2008 Honda Civic - needs a new engine

[Umibozu]

Towed the car to the dealership thinking it needs a new head gasket and the service manager informs me of casting flaws in engine blocks in similar model civics (2006-09 I think) that might have caused it. Got a call 1 hour later that I will need a new engine. Honda extended the warranty and is replacing it at no charge. There is also a TSB floating around of the faulty locations on the engine. Just wanted others to be aware in case they have overheating issues.

2008 Honda Civic EX 4dr
121k miles
Auto

 

[Artem]

My 07 Civic EX was in the VIN range of the blocks reported to have cranks in the casing but my block was perfectly fine after 150k when it was wrecked.

At least you're getting a new engine, that's good news.

 

[Umibozu]

Originally Posted By: Artem
My 07 Civic EX was in the VIN range of the blocks reported to have cranks in the casing but my block was perfectly fine after 150k when it was wrecked.

At least you're getting a new engine, that's good news.


Was your car in Florida? I wonder if civics in colder climates are more susceptible to the porosity due to a higher delta temp.

I'm located in colorado.
The dealership has replaced ~50 engines since 2010.

 

[Warstud]

Originally Posted By: Umibozu
Honda extended the warranty and is replacing it at no charge.


I see it had 121k. Good for you.

 

[CHARLIEBRONSON21]

I'd say in this case, Honda did well standing by the product.

 

[gregk24]

Yes, pretty common unfortunately. Thank goodness Honda is standing behind their product, not sure other car companies would do the same.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Umibozu
Originally Posted By: Artem
My 07 Civic EX was in the VIN range of the blocks reported to have cranks in the casing but my block was perfectly fine after 150k when it was wrecked.

At least you're getting a new engine, that's good news.


Was your car in Florida? I wonder if civics in colder climates are more susceptible to the porosity due to a higher delta temp.

I'm located in colorado.
The dealership has replaced ~50 engines since 2010.

One dealer has had replace 50 engines, ~1,000 Honda dealers nationwide should do 50,000 engines the last 4 years. Should Honda recall Civic and other models that use the same engine ?

 

[bubbatime]

A six year old car with 121K miles gets a free engine from the dealer... wow, good job Honda!!

Unfortunately, your old engine was just getting broken in. Will they replace just the short block and use your head or the entire engine?

 

[Umibozu]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: Umibozu
Originally Posted By: Artem
My 07 Civic EX was in the VIN range of the blocks reported to have cranks in the casing but my block was perfectly fine after 150k when it was wrecked.

At least you're getting a new engine, that's good news.


Was your car in Florida? I wonder if civics in colder climates are more susceptible to the porosity due to a higher delta temp.

I'm located in colorado.
The dealership has replaced ~50 engines since 2010.

One dealer has had replace 50 engines, ~1,000 Honda dealers nationwide should do 50,000 engines the last 4 years. Should Honda recall Civic and other models that use the same engine ?


I believe Honda has sent a letter to the original owners. I'm the second owner of the vehicle so I was never notified. I'm not sure what requirements need to be met in order for it to be an official recall.

 

[Umibozu]

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
A six year old car with 121K miles gets a free engine from the dealer... wow, good job Honda!!

Unfortunately, your old engine was just getting broken in. Will they replace just the short block and use your head or the entire engine?


I'm actually not sure. I'll call the dealer tomorrow to find out.

 

[Falken]

Most likely they'll put in a brand new crate engine.

I don't see them reusing anything from the old engine, adds a lot of time to labor and potential comebacks.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Free, new engine? Can't complain about that!

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: Falken
Most likely they'll put in a brand new crate engine.

I don't see them reusing anything from the old engine, adds a lot of time to labor and potential comebacks.


+1

 

[dparm]

Agreed, probably a longblock (though remanufactured). Not a bad deal -- free rental car for a week AND a brand new engine with even more warranty.

 

[SatinSilver]

Did the car overheat or something for you to have it towed to the dealer?

 

[KrisZ]

Yay, yuppie let's cheer for Honda and how it was just "getting broken in" until it broke and don't notice the elephant in the room.
Sure I would be happy to get a new engine, but cheering for Honda, where any domestic brand would get crucified, shows how much the fan base can overlook and still cheer on.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Spot on!

 

[Umibozu]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Agreed, probably a longblock (though remanufactured). Not a bad deal -- free rental car for a week AND a brand new engine with even more warranty.
Originally Posted By: dparm
Agreed, probably a longblock (though remanufactured). Not a bad deal -- free rental car for a week AND a brand new engine with even more warranty.


It is not a remanufactured long block. They will replace it with a brand new OEM short block assembly. I called to confirm today. They are also requesting new heads for Honda to warranty as well. I'll find out on Monday whether the heads get replaced or not.

 

[Umibozu]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Did the car overheat or something for you to have it towed to the dealer?


Yes the car overheated and I shut the engine off immediately.

 

[Umibozu]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Yay, yuppie let's cheer for Honda and how it was just "getting broken in" until it broke and don't notice the elephant in the room.
Sure I would be happy to get a new engine, but cheering for Honda, where any domestic brand would get crucified, shows how much the fan base can overlook and still cheer on.


To my knowledge no deaths were associated with the engine defect...so please just shut up. This is not a domestic vs import issue. Go troll somewhere else.