2004 Honda Civic

The 2004 Honda Civic is a popular compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. Engine options include a 1.7L SOHC inline-4 available in various trims, producing between 115 and 127 horsepower and around 105-114 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Hybrid uses a 1.3L inline-4 assisted by an electric motor, producing 93 hp and 91 lb-ft of torque, while the Civic Si boasts a 2.0L inline-4 (K20A3) producing 160 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a CVT in the hybrid model. Owners appreciate the Civic’s fuel economy, longevity, and affordable price. Common complaints include relatively basic features in lower trims, road noise, and some model-specific issues related to age and wear.

Engine

1.7L SOHC Inline-4 (D17A1, D17A2, D17A6, D17A7)

• Cracked Engine Block
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust. Can be a result of extreme temperatures. Often found around the engine mount.
  • Solution: Replacement of the engine block, or engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light (P0420 code), reduced fuel economy, failed emissions test, rattling sound from exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak onto exhaust manifold, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.3L Inline-4 Hybrid (LDA1)

• IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, loss of assist and regenerative braking, IMA light on, battery degradation.
  • Solution: Replacement of the IMA battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Inline-4 (K20A3) - Civic Si

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level between oil changes, blue smoke from exhaust during startup or acceleration.
  • Solution: Monitor oil level and add oil as needed. In severe cases, piston ring replacement or engine rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, erratic shifting, slipping between gears, or harsh engagement when shifting.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement might help in early stages. More severe cases may require valve body repair or full transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT (Hybrid)

• CVT Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise, slipping, jerking, failure to accelerate, CVT malfunction indicator.
  • Solution: CVT fluid change may help in early stages. Otherwise, CVT replacement is often necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Cracked Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear suspension, especially over bumps. Poor handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, leaking fluid from struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, clicking sound when trying to operate the window.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car not starting, key not turning, or car stalling while driving.
  • Solution: Replacement of the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Wheel Arches
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the rear quarter panels above the wheels.
  • Solution: Rust repair and paint, or replacement of the affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Large cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Honda Civic is generally reliable, but age-related issues are common. Engine problems like cracked engine blocks and catalytic converter failure can be expensive. Transmission issues, particularly with the automatic and CVT transmissions, can also be costly. Suspension components like trailing arm bushings and struts wear out over time. Electrical problems with power windows and the ignition switch can occur. Rust, especially on the rear wheel arches, is a common issue. Dashboard cracks are a common interior complaint. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix, others, like engine or transmission replacements, can be quite costly. Overall, the 2004 Civic can be a good value, but potential buyers should carefully inspect the car for these common problems.