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Honda · Compact · 2012–2017

Honda Civic FK1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.2 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

310–329 PS

2.0L VTEC Turbo Benzin

First turbo Type R — the controversy died fast

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

140–141 PS

1.8L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Honda Civic FK1 is available as Schrägheck and Tourer — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Schrägheck
5 Engines 3× Good Choice
view Schrägheck →
Tourer
5 Engines 3× Good Choice
view Tourer →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Civic FK1 is available with 4 engine variants — from 83 to 329 hp.

1.6L i-DTEC · Diesel· 120 PS
2013 2017
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
2.2L i-DTEC · Diesel· 150 PS
2012 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.3L i-VTEC · Benziner· 99 PS
2012 2014
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L i-VTEC · Benziner· 140–141 PS
2012 2017
Good Choice 3 weaknesses

The Honda 1.6L i-DTEC (Diesel, 120 PS) has the N16A (1.6L i-DTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 2.2L i-DTEC (Diesel, 150 PS) has the N22B (2.2L i-DTEC) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Honda 1.3L i-VTEC (Benziner, 99 PS) has the L13A (1.3L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 1.8L i-VTEC (Benziner, 140–141 PS) has the R18A (1.8L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: ABS Control Unit Metal Shavings

On 2014–2015 models metal shavings in the ABS control unit can impair brake pressure. Honda carried out an official recall; check vehicles with a dealer before purchase.

Symptoms: ABS warning light illuminates permanently; in the worst case reduced braking performance when ABS activates.
Ad ABS control unit Civic FK1 recallHonda Civic 9 recall ABS
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
2,992 complaints · 2012–2017
Steering
699 ⚠ 22
Other
553 ⚠ 14
Airbags
411 ⚠ 113
Powertrain
406 ⚠ 14
Electrical
372 ⚠ 10

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (699 complaints)
⚠ Other (553 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (411 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 29 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Civic FK1 (2012–2017) — 24 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Brakes, Electronics, Gearbox. Considered reliable: L13A (1.3L i-VTEC), R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), N16A (1.6L i-DTEC).

Civic (N22B, 2012–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch at high mileage, EGR valve carbon build-up and cracks, Exhaust manifold cracks (inherited problem). Power: 150 PS.

Civic (K20C1, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Fuel pump recall 2018/2019 FK8, 3rd/4th gear synchro failure under track use, Intake valve carbon deposits — direct injection. Power: 310 PS.

What to watch out for with the Honda Civic? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Civic FK1 have? +
The Honda Civic FK1 has 24 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Civic FK1? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: L13A (1.3L i-VTEC), R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), N16A (1.6L i-DTEC). The most reliable engine is the R18A (1.8L i-VTEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the K20C1 (2.0L VTEC Turbo).
Which Honda Civic FK1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Civic FK1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda Civic FK1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Civic FK1 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Turbo in a Type R? Sacrilege! — said the purists, until they drove it. 306 hp, best manual of its time, Nurburgring 7:50. Lighter than the FK8, Europe/Japan only. The NA VTEC wail is gone; in its place a broader turbo punch. The doubters went quiet. The FK2 earned its red badge.
Is the Honda Civic FK1 worth buying used? +
The Honda Civic FK1 is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Civic FK1? +
The Honda Civic FK1 is available with engine variants from 83 to 329 hp. Petrol: L13A (1.3L i-VTEC), R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), K20C1 (2.0L VTEC Turbo). Diesel: N22B (2.2L i-DTEC), N16A (1.6L i-DTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee