Honda Civic 2006-2007 Issues

wilso127 · April 2009

I just hit 40K, but your advice on using Valvoline Fuel System Cleaner sounds appropriate. Other than this, I have nothing but good to say (knock on wood) on the overall performance of this car over the past almost five years. I did have to have the airbag trigger mechanism replaced (when the car was still under warranty) but that's been about it. I'm very satisfied with this car, which was the first 'foreign' brand car I ever bought.

crazyfly · April 2009

The valvoline fuel system cleaner could be hard to find, the last time I found it was at local Pepboys shop, cost less than $10. I hope the info helps.

I've had domestic and foreign cars and found civics to be probably the best in terms of value. Take care of engine and fuel system and these run forever, last one I kept till 175k miles and was still in perfect condition. I don't drive much during workdays but have a tendency to take road trips,... long road trips and rack up lots of miles. I hope your civic lasts a long time too. Best of luck.

twomotor · May 2009

Similar deal on my 2006 - did the upper control arm replacement but the dealer wouldn't replace the rear tires, not visually worn but noisy, still had 8/32 tread, new is 10/32. Dealer said to call Honda and start a case file. I did hear back from Honda, they tried to tell me I had gotten 75% use out of the tires and out of the goodness of their heart would pay 25% of the rear tire replacement. Told them to keep there 25% and my next car will be a Toyota

nealm · May 2009

I am surprised by the fact that I have been down a quart in 3000 miles.. 60000 miles on the car (manual, EX), 50/50 highway/local driving. Using Mobil One, no leaks in my driveway, oil changes at a quick-lube every 4-5 G miles. Please advise or share your experience. Thank you. PS. The oil stick is not very legible.

bearcat4 · May 2009

Bought new, my 2006 Civic LX has been problem free up until yesterday. The vehicle has just 21K miles on it. Turning the key on, all warning lights on the instrument panel began flashing, the temp gauge and fuel gages didn't register. Drove car okay to dealer and left it for diagnosis. Anybody had this happen to them? What happened and what was the solution? I'm hoping that with 21K on the car (the 3 year warranty expired a month ago) Honda will take care of this problem. Otherwise, I'm very fearful of this likely expensive electrical repair.

kathyc1 · June 2009

I've noticed a strange swoosh noise while driving my '07 Civic EX coupe this A.M. It stops when I stop. Anyone suddenly notice this? I checked the tire pressure thinking it might be that since the motor continues to run when the noise stops so wouldn't be the motor. One tire is one pound low, but otherwise they're all the same pressure. Any ideas?

rttkoy · June 2009

I just bought used 06 LX , 105K . Do I need to change timing belt? or it's use chain? Do I need to change it? Can I wait for a while? I read some topic that it has recall on something. Is it free if I go to Honda center/dealer to check and change those things, if I bought it used? BTW, my insurance get higher $500. Is it because I got a newer car (my old one, accord EX 98) or because this model (civic LX 06)?

tjs01 · June 2009

I need to replace the tires on my 06 Civic. I live in Michigan, so I am looking for an all-season tire that will get me around in the snow. I would appreciate any recommendations.

skeeter11 · June 2009

I replaced my 06 civic tires with Michelin Primacy MX-V4 's and have been very satisfield with them thus far. I live in the northeast and they handled well in the snow last winter. Hope this helps.

crazyfly · June 2009

Checkout Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S. Great High performance All Season Tires.
You have a choice between H or V rated tires. Unless you often race or drive fairly fast, I would go with H rated tires, which cost a little less.

In my search for tires the tirerack.com turned out to be an excellent resource. They have very detailed results on each tires + user reviews. Hope this helps.

nealm · June 2009

I bought Michelin Pilot Exaltos at a very good price from Costco and I am very pleased with them. They function pretty nicely in the snow and rain and are a great dry road ride.

shakes67 · June 2009

I have an 06 civ 26,500 miles on it and started experiencing problems with the drivers side sunvisor falling down and obscuring vision while driving. It started making a noise first than a crack, after that the visor would not stay up. I took it back to the dealer and they did the right thing but was advised that the extended warranty does not cover this and the part cost 60 dollars excl tax/labor. There are numerous complaints filed with the nhstb about this defective equiptment but it appears Honda willnot take resposibility til someone is hurt/dies. I have had to bring this car in for a recall on the abs sensor, a pulley bolt/had to replace the power steering pump at 18000 miles,brakes had to be replaced and rotor cut due to uneven wear at 15k,the driver's seat had problems locking,and had to replace my bridgestone turanza tires that came with the car at 24k because there was little tread left but the dealer says it's normal wear. I rotated the tires every 5 k w/oil change so that excuse holds no water with me but it's singing to the choir to get results. I don't won't to pass judgement on the other honda vehicles but stay away from this civic step up to the accord or another brand.

ggg5 · June 2009

This forum has been helpful before, so here are my concerns. Purchased April 07 new 07 Civic, model with sunroof, etc (EX?). So far, had the three recalls on steering excess grease, wheel bearings and water pump. Obviously, this does not foster confidence in the Civic.
I am noticing apparent excessive wear on rear tires, recently rotated to front. Noticing on/off steering vibrations at highway speed. My 3 year warrantee will expire next year and I am about to go begin an intense campaign now with dealer to take a look at my car, with 11,000 miles and see what we can find relative to specific TSB referred to in this forum (thank you to all that participate here, especially Sandman). I am also going to my foreign car specialist mechanic to take a look at the whole vehicle, for an independent opinion.
My concern is typical: purchased the Civic for reputation of quality, reliability and longevity. If these qualities are absent, I can financially take the hit, sell it and purchase something else.
Although this forum is known to a limited number of people, it is sad to note that others complaints are what I am also experiencing.
I also noted a buzzing sound when turning the key, which happens sometimes several times a day and sometimes not for weeks. Dealer informed and on record, but nothing found. This weekend coming up my driveway at a slow speed (I baby this car, always), the front bottomed out. Unsettling to say the least.
So, I will add my experiences here and use what I learned from others in this forum to move forward to a conclusion. To keep or not keep this car, that is the question. I travel extensively for my job and a car is provided, which is reason for low mileage in my 07. Further, my car is practically in showroom condition & all required maintenance conducted at dealer.
Perhaps of interest to others, is that I may make the decision to pursue a solution legally if the worst scenario develops. So if the car is a lemon and Honda will not back up their product, I may choose to become publicly vocal about my situation. It all depends on what legal ground is available. I do not look for fights, but have a sense of moral obligation that under the proper circumstances propel me to bite like a dog and not let go. This is an actual description of my work style from the upper managers. I am hoping all turns out well (car OK, me a happy owner). I will post when matters are clearer.

skeeter11 · June 2009

Does anyone have the 2H VIN #'s for the 06 civics that are included in the water pump pulley recall? Did Honda send out recall notices for the cars affected or does one have to contact a dealer to see if their car is included in the recall? Also, is the loose rear shock issue a recall or just a TSB? Are there posted VIN #''s for this too? Thanks.

kathyc1 · June 2009

Wow, you seem to have every problem everyone has been complaining about for the last 2 years. Yes, you have an EX with sun roof. If it were me, I'd have everything fixed and then dump it. If your regular dealer won't back you up, then go to another one until you find one that will. Honda should do what's right. My dealer in Prescott, AZ has always been very easy to work with, but then I haven't had the problems others have. I just like to keep in touch so I know what "might" happen.

targettuning · June 2009

Is there a "recall" on the water pump pulley? I recently received a "product improvement" letter that addressed a bolt replacement and a re-route + new belt for the idler pulley. I am loosing track on recalls and "product improvement" issues but typically if your cars serial # falls into the recall range Honda will send a letter to you informing you of the issue and the remedy.
Oh, almost forgot..I see that someone here (maybe you) recently posted about a buzzing noise on an attempted start. Our 21K mile 2006 EX sedan recently did that once (then started normally) and not since so if the reason for that becomes evident please let us know.

wilso127 · June 2009

Re: my great and hugely dependable 2004 Honda Civic...Early last year, a whine as though it might be from a pulley in the engine compartment at early AM start-up was attributed by the dealer to the fact that it was an unusually cool morning here in Beaufort SC. It went away, strangely enough, after a routine non-dealer oil change. Now that it's very warm and humid, the whine has reappeared, but by the time I drive over to the dealer, a five-mile trip, like before, it's gone. I wonder if this is a climate-change issue, or an oil-change issue. I again ask if anyone else experiences anything similar to this, and can spefically ID excractly what parts are causing the whine?

targettuning · June 2009

I'm thinking POSSIBLY an engine accessory drive belt adjustment or replacement. The tension is adjustable on these plus when was the last time you replaced it? Could be worn out. Could be an alternator bearing problem, could be an AC compressor since warm/humid means the AC is most likely on. Whatever it is it probably isn't an oil change related issue. Maybe climate related if the AC is in use when it becomes evident

Sandman6472 · June 2009

had that happen twice when starting the car within the past 3 years. Don't know why. Did have a new battery put in about 11/2 years ago. Went in for an oil change and they told me they were swapping out the battery for a new one. Said fine with me.

The Sandman :shades:

ggg5 · June 2009

Generate a forum or blog for listing TSB (Technical Service Bulletins), what they are for and perhaps allow for coments from folks that had work done based on those TSB.
I am seraching now for a few TSB's that may apply to my car, as I am going to the dealer to check my Civic 07 out. As there are over 1000 entries in this forum, it will take a bit of time. I see often folks asking for a TSB that was discussed earlier...Just an idea that may prove useful.
Thank you.

pat · June 2009

The Search box here in this discussion should prove useful to you, and possibly even more so will be the one at the Civic discussions group level. You can also create a discussion on that subject yourself if you'd like.

There are TSBs listed in our Maintenance Schedules, Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins application on Edmunds. Generally they are just the titles, but they give you information you can use for other searches.

Hope this is helpful!

ggg5 · June 2009

Had my car for service and they checked the entire car, and conducted following repairs. (1) replaced the upper rear arms and got 2 new tires for $80, with Honda covering 75% of cost. (2) Re-balanced all 4 tires (3) Checked all suspension and brake wear and so on, all OK. They used the OEM tires, which I knew from this forum is not the best choice, but then again, this car has ~11,000 miles since purchased April 07. I do not drive this car much due to my constant travel for job.
The car drives better than new, no noises, holds the road better than ever.
So I am a happy camper. I was pleasantly surprised that they had the rear arm replacements in stock. Guess Honda is aware and so is my dealer. Great dealer by the way, top notch in my experience. So for now, I will just keep an eye on the car.
I wil be taking a trip to east coast this week, putting easily 2000 miles on car and then, I will have my own mechanic check vehicle. I will return with an update then, as well as, I plan to have dealer and others, regularly look at my rear tires to assure problem does not return.
Therefore, happy with service, happy with current performance of vehicle and keeping a close eye to make determination if this is a keeper or not. Also, thanks to the moderator for the response to my idea and to all those that take the time to contribute to this forum.

lt_honda_owner · June 2009

I was a long time Honda fan. My experience with the 2006 SI and especially with a recent problem with idler/secondary pulley failure have turned me off to Honda. Several design problems with SI. Trunk lid does not operate correctly as the design does not take into account the heavier rear deck spoiler on the SI. The spoiler is ugly and I didn't really want it to begin with but that is another issue. Both fog light lenses broken within six months of purchase. I drive in normal suburban roads. Honda offers no lens protection on the fog lights. Navigation system is an overpriced piece of junk. I think this is true of all factory nav systems. The development lead time on a car is so long that any electronics you buy will be out of date by the time the car is delivered to market. Also, buy the time you own a car for a couple of years the electronics in something like a nav system are even more antiquated. I didn't have much choice in this matter as dealer only had nav equipped cars available. The dealers benefit from the big mark up on nav systems. Lastly, the idler/secondary pulley is failing on my 2006 SI with 65000 miles. Honda will not help me in any way. This is clearly a premature failure. I know other car manufacturers have much better warranties than Honda. I didn't used to consider this a big selling point but with Honda being unwilling to stand behind their product I will look at longer warranties as a very important issue. My next vehicle will not be a Honda product. I have had several Honda's and have convinced other family members to buy Honda. It is too bad Honda would not stand behind what used to be the best cars on the market. Have any of you had similar experience?

cz75 · June 2009

Funny, but my Si sedan is my best Honda/Acura product yet. 30mil film will keep the foglights from getting broken and K2 fogs from eBay are much cheaper when you do replace them, and not much worse, provided you keep as much of the OEM as is feasible. A State Farm Rand McNally road atlas is free, hence much cheaper than navigation and is sufficient for most people, especially if you bought the day/night rearview with compass to get a directional bearing. Shite happens and an idler pulley going out 5000 beyond powertrain warranty isn't the worst thing.

You seem to have a low threshold for complaining.

lt_honda_owner · June 2009

Shiite doesn't just happen. Failure of a bearing prematurely was due to either poor design or poor quality control. Mechanical failures are not a mystery or magical. Thanks for the tip on the film. I may have a low threshold for complaining but I have never had premature failure in any Honda before 150K or better. This failure was actually > 30k beyond warranty. In the past I was never concerned about Honda warranty. I assumed it was very well engineered auto and that Honda being a well run company would stand behind the product. I now doubt either of those assumptions. My next vehicle might have a better warranty than the meager 3yr 36k offered by Honda. Any tips on how to make the rear deck not bang down on my head or shoulders when it is not in the full upright position. Stronger spring I can buy at home depot? Aftermarket dampening pistons?

sierragranite · June 2009

Regarding the buzzing sound when starting, I sometimes accidently press 1 of the buttons on the key when turning it and get a loud buzzing and car won't start until I turn off and turn key again, may or may not be related to your problem. Have 07 EX sedan w/ 58,000 miles and no problems except for a couple of recalls that the Honda dealer took care of. Very happy w/ the car and will probably buy another one.

jukords · June 2009

Hi,

I think my civic has AC problem because its not cooling enough.
Air coming out of the louvers are not cool until I turn the knob near full or when put in max AC.

I will not be charged if I let the dealer fix it right?

3 weeks new Honda civic lxs AT.
:lemon:

hondacat17 · June 2009

My BF and I both have 2007 Civics and his is the SI and mine is the Coupe and we both had a so called rock put a hole in our AC Compressors too. Lucky, we had Warranty and they did cover it for us. I cant understand when we dont drive gravel roads how this happens. it isnt a fluke to happen to both cars in my book, it is a design flaw and I like to know if there is a plate/cover you can install to protect the compressor. I love Honda's and on my 8th one so far in my life time, but if this Civic was my first I wouldnt ever have a Honda!! I have had all kinds of issues with this car, but not enough to call her a :lemon:

mark19 · June 2009

To protect the front condensor (looks like a radiator for the a/c). You can install a mesh to the grille many of which I have done. Just get some metal gutter guard mesh from lowe's, home depot, etc. it's about $1.49, you cut it to shape and put it on the backside of the grille opening. Using black UV zip-ties you attach it to the grille. It will take you some time if you don't take the front bumper off, but it is something you can do with the bumper attached. Air flow isn't reduced, and the front condensor is protected.

If you got a hole in the a/c compressor itself, not sure how that could happen when there is a plastic guard piece that runs along the bottom side of the engine and protects the accessory items like the alternator and compressor. are you sure you don't mean the front condensor?

ggg5 · June 2009

Thanks for the tip. I will pay attention to see if I am pressing one of the buttons on the key when turning car on.

Also, I just returned from a long trip (1600 miles) and car performed perfectly. I now need to keep on eye on my rear tires to assure the recent fix (replacing rear arms) is the final fix.

Got ~38-39 mpg, drove 70-75 mph, through the East coast mountains, car full of stuff pus my 6 1/2 ft son...the car was a pleasure to drive, including at 80 mph when he drove.

hatemyhonda · June 2009

Bought my daughter an 2006 Honda used only had 15000 miles on it and for the first year ran great. Then all of the sudden this June, something started clanking in the engine. Honda replaced the whole engine (took them two weeks), Now there is something wrong with the transmission. (Had it a week supposedly took care of that). We get the car back YESTERDAY and the check engine light is still on! Have not received any paperwork from teh dealership and of course no help with transportation while they have had it the WHOLE month.

I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA PRODUCT EVER!! :sick:

kathyc1 · June 2009

I feel badly for you and your daughter. Too bad you didn't find this site before buying the car. I seem to remember someone saying there were dealers that won't even take the 2006 Civic as a trade in. I've had no real problems with my '07 coupe, but I keep an eye on everything and still come here to get the latest information on it after a little over 2 years of driving it. I some how feel that even so, I won't buy another Honda either.

roundtrip · June 2009

This has been a problem for quite a number of owners. Some were able to get repairs while others had no such luck. I think the interior is a hunk of junk. I bought mine new (strictly for the MPG) and had a scratch or scuff every time I sneezed.

kathyc1 · June 2009

I agree the interior is cheap. I can't lean on the interior of the drivers side door without leaving a smudge of sun screen or hand lotion. And it won't come off, not even with Goo Gone. Anyone have a suggestion?

Sandman6472 · June 2009

The Sandman :shades:

kathyc1 · June 2009

LOL. I didn't really mean that I lean on the door all the time. I meant that when I touch the door with hands or arms in getting in or out it leaves a smudge that won't come off.

johnboy1983 · June 2009

i have a 2006 1.8 petrol civic. my problem is this:-
anytime i go for a longish drive, or drive on a motorway, when i arrive home there is a run of water coming from the underside. this isnt just a trickle, but a good run of water. i have checked the radiator, and the expansion vessel coming off the radiator, but cant seem to find any problem with them. the radiator is full, and the expansion vessel has water halfway between the minimum and max lines. does anyone have any idea where this water is coming from?
please help, i dont have a lot of money to get it fixed!!

skeeter11 · June 2009

If you are running your a/c system during your drive, then it could be normal water condensation from the a/c system.

michael_t817 · July 2009

I have recently purchased a used 06 civic sedan and it makes a loud whirling/spinning that kicks in when im going 30 mph and beyond. I can't really pinpoint where the noise is coming from but it is loud enough to be noticed by passengers. Are all civics this loud? Also I have questions on what to do regarding recalls. I've spent nearly an hour reading pg after pg in this thread and I've noticed that the 06 civic has many recalls. Is there a website of some sort where I can see if my VIN falls into the recall? Sorry this is my first car and I don't know much about cars.

jkypa · July 2009

In case it helps, my wife bought her 06 Civic LX brand new. We had the same loud whirling noise that first came in at about 5K miles. It was a busted left rear wheel bearing. At 10K, same issue came up and the dealer replaced both rear wheel bearings. At 35K we had another wheel bearing replaced....all under warranty. In any case, my point is that it could be the rear wheel bearings.

BTW, the road noise is just horrendous on most Hondas....the Civic is no exception. I just got used to the apache chopper noise.

michael_t817 · July 2009

man just took my car to my local dealer and they wanted to charge me 95 bucks to just to "Diagnose" the problem.

wcooper · July 2009

Have a new Civic LX and noticed that a light is on one of the air vent buttons all the time (showing direction of air flow) even when the fan is off, a/c off, etc. Why? Anyone else notice this? Thanks in advance!

kathyc1 · July 2009

Yes, that's normal. I have 07 EX coupe and the only time one is not on is when the car is turned completely off. This just directs the air coming in to whatever location you want...lower, upper, upper/lower. You turn the air off coming into the car by pushing the button usually beside the A/C button (such as when you notice a dead skunk in the road before you run over it) and it will show a yellow light instead of the usual green.

wcooper · July 2009

Thanks Kathy -
In other cars I've had, the light usually goes off when the fan is off. I guess I'll have to get used to it. People in my car for the first time always say "why is this light on?". At least I know what to do if I see a dead skunk in the road!

paez · July 2009

I have an 06' Honda Civic with 48,000 miles. I've had problems in the past with other things on it, but this one is hard to figure out. Recently, when driving, the air from the vents was coming out warm when I would accelerate and cool again when I'd take my foot of the gas. I noticed my temperature gauge was getting close to the Hot Mark so I took it in to the dealership. They said my radiator was bone dry so they bled it and refilled. 3 weeks later the same thing happens. Never was there any evidence of leaking coolant. Can anyone tell me where the coolant is going? The folks at the dealership are mystified-but they said they may get a better idea by removing the head gasket ($1,500 just for a look)

knfield · July 2009

I have been experiencing a similar situation. I have a '07 Civic LX coupe with 30,000 miles. In February of this year, my AC was blowing hot air. I had no refrigerant at all, and the technicians were unable to identify a leak using the UV tests. They refilled the refrigerant, and sent me on my way; however, my AC developed a chemical-burning type smell which was increasingly intensified as my RPMs went up. Honda Techs were unable to identify the source of the smell (and then started to say they didn't smell it at all...). I got used to the smell, and everything was (relatively) fine, and then a few days ago, my AC started to blow hot air again. I went back to the dealership and my car, once again, had no refrigerant. The UV test didn't show any indication of a leak, and so since this happened before, this time the techs are dismanteling my dash board to check my evaporator, and a few other parts to see if they are leaking. They say that they will be replacing, at a minimum, the evaporator. They have had my car for two days now, so hopefully things are going well.

I am not sure if our problems are the same, because mine doesn't invlove the engine temperature; however, it may be worth looking into.

targettuning · July 2009

Coolant leaks can be subtle...not necessarily a gusher from a ruptured hose. If it took 3 weeks to go from full to dry again it could be an overflow bottle (which is plastic) with a tight crack and the coolant is disappearing under the car as you drive and dries from evaporation when you park. Does the bottom of the car show ANY evidence of fluid at all? Check toward the rear of the car because it can blow rearward with the airflow. The other (worse) option is a going...going...gone headgasket but to burn off that much coolant you should notice symptoms such as a white vapor exiting the exhaust pipe at idle (also have someone follow you as you drive to check this) and a sweetish smell from the exhaust. I have heard of other 06-07 Civics (on this site somewhere) that developed a cracked engine block. I imagine one could not drive too far with a cracked block though. Just a few ideas.

knfield · July 2009

Thanks for the information. I got my car back today, and they ended up replacing my evaporator and ex valve. They said that they were able to confirm that this was both the source of the leak as well as the source of the smell.

I have never noticed any leaks on the pavement, and usually do try to pay close attention to that. I will have someone follow me to see about the white vapor.

Hopefully it is not the head gasket...that would be horrible! I will keep it in mind if the problem comes back. Thanks for your help!

paez · July 2009

You were right on the money, targettuning! It was the "worse" option you mentioned. Took it in this morning, and sure enough the oil looked like the bottom of a glass of chocolate milk. Coolant is going directly into the engine through a crack and evaporating through the exhaust. Although there was no white smoke or funny odor, the symptoms were the air condition blowing hot air on acceleration and the sudden overheating due to a dry radiator.
Anybody reading these posts listen to this guy....he diagnosed my car without even seeing it!

civicdriver1 · July 2009

Go to Honda Mile Makers to read honda owner stories with 100,000 miles and above. There is a 2006 4door Honda Civic LX with 253,629 miles as of Sept. 14 2008.

Honda Civic 2006-2007 Issues

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