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2006 Honda Civic

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2006 Honda Civic marked a significant redesign for the popular compact car. Offered in coupe and sedan body styles, it was known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicality. However, like any vehicle, it wasn’t without its common issues. Available engine options included a 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC inline-4 engine producing 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque, primarily found in the DX, LX, and EX trims. Also offered was a 1.3L i-DSI inline-4 engine with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, producing 110 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options consisted of a 5-speed manual transmission, a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a CVT transmission available only on the Hybrid model. Owners typically praised the Civic’s fuel economy and dependability, however common complaints were the thin paint, rear suspension noise, and cracking dashboards.

Engine

1.8L SOHC i-VTEC Inline-4

  • Cracked Engine Block
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak around the engine block (typically near cylinder 3 or 4), overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, engine misfires. This is a manufacturing defect that can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
    • Solution: Engine block replacement or engine replacement. Honda extended the warranty on affected vehicles and covered these repairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Loose Gas Cap
    • Description/Symptoms: The “Check Engine” light illuminates, often accompanied by a P0455 code (Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected - Gross Leak). This can be caused by a loose or faulty gas cap.
    • Solution: Ensure the gas cap is properly tightened. If the problem persists, replace the gas cap.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10 - $30
    • Recalls: None Found

1.3L i-DSI Inline-4 (Hybrid)

  • IMA Battery Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Decreased fuel economy, loss of electric assist, the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) light illuminates, and the engine may stall or run roughly. The hybrid battery degrades over time, reducing its capacity.
    • Solution: Hybrid battery replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during acceleration, difficulty shifting gears, rough or jerky shifts, and a general feeling of the transmission slipping. This can be due to low transmission fluid, worn clutch packs, or a faulty valve body.
    • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the problem persists, further diagnosis is needed, and the valve body or transmission overhaul/replacement may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (fluid/filter), $500 - $1,500 (valve body), $2,000 - $4,000+ (transmission replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

CVT Transmission (Hybrid)

  • CVT Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise, loss of power, transmission slipping, erratic shifting, and the CVT warning light illuminating. CVTs are known to be less durable than traditional automatic transmissions and can fail prematurely.
    • Solution: CVT fluid change. If the symptoms persist, CVT repair or replacement is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid change), $2,500 - $5,000+ (CVT replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noises from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps, reduced handling performance, uneven tire wear, and visible cracks or deterioration in the control arm bushings.
    • Solution: Replace the rear lower control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Power Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window operates slowly or not at all, grinding noises when operating the window, window falling into the door, or the window switch not responding.
    • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dim Headlights
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, especially noticeable at night, making it difficult to see. This can be due to oxidized headlight lenses, a faulty headlight switch, or a failing alternator.
    • Solution: Polish or replace headlight lenses, replace the headlight switch, or replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $50 (lens polishing kit), $100 - $200 (headlight switch), $200 - $400+ (alternator replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Rear Fenders/Quarter Panels
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rear fenders, particularly around the wheel wells. This is a common issue due to poor corrosion protection from the factory.
    • Solution: Rust repair, body filler, and repainting.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per panel, depending on the severity of the rust.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly on the passenger side, often due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (dashboard replacement), $50 - $200 (dashboard cover).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sun Visor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The sun visor droops down and will not stay in the up position, or it breaks off completely.
    • Solution: Sun visor replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per visor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2006 Honda Civic, while generally reliable, has some known issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The cracked engine block issue on the 1.8L engine is a significant concern, but Honda did address many of these cases. The IMA battery failure on the hybrid model can be a substantial expense. Other issues like the dashboard cracking and rear suspension noise are more of a nuisance but should be considered. The rust issues can be costly to repair, and could be a major headache for potential buyers in northern regions where salt is used on the roads. Overall, the 2006 Civic remains a popular and fuel-efficient choice, but a thorough inspection and knowledge of these common problems are essential before purchasing.

Honda, Civic
Honda Civic 2006
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