2004 Honda Civic

The 2004 Honda Civic: A Comprehensive List of Common Issues

The 2004 Honda Civic is a tenth-generation compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It is available with a choice of two engines: a 1.7-liter inline-four with 127 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter inline-four with 160 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Civic comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission.

While the 2004 Honda Civic is generally reliable, it is not without its issues. Here is a comprehensive list of the most common problems reported by owners:

Engine

1.7-Liter Inline-Four

• Cracked exhaust manifold: Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, especially when starting up or accelerating. Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Leaking valve cover gasket: Symptoms include oil leaking from the valve cover onto the engine. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

2.0-Liter Inline-Four

• Timing belt failure: Symptoms include a loss of engine power or a loud noise from the engine. Solution: Replace the timing belt and water pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include a drop in engine performance, rough idling, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, especially when downshifting. Solution: Replace the synchronizer. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+

Five-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping: Symptoms include a loss of power or a slipping sensation when shifting gears. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Front strut failure: Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front of the car, especially when going over bumps or dips. Solution: Replace the front struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Rear shock absorber failure: Symptoms include a rough ride and a loss of stability when driving over uneven surfaces. Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Electrical

• Battery drain: Symptoms include a dead battery after the car is parked for a few days. Solution: Find the source of the drain and fix it. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
• Alternator failure: Symptoms include a dim dashboard, flickering lights, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+

Exterior

• Rust on rear bumper: Symptoms include rust spots on the rear bumper. Solution: Replace or repair the bumper. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Interior

• Climate control fan failure: Symptoms include a lack of airflow from the vents. Solution: Replace the climate control fan. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Broken dashboard vents: Symptoms include cracked or broken vents. Solution: Replace the broken vents. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Summary

Overall, the 2004 Honda Civic is a reliable car, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems include engine and transmission failures, suspension issues, electrical problems, and minor interior and exterior issues. While the cost of repairs can be significant, most of the issues are not major and can be resolved with timely maintenance and repairs.