Honda Civic service and repair

The Civic is the other car every driveway in North Miami has. It is reliable, but the turbo generation and the AC have known weak spots that the heat here brings out. We work on all of them, from the 1.8 to the 1.5 turbo to the Si.

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What we see on this car

What we see on the Civic

Oil dilution on 2016 to 2018 1.5 turbo

2016 to 2018 Civics with the 1.5 turbo are known to thin the oil with fuel on short trips, which raises the level on the dipstick and smells like gas. More frequent oil changes and a software update address it.

Oil change

AC condenser leak on 2016 to 2021

Tenth generation Civics are known to leak refrigerant from the condenser, sometimes early. The manufacturer extended coverage on some. Warm AC on a newer Civic should be leak tested before recharging.

AC repair

Starter clicks or grinds on 2012 to 2015

2012 to 2015 Civics are known to develop a starter that clicks or grinds without cranking, especially when hot. It is a recognized pattern and a routine repair.

Starter and alternator

CVT judder from a stop

Civics with the CVT (2014 and newer) are known to shudder from a stop if the fluid is old. Honda specifies a particular fluid and interval; skipping it costs the CVT.

Transmission service

Misfire under load on the turbo

The 1.5 turbo is hard on plugs. Misfires under load around 60,000 to 80,000 miles are usually plugs and sometimes a coil, not a turbo problem.

Tune-up and spark plugs

Rear pad wear with the electronic parking brake

Rear pads on 2016 and newer Civics tend to wear as fast as the fronts. We check both axles.

Brake repair

Maintenance by mileage

30,000

Oil and filter per the Maintenance Minder (0W-20), Tire rotation, Engine and cabin air filters, Brake inspection, Battery test, Tire wear check

60,000

Everything from 30,000, CVT fluid drain and fill, Brake fluid exchange (every 3 years), Spark plug check on the turbo, Suspension check

90,000

Everything from 30,000, Spark plugs on the turbo, Serpentine belt, Coolant condition test, Valve clearance check on the 1.8L

120,000

Coolant drain and refill, CVT fluid drain and fill again, Spark plugs on the 1.8L, PCV valve, Valve cover gasket if seeping, Engine mount check

Questions people ask

Why does the oil level go up on my turbo Civic?

Fuel is getting past the rings on cold short trips and mixing with the oil. It is a known 1.5 turbo behavior. Change the oil more often, take a longer drive once a week, and check that the software update has been done.

Is the CVT reliable?

Yes, if the fluid is changed. Honda CVTs live and die by fluid condition. We use the correct Honda-spec fluid and follow the Maintenance Minder, or 30,000 to 45,000 miles under Miami severe duty.

The AC just quit on my 2018 Civic. Is that normal?

It is common. The condenser is a known weak spot on that generation. We check the condenser first and tell you if it may still be covered.

Do you work on the Si and Type R?

Yes. Same shop, same care. We stick to the manufacturer's oil and fluid specs on those engines.