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Honda Civic 2006-2007 Issues

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  • vphonervphoner Member Posts: 3
    I read on tirerack.com that the bridgestone turanza tires that come with the 06 civic were rated around 3.5 out of 10, which may explain some of the problems. The top rated tires I found for the civic 06 were the michelin exalto tires rated over 8 out of 10.
    Anyone else look at tirerack to find the right tires for less vibration, smoother ride?
  • kathyc1kathyc1 Member Posts: 138
    My 07 also has the Bridgestones. I'm going to buy some Michelin in the not too distant future. I've only got a little over 5000 miles on them. When I bought my 1982 Accord it came with Michelins. Honda seems to be going down hill in providing quality from the very beginning.
  • nealmnealm Member Posts: 41
    I purchased those Michelins for my '06 coupe. They are excellent in all ways... a great improvement in wet conditions over the Turenzas, and overall smoother, grippier, in short, a way better ride. They are available at COSTCO at an excellent price too!
  • shc37shc37 Member Posts: 12
    Was getting some rattling too at low RPMs, but I was just assuming it was the engine trying to get my car going and maybe straining a little. Figured vibrations we jsut more evident at the low speed -shrug-

    Anyways, I had a problem yesterday...I came to a stoplight and came to a full stop. I tried to move into first gear to get going again and it refused to! I pulled it out and tried to get in again, and refused. I pushed a little and made a clicking sound :surprise: So then I released the clutch and wobbled the stick around while traffic was piling up behind me, and then tried again and it finally went in. Is this normal and the gearbox just got out of synch randomly? I did stall it right before that if it matters....(got a little lazy pulling out of the gas station and didn't give enough gas :blush:)
  • kathyc1kathyc1 Member Posts: 138
    I misspoke on the Bridgestone tires. They're the Turanza EL400 with a rating of 5.37 and horrible reviews. I think I'll look into new tires sooner than later.
  • cz75cz75 Member Posts: 210
    Perhaps you should consider how badly rated the OEM Michelins that come on most Hondas and Acuras are in the Tire Rack ratings. I've never thought much of any of them and could hardly wait to get something else on the car, and that's for both previous Acuras and my current Civic Si. Additionally, they're never cheap either. I paid $130 each for Goodyears that absolutely beat the crap out of the Michelins (wet, dry, or in snow) that came on the car and are $185 each to replace. The only thing they did better was make a tad bit less noise, which was no feat for a less aggressive tire and one ill-suited to the vehicle.
  • nealmnealm Member Posts: 41
    Yes. As they say, "the devil is in the details". Which Goodyears are you referring to? The Michelins I purchased and praised without reservation in a previous post to this thread are Pilot Exaltos that cost about $110 each at Costco. They were very highly rated for all driving conditions by Tiretrak and I can confirm that they are excellent. I have yet to own a Bridgestone that I liked, Potenza or Turenza they have horrible wet condition control in FWD applications...they literally slide in turns. I had the Michelins in icy, snowy condition around Lake Placid, NY and was amazed by the traction these all season performance tires provided.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    For most cars, the OEM tires (regardless of manufacturer) are made to the spec of the vehicle manufacturer (read usually very inexpensive). I have both experienced and read many report of folks who went through their factory tires in relatively short order, and then replaced them with the same make and model of tire via the aftermarket, and found that the replacement tires lasted much longer.

    Also keep in mind, all of the top tire makers manufacture some real cheap tires, Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Pirelli alike. If I was to judge Michelin by the MX4s that came on one of my cars, I'd never buy Michelins again. Ditto the Bridgestone Turanza EL400s on another, and don't even get me started on the Goodyear Integrity wannabe tires.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • kathyc1kathyc1 Member Posts: 138
    When I checked the tire site I looked up Michelin Primacy MXV4, it had 4 1/2 stars and very good reviews by users. Has anyone had those? Is that the same as the MX4? Is there a tire that anyone can say is absolutely the best they've ever had?
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    He-he, fear not, the Michelin MX4 is so not the same tire as the Primacy MXV4 it isn't even in the same universe. The MX4 was typical cheap OEM rubber fitted to lesser expensive cars starting in the mid 1990s (why it's still in production has me completely bumfuzzeled), while the Primacy MXV4 is one of Michelin's latest and best All-Season tires. If I was looking for a good All-Season tire these days I'd certainly have the new Michelin as one of the top two or three on my short list, the flip side of course is the MX4 that only barely qualifies as a spare tire fit to sit in the wheel well and rarely (if ever) touch the ground. ;)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • will26will26 Member Posts: 62
    Just wondering if anyone else has seen this. The fabric keeps detaching from under the drivers seat in the front. I've had it in twice and both times about a week after it's reattached it pops off again.
  • cz75cz75 Member Posts: 210
    Eagle F1 A/S
  • cz75cz75 Member Posts: 210
    I've heard similar stories about the OEM rubber not being the same as the aftermarket tires of the same model, but I'm loathe to take a chance. Perhaps tire manufacturers should consider the disservice they do themselves when they make mediocre, at best, OEM tires. After suffering Michelin OEM rubber on every Honda/Acura product I've ever owned, I just won't take the chance, especially at the price premium they usually command over other brands.
  • cz75cz75 Member Posts: 210
    Michelin Pilot MXM4 tires were what came on my Si from the factory, not the MX4 that I mis-typed. Still worthless all the same. As an aside, why does Michelin use a designation like MXV4 on three different models? The Primacy MXV4 might be great, but the Energy MXV4 has always sucked.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Yeah, I had a BMW back in the late 1990s that came with the Energy MXV4 Plus tires, and, ummm, the best I can say for them is that they had good tread life (like over 60,000 miles).

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • kero1kero1 Member Posts: 154
    I traded my car quite a while ago but at around 16K the same thing happened, the bottom of the drivers seat, fabric came undone, there is a plastic piece inside the fabric that kept popping off the metal frame under the seat.

    I was quote annoying.
  • hbgti1hbgti1 Member Posts: 16
    I'd like some feedback on how the cloth on the LX trim has been holding up. It looks kinda cheap IMO, but if it holds up well and cleans up decently, then I could live with that. Thanks in advance.
  • will26will26 Member Posts: 62
    Is there a difference in the cloth between the EX and LX? The EX fabric seems a little thin but so far no complaints about wear(I've had it almost a year). As for cleaning, spots remove quit easily with a little mild facial soap. I had some spots in the back seat and it took it right off. I bought a new furniture set and they recommended Neutrogena facial soap for stains so I tried it on the car seat and it worked great.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    We own a 2006 EX sedan and although the fabric on the LX model is somewhat different I will give you our experience with it. Keep in mind that although the car is a 2006 (bought new) it still only has around 14,600 miles...so, early on in it life maybe at 6-or- 7,000 miles (and maybe less) I noticed a wear pattern beginning on the driver seat side "bolster". The "squiggly" pattern in the cloth was beginning to disappear, or wear, and by early winter (December 2007) when I took it in for an oil/filter change it was a patch about 3" X 4" and the pattern had completely disappeared. I pointed it out to the service advisor and to my surprise rather than a denial of being able to see it he immediately wrote it up and ordered a new seat bottom or cushion replacement cover. For one reason or another I couldn't get in to have the new cover replaced until March 2008. At that time after first being informed the part was still waiting there in my name it turned out it was used on another EX sedan for a like problem. It was reordered and installed by the next day. So, the seat fabric wore out prematurely on at least two cars I know of, ours and the persons car who they used our original cover on. A disappointment for me regarding Honda quality and worse the service department did not tighten the two front seat mounting bolts on our seat after removing/replacing the seat to install the cover. I had to get out the ole' ratchet and finish the job!!!
  • kathyc1kathyc1 Member Posts: 138
    My 2007 EX Civic coupe just turned over 6000 miles and the seat bottom looks OK, just maybe needs to be cleaned. I was glad to hear about the facial soap solution to that. It's the back of mine that might need replacement before the warranty is over. I bought it the end of May but it was built the end of October in Canada. Has anyone heard anything about which location has the most fabric problems, the U.S. or Canada?
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    While I don't actually know that there is (or isn't) a upholstry fabric "problem" it would seem based on my experience that there may be one. We treated our new Civic very well....no eating in the car, no smoking, no dirty pants, no screwdriver forgotten in the rear pocket, no anything that would be a cause for this. In fact, my wife mainly drives this car and as far as I can tell it was only our "butts" sliding over the seat bolster that caused the wear pattern. I do know that another EX sedan (or coupe if the seat fabric is the same for both) ended up using our cushion cover so that is two that needed replacement at the least. Our car was Ohio built. I would welcome any additional owners comments who may have also had premature seat fabric failure or wear.
  • nealmnealm Member Posts: 41
    Hey, I'm with you on this. The fabric in my '06 EX looked nice when new, but despite no abuse and proper care and cleaning looks worn and dingy now. The fabric seems unusually thin for an auto seat which must get slid into (esp. in the coupe)... I can't imagine it having a decent life span. Has Honda addressed this complaint in any way? Neal
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    I think Honda's answer is a replacement as long as the warranty lasts. I wondered when the replacement was installed if it was an improved version or the "same old...same old". Time will tell. It may be the next owners problem because I intend to sell it for a somewhat larger car.
  • hbgti1hbgti1 Member Posts: 16
    Thanks for the feedback on the cloth upholstery. IMO the fabric used in the LX "looks" the cheapest in the compact class. I love everything else about the Civic LX and its features are more than adequate for my needs. I find it hard to justify spending the extra $4K for an EX-L to have an upholstery I could live with, but unfortunately I find myself contemplating that very question. It's led me to look toward other brands to meet a good price/value/asthetics ratio. I'm hoping Honda upgrades the cloth and adds VSA to their Civic mid-life refresh (fingers crossed).
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    VSA is coming for 2009. Don't know about new fabric. But a good upholstery shop could put nicer cloth into the Civic LX for a fraction of $4k.
  • lynnjerlynnjer Member Posts: 6
    2006 Honda Civic EX
    48,000 highway miles

    For a good month now, the car has been having problems maintaining its speed, especially on inclines.

    On steeper inclines, it would always downshift, and that was fine and understandable. Now, it will at times need to downshift twice, and on inclines where it never needed to downshift, it will.

    I keep somewhat true to the oil changes. Though since I drive about 180 miles a day to work and back, I will go over. I just replaced the air filter a couple weeks back as well.

    Gas consumption has most certainly gone up as well. What used to take me 3/4 tank, now takes a full tank.

    Any ideas what could be going on? I will take it to the dealer eventually, but thought I'd hunt around for something beforehand. Plus, crappy warranty and with my 48k miles, it's over the limit.

    Thanks.!
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    The computer adjusts the fuel mixture going to the cylinders and timing of the spark, based upon its' monitoring of a whole bunch of sensors on the engine and exhaust. This obviously effects the power output, which is the symptom you are starting to notice.

    You don't reference a check engine light, but you may want to see if there are any error codes being set in the computer, which would point to an area that is either out of spec, or sporadically starting to go out of spec. You can buy readers relatively inexpensively now adays, or many chain autoparts stores may offer to read your car for you for free or nominal charge.
  • lynnjerlynnjer Member Posts: 6
    No check-engine lights are on. I'll call around to see if any places will take a reading.

    Any other ideas, please throw them out there.

    Thanks!
  • cz75cz75 Member Posts: 210
    Bad gas and/or fouled plugs would be some of my guesses.

    Switch to a top tier brand of gas for a while if you don't use it already.
  • lynnjerlynnjer Member Posts: 6
    Yeah, I was thinking new plugs possibly and they're not all that expensive either.

    Gas - I'll stop wherever, usually Hess or Shell are on my way to/from work. I've been using regular since I got it.
  • cz75cz75 Member Posts: 210
    Plugs may not be all that expensive, but some are better than others. I'd skip any fancy "splitfire" or similar plugs and replace them with Denso or NGK platinums similar to OEM. They cost a bit more, but my last Honda mechanic swore they were worth it.

    Stick with Shell, Chevron, or any other company that qualifies as "top tier."
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    I got my 2008 Civic in March and included the 8 yr 120000 mile extended
    warranty.I have a week left to decide whether to cancel it.The super reliable Hondas
    make me want to save $1900 by canceling.What is peoples opinions? Gripes?
    Blind spots and it needs a true 5 speed automatic or manumatic.Gas mileage
    is almost hybrid type but with a lot more Zoom.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    Super reliable Honda??? before you decide to cancel you might want to read more about 2006-07-08 Civic problems, and yes, they do have them contrary to popular opinion.
  • nealmnealm Member Posts: 41
    Specifically what problems would you point to to justify the $2G warranty. Thanks.
  • pskepske Member Posts: 7
    Did you get the warrant from your dealer? You overpaid! Look online for honda extended warranty and buy it from them. I purchased the same warranty from a honda dealer in RI (even though I live in the midwest) for just under $900. It's backed by Honda Care - you can buy it from ANY dealer. Honda extended warranty is sold by the financing dept in the dealer and they ALWAYS add extra $$$ so I shopped around and found a good deal...
  • kathyc1kathyc1 Member Posts: 138
    Yes, be sure to check out the issues with the 2006 and 07 because from what I've heard the 08 is not much better. I've only had a minor transmission problem, but there are more than that out there. It also seemed the Canadian built cars had more problems.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    I cannot point out any specific $2K problems but there may be a lot of $300-400 problems, (the easily stone damaged AC evaporator in front of the radiator for instance that dealers were refusing to replace under warranty stating damage as normal), or maybe not, but this particular generation Civic doesn't seem to be as trouble free as some of the earlier versions. So...you pays yer money and takes yer chance.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    No problems to speak of with 14k on the clock. Had the lug bug service performed just because my vin number fell in the range though never really heard the noise. Dealer drove the car and heard it faintly so did the warranty fix . Besides that...nothing to speak of. My 1st Honda product and hopefully not my last.
    Ample power for all my driving needs with very acceptable gas mileage and when I really need alot of power, just jump in the wife's Mazda 3s and I get my speed fix. Only trade off is the lower mpg's with the Mazda. Will be in the market for a 3rd kids car by the fall and the girls want an Elantra. We'll see about that though.

    The Sandman :)
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    I'm glad all is well with your particular Civic but as you well know this generation has many reported problems. There are also many TSB issued for the purpose of addressing them...the so-called "lug-bug" problem was only one of the first of quite a few issues. Our particular 2006 Civic had both rear shocks leak out before 4K miles (they were replaced under warranty), still exibits the so-called "glove-box" noise that turned out to be a faulty engine mount. I would have this issue fixed (a TSB has been long issued) except the service advisor "could not hear" the noise and Honda refuses warranty work if it cannot be documented by the service department. This is sound corporate policy except how can one "make" someone hear something that is plainly audible to me??? I have had to have the front driver seat cushion upholstry replaced due to premature wearing of the fabric (starting to be visable as wear at less than 10K miles). The most current concern of mine is premature rear tire wear, which is definately visable now at the current mileage of 15K..and yes the tires have been rotated once F to R. I believe there is some TSB issued to address this issue also. Smaller but no less important items are the poor quality of plastics on the interior surfaces particularly the door panels. This may have been fixed in 2007 -08 but the panels look the same on the new one I looked at on the lot last week. Yes, fuel economy is good in these times of near $4.00 per gallon and it has never failed to start or get us "there and back" but I am a first time Honda owner who can testify first hand that Honda "quality" may, just may mind you, have slipped in the execution of the latest gen Civic. By the way you couldn't go too wrong looking into the Elantra your girls want ;)
  • kathyc1kathyc1 Member Posts: 138
    The paint on the hand brake is peeling off. I don't wear a ring or anything on my right hand so there's no reason for this except poor quality paint. I haven't reported it to have it repainted because it would mean leaving the car long enough for the paint to dry, at least over night, and then making the long trip back to the dealer. I will report it though the next time I take it in for work.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    I see that you've had more than your share of problems and it's a sad commentary on Honda :mad:. But I'm just trying to give the other side opinion also so people who come in this forum to ask about the '06 Civic will see that there were some cars with issues and some without...more like a fair & balanced report so to speak.
    All manufacturers have problem cars which probably are a small fraction of the overall output for that year. It's my 1st honda product to and I'd be as mad as hell also if my car had all the issues that yours seems to have. I hope for your sake that Honda will be able to address them and make you a happy customer. I'd also try a different dealer location or even a couple so that maybe a good resolution could happen for you.

    The Sandman :)
  • ivtec1ivtec1 Member Posts: 29
    HELLOW ALL . My Honda civic LX 2008 has 2700miles and it has been exactly 4months. Is it time for an OIL change? the computer says 60% oil life. I dunno if it is good to wait......When i went to the dealership, they told me to wait until it reaches 20%. This car is mostly city driven. Car runs good, avg 26miles/gallon primarily city driving.

    YOur expert advice needed please.
  • pskepske Member Posts: 7
    That sounds right, 20% was what I was told too, or 1 year (I think), whichever comes first... Nowadays the oil does not need to replaced frequently :)
  • ivtec1ivtec1 Member Posts: 29
    thanks. good to double check with fellow civic users. One more question for u guys about the stereo. Is the stereo underpowered? i mean... i have tweaked with bass,treble,FAD but i don't think it has good speakers. What is your opinion on the speaker system?(for LX) also, it seems like the main bass response is only coming from the front two. :confuse:
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    I believe in that concept which is the reason for my post. But to be honest the number of overall 2006-07-08 Civic owners who are even aware of a site like this let alone post (about the good or bad) is exceedingly small. Given that, the number of complaints about the current generation is disproportionately large. Further, my specific complaints are not unique to me alone. Others have noted the same problems even into the 2007 and even 2008 model years. I firmly believe the legendary Honda name has become somewhat tarnished as of late, at least with the Civic.
  • jjandersjjanders Member Posts: 18
    Interesting thread. I am currently looking into a 2008 Civic sedan, along with the new Corolla and Mazda 3.

    Reading this forum and another Civic forum, there does seem to be a pervasive build quality problem with this generation of Civic. However, I'm not sure how much of it is just related to 2006 (first) model year cars.....I would think most of the kinks have been worked out for 2008, yes?

    Reliability/quality is one of my top priorities, I know you're not going to get Lexus quality for $17K, but still....

    Of course the Corolla is in it's first model year so I'm hesitant to go that route, and Toyota quality seems to be in question as of late just like Honda...
  • nealmnealm Member Posts: 41
    Just to add my two cents... yes, sites like this are known to very few Civic owners, but I would guess that this type of site and blogs tend to attract posts by those who have had problems and are looking for support and assistance. My '06 is a car I am reasonably happy with, my first Honda, yet I can relate to some of the issues mentioned here... poor seat fabric(EX), plastic rattles, the need to replace water pump and rear wheel bearings(under warrantee). I'm happy with the overall experience of driving the car vs the competition and I suppose the same must be true for the many auto publications that continue to rank this Civic as best in it's class. I hope Honda moniters this site and learns from it. I know that we who use it can benefit from having the support of others experiences in dealing with service managers and others who tend to minimize concerns.
  • pskepske Member Posts: 7
    I agree, for some reason this generation of Civic has a lot of minor bugs :sick: I like the design and if you're willing to put up with some of these minor bugs then it's good, you need a lot of patience!
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Interesting thread. I am currently looking into a 2008 Civic sedan, along with the new Corolla and Mazda 3.

    All three are good choices. Civic is the most fuel efficient. The Mazda is the sportiest (2008.5 i Touring Value Edition added many valuable features at a great price!). New Corolla has upgraded its materials and overall driveability. The XRS is pretty quick its self. MT just did a comparo, and the Mazda came in 1st, Honda 2nd, Toyota 4th,

    For a opinions on all three, go to the "Civic vs Mazda3 vs Corolla" thread. Also, TheSandman owns both Civic and Mazda3, check with him.
  • cz75cz75 Member Posts: 210
    It may be tarnished, but you need to remember that those who have complaints need to vent and those who are satisfied don't, so a car with hundreds of thousands of units sold/year and a high overall reliability will generate a significant amount of complaints on a forum compared to something that is more unreliable (BMW, Porsche, M-B) but has relatively few sales.
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