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Honda Civic Type R FN2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations


Engine Overview

The Honda Civic Type R FN2 is available with one engine variant at 201 hp.

2.0L i-VTEC · Petrol· 201 PS
2007 2011
Be Careful 7 weaknesses

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

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Firm torsion-beam rear axle with little travel

The FN2 swapped the EP3's double-wishbone rear for a torsion beam and paired it with very little suspension travel at either end. Even new cars felt under-damped. The rear visibly skips over broken surfaces. It's a design trait, but tired dampers make it dramatically worse.

Symptoms: Jerky, hopping ride over expansion joints, rear axle skips in fast corners on broken tarmac, the car never quite settles.
from 80,000 km
High

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Civic Type R FN2 (2007–2011) — 7 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, HVAC, Interior.

Civic Type R (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.

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 FN2 have? +
The Honda Civic Type R FN2 has 7 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Civic Type R FN2? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: K20Z (2.0L i-VTEC). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the K20Z (2.0L i-VTEC).
Which Honda Civic Type R FN2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Civic Type R FN2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {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 Type R FN2 worth buying used? +
The Honda Civic Type R FN2 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Civic Type R FN2? +
The Honda Civic Type R FN2 is available with engine variants from 201 to 201 hp. Petrol: K20Z (2.0L i-VTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee