3rd gear problem on 2007 Civic Si Sedan - opinions?
 

Hi all, I'm thinking of buying a used '07 Si sedan. Does anyone know if there are significant differences and problems between the '07 and '09 Si sedans?

Just wondering on general thoughts on the 2007 Si 4dr.. thanks!

EDIT: I've read user reviews about a 3rd gear engaging problem (grinding, and or popping out of gear). Seems to be widespread. And it's unclear to me if this is warranty covered? I'd hate to dismiss this car choice b/c of this.

Anybody get this problem and have it fixed? From what I read, it's in many other Honda models/years.

^I've heard of that issue as well, but that's about it.

There are a few members on here with that model civic. I'm sure they'd be happy to give you their review of the car...

Pretty much all late model 3rd and in some cases.. 2nd gear grind or pop out of gear.

It's covered by warranty until 100,000km. If the vehicle has extended warranty, it's until 160k.

^ you mean 3rd gear, or is it also 2nd?

is that part of powertrain warranty? I couldnt find reliable source of documentation stating it's covered. I guess you have to try your luck at the dealer and hope your VIN falls into some range in a TSB or something.

In my opinion all k series tranny's are pretty crappy, they like to grind going into 3rd at high RPM. I'm not sure what the warranty is going to do about that because from what I understand its the design of the tranny thats the problem. If I could get into 3rd smoothly one time I could probably knock a second off my 1/4 mile time. The only real solution to the problem is a Dogbox tranny but not if its a DD

Man this is a bummer. All that goodness packaged into a sweet ride and tarnished by this stain. I dont know if this should keep me away from choosing this car or not.

EDIT: 2009+ is apparently free from this 3rd gear fisasco. At least that's what some initial web searching suggests.

Well..I'm not sure if honda changed their design in 2009. I've done a 2008 accord 3rd gear replacement. I've yet to have a 2009 or '10 come in with a 3rd grind. But typically, it takes a few years for the grind to worse.

I will chime in here.

I had an 06 Si and I currently have an 07 Si with 115,000km's on it and both trannys have been problem free. No issues with either except that they shift a little stiff when cold. 5 minutes of driving and the tranny fluid warms up and they shifted great.

Maybe Ive been lucky, but I dont know many people who have had issues with them. A few yes, but not alot. Some people get better results simply by changing the tranny fluid to something higher quality. I use Amsoil in my personally. Most of the reports come from 06 and 07 owners and I dont recall hearing about too many newer years complaining about it.

Sure, you will read lots of complaints on 8thcivic.com, but people complaint about everything on that forum and very rarely do they praise anything.

Honda did issues a TSB regarding the issues, so some people got a new tranny or repairs done. But, considering the O/P is looking at a used car, there could be all kinds of other things wrong with it besides the tranny.

Here is the TSB. Its probably US only, but you get the idea.
8th Generation Honda Civic Forum

^ thanks but link only works for 8thcivic members

So join. You'll get alot more info off that site then this one.

I knew you would say that :)

As I said I think the k-series tranny's are all junk due to the design but I'am saying that from a performance prespective. I find that they grind alot during high RPM spirited driving but as a DD just cruising around town I have never noticed any grinding or popping out of gear. But if you up the horsepower they don't last long. Mine always grinds 3rd on the 1/4 mile, a buddy of mine chewed the second gear out of his just bouncing it off the limiter a few times then replaced the trans and got one run out of it before he couldn't get it into 4th anymore. here's a few pics of the damage lol

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Thats some crazy stuff!!