2018 Honda Civic Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 8%of 747 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,200miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Honda Civic, 8% of the 747 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at 50 MPH on the right lane of the saw mill parkway the engine suddenly stopped running. The car came to a halt in the right lane. It was immovable. I put the flashers on, put the gear shift in park and pushed the start button. The car did start. I drove it home but am afraid to drive it again.”
NHTSA complaint #11413940, filed 2021-04, 11,000 miles“Suspected oil dilution... Recent dealership oil change, less than a week later, the volume of oil was approx. 1/2 inch over the top of the dip stick measurement section. Dealer re-did the oil change two weeks later, and we will continue to observe. The oil does have a strong smell of gasoline... Compared to other vehicles. I am concerned about the longevity of the engine due to excessive wear related to insufficient lubrication.”
NHTSA complaint #11184928, filed 2019-03, 11,100 miles“Since shortly after I got my car, brand new, it started to stall a little bit as I went to turn, if I had to stop or slow down beforehand. It got worse as time went on. I told Honda before my first year was up and he told me to just take off eco. I did, but eventually it started doing that without eco. I'm afraid it's gonna do that when I have to turn left onto a busy road and not be able to get out of the way fast enough. Both eco and non eco should work efficiently. The date below is an estimate of when it started. It's been a couple years.”
NHTSA complaint #11374907, filed 2020-11, 1,000 miles“My vehicle was in motion on the highway with 68,000 miles, and no signs of any leak or defects before driving home , 2 year old vehicle was abruptly show some warning lights on the dash so pulled over all happened in less than 2 minutes until I could pull over the side , the engine overheated, I maintain all schedule maintenance at dealer and was up to date on services , I believe this was a mechanical failure and not negligence on my part, my extend coverage won't accept my claim for repairs ,currently with out car and still paying loan and facing a $9500.00 repair cost which I believe the…”
NHTSA complaint #11331352, filed 2020-06, 68,000 miles“At 2025 miles my 2018 civicthat I had for 2ish months started smelling like fuel in the cab. So I looked it up and the earth dreams motor is having oil dilution problems and it is becoming more common. So I checked my oil and found my car a quart overfull with fuel in my oil. I then had it towed to the dealership where they gave it a free oil change and said that there is no fix andit is normal. The oil viscosity will deteriorate eventual leaving me witha knock or disabled on the side of the road. It is an issue that can cause a crash or sickness when the noxious gas smell comes back. …”
NHTSA complaint #11150028, filed 2018-11, 2,025 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037695Sep 25, 2026Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or…
- 11037693Sep 25, 2026Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or…
- 11036424Aug 26, 2026Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or…
- 11036408Aug 26, 2026Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire…
- 11036407Aug 26, 2026Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire…
- 11021745Jul 29, 2025Service Bulletin - Oil leak at timing chain tensioner inspection cover due to possible insufficient sealant adhesion on inspection cover.
- 10176984Jun 23, 2020Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2018-2019 Accords, 2016-2019 Civics & 2017-2019 CR-Vs with a customer complaint of an oil leak at…
- 10176145May 28, 2020Dealer Message - We've noticed an unprecedented demand for A/C compressors which at times has created a backorder situation. The majority of the compressors returned were…
- 10173653Apr 3, 2020Dealer Message - We've noticed an unprecedented demand for A/C compressors which at times has created a backorder situation. The majority of the compressors returned were…
- 10158743Apr 5, 2019Dealer Message - Today, April 5, 2019, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2016-18 Civic and 2017-18 CR-V vehicles due to drivability concerns. American…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 16% |
| 2025 | 5 | 7% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 8 | 3% |
| 2022 | 11 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 13 | 6% |
| 2019 | 33 | 7% |
| 2018 | 57 | 8% |
| 2017 | 66 | 11% |
| 2016 | 95 | 9% |
| 2015 | 31 | 8% |
| 2014 | 23 | 8% |
| 2013 | 22 | 7% |
| 2012 | 32 | 7% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 19 | 5% |
| 2009 | 27 | 7% |
| 2008 | 156 | 17% |
| 2007 | 170 | 14% |
| 2006 | 227 | 16% |
| 2005 | 14 | 4% |
| 2004 | 10 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 2% |
| 2001 | 19 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 14 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Honda Civic
315 complaintsFuel system
174 complaintsOther or unknown
126 complaintsElectrical system
61 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsWheels
11 complaintsForward collision avoidance
10 complaintsSeats
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Honda Civic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology