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Honda · Compact · 2017–2022 Custom Search

Honda Civic Type R FK8

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Civic Type R FK8 is available with one engine variant at 136 hp.

2.0L VTEC Turbo · Petrol· 320 PS
2017 2021
Be Careful 15 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Honda 2.0L VTEC Turbo (Petrol, 320 PS) has the K20C1 (2.0L VTEC Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 15 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!2nd gear grinds on fast shifts — synchro wear

The FK8's 6-speed manual is prone to grinding when shifting quickly into 2nd gear from 1st. The clutch delay valve (CDV) and incorrect clutch freeplay are the main causes. Honda replaced complete gearboxes in warranty cases.

Symptoms: Scraping or grinding noise when upshifting into 2nd gear, especially in spirited driving or at high RPM. Issue can be present from new; sometimes resolved under warranty.
from 15,000 km
Ad synchro ring 2nd gear FK8 Honda K20C1Clutch Delay Valve CDV FK8gearbox oil synchromesh FK8 Honda
 High
!2nd/3rd gear grind (partial TSB)

Well-known FK8 trait: grinding upshifts into 2nd or 3rd, especially when cold. Honda issued a TSB recommending a clutch pedal adjustment. If that doesn't cure it, synchro replacement is the next step.

Symptoms: Grinding on fast 1-2 or 2-3 upshifts, worst when cold, usually no fault code.
from 40,000 km
Ad FK8 2nd gear synchroHonda TSB clutch pedal adjustmentK20C1 mainshaft assembly
 High

Alternatives

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Audi A3 8Y

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Audi S3 8Y

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Cadillac CT4 A2XX

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Citroën C4 III

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Dacia Logan III

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Civic Type R FK8 (2017–2022) — 17 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Steering, Other.

Civic Type R (K20C1, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: Fuel pump recall 2018/2019 FK8, 3rd/4th gear synchro failure under track use, Rod and bearing limit under tuning (~400 hp / 400 lb-ft). Power: 320 PS.

What to watch out for with the Honda Civic Type R? 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 Type R FK8 have? +
The Honda Civic Type R FK8 has 17 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Civic Type R FK8? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: K20C1 (2.0L VTEC Turbo), MCF5 (Elektro 35.5 kWh). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the K20C1 (2.0L VTEC Turbo).
Which Honda Civic Type R FK8 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Civic Type R FK8 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {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 Type R FK8 worth buying used? +
The Honda Civic Type R FK8 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Civic Type R FK8? +
The Honda Civic Type R FK8 is available with engine variants from 136 to 329 hp. Petrol: K20C1 (2.0L VTEC Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee