2006-2011 (8th gen FN/FK) - 2.2L N22A2 diesel 140hp
One of the best diesels of its era - smooth, economical (50+ mpg achievable), and remarkably durable with many examples exceeding 200,000+ miles. No DPF on most models (pre-2009) is a reliability bonus. Main concerns: clutch and dual mass flywheel wear (typically 100,000-140,000 km), exhaust manifold cracking around 160,000 km (Honda extended warranty to 7 years/200,000 km), and EGR carbon buildup. Uses timing chain, not belt. Check for rear beam corrosion and rear light condensation. Verify Takata airbag recall completed.
Known weak point - typically fails between 100,000-140,000 km · more· less
The clutch and DMF is the most commonly reported issue on the 2.2 i-CTDi. Some owners had replacements under warranty as early as 65,000 km, though most last until 120,000-140,000 km. Symptoms include clutch slip, judder on take-off, or rattling at idle. Honda upgraded the parts in 2009. Aftermarket LUK flywheel with Exedy clutch is the preferred combination. Independent garage cost: €750-900. Honda dealer: €1,400-1,750. If buying, ask if clutch has been replaced - a car with recent clutch/DMF replacement is preferable.
Exhaust manifold cracking€700 - €1,200
Cast manifold cracks around 150,000-180,000 km, causes wheezy sound · more· less
A well-known issue on both the Civic and Accord 2.2 diesel. Symptoms include diesel fumes smell from the back of the engine when cold, hissing/puffing noise at 1500-2000 RPM, and reduced fuel economy (up to 4 l/100km loss). Honda UK extended warranty to 7 years/200,000 km for 2006-2010 models due to this issue. The CR-V manifold (cast iron) can be used as a more durable replacement. Labor is approximately 6 hours as subframe removal may be required. Some owners opt for rewelding as a cheaper temporary fix.
EGR valve carbon buildup€80 - €850
Valve clogs with carbon, causes hesitation in 3rd/4th gear at low RPM · more· less
EGR valves on these engines commonly get 60-70% clogged. Symptoms include poor acceleration, rough running at low RPM, and fault codes. DIY cleaning takes about 1 hour and costs only €15 for new seals. Professional cleaning: €80-100. New EGR valve from Honda: €850. Many owners opt for EGR delete with remap (€150-250) which eliminates the issue entirely. Regular motorway driving helps keep the EGR cleaner.
Turbo actuator sticking€200 - €1,800
Actuator can stick from gentle driving, causes limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator can stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips. Symptoms include reduced power and limp mode. The actuator itself is relatively inexpensive (€150-300) but Honda won't sell it separately from the turbo. Specialist turbo reconditioning shops can rebuild just the actuator for €200-400. If turbo internals are damaged, full replacement costs €1,400-1,800. Prevention: regular spirited driving and motorway use. Complete turbo failure is rare on these engines.
Injector seal leaks€300 - €1,000
Copper seals fail, diesel leaks around injectors · more· less
Injector seals can fail over time, allowing diesel to leak externally. The job itself is straightforward if only replacing seals (€300 for all 4 at Honda dealer). However, CTDi injectors are notoriously difficult to remove - they can seize in the head. If an injector breaks during removal, replacement costs €400+ per injector. Many mechanics recommend only replacing the leaking seal rather than disturbing the others to minimize risk.
Fuel rail pressure issues€120 - €600
Over-pressure valve or pump regulator fails, hard starting · more· less
Hard starting or P0087/P0088 fault codes can indicate fuel pressure issues. Most common cause is a leaking rail over-pressure relief valve (€50-80 part, easy DIY). The fuel pump regulator solenoid can also fail - Bosch sells this separately for €120 even though Honda doesn't. Injector leak-back can also cause pressure issues. Fuel filter should be changed at every service regardless of schedule. Using good quality diesel helps prevent fuel system problems.
Rear torsion beam corrosion€400 - €1,200
Rust develops on rear beam, can fail MOT/TUV · more· less
Honda's rust proofing on the rear torsion beam was poor. Cars from salt-treated road areas (Northern Europe, UK) are particularly susceptible. Advanced corrosion can cause MOT/TUV failure. Used replacement beams are available for €200-400, plus 3-4 hours labor. Prevention: apply rust protection products like Bilt Hamber or Fluid Film to the underside. Check carefully before purchase - this is a critical inspection point.
Electric power steering rack€800 - €1,500
EPS rack can fail, intermittent steering assist loss · more· less
Some owners report EPS failures around 170,000 km. Symptoms include steering not coming alive on cold starts, especially after damp nights, sometimes requiring 3-4 restarts to clear. Replacement rack costs €800-1,500 including labor. This issue is relatively uncommon but worth checking - test steering on a cold start.
Reliable and economical diesel, predictable maintenance
The 2.2 i-CTDi is considered one of Honda's best diesel engines. Turbos, gearboxes, and core engine components are robust - many examples exceed 300,000 km. Main issues (clutch/DMF, manifold) are well-documented and predictable. Cars with these items already replaced represent good value. No DPF on pre-2009 models eliminates a common diesel headache.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records essential. Verify oil changes at 12,500 mile/20,000 km intervals with correct 0W-30 oil.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. Standard size 205/55R16 or 225/45R17.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, check for smoke.
Body condition
Check for rust around A-pillars, door edges, and bonnet.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including motorway speeds to check all gears and turbo operation.
Specific for this vehicle
Clutch slip test
In 5th gear at 50 km/h, accelerate firmly. If RPM rises without corresponding speed increase, clutch is slipping. Ask if clutch/DMF has been replaced and request documentation.
Listen for exhaust manifold crack
On cold start, listen for hissing/puffing noise at 1500-2000 RPM. Sniff for diesel fumes at the back of the engine bay. Check for Honda extended warranty work completed.
Inspect rear torsion beam for rust
Get the car on a lift. Check the rear beam thoroughly for corrosion - this is a known weak point and can be an MOT failure.
Check EGR operation
During test drive, feel for hesitation in 3rd/4th gear at low RPM (~1500 RPM, light throttle). This indicates clogged EGR.
Test power steering on cold start
Start engine cold and immediately turn steering wheel. Should have full assistance immediately.
Check rear lights for condensation
Common issue - water gets inside light clusters. Not expensive to fix but negotiate price down.
Verify Takata airbag recall completed
All 2006-2011 Civics are affected. Check with Honda using VIN before purchase.
Exhaust manifold extended warranty (2006-2010)7 years / 200,000 km
Engine block coolant leak (2006-2008)Extended warranty 10 years
Contact Honda with your VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The Takata airbag recall is particularly important - free replacement available at any Honda dealer.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all units
Exhaust manifold extended warrantyLikely expired (7 years from first reg)
Engine block warrantyLikely expired (10 years, no mileage limit)
All 8th generation Civics are now outside their original factory warranty. Extended warranties were offered for exhaust manifold (7 years) and engine block (10 years) but most cars are now beyond these periods. Third-party warranties are available but check exclusions carefully.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.