HondaCivic2006Overview/honda/civic/2006/base/

2006 Honda Civic

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2006 Civic.

Body PASSENGER CAR

Defined by its standard passenger car classification and a powertrain requiring 3.4 quarts of 0W-20 API engine oil, the 2006 Honda Civic is distinguished less by its mechanical makeup and more by its standing as a historical outlier in the model's reliability record. Looking at the broader complaint history spanning from 1990 to 2022, this model year sits at the absolute peak with 1,402 owner complaints—dominated by visibility issues and compounded by 15 separate recalls—which stands in stark contrast to the lowest-recorded year of 1990 with only 102 complaints. Consequently, this positions the 2006 Civic as the most problematic year in the nameplate's lineage, meaning that for researchers, it represents a critical low point in long-term dependability rather than a typical commuter-car benchmark.

Model year202620242023202220212020201820172006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.4 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 151R · 350 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 151R · 350 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP195-65R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length174.8 in
Overall width68.9 in
Overall height53.5 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Curb weight2705 lb
Track (front / rear)59.1 / 59.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Civic of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.3–12.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.30 sec — 2006 Si Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2006Si Coupe 2.0L I-46.30 sec14.90 sec197 hpFWD
2006Si Coupe 2.0L I-46.60 sec15.00 sec197 hpFWD
2006Si Coupe 2.0L I-46.70 sec15.10 sec197 hpFWD
2006Si Coupe 2.0L I-46.70 sec15.10 sec197 hpFWD
2006Si Coupe 2.0L I-46.70 sec15.20 sec197 hpFWD
2006Si Coupe 2.0L I-46.80 sec15.10 sec197 hpFWD
2006Si Coupe 2.0L I-47.20 sec15.60 sec197 hpFWD
2006i-CTDi 5-door Hatchback (Euro Diesel) 2.2L Turbo Diesel I-47.60 sec15.90 sec138 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.4 qt of 0W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity2.5-3.0
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil Capacity5.2 qt
Engine Oil0W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity3.4 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity3.9 qt

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs8mm Bolts: 16 ft-lbs, 6mm Bolts: 9 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts33 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 54 ft-lbs, MT: 86 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts16 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts33 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Boltsin two steps: 17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts33 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Boltsin three steps: 16 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts80 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug33.0-36.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub134 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)820 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)670 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)710 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)750 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity.80-.98 lbs
Oil TypePAG
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.21 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.33 oz

Service checks

Pressure Test14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature169-176 °F
Pressure Test14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature176-183 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)48.0-55.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)55.0

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket25 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle79 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket17 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle54 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.063; Rear: 0.060 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.079 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., Step 2: 907 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9014 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
127 ft. lbs., 9027 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
151 ft. lbs., step 2: 9051 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
136 ft. lbs., step 2: 9036 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Measure the diameter of each cylinder head bolt at point A and point B. Point A = 45.00 mm from thread end and point B = 50.00 mm from thread end. If either diameter is less than 11.3 mm (0.445 in), Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

122.0.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4018 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5718 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

At 160,000 miUniversal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2006 Honda Civic marks the start of the 8th generation and stands out as the worst year in the entire federal record, with 1,402 complaints—the highest of any year from 1990 to 2022. This is a sharp spike from the preceding 2005 model (314 complaints) and far exceeds the 7th generation’s peak of 1,128 in 2001. The top complaint areas are Visibility (195), Engine (193), Air Bags (149), and Suspension (147), and the year also logged 78 crash-related and 21 fire-related complaints. While recalls (15) are moderate and no investigations were opened, the complaint volume suggests widespread owner dissatisfaction. The trend across the generation shows complaints declining after 2006, with 2007 at 1,203 and 2009 dropping to 395, indicating that later model years are more reliable. Based solely on the federal data, the 2006 Civic is a poor choice to buy due to its exceptionally high complaint count and multiple problem areas.

15
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
103
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,402
Owner complaints
78 involved a crash · 21 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,402 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Visibility195
Engine193
Air Bags149
Suspension147
Engine & Engine Cooling126
Structure52
Electrical System45
Power Train41

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V268000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 26/04/2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012… Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners…

19V502000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 27/06/2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic… Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 103 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
A18-0662026-06-30Air BagsService Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's…
A07-0782026-01-27SuspensionService Bulletin - There is a pop or clunk from the front suspension area when driving…
A21120B2023-06-13Electrical SystemService News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS…
A21120B2022-01-29Electrical SystemServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited…
A20-0162020-03-10Air BagsService Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Civic. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2006 Civic take?

3.4 qt of 0W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2006 Civic have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.