2008 Honda Civic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Honda Civic diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Honda Civic diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Honda Civic

  20.6% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Shock absorbers2.2× usual
  Honda Civic

  16.6% All 2008 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Honda Civic

  11.1% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Brake pads1.6× usual
  Honda Civic

  14% All 2008 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Headlight aim1.9× usual
  Honda Civic

  10.5% All 2008 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 5.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2008 Honda Civic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Honda Civic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  39% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  35% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Rust and bodywork
  7% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Known faults on the 2008 Honda Civic diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Oil use (2.2 i-CTDi diesel)

  2.2 i-CTDi diesel

  The 2.2 diesel can use noticeable oil between services. Honda changed the oil it recommends to a thicker 5W-30 to help.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, and ask how often it needs topping up.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Handbrake ratchet recall

  All engines

  There was a recall for a handbrake ratchet that could be faulty.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done, and check the handbrake holds firmly.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Clutch and flywheel wear (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesels may need a new clutch and dual-mass flywheel at around 80,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Listen for rattles at idle and check the clutch bites smoothly, not right at the top.

  Source: What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

• Poor starting from cold (diesel)

  Diesel

  Low-mileage diesels can foul their glow plugs, and they need the right heavy-duty battery to start well.

  At the viewing: Ask to start it from cold. Be wary if the engine has been warmed up before you arrive.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Squealing brakes and quick-wearing rear pads

  All engines

  The brakes can squeal and the rear pads wear quickly, especially with cheap replacement pads.

  At the viewing: Look at the rear pads and check the handbrake doesn’t pull up too far.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Misty light units

  All engines

  Front and rear light units can mist up in damp weather because of poor seals and breathers.

  At the viewing: Look for condensation inside the headlights and rear lights.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review, What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

• Soft paint and interior rattles

  All engines

  The paint chips easily, and squeaks, rattles and worn seat bolsters are common.

  At the viewing: Look over the paint for chips and listen for rattles on rough roads.

  Source: What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Honda Civic diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2008 Honda Civic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Honda Civic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Honda Civic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?