Dealer message - Beginning September 26, 2017, the 2006-2011 Civic Engine Block (part number 10002-RNA-A50 and 10002- RNE-A01) warranty claim submission will enforce proper engine ordering through iN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Honda Civic engine problems
moderate 224 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
224
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
5fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 224 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Honda Civic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 224 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Honda Civic in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer message - Beginning September 26, 2017, the 2006-2011 Civic Engine Block (part number 10002-RNA-A50 and 10002- RNE-A01) warranty claim submission will enforce proper engine ordering through iN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - Beginning August 29, 2017, the 2006-2011 Civic Engine Block (part number 10002-RNA-A50 and 10002- RNE-A01) warranty claim submission will require proper engine ordering through iN. On July 19, 2017, a new applica??on was added to assist your dealership with this new process, which is similar to the current IMA ba??ery, audio, and A/T ordering. Without proper engine block ordering through iN, warranty claims will not be accepted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - On some 2006 - 08 and early production 2009 Civics, the engine (cylinder) block may leak engine coolant, resulting in engine overheating. To increase customer confidence, American Honda is extending the warranty of the engine block to 10 years from the original date of purchase, with no mileage limit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE - IS THE MIL ON WITH DTC P0606 (ECM/PCM PROCESSOR MALFUNCTION)? CHECK FOR AFTERMARKET SPARK PLUGS THAT INCLUDE A BUILT-IN CAPACITOR; THEY CAN CAUSE ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE THAT CAN SET THIS DTC. IF THE ENGINE HAS THAT TYPE OF SPARK PLUGS, SWAP THEM WITH A SET OF THE RECOMMENDED SPARK PLUGS. THEN, CLEAR THE DTC AND RETEST. IF THE DTC DOESNT COME BACK, YOUVE FOUND THE PROBLEM. LET THE SERVICE ADVISOR KNOW SO HE OR SHE CAN CONTACT YOUR CUSTOMER FOR DIRECTION. BUT IF IT DOES COME BACK . . . THEN CONTINUE WITH NORMAL SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Honda Civic has widespread engine block casting defects causing unpredictable cracks and coolant leaks. Owners describe driving normally, then suddenly losing all coolant with no visible leaks underneath—temperature gauges spike, smoke pours from the hood, and engines overheat or seize without warning. Some report melted dipsticks and ignition coils from extreme heat. Failures occur between 50,000 and 127,000 miles, often years after purchase, catching owners off-guard because Honda never formally notified them of the defect. Repair costs range $1,700 to $6,400 for engine replacement. Honda issued Service Bulletins 08-044 and 10-048 and quietly extended warranty to 10 years, but this extension was not mailed to all owners and applies only if the failure occurs within that window. Owners past the 10-year cutoff—even by a few months—are denied coverage, and Honda has refused appeals from original owners and goodwill requests. Second owners receive no help whatsoever.
The 2007 Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery also fails prematurely, especially in hot climates. Battery charge drops to zero despite showing bars on the gauge, stranding owners with a sluggish 1.3L underpowered gas engine during highway merges and city acceleration. Fuel economy plummets from 40 MPG to 30 MPG. Rear seat temperature reaches unsafe levels due to battery location. Honda dealerships dismissed complaints as "normal aging," applying only software updates and refusing repairs unless the warning light activated—leaving owners in unsafe vehicles for months or years.
Same Honda Civic engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Cracked/Fractured Engine Block
Engine block develops cracks or porous defects during casting, typically between cylinders or on the outside of the block, causing internal coolant leakage and overheating.
When: Typically 50,000–127,000 miles; some failures occur within 7–10 years of ownership. Owners report onset ranging from 50k miles to over a decade after purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant loss without visible external leaks under the car; Rapid temperature gauge rise; overheating without warning; Burning smell (coolant on hot engine parts); Smoke from engine compartment; Engine seizure or stalling; Melted engine components (dipstick, coil packs, ignition coils); Hesitation or loss of acceleration
Codes mentioned: P1433 (Battery Degraded—hybrid models only), Service Bulletin 08-044, Service Bulletin 10-048, TSB #10-048
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine block or engine replacement required. Owner-cited repair costs range $1,700–$6,395; typical dealer quote $4,600–$5,000. Some owners received partial coverage (25%, 50%, or 90% from Honda) via goodwill or extended warranty claims if within the 10-year window. Second owners and those beyond the 10-year extended warranty typically receive zero assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Service Bulletin 08-044 and later Service Bulletin 10-048 acknowledging a casting defect. Honda extended warranty to 10 years / unlimited mileage for covered repairs. However, warranty extension was not formally communicated to all owners via mail (some received notice; others did not). Owners out of the 10-year window or who purchased used are generally denied coverage unless Honda approves a goodwill claim. Dealerships cite warranty cutoff strictly and deny coverage for vehicles just past the 10-year threshold, even if low mileage or well-maintained. Honda customer service has refused appeals from original owners and denied reimbursement claims for repairs performed out-of-warranty.
IMA Battery Degradation and Loss of Assist Power (Hybrid Models)
Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery fails to hold adequate charge, loses capacity to deliver electric assist, and overheats—particularly in hot climates (Arizona, summer heat). Battery charge drops to zero or very low levels unexpectedly, forcing the car to run on the underpowered 1.3L gas engine alone.
When: 2007 Civic Hybrids; issues reported 1–3 years of ownership, often within first year during summer months or prolonged heat exposure. Some began manifesting after software updates.
Symptoms owners cite: IMA battery charge indicator drops to 0–2 bars despite recent full charge; Loss of electric assist power; car becomes underpowered and sluggish; Severe reduction in fuel economy (drops from ~40 MPG to ~31 MPG or worse); Excessive heat in rear passenger seat where battery is mounted; Safety concerns: inability to accelerate safely on highways or when merging; Battery crashes to zero with no warning, then recalibrates suddenly; Unpredictable loss of power during acceleration from a stop
Codes mentioned: P1433 (Battery Degraded Code), P07AF (Battery Deterioration Code), IMA light illumination (some vehicles)
Repairs/costs cited: Honda dealers applied software updates to several vehicles with little to no improvement. Battery replacement cost not explicitly stated in narratives, but owners describe the condition as requiring battery replacement for full resolution. Some dealers refused to act unless the IMA warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda techline and dealerships initially stated that degradation at 3+ years of age and high ambient temperatures (100°F+) constitute 'normal operation.' Honda applied software updates as a first step. When battery reached critical failure (P1433 light activation), Honda agreed to cover battery replacement under warranty for in-warranty vehicles. Out-of-warranty owners received no assistance. Dealerships told owners that unless the fault code illuminated, nothing was wrong and nothing could be done. Honda did not acknowledge this as a defect; instead framed it as normal aging of older batteries in extreme heat.
Water Pump Pulley Bolt Failure
Bolts securing the water pump pulley loosen or fail, causing the pulley to break and damage the water pump, tensioner, and serpentine belt.
When: ~48,900 miles on one reported vehicle; unknown interval for others. Rare failure mode (one explicit complaint).
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or grinding noise from engine; Burning rubber smell; Water pump pulley breaks; pulley separates from pump
Codes mentioned: TSB 08-039 (NHTSA #10026791)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner cited repair cost of $500+. Requires replacement of water pump, tensioner, serpentine belt, and pulley bolts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Technical Service Bulletin 08-039 addressing loose bolts on water pump pulleys. Dealership service manager claimed he had never encountered this failure before on his service line, despite the TSB existing. Owner was denied coverage because mileage was ~900–1,000 miles past the overall warranty limit.
Engine Mount Failure
Engine mounts degrade or fail prematurely, causing excessive vibration and noise, especially when the engine is cold or vehicle is in reverse.
When: Under 90,000 miles reported; exact mileage interval unclear.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive noise and vibration, particularly when cold; Low-rumbling sound in reverse; Engine vibration throughout the vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid over $400 to replace engine mounts. One complaint cited dealers charging $450 per mount replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite multiple owner reports on online forums. No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input on the accelerator pedal, even while applying brakes. Engine RPMs increase involuntarily.
When: One report at ~36,000 miles; another at 34,000 miles (prior engine mount replacement).
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration while turning into parking space at very low speed (<5 MPH); Foot not on accelerator pedal; acceleration continues despite brake application; High RPMs with brake pressure applied; Brake effectiveness diminished or unable to stop acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle had engine mount replaced under powertrain warranty prior to acceleration event. Cost not stated for acceleration issue itself.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership attributed incident to operator error; suggested floor mat entanglement (though owner confirmed mat was not tangled). No further diagnostic or corrective action documented.
Rough Idle and Engine Misfire (#4 Cylinder)
Engine runs rough at startup; #4 cylinder exhibits misfiring or ignition problems. Multiple spark plug and air filter replacements did not resolve issue, later found to correlate with coolant loss and cracked engine block.
When: Multiple service visits spanning weeks to months; coolant loss detected ~10 days after engine light addressed.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine running rough for 2 days after startup; works out after 1–2 miles of driving; Check engine light illumination post-refueling; #4 cylinder misfire or problem code; Heater stops working; Unexplained coolant loss despite mechanic confirming full coolant level days prior
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced; air filter replaced; thermostat diagnostics performed (no fault found). Later diagnosed as cracked engine block causing coolant loss and affecting cylinder performance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially unable to identify root cause. Thermostat diagnostics inconclusive. Owner received letter from Honda about 2006–2009 Civic engine block defect after troubleshooting had begun. Dealer re-examined vehicle for cracked block but reported no problem found with block or thermostat; could not explain coolant loss.
Synthesized from 224 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Engine block cracks and leaking coolant. Our 2007 Honda civic started leaking fluid on 12/27/2017. This cause temperature to become red with white smoke coming out of the front hood while I was driving with my wife and 3 month baby. It looks very dangerous to drive. We found out Honda had extended the warranty on this to 10 years because of known defects. Unfortunately, I experienced the defect…
I was driving my Honda civic 2007 on a ramp going from one highway to another, when it completely shut down and started smoking. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the car until it stopped and started smoking. Turns out that the engine block was cracked creating overheating. The overheating caused other parts of the engine to melt, the spark plugs, oil dipstick, head is warped.…
My engine block is cracked. I know that several year models of the Honda civic have been recalled due to this defect; the 2007 yr model as is mine included. My VIN # was not included in this recall but it has the same defect as the others that were recalled. I would like for mine to be replaced. The pictures included show where the water/antifreeze mixture has leaked out and dried on. The…
Cracked engine block, random overheating, major coolant loss, emergency pullover
I was in a highway and my engine heated. I let it cool down and found out that the coolant/ antifreeze had been depleted completely. I replenished it. Later diagnosis resulted in identification of crack from the engine block. My 2007 civic had gone out of warranty for their extended 10 years. It has low mileage of 94000 miles. These specific problems seem to occur in hondas at around 90k to 110k.…
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Honda Civic?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Honda Civic?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 224 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 166 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 57,576 and 124,056 miles, with the median around 88,862. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,576; a quarter make it past 124,056. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Honda/Civic.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.