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 ↗2011 Honda Civic engine problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Honda Civic have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 39,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Civic | 224 |
| 2008 Civic | 183 |
| 2009 Civic | 26 |
| 2010 Civic | 17 |
| 2011 Civic (this page) | 10 |
| 2012 Civic | 14 |
| 2013 Civic | 14 |
| 2014 Civic | 11 |
| 2015 Civic | 12 |
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 10 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Honda Civic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 ↗HONDA: THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, POWER ON, BUT IN ACCESSORY; NEVER USE CONVENTIONAL WHEEL & TIRE ASSEMBLIES ON PAX VEHICLES; MIL ON AFTER THROTTLE BODY CLEANING OR REPLACEMENT; S/M FIX BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING, DIALOGUE FOR DVD SURROUND SOUND FROM FRONT SPEAKERS ONLY. VARIOUS MODELS AND MODEL YEARS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Civic cluster points to multiple distinct engine and powertrain-related issues. A/C condenser damage from road debris is the most frequent complaint—owners' mechanics confirmed the coil sits directly behind the bumper with no guard, and Honda has faced a settled class-action lawsuit over the same vulnerability on other models, though it did not cover Civics. One owner's vehicle caught fire at 120,000 miles with smoke and popping from the A/C vents; neither the dealer nor manufacturer was notified.
Idle vibration and shaking, worse with the A/C on, plagued at least one owner from purchase through 43,000 miles. Dealership blamed tires or suggested premium fuel without fixing the root cause. A motor mount or bump stop defect at 38,684 miles caused rattling particularly at startup, in reverse, and with the A/C running—the owner found it widespread across 8th generation Civics online but Honda refused warranty coverage at $513.
Check engine lights appeared immediately on one new vehicle; despite three dealer visits, the light reappeared within 24 hours each time and was never resolved. Another owner's engine stalled without warning on startup, present from 7 miles and undiagnosed at 53,000 miles. One owner experienced complete engine failure at 63,000 miles—just 3,000 past the warranty—and another reported fuel economy matching vehicles with double the engine size.
Same Honda Civic engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Condenser damage from road debris
A/C condenser coil positioned directly behind the front bumper with no protective guard; vulnerable to puncture from rocks and road debris during normal driving. Owner found a settled class-action lawsuit (Alin v. Honda Motor Co., settled September 2011) involving a similar design flaw on other Honda models, though not specifically Civics. Multiple dealers confirmed this is a widespread issue. Honda refused warranty coverage, claiming it is not a design flaw.
When: Varies; one owner noticed at unspecified mileage; another at 120,000 miles (fire incident)
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blowing hot air; Smoke from passenger-side A/C vents; Loud popping sound from A/C vents; Vehicle fire
Repairs/costs cited: Condenser coil replacement required; costly repair bills cited but no specific amounts given; no retrofit or guard available to prevent recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused financial assistance; claimed not a design flaw; no recalls or TSBs mentioned for Civics
Idle vibration and shaking
Vehicle vibrates or shakes at idle, worsening with A/C compressor on. Intermittent behavior made diagnosis difficult. Dealership claimed operation was normal and recommended premium fuel (Chevron), which did not resolve the issue. Issue persisted from early ownership through 43,000 miles. Owner had also replaced tires at 32,000 miles and front brakes at 40,000 miles.
When: Within one week of purchase; persisted through 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration or shaking at idle; Worsened with A/C on; Intermittent occurrence; Vibration worse when brakes recently replaced
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealership suggested premium fuel without fixing underlying issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed normal operation
Motor mount and bump stop defects
Defective motor mount or bump stop causing excessive rattling and vibration, particularly at engine start, when reversing, and with A/C compressor active. Condition exacerbated by road bumps. Owner found multiple threads on forums for the same issue across the entire 8th generation Civic. Dealership knew the issue but refused to cover under warranty.
When: 38,684 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive rattling and vibration at start; Vibration when reversing; Vibration with A/C on; Vibration worsened over bumps
Repairs/costs cited: $513.00 repair quoted; owner states Honda should cover it
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused warranty coverage despite widespread issue across 8th generation Civics
Check Engine Light—persistent, undiagnosed
Check Engine Light illuminated immediately upon driving the vehicle off the lot. Dealer attempted repair, but light reappeared within 24 hours. Vehicle returned to dealership three times without resolution. Owner reports engine running irregularly at times and expressed concern about uncontrolled acceleration.
When: From new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light on; Irregular engine running; Light reappears after dealer repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer repair attempts unsuccessful; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; dealer unable to diagnose
Sudden acceleration while parking
Vehicle lurches forward aggressively on its own while brakes are being applied, particularly when parking in a garage. Owner must apply hard brake pressure to prevent collision. Behavior occurs regardless of A/C compressor activity or engine temperature. Ongoing issue; owner's previous three Hondas never exhibited this problem.
When: Ongoing issue; no mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Aggressive forward lurch while braking; Occurs during parking; Requires hard brake pressure to prevent collision
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired
Engine stalling on startup
Vehicle stalls without warning immediately upon powering on. Dealership technician unable to diagnose the failure. Issue present from very low mileage (7 miles at complaint filing).
When: From very low mileage (7 miles); issue persisted through 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning on startup
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; technician unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Engine failure
Complete engine failure reported at 63,000 miles, just past the 60,000-mile engine warranty coverage. Owner purchased vehicle new and experienced failure within approximately 4 years of ownership. Owner expresses shock at premature failure compared to previous Honda (229,000 miles) and concerns about vehicle reliability.
When: 63,000 miles (approximately 4 years of ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Blown engine; Complete engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; outside warranty; cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda stated nothing could be done; warranty expired at 60,000 miles
Poor fuel economy
Fuel economy significantly lower than EPA estimates under modest, careful driving. Owner reports MPG equivalent to three prior vehicles with engines twice the size and twice the horsepower. Dealership offered no assistance or investigation.
When: Ongoing issue; no specific mileage cited
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel economy below EPA estimates; Excessive fuel consumption for engine size
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer shrugged and ignored complaint
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My 2011 Honda civic has a blown engine after having the car less than 4 years. Unfortunately past 60,000 mile warranty on the engine, my car with 63,000 miles has a completely blown engine. I am very disappointed this is no longer covered and there is nothing Honda can do about. I am very disappointed that this Honda is such a lemon and have no faith in buying a Honda ever again. I am a single…
Had engine trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Honda Civic?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 31,000 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 63,000. 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/2011/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.