08-044 cracked engine block

[krazed1er]

ok so whats the deal with this the engine blocks on the r18 06 thru 08 wtf? and the solution to this problem is replace the short block with another pos block? doesnt make any sense at all im concerned about this and so are many others i guess its just a matter of time before the **** hits hondas fan and theres a class action lawsuit lol

[apples5]

I'm a little late, but seriously.. what's happened to this issue? seems like a lot if not EVERY R18 on the road needs to be addressed.

[ryker]

I've only heard of a handfull in total. Any stats% or total number.

[w00t692]

^^ that's because a forum isn't a good place to judge it.

The TSB calls up thousands and thousands of VIN's...

['06Siguy]

What is this?

[apples5]

Originally Posted by '06Siguy

What is this?

8th Generation Honda Civic Forum - Search Results

there's only like 5 threads, but more people inside the thread add to the count.
I have no clue what the numbers are, but seeing from the people on this board (R18 members anyways) the casualty rate is pretty high. And for those who did get a new block; how is it any different from the one that cracks at 23-100k miles?

[ziwang55]

noob question. how would i know if its cracked or not

[apples5]

the symptoms of these cracked blocks were coolant leaking out of the engine. So either puddles of blueish liquid under ur car and/or overheating when driving. Doesnt necessarily mean a cracked block, but w/ these R18s, def look into it.

[tpattgeek]

You would think that it would happen in the first couple years, but I just read someone that had a cracked block at 140K. I mean, my extended warranty won't even cover that. That's just S.O.L. I guess if it was prominent enough, there would be a recall and not just a TSB. Any one have an update with a VIN range or is it possibly ALL of them?

[honda93]

Subscribed.

[apples5]

I can't find any info to how many were effected, but:
Honda Problems.com - Honda Civic Problems & Complaints

shows 2006 civic had the most complaints, 2007 second, ... and a few 2008s. Whether it's because Honda fixed the problem in the latter years or if 2008 owners just haven't caught up in terms of mileage and age is unknown.
I don't mean to scare anyone; maybe it is one in every thousand, maybe it's every R18 is destined the same fate. But seeing this many claims on the internet in a 3 year span is alarming.

[ryker]

so between the 8th website and the above website you have at the most 50 blocks. That's a low %

WhicH is why I never buy first model year.

Does the above website distinguish between the r18 engine and the k20?

[apples5]

8th website threads state they have an R18, and the car complaint site are all EX, LX, and a few misc like ES (I assume those are typos or a non US trim). I havent seen anyone making this claim with the k20/ si, so the problem seems to be exclusively all other civics.

[Chicken Hawk]

^yeh cos the K20's fkn old already.

The Thai built R18's have no problems at all.

[satdog]

Oh no this is not good.

[Havok]

subscribed.

[honda93]

My local dealership (a great set of guys, many of whom autocross) said they have done about 6 thus far.

My trusted asst. service manager said that relative to the number of 8th Gen Civics sold since late 2005, this is but a handful, and that I shouldn't worry. I know what he meant by that as he and I have known each other over 12 years so I didn't take that as dealership BS.

Yet, somehow, I am not feeling too confident right now. I think I'd feel better knowing that the R18A1 is now the R18A3, representing a change in design and should the work need to be done, at least it's an updated design. But it's not.

Suddenly, I have an urge to get the TDI Golf or the MINI Clubman.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[invsta]

I had an R18 and the block exploded and killed my sister. So I bought a K20 and my sister came back to life and I'm happy now. K20




p.s. This doesn't seem like a statistically significant issue.

[honda93]

Originally Posted by invsta

p.s. This doesn't seem like a statistically significant issue.

Agreed.

But, while I'm OK with some of the small creaks, rattles, etc. from some interior components such as the glovebox or sun visors I expected the Honda motor / trans to be bulletproof (barring any outright abuse or neglect).

The R-Series is supposed to be the new D-Series. The workhorse. Bulletproof... And I think that's what's bothering me. A major design flaw like this shouldn't be tolerated... I never thought I'd have to type these words.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[apples5]

Originally Posted by honda93

Agreed.

I expected the Honda motor / trans to be bulletproof (barring any outright abuse or neglect).

The R-Series is supposed to be the new D-Series. The workhorse. Bulletproof... And I think that's what's bothering me. A major design flaw like this shouldn't be tolerated... I never thought I'd have to type these words.

Couldn't think of better words myself. Bulletproof is what i thought i was getting myself into. It just sucks that it has happened to people w/ 120k on the motor, but also some with only 23k. And if i wanted to, i should be able to beat on my civic (I don't, but just saying) and expect it to be major problem free till 150k area.

I know it's just the internet, and the totals could range from insignificant to alarming, but I would like Honda to investigate the matter and give everyone some piece of mind like stating which VINs were effected, or from what production dates. Until then, im gonna keep an eye out for that temp gauge and coolant levels.