecting names, if you're interested in putting your name on the list and have the same problem. please send me your name to:

pluckyxiong@hotmail.com

thanks

- pluckyxiong, Sacramento, CA, US

problem #47

Jan 302010

Civic LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

Ok, About 3 months out of the dealership, I needed a new transmission. Now I need a new engine! Yesterday, I developed a crack in my engine block about 105 miles away from home. A mechanic checked it out today by putting in water into the radiator and then applying pressure. The water clearly leaked from the engine block.

Judging by the number of complaints on this topic, it seems to be a design problem and needs to be addressed by the manufacturer!

I will be calling Honda tomorrow. Will update as I find out what their take on it is.

Update from Feb 8, 2010: After spending a week trying to work it out with Honda, I find that I have to pay for it out of pocket...$3100

I proposed two different options to Honda but they denied both:

1. Help cover the cost of fixing the car 2. Give me a "special" deal on the 2010 Civic or a good trade in value on my 2006

I have 132K miles on my car. The reasons I think I should be entitled to anything from Honda is because:

1. There are so many people complaining about this problem 2. Honda recognizes that this problem exists in TSB 08-044

If it is a design or manufacturing flaw, Honda should help fix it regardless of mileage.

Unfortunately, Honda does not think so!

Update from Sep 3, 2010: *Received a letter from Honda today. They have extended the warranty on engine blocks for Civics 2006-2008. Anyone who has or had the cracked engine block issue, regardless of mileage, will be reimbursed. *

Update from Jan 25, 2011: Around September or so, I got a check from Honda for the full amount that I spent in January getting the new engine block. My car had 132K miles on it at the time.

Contact Honda and tell them that you have this problem. Have your receipt/diagnosis handy. Mail it to them with the form they will send you along with diagnosis, proof that you fixed it and proof of payment and you will most likely be reimbursed. They seem to have extended the warranty coverage problem to 8 years, unlimited mileage.

Faith in Honda restored!

- npw, San Diego, CA, US

problem #46

Jan 282010

Civic

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Right now it is at the dealer and the factory rep is looking to see if they will cover the cost of repair. I did a google search and find that I am not alone. Since this seems to happen to 2006 Civics with higher mileage, are we just the tip of the iceberg? Maybe Toyota will use this to draw attention away from their current mess.

I will update once I hear from the dealer.

Update from Feb 3, 2010: The dealership got back to me. $4,400 to fix and since I had a good maintenance record Honda will pick up a little more than half of the cost. It will take a week and a half.

Not completely happy, but at least it will be resolved.

- Joe M., Pine Beach, NJ, US

problem #45

Jan 292010

Civic LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,250 miles

Well, i noticed a coolant leak this past week and wasn't sure what it could be. coming from rear of engine block. took it to local mechanic and he told me to take it to the dealer. i think i am still in my 60,000 mile warrant drive train, not sure. i see the long list of people with the exact same problem as me and am hoping i dont end up with my beautiful well maintained civic sitting in the garage parked because i definitely don't have thousands to pay to fix this. i cannot believe this crap is happening and Honda is not issuing a recall. is that what you get for making Honda your choice? a faulty cracked block? i will find out tomorrow what the dealership says. until then i hold my breath! good luck to all those with the same problem. i feel ya. next time maybe a Toyota.....

- Ryan P., Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #44

Jan 192010

Civic EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

We've been huge Honda fans for years and I am so disappointed to find out that our civic has a crack in the engine block! Luckily, the car is still under warranty, but we will be without a car for two weeks! Apparently, this is a huge problem for the 2006 civics. They should be recalled and Honda should provide us with a rental car until we get our car back!

- Margaret O., San Francisco, CA, US

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