2011 Honda Civic

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2011 Honda Civic, categorized by major components and engine/transmission options, with detailed descriptions, solutions, estimated costs, and recall information.

The 2011 Honda Civic is a popular compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. The 2011 Civic was available with a 1.8L Inline-4 engine (140 hp, 128 lb-ft torque), a 1.3L Inline-4 hybrid engine and a 2.0L Inline-4 in the Si model (197 hp, 139 lb-ft torque). The 1.8L engine was generally paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Civic’s fuel economy and longevity, but some common complaints include issues with the air conditioning system and occasional electrical problems.

Engine

1.8L Inline-4 Engine

• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive vibration felt in the cabin, especially at idle or during acceleration. The engine may also shift more than normal under the hood.
  • Solution: Replace the failed engine mount. Typically, the front and right-side mounts are the most prone to failure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per mount.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level warnings, the need to add oil frequently between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Initially, check for external leaks. If no external leaks are found, an oil consumption test may be necessary to determine the rate of consumption. In severe cases, piston ring replacement might be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (oil consumption test) to $1500+ (piston ring replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Inline-4 Engine (Si Model)

• No Issues Found

1.3L Inline-4 Engine (Hybrid Model)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (1.8L Engine)

• Delayed or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay when shifting gears, especially between Drive and Reverse. Harsh “clunking” or “jerking” during gear changes.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush using genuine Honda ATF-DW1 fluid. If the problem persists, further diagnosis may be needed to check for worn solenoids or valve body issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (fluid flush), $500 - $1500+ (solenoid/valve body replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission (1.8L Engine)

• Grinding during Gear Changes
  • Description/Symptoms: A grinding noise when shifting, especially into 3rd or 5th gear. Difficulty engaging certain gears.
  • Solution: Check and replace the transmission fluid with genuine Honda MTF. If the issue persists, inspect the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing for wear. In severe cases, internal transmission damage might be the cause.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100 (fluid change), $500 - $1200 (clutch replacement), $1500+ (transmission repair/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leaks/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, fluid leaks visible on the shock absorbers.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers. It is recommended to replace them in pairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Vague steering feel.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per control arm/bushing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning blowing warm air, a clicking noise from the compressor area, refrigerant leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the air conditioning compressor, drier, and expansion valve. Recharge the system with refrigerant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Driver’s Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Driver’s side window not functioning correctly, other windows may also be affected.
  • Solution: Replace the Driver’s Power Window Switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower rear quarter panels, especially around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repair the rust by sanding, applying rust inhibitor, and repainting. In severe cases, panel replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel depending on severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard, install a dashboard cover, or repair the cracks with a specialized filler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (dashboard cover), $500 - $1500+ (dashboard replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Honda Civic, while generally reliable, has a few common issues to watch out for. Engine mount failures, excessive oil consumption (particularly on the 1.8L engine), and transmission issues (delayed shifting or grinding) are potential problems. Electrical issues with the air conditioning and power windows can also occur. Exterior rust is common in certain climates, and interior cracking of the dashboard can happen due to sun exposure. The severity of these issues varies, but potential repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the problem and the extent of the damage. Always get a pre-purchase inspection to identify any potential problems before buying a used 2011 Honda Civic.