2017 Honda Civic — What to Check Before You Buy
The 2017 Honda Civic (10th generation) is a highly regarded compact that earned praise for driving dynamics and efficiency, but the new 1.5T turbocharged engine and CVT transmission introduced in this generation brought some concerns that buyers should verify before purchasing.
1.5T Engine Oil Dilution in Cold Climates
The 1.5L turbocharged engine in this generation is widely associated with gasoline mixing into the engine oil, particularly in colder climates and with short-trip driving patterns. This can cause the oil to appear overfull and smell of fuel. Honda issued updated ECU calibrations to address this, but it remains a known concern. Check oil level and condition before purchase.
CVT Transmission Behavior
The CVT paired with the 1.5T can exhibit shudder or hesitation, particularly at low speeds or during light-throttle acceleration. Testing on a highway on-ramp and in slow-moving traffic will help you evaluate the transmission's behavior. A smooth, seamless feel throughout the power range is what to look for.
Air Conditioning Compressor
The AC compressor on 10th-generation Civics is a component that independent mechanics flag more frequently than average for this class. Always verify that the AC produces cold air promptly when tested, and listen for any belt-area noise when the AC is engaged.
NHTSA recalls · 5
- Steering:electric power assist systemRemedied
27/09/2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.
- Equipment:other:owners/service/other manualRemedied
16/11/2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic Hatchback and Civic Type R vehicles. The owners guide in these vehicles may not have been included or if included, the owner's guide may not have been properly provided required information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Air bagsRemedied
26/04/2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback and Civic Type R vehicles. Driver and front passenger seatback pads sold as replacement service parts were made without slit openings for the seat-mounted side air bags. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the seatback pad would interfere and adversely affect air bag performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Power train:driveline:driveshaftRemedied
09/11/2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe vehicles. The right halfshaft may have been improperly heat treated, reducing its strength.
- Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpRemedied
19/12/2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Recall data is pulled from the NHTSA public database. Always verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov.
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