2010 Honda Civic Reliability & Problems
Before we get into the specifics, it’s worth noting that this article will take a slightly unique approach. We typically write our common problems guides on an engine-by-engine basis rather than model-year-by-model-year basis. As such, that article will be forthcoming. For the time being, we’d like to focus on a few of the most common issues with the 2010 Honda Civic.
10 Civic Common Problems
The following are the most frequently encountered problems with the 2010 Honda Civic:
- Engine vibrations and rattles
- Failed occupant position sensor (airbag light)
- Power window issues
- Door lock issues
Again, we’ll dedicate separate posts to specific engine issues with various Honda Civic models. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the 2010 Honda Civic is an extremely reliable vehicle in general. Additionally, the 2010 Civic is affordable, fuel efficient, and an all-around great value.
However, there are a few things to keep an eye out for, including engine vibrations, airbag light malfunctions, power window switch malfunctions, and door lock malfunctions. We’ll discuss each of these points in greater detail below, along with some additional insights.
However, let’s review some basic information about the 2010 Civic. Hopefully, this information will assist those who are having difficulty locating specific information about the 2010 Honda Civic in their research.
10 Honda Civic Background Info
The 2010 model year is the final year for the eighth generation Honda Civic in the United States of America. The eighth generation Civic was produced until 2012 in Asia-Pacific and until 2016 in China. As such, this article applies to the majority of 8th generation Civics. The upside to the 2010 models is that they are later model years.
Almost all automobiles have minor kinks that must be ironed out when significant changes, such as generation changes, occur. While all 8th generation Civics are reliable, it’s reasonable to assume that later years such as 2009 and 2010 gave Honda time to iron out some minor issues.
Additionally, the eighth-generation Civic is available with the following engines:
- 1.3L LDA-MF5 (Inline 4, Hybrid)
- 1.4L L13A7 (Inline 4, Europe)
- 1.6L R16A1 (Inline 4)
- 1.8L R18A1 (Inline 4)
- 2.0L K20Z2 (Inline 4)
- 2.0L K20Z3 (Inline 4)
- 2.0L K20A (Inline 4)
- 2.2L N22A2 (Inline 4 turbodiesel)
Depending on your location and model, the 2010 Honda Civic is equipped with one of the engines listed above. Utilizing these engine codes may aid in the discovery of additional information. Again, in the near future, we’ll have posts dedicated to each of the engines listed above.
1) 2010 Honda Civic Engine Vibrations
The ’10 Civic is known to have engine vibration and rattling issues, particularly as they age. The most common cause of this problem is due to the engine mounts deteriorating with age. However, if your 2010 Civic’s engine is vibrating, rattling, or running poorly, you should consider the following:
- Engine mounts
- Spark plugs
- Ignition coils
On 2010 models, engine mounts are frequently the source of engine vibrations. Spark plugs and ignition coils, on the other hand, are frequently overlooked during routine maintenance. Rarely do spark plugs and ignition coils fail instantly. Rather than that, they deteriorate over time, resulting in vibrations, a rough idle, stuttering, or stumbling during acceleration.
The good news is that spark plugs and ignition coils are relatively inexpensive, even more so on a Honda 4-cylinder engine. Begin with the spark plugs if they haven’t been replaced in an extended period of time.
Returning to engine mounts. Given that the 2010 Civic engine mounts are responsible for the engine’s entire weight, it’s natural that they’d degrade and wear out over time. Rubber engine mounts are used to absorb impacts and vibrations.
Regrettably, rubber deteriorates with age. If your engine mounts are at fault, expect to pay between $300 and $500 for replacement.
2) 2010 Honda Civic Airbag Light
The Honda Civic airbag light is a fairly common issue across multiple model years. It is not limited to 2010 models. If you are experiencing this problem, be sure to check the VIN number of your Civic for any recalls.
There are currently some recalls for airbag-related issues on 2010 models, as well as a variety of other years. Depending on the nature of the problem, it may or may not be covered by the recall. Nonetheless, it’s worth a shot to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently, the true cause of the airbag warning light is a failed occupant position sensor. This activates the Civic SRS airbag light. If the repair is not covered by a recall, the cost may vary depending on the nature of the problem.
The airbag light and occupant position sensor are both relatively inexpensive repairs on the Honda Civic’s eighth generation.
3) 10 Honda Civic Power Window Issues
On the ’10 8th generation Honda Civic, power window issues are typically caused by a problem with the power window switch. The precise nature of the problem varies considerably. Occasionally, the 2010 Civic’s windows will lower but not retract.
You may have to hit the switch ten times before they come back up. Additionally, the windows may not close properly in the first place. There are numerous ways in which power window problems can manifest themselves in the ’10 Civic.
The do-it-yourself crowd may wish to disassemble the driver’s door panel and inspect the switch and harness connectors. Additionally, the window may have come off track or the window regulator motor may have failed. Once again, there are numerous possibilities.
Fortunately, resolving the 2010 Civic window problems is fairly straightforward. At a shop, the repair will likely cost less than $200. Any window issue can likely be resolved for less than $50 by do-it-yourselfers.
4) ’10 Honda Civic Door Lock Issues
This is similar to the issue with the power windows mentioned previously. As a result, we’ll keep this brief. Door locks can fail in a variety of ways. Certain doors may lock but remain immobile. Occasionally, 2010 Honda doors will unlock but not lock. Additionally, the door locks may cease to function entirely.
As with the previous, it’s typically a fairly straightforward fix that involves removing the door panel from the affected door. Examine the locking mechanism to determine if anything is visibly impeding it from locking or unlocking the door.
If everything appears to be in order, the door lock module may be malfunctioning. Expect a relatively inexpensive and straightforward resolution to this issue.
2010 Honda Civic Reliability
In general, the 2010 Honda Civic is a very reliable vehicle. We discussed a few of the more common issues in this post and will expand on them in the future with additional information about the reliability of each Honda Civic engine, including the K20A. Look for engine vibrations, airbag warning lights, window and door problems.
They are all fairly straightforward and inexpensive issues. If engine vibrations are determined to be the result of faulty motor mounts, this will almost certainly be the most expensive repair on the list. However, do not rule out spark plugs, which are inexpensive and produce similar symptoms.
2010 Honda Civic reliability is a relatively straightforward subject, as these are excellent vehicles. However, it is necessary to add a few concluding remarks. These 2010 models are now more than a decade old, with many likely exceeding 100,000 miles. While the 2010 Civic is likely good for 200,000 miles or more, it is beginning to show its age.
Age can deteriorate rubber components, gaskets, sensors, and electrical components, among others. Given the age, there are a plethora of potential issues.
Fortunately, when problems do occur, the ’10 Civic is relatively simple to work on and repair. If you’re in the market for a 2010 Honda Civic, take your time and locate a well-maintained example. The likelihood is that you will end up with a highly reliable and cost-effective vehicle.
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