Honda Type R
K20Z4, 201 hp at 7,800 rpm — technically a K20A2 carry-over; Honda barely touched it. The VTEC wail at high revs is just as good; the engine is not the FN2's problem. The chassis is: Honda swapped double-wishbone front for MacPherson struts and kept the torsion beam rear — the car feels absurdly stiff without the EP3's agility. 3rd gear synchro is THE FN2 issue: notchy on the 2-to-3 shift, pops out. 2007 model year worst affected. Check oil pump chain tensioner; PCV valve clogs past 80,000 km. Last naturally aspirated Type R — historically significant, dynamically not the best. The engine deserves a better car.
Last NA screamer before the turbo age
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.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The oil pump chain tensioner wears at high mileage. Rattling on cold start sounds like valvetrain noise. Failure lets the oil pump chain jump off the sprocket — potential oil pressure loss.
Symptoms: Rattle from the lower engine on cold start, oil pressure warning with severe wear, noise fades as temperature rises
The clutch master cylinder (CMC) is a known weak point on the FN2. No longer maintains correct pressure — clutch doesn't disengage cleanly, gears are hard to select. Squealing at the pedal is a typical early symptom.
Symptoms: Squeal from clutch pedal, bite point migrates toward the floor, gears hard to select especially at high RPM
Despite triple synchronisation, the FN2's 3rd gear shows synchro wear under spirited driving. Crunching on upshifts, especially under load. Earlier models are more frequently affected.
Symptoms: Crunching or resistance when selecting 3rd gear, gear occasionally jumps out
The K20Z shows increased oil consumption at higher mileages. One litre per 4,000 km is a known threshold. Sporty driving increases consumption.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service intervals, blue smoke from the exhaust
Fault code P2624 points to problems in the VTEC oil pressure circuit. Can be triggered by oil pressure issues, a worn switch, or electrical faults. Engine keeps running but VTEC function is limited.
Symptoms: MIL with P2624 code, reduced power in the upper rev range, VTEC not engaging
The PCV valve (crankcase ventilation) tends to stick due to oil deposits. Crackling or scraping at idle is a typical early symptom. It's an inexpensive wear item; if neglected, crankcase pressure can damage seals.
Symptoms: Crackling or scraping noise at idle, slightly uneven idle, increased oil consumption from pressure build-up
The FN2's electric folding mirror motors are prone to failure. Mirror no longer folds in or out. A known weak point, replacement parts are available. No safety issue.
Symptoms: Mirror only partially folds or doesn't move at all, motor noise without movement
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
Several recalls were carried out across the entire 8th generation for faulty airbags. There was also a recall for 2008–2010 models due to possible detachment of the water pump pulley.
The rear torsion beam can crack at high mileages — particularly at the hub carrier arm. Critical safety issue: crack only detectable by tapping with a hammer (hollow sound instead of a ring). Mainly affects the FN2 Type R used in a sporting manner.
The rear brake calipers seize on city drivers. Regular cleaning and lubrication is necessary; if neglected, pads can wear unevenly.
The Omron AC relay fails prematurely and disables the air conditioning. A straightforward fix is a replacement relay from Mitsuba; often the recommended first step.
Faulty engine mounts occur more frequently on the Civic FN and can lead to a MOT failure. Manifests as vibrations and rattling noises at idle.
The clutch tends to judder when the engine is warm, especially on diesel models. Premature clutch wear occurs with heavy city use. A clutch replacement is the only permanent fix.
Reports & Tests
4474 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2006–2011). Most reported: Airbags (753), Engine (604), Suspension (598).