10th Gen Honda Civic Si What Owners Say

Tenth Generation Honda Civic Si Facelift

The 10th-generation Honda Civic Si underwent some technological and interior changes in 2019. Styling changes were introduced one year after this to add value and presence. Both of these alterations were subtle but they gave the Si an extra edge in the market. Similar alterations were made to the Honda Civic Si FC3 coupe and sedan.

The overall presence of the Si remains unchanged as an aggressive and cheeky performance hatch, but some distinctive changes are made to add a more futuristic look. This is done via a new set of LED headlights (1) and foglights (2), and faux side air intakes that now feature a body-color accent and gloss-black surrounds for the fog lights (3).

At the rear, there are no noteworthy changes to be noted, but the Honda Civic Si FC1 sedan gets a black trim surround and body-color crossbars.

The updated trimmings implemented at the front are partially visible from the side (1) but the most notable change made here is the new set of matte black 18-inch alloy wheels (2).

For the sake of enhancing the feeling of driver engagement, Honda opted to fit the updated 10th-generation Civic Si with new sports seats featuring red accents (1). It also introduces a new red plastic trim on the instrument panel (2) together with a more advanced touchscreen infotainment system that introduces tactile buttons and a volume knob (3). Larger cup holders and a revised set of steering wheel controls conclude the functional changes made to the cabin. Included in this set of controls changes is a new volume button with grid lines and repositioned cruise control settings (4). All buttons also now possess a more glossy finish.

Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain

Honda keeps the Civic Si range simple for the 10th-generation model as it only offers one engine with one transmission. An interesting change to its heritage, much like the Type R of its era, is that it uses a downsized turbocharged powertrain as opposed to the usual high-revving naturally aspirated mill.

1.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas Turbocharged DOHC L15B7

The motor used here is the L15B7 which has been uprated to deliver 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels exclusively. It uses an all-aluminum construction with a fairly high 10.3:1 compression ratio and boost pressure of 20.3 psi. The 6,500 redline is lower than previous iterations, but thanks to the benefit of forced induction, its peak torque is accessed from 2,100 to 5,000 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission has short ratios to ensure that the driver always quick has access to the powertrain's higher rev range while a helical limited-slip differential adds to its cornering capabilities. It's a fairly young powertrain, so its long-term flaws are not well documented, but it does tend to struggle with fuel diluting the oil, carbon build-up, and short-lived spark plugs.

2017 - 2020 Honda Civic Si Real MPG

Understanding the EPA's estimated mpg figures is thankfully not too complicated as there is only one drivetrain. The 205-hp L15B7 powertrain boasts a 28/38/32 mpg city/highway/combined for both the coupe and sedan body shapes. Thanks to its smaller capacity and somewhat lower power output, this makes it a bit more generous than the likes of the Golf GTI of the same era. Real-world figures of 39 mpg reflect that owners are able to beat the EPA's claims, but with the Si in particular, the pool is fairly small and consists of drivers that are not monitored by the EPA, and can thus translate inaccurate results.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Safety

The Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan were both granted five stars after a strong crash-test performance through the NHTSA. The 10th-gen Civic Si coupe delivered four stars on the overall front section and five for the overall side and rollover sections. The 10th-gen Honda Civic Si sedan was a bit stronger as it achieved five stars throughout all sections.

If you're looking for a reasonable set of safety features, the Civic Si range won't disappoint as its standard offering is respectably comprehensive. All cars come fitted with Honda Sensing which includes forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, collision-mitigation braking, and adaptive cruise control. Traction and vehicle stability control and ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist are also included as standard together with a multi-angle backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a tire pressure monitoring system. In the event of a collision, occupants are assisted by front, side, and curtain airbags as well as the structural security of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result (2020)

10th Generation Honda Civic Si Trims

There exists only one trim specification for the Si which can be had in both coupe and sedan guise. If you exclude the Type R, which can only be had as a hatchback, these two derivatives can be considered the flagships of the Civic range. From its launch date in 2017 to the end of its life cycle in 2020, there are no noteworthy adjustments to the list of standard features, apart from a couple of inclusions provided by the facelift.

2017-2020 Si

From the exterior, all 2017 and 2018 Civic Si models come fitted with projector-beam halogen headlights, rear LED lightbars, heated door mirrors, a one-touch sunroof, smart remote keyless entry, and fog lights. Within the cockpit, you'll find electric windows with an auto-up/down feature for the driver and front passenger, a center console located in a sliding armrest, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, alloy sport pedals, heating for the front bucket seats, a 60/40-split rear folding seat, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel are included as standard for your comfort and convenience. The sedan also features a rear-seat center armrest and heater ducts.

There's no shortage of entertainment features in the Civic Si thanks to a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to a 10-speaker premium audio system with a 450-Watt amplifier. This system accommodates HondaLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB.

Let's not forget that the Civic Si is a performance-minded coupe and sedan. To this end, it has a helical front limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers for the suspension, and a tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bar. Both models ride on a set of 18-inch wheels in a machine-finished alloy with gloss black inserts. Facelifted models feature LED head- and foglights, an upgraded infotainment system, and a passenger-side seatback pocket.

Tenth Gen Lancer Honda Civic Si Features

Interior, Trim And Practicality

While the Si might be a sporty car, the interior is not what one might consider compromised. Fabric-upholstered front bucket seats provide headroom and legroom that measure 36.5 inches and 42.3 inches respectively, providing more than enough space for someone taller than 6.4 feet. The sedan is more generous with 37.5 inches of headroom. In the rear of the coupe, occupants are treated to a relatively compact 34.5 inches of headroom and 35.9 inches of legroom. The sedan resolves this by providing rear passengers with 36.8 inches of headroom and 37.4 inches of legroom. Trunk space on the coupe measures 11.9 cubic feet which can comfortably fit two medium suitcases with a fair amount of space remaining. The sedan's trunk has 14.7 cubic feet of space.

The entirety of the cabin is kitted out with soft-touch fabrics and plastics while a sporty feeling is provided by carbon-fiber details on the dash. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum six-speed gear shifter with a leather boot add a touch of sophistication.

2017 - 2020 Honda Civic Si 10th Maintenance and Cost

The Civic name is synonymous with reliability if you ensure that it is well looked after and all routine maintenance work is conducted as per the manufacturer's intervals. The 10th-generation Honda Civic Si uses an on-board maintenance minder which informs the owner when an aspect of the car needs to be repaired or maintained. Ideally, you should change the oil and oil filter every 7,500 miles. 15,000 miles is when you'll need to lubricate components of the chassis and body, and replace the oil drain plug, spark plugs, and air-conditioning filter (thereafter, a spark plug change will need to be conducted every 30,000 miles). At the 30,000-mile mark, the Civic Si will need a differential-oil change and have the wheel bearings lubricated. The annual cost to maintain the Honda Civic Si should not exceed $368.

10th Gen Honda Civic Si Basic Service

The Honda Civic Si's L15B7 powertrain uses 3.7 quarts of synthetic motor oil which should cost $53 including a new oil filter. A set of four spark plugs costs $150, while a new air filter is priced at $24. A battery will cost in the region of $146.

2017 - 2020 Gen Honda Civic Tires

Si

Tire Size: P235/40WR18

Wheel Size: 18" x 8"

Check Before You Buy

The list of 2017 - 2020 Honda Civic Si recalls is not that long. There are no recalls recorded for the 2017 Honda Civic Si, but two recalls worth mentioning were issued in 2018. This includes a recall for a faulty fuel pump which affected all L15B7-powered models from this era. 54 units produced from 2017 to 2018 were recalled for a magnet in the steering system that may become dislodged and impair the car's ability to steer.

10th Gen Honda Civic Si Common Problems

1.5-liter L15B7 Engine Problems

The L15B7 is based on Honda's famed L-series engine, but it adds some modernity by adding turbocharging and dual overhead cams. This engine has not been in circulation for a long time so its long-term reliability has not been comprehensively documented. So far, it is known to suffer from carbon build-up on the intake valves, which is a common trait for engines featuring direct fuel injection. You can expect this to occur after 120,000 miles with the only solution being walnut blasting the intake valves. Expect this to cost in the region of $200. The L15B7 is also known to suffer from engine oil dilution. You're likely to experience this more often in colder regions in which case fuel will likely stick to the cylinder walls and eventually mix with the engine oil. If this goes on for an extended period, you can expect the engine to suffer from stalling, misfiring, and loss of power. An oil change is the only way to resolve this. To prevent this, excessive engine idling is discouraged but you should let the engine warm up a bit longer if you intend to drive with a more spirited right foot.

The L15B7 also appears to struggle with premature spark-plug failure, but this is a bit of a rarity. If this occurs, there's a high chance that the powertrain is driven at higher revs before an appropriate temperature has been reached. You can expect misfiring, a loss of power, and rough idling to be the main symptoms. To resolve this, you'll need to fit a new set of spark plugs which will cost $150.

Mileage: Carbon build-up may appear at 120,000 miles. Oil dilution and spark-plug failure are climate-based and thus do not have a specific mileage attached to them.

Cost: Walnut blasting may cost $200 or thereabout. An oil change, including the filter, will cost $53 while a new set of spark plugs will set you back by $150.

How to spot: Carbon build-up on the intake valves and worn spark plugs will lead to engine misfiring and a general loss of power. Together with engine stalling, diluted oil will similarly result in the engine stalling and misfiring.

Dual-Zone Climate Control Failure

2017 and 2018 models form part of a group of Civic models that were subject to a rather frustrating air-conditioning issue that resulted in a lawsuit from disgruntled consumers. No recall was ever announced, but a service bulletin was issued by the manufacturer to declare that the condensers fitted to these earlier models were defective and may cause damage to the air-conditioning system. To resolve this, Honda extended the warranty on the air-conditioning system to 10 years with no mileage cap. As per the manufacturer's description, the condenser was not manufactured to the brand's specification and thus develops tiny holes along the walls of the condenser tube, allowing the refrigerant to leak. If this occurs, your only solution is to replace the condenser, which is a costly task.

Mileage: The air condenser appears to fail at the 40,000-mile mark.

Cost: You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,200 to $1,800 depending on how severe the damage is.

How to spot: Turn the AC all the way to ice cold and let it run for a few minutes. If you are buying an early model, make sure you check the service history to see whether any air-conditioning components were replaced.

Rats Chewing The Soy-Based Wiring

The Honda Civic Si unfortunately also uses a soy-based wiring system which pests such as rats identify as a delicacy. If they make their way into your car's electrical system and start feasting on the edible insulation, you can expect catastrophic electrical damage. If this occurs, you'll have to fork out approximately $850 for a new wiring harness, excluding the cost of labor. Honda also sells rodent-resistant tape for $58, but you won't be able to reach all of the wiring yourself. Ideally, the best solution is to ensure the area in which you keep your car parked is free of any rodents via laying out traps and using proper pest-control methods.

Mileage: Rodents can identify the soy-based wiring in your car at any mileage or age.

Cost: $850 for a wire harness replacement excluding labor. $58 for the rodent-repellent tape.

How to spot: Rats will most likely gather around the engine bay as this is the warmest section of the car. You'll also need to keep a keen eye out for rodent droppings around your parking area. If you notice any electrical issues in your Civic, it is possible that rats have already started to chew through the wiring.

Infotainment System Glitches

Hondas may be mechanically dependable, but later models have been known to suffer from a glitchy touchscreen infotainment system. This too resulted in a class-action lawsuit filed by 100,000 owners in 2019, which includes the 10th-gen Honda Civic Si. It is understood that the infotainment system would suffer from a multitude of software glitches that includes crashing, freezing, failure to start or shut down programs, and connectivity issues. The backup camera and navigation system can also become problematic. Unfortunately, it appears that there is no software update or fixes issued for these glitches, so just be mindful of the car's infotainment system when you take one out for a test drive. Be sure to swipe through all of the system's features and see if you can spot any glaring faults.

Mileage: N/A

Cost: N/A

How to spot: Thoroughly inspect the infotainment system by using all of its features when test driving.

Less Common Problems And Problem-Free Areas

Owners of the 10th-gen Civic Si generally have positive things to say about the product, but a handful of owners have noted that the windshield cracks fairly easily. It is understood that these cracks are not caused by stones thrown up from the road surface, but rather a section of the windshield border that splits and penetrates the glass. It's likely that this could affect cars parked in the sun more than others, but this issue is fairly rare. Some owners have also stated that the Civic may issue a false braking intervention, attempting to bring the car to a halt despite there being no obstacle. Some owners may also experience a brake-system problem where it emits a hissing noise when the brakes are applied, but there's no indication as to why this may occur.

Like the regular Civic range, the Si is notorious for being a reliable and dependable car, so you shouldn't be surprised to hear that no problems relating to the air-conditioning - or AC, sunroof, engine/emissions system, transmission, parking brake, clutch, battery, or power steering are noted for the 2017 to 2020 Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan are documented.

Which One To Avoid

Pre-updated Honda Civic Si models should be avoided as they still employ the halogen headlights and annoying touch-sensitive buttons for the infotainment system. Mechanically, there's nothing that separates this from the updated model, but the benefit of better equipment gives the pre-facelifted model a bit of a disadvantage.

Which One To Buy

The 2019 and 2020 models have been subject to fewer recalls, feature the more advanced LED lights, and benefit from the updated touchscreen layout with analog buttons. The cup holders are also larger, while the steering-wheel controls are revised to be more user-friendly. An electronic parking brake switch also provides a more convenient and modern cabin experience.

10th Gen Honda Civic Si Verdict

If you find the 10th-generation Honda Civic Type R just a bit too hard-edged for your liking, then the Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan are ideal middle-ground options that benefit from driver-enthusiastic equipment such as a helical front limited-slip differential and a short-throw close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. So far, owners have noted that they are easy to use on the daily and have proven to be trustworthy and dependable. Thanks to the power of downsizing, the model also benefits from a respectably low fuel economy.