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2006 Honda Civic Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
377
Latest Oct 25, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
27%
of 1,402 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
19
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2006 Honda Civic submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 377 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 377, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2025

cracked engine block leaking coolant. Honda says it's not covered after the extended warranty expired. The issue starts happening in many vehicles after 100K miles and my car started seeing the issue at 135K miles . Dealer will not help, Honda of America won't help. this needs to turn into a recall please. Honda must reimburse or have the crack fixed.

NHTSA ID
11695574
Incident
Sep 2, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2025

- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My 2006 Honda Civic engine overheated. Upon diagnosis it was found that radiator coolant had leaked out due to cracks in the engine block (short block). Engine malfunction. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My teenage son drives this car and initially he did not notice coolant leak. Engine can stop working while driving on a freeway (seized engine) which is a very serious safety risk. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, local Honda dealer confirmed the problem and pointed me to a service bulletin 10-048 from American Honda [XXX] ) that noted this exact manufacturing defect. American Honda had provided extended warranty to allay customer fears at the time but without a recall. - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected by a Honda dealer, Tracy Honda at California. It was also inspected by another local auto shop and had the same finding. I am attaching those documents. - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning signs. The issue was first observed on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11673094
Incident
Jun 29, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 8, 2024

There's crack in the engine block, my car out of no wear started over heating we thought it was the water pump then we took it in to get it look at and turn out there's cracks on the engine block

NHTSA ID
11618671
Incident
Sep 21, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 1, 2023

The ac has stopped working the heater does not blow out hot air,the air bag light has came on ,&now the car started to overheated an now will not start at all now...the oil light has came on ...when the car was running the transmission was not shifting correctly....

NHTSA ID
11509625
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Dec 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated that upon checking the fluids in the vehicle, she noticed that coolant had leaked onto the ground. Upon inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, the contact then noticed that coolant was located at the bottom of the engine and a small crack in the coolant reservoir. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 208,000.

NHTSA ID
11496253
Incident
Sep 6, 2022
Mileage
208,000 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 18, 2022

Car wont shift an jerks when u drive

NHTSA ID
11485018
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2022

The car developed a crack in the engine block resulting in coolant leaks. This is unsafe and produces a toxic smell. The car is only at 119,000 miles and Honda will not cover it because it is 10 years past the warranty date. This warranty needs to be extended further. 119,000 miles is not a good quality Honda product.

NHTSA ID
11483952
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Sep 10, 2022

Engine overheats due to a crack in the engine block causing the coolant to leak.Overheated engine smokes and has the potential for fire. I did my research and spoke to handful of certified mechanics, the solution is as I understand is to replace the engine. there was a recall notice sent September 2014 to address this issue which I did not receive nor I had a problem at the time of notice. Could someone please look into this for us, it would greatly help me and my family to be safe on the road while driving this vehicle. Thank you,

NHTSA ID
11483783
Incident
Aug 30, 2022
Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2022

I am a loyal 35 year honda Car owner I own a 2006 Civic ex 1.8 Coupe I take every care and keep maint. up to date and even have done a 100k service at it's now low 38,000 miles as of july 2022 I have the fear that this vehicle because of such low miles will go bad because of honda faulty porrus engine blocks they know it was and is still a major problem. Problem with my car is not feeling safe to drive long distance in fear of engine block suddenly leaks and overheats engine. honda refuses to recall all 2006-2008 civics. So why own such a nice perfectly upkept honda that my family' feels unsafe to drive across country, PLEASE MAKE THEM RECALL ALL ENGINES FROM 2006-2008 CIVICS COME ON WE HAVE BEEN LOYAL AND BUYING YOUR PRODUCTS NOW DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL A MOTOR THAT IF HONDA HADNT CHEAPED OUT AND MDE BLOCKS SO THIN THEY FAIL WITHOUT ANY WARNING. UNSAFE AND PROFIT SHOULDNT BE THE NUMBER ONE GOAL. HOW ABOUT FIX THE PROBLEM SO WE DONT HAVE TO SHELL OUT $5K FOR A CAR WITH 38K

NHTSA ID
11479099
Incident
Aug 2, 2022
Engine
Filed Jul 18, 2022

*****BOTH KEY TRANSPONDERS WERE RESPONSIVE TO THE CAR TODAY, IE GREEN KEY LIGHT LIT WHEN BOTH KEYS WERE INSERTED AND TURNED TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE ALLOWING THE CAR RADIO AND WINDOWS TO BE CONTROLLED, UNLIKE OTHER DAYS WHERE FRAUD OCCURRED SO THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE BOTH AND ONLY ONE OR THE OTHER***** Unidentified party, most likely remotely, Stole control of my vehicle through manipulating non factory installed equipment that was installed after market and using factory installed equipment in a manner not openly discussed with the purchaser and owner. If it’s the police again or the manufacturer/ dealership or any court, has never disclosed or notified ownership or responsibility of such activities for now ten years. Spoke to manager again to inform that vehicle was again manipulated in retaliation to returning the gym when no open discussion occurred or report was received about not continuing a relationship between 24 Hour Fitness and myself as a member. Female onsite manager received reports that vehicle would not turn on again due to security alarm restriction, not mechanical failures, and that such activity was ongoing activity in furtherance of other abuses related to visiting that gym, such as vehicle and locker searches, which although not communicated to the manager, never resulted in further contact by the police or any authority regarding its occurrence.

NHTSA ID
11474413
Incident
Jul 17, 2022
Driver assistanceEngineExterior lighting
Filed Feb 9, 2022

I have a cracked engine block due to the service bulletin and I need Honda to repair asap among other problems

NHTSA ID
11451097
Incident
Feb 1, 2016
Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2022

The accessory serpentine belt produced by gates triggers misfires faults. The part is available for inspection. The misfires escalated to a point where the MIL lamp flashed and the vehicle derated while operating on a roadway. Had to emergency stop. After key off/on the vehicle acted normally. I was able to be confirm the misfire with datalogging. Gates has not responded to my communication effort. The vehicle had no issue previous to the belt change. It was running the OEM belt and was only replaced due to maintenance interval. After the misfire was confirmed with data monitoring a new OEM belt was installed and the misfire was confirmed to be gone.

NHTSA ID
11448490
Incident
Dec 16, 2021
Engine
Filed Jan 12, 2022

Honda Civic, 2006, engine block cracked and car overheated due to coolant loss without alerting driver to safety concerns, putting him/herself in jeopardy, along with other drivers/passengers. Overheating causes engines to stop operating which is extremely dangerous and costly. Driver ascertained that something wasn’t right at lower speeds (residence/business district). A faint whining was coming from the dashboard. This would likely not have been heard driving at faster speeds, and/or with the radio on. Once parked the operator smelled and saw smoke emanating from the vehicle hood and noticed leaking under the car. There was no prior warning sign. According to recent communication with Honda America by the operator, this engine block failure is a known issue and a result of a casting problem during manufacturing. A voluntary warranty extension was made in 2014 for 2006 - 2008 (extended to 2009) for Honda Civics for 10 years from the date of purchase. Unfortunately, many drivers, who were/are unaware of the warranty extension/issue, and for whom hadn’t detected/or had a problem prior are unknowingly driving ticking time bombs around. This warranty extension has since expired. Honda has not made an official recall and is not keeping drivers informed about the prevailing issue, which is unknowingly putting drivers at risk. Based on sales data for North America there were roughly 1.2 million Honda Civics sold between 2006 and 2009, many of which are still on the road today. For a refurbished engine (not new), plus labor it is estimated to cost between $1,500 - $2,000 for repairs. This doesn’t take into account the cost of human or vehicle harm. Video evidence of leaking at mechanics/smoking vehicle can be provided. Court certified automotive expert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vjk4z7KLA4 Reporting on warranty: http://www.hondaproblems.com/civic-cracked-engine-block/ Honda Civic sales data: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/honda-civic-sales-figures/

NHTSA ID
11447257
Incident
Jan 11, 2022
BrakesEngine
Filed Dec 13, 2021

13 December, 2021 VIN: [XXX] Background: 30 June, 2015 - Took Our 2006 Honda Civic 4 door sedan (LX) in for service (odometer reading 75,801) in order to address coolant leaks. The OEM dealership indicated there was a recall on this specific engine and Honda USA replaced the short block and gaskets ( exhibit H0CS10872 – replacement engine ID number D67141432M ) to correct this problem. Issue: 10 December, 2021 - While driving home (8 miles on local errands) the engine began making a rattling noise. No warranting indicators appeared on the dashboard alerts. Parked the in garage, inspected the garage floor for fluid leaks – there were none. Immediately arranged to take can in for service. 12 December, 2021 - Left residence to take the car in for an inspection and / or service. Without warranting the engine failed, lost steering and braking. Had car towed for inspection. 13 December, 2021 – Car inspected (odometer reading 117,366) finding engine sized. It should be noted that since the short block replacement the car has only been driven 41,565 miles in 5 years. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11443630
Incident
Dec 10, 2021
Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2021

I have the common issue the 2006 Civic. My engine block cracked. There was already a class action lawsuit on this matter but of course it only went 10 years. Honda was in the wrong here. Why was this not a recall? I'm super frustrated. Car is available for inspection. It is at the Honda dealership right. Now.

NHTSA ID
11420053
Incident
May 20, 2021
BrakesEngine
Filed May 10, 2021

ENGINE BLOCK IS LEAKING COOLANT. RIGHT REAR TIRE IS WEARING OFF.

NHTSA ID
11415935
Incident
May 6, 2021
Mileage
70,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 15, 2021

THE BLOCK ON MY R18A1 HAS A HOLE, THEREFORE WE PATCH IT WITH JB WELD TO SEAL THE PROBLEM, BUT ITS STILL LEAKING.

NHTSA ID
11403021
Incident
Mar 6, 2021
Mileage
182,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2021

THE ENGINE BLOCK HAS A CRACK LEAKING COOLANT. MY 16 YEAR SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR. CAR JUST SHUTDOWN HE ALMOST GOT HIT BY OTHER CAR. IT HAS BEEN A RECALL BUT THE DEALER SAID IT BEEN OVER 10 YEARS SO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT.

NHTSA ID
11399893
Incident
Mar 2, 2021
Mileage
260,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2021

ENGINE BLOCK IS DEFECTIVE. HONDA HAS A 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE BLOCKS THAT START LEAKING COOLANT. MY CAR IS A 2006 AND THE WARRANTY WAS GOOD TO 2016. I AM DISAPPOINTED HONDA WILL NOT DO THE RIGHT THING AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE. ATTACHED BELOW ARE PICTURES OF THE KNOWN LOCATION OF THE ENGINE BLOCK CASTING FAILURES.

NHTSA ID
11399387
Incident
Mar 4, 2021
Mileage
160,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 2, 2021

REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF RECALL. 2006 CIVIC: ENGINE DOES NOT START, AND THE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM MAKES CAR INOPERABLE, ESPECIALLY IF THE BATTERY RECENTLY WENT DEAD AND THE ENGINE WAS JUMP-STARTED. THE DOME LIGHT IN MY CAR, 2006 CIVIC EX SEDAN, WAS LEFT ON THE AND BATTERY WAS DEAD, AND THEN CAR WAS JUMP STARTED. AFTER THAT THE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM PREVENTED THE CAR FROM STARTING. 1. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT (HONDA DEFECT CODE: 03217) REPORTED IN MANY, MANY POSTINGS AND COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET, OVER MANY YEARS, FROM 2006 UNTIL RECENTLY, BOTH HERE IN THE U.S. AND IN THE UK. SEE EXTRACTS FROM NUMEROUS INTERNET REPORTS IN ATTACHMENT (INTERNET REPORTS - PROBLEM.DOCX). 2. THERE IS NO WARNING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM OR INFORMATION IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR THIS CAR, OR ANY NOTIFICATION FROM HONDA, ON THE CORRECT WAY TO JUMP START THE CAR TO AVOID THE PROBLEM. SEE JUMP STARTING SECTION IN ATTACHMENT (2006 EX OWNER'S MANUAL.PDF) 3. HONDA HAS ISSUED: "SERVICE BULLETIN - AUGUST 2, 2006 06-036 - IMMOBILIZER INDICATOR IS BLINKING, ENGINE WON'T START SYMPTOM THE ENGINE DOES NOT START, AND THE IMMOBILIZER INDICATOR IS BLINKING (ESPECIALLY IF THE BATTERY RECENTLY WENT DEAD AND THE ENGINE WAS JUMP-STARTED). PROBABLE CAUSE THE IMMOBILIZER IMOES CODE HAS BEEN ERASED. VEHICLES AFFECTED: 2006 CIVIC 4-DOOR LX AND EX (USA-PRODUCED) ' FROM VIN 1HGFA1...6L000001 THRU 1HGFA1...6L118712 CORRECTIVE ACTION REPLACE THE UNDER-DASH FUSE/RELAY BOX (MICU - MULTIPLEX INTEGRATED CONTROL UNIT) 2006 CIVIC EX 4-DOOR A/T ' P/N 38200-SNA-A32, H/C 8356198" SEE THE COMPLETE HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 2009-08-23_151940_IMMOB.PDF IN ATTACHMENT (SERVICE BULLETIN 06-036.PDF) COST OF REPAIR TO CUSTOMER - APPROX. $700-$800. AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR SHOULD NOT BE NEEDED SIMPLY FOR JUMP STARTING A CAR WITH A DEAD BATTERY - A NORMAL PROCEDURE THAT ANY CAR CAN SOMETIMES NEED. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED.

NHTSA ID
11398698
Incident
Feb 23, 2021
Mileage
85,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 16, 2021

CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK. THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FLUID LOSS. A LARGE PUDDLE WAS OBSERVED UNDER THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A CRACK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THERE WAS A EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY MY VEHICLE IS 4 YEARS PAST THIS WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT THIS KIND OF ISSUE SHOULD NOT HAVE A CAP ON WHEN THE WARRANTY SHOULD END. THIS WAS A VERY WELL MAINTENANCED CAR WITH NO OTHER ISSUES.

NHTSA ID
11388412
Incident
Jan 7, 2021
Mileage
156,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 26, 2020

2006 HONDA CIVIC ENGINE BLOCK IS CRACKED

NHTSA ID
11376411
Incident
Oct 15, 2020
Engine
Filed Nov 18, 2020
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2006 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS RISING AND SAW SMOKE EXITING THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE COOLANT FLUID LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ARRIVE TO HER RESIDENCE AND WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE WAS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER CONCORD HONDA ( 1461 CONCORD AVE, CONCORD, CA 94520; (855) 679-6829) AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,000.

NHTSA ID
11375312
Incident
Nov 15, 2020
Mileage
123,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN SHE WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS OF WAITING. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DROVE TO HER SISTERS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER HENDRICK HONDA HICKORY LOCATED AT 945 US HWY 70 SE, HICKORY, NC 28602, (828) 322-2673, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING ENGINE BLOCK TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

NHTSA ID
11350943
Incident
Aug 10, 2020
Mileage
116,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2020

LEAKING COOLANT FROM ENGINE BLOCK. NORMAL DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
11331911
Incident
Jun 29, 2020

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .