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Honda · Compact · 2006–2011

Honda Civic FN

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

201 PS

2.0L i-VTEC Benzin

Last NA screamer before the turbo age

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

140–141 PS

1.8L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

88–99 PS

1.3L IMA Hybrid Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Civic FN is available with 5 engine variants — from 83 to 201 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.2L i-CTDi · Diesel· 140 PS
2006 2011
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.3L i-VTEC · Benziner· 83–99 PS Engine Change
2006 2011
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2009 2011
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L i-VTEC · Benziner· 140–141 PS
2006 2011
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Type R · Benziner· 201 PS
2007 2011
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.3L IMA Hybrid · Benziner Hybrid· 95 PS
2009 2011
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Honda 2.2L i-CTDi (Diesel, 140 PS) has the N22A (2.2L i-CTDi) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Honda 1.3L i-VTEC (Benziner, 83–99 PS) comes with 2 different engines: L13A (2006–2011, Good Choice) und L13Z (2009–2011, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.3L i-VTEC!

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

The Honda Type R (Benziner, 201 PS) has the K20Z (2.0L i-VTEC) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Honda 1.3L IMA Hybrid (Benziner Hybrid, 95 PS) has the LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Electric Power Steering Failure

The electric power steering (EPS) can fail suddenly — the steering wheel becomes heavy without warning. Affects the 8th generation (2006–2011); Honda carried out a recall.

Symptoms: Steering wheel becomes heavy without warning; EPS warning light (steering wheel symbol with exclamation mark) illuminates; occasional slight pulling to one side.
from 100,000 km
Ad EPS Civic FNpower steering Honda Civic FN2
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
4,474 complaints · 2006–2011
Airbags
753 ⚠ 173
Engine
604 ⚠ 8
Suspension
598 ⚠ 14
Visibility
542 ⚠ 2
Body Structure
330 ⚠ 18

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (753 complaints)
⚠ Engine (604 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (598 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Civic FN (2006–2011) — 23 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid). Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Suspension, HVAC. Considered reliable: L13A (1.3L i-VTEC), L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC), R18A (1.8L i-VTEC).

Civic (K20Z, 2007–2011) — Be Careful: Oil pump chain tensioner wear — cold-start rattle, Clutch master cylinder failure — pedal feel changes, 3rd gear synchro — gear change issues. Power: 201 PS.

Civic (LDA, 2009–2011) — Stay Away!: IMA high-voltage battery degradation — total failure possible, DC-DC converter failure — 12V battery no longer charges, IMA fault code prevents MOT/vehicle inspection pass. Power: 95–99 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 FN have? +
The Honda Civic FN has 23 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Civic FN? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: L13A (1.3L i-VTEC), L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC), R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), N22A (2.2L i-CTDi). The most reliable engine is the R18A (1.8L i-VTEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the K20Z (2.0L i-VTEC). Problem engine: LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid) — stay away!
Which Honda Civic FN engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Civic FN. 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 FN engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Civic FN — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The FN2 gets rightful stick for its steering. But the K20Z itself is beyond reproach. 201 hp NA, free-revving to 8,000, short 6-speed. The driving feel is more direct and focused than the turbo FK2 that replaced it. Anyone who drives a turbo daily and then wrings out the K20Z instantly gets why this format has die-hard fans.
Is the Honda Civic FN worth buying used? +
The Honda Civic FN is a good choice as a used car — 4 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Civic FN? +
The Honda Civic FN is available with engine variants from 83 to 201 hp. Petrol: L13A (1.3L i-VTEC), L13Z (1.3L i-VTEC), LDA (1.3L IMA Hybrid), R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), K20Z (2.0L i-VTEC). Diesel: N22A (2.2L i-CTDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee