Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

The importance of the Honda Civic transmission fluid change is often overlooked, especially in newer cars. However, it is an important maintenance item that should not be neglected. Many people don’t realize that their car’s transmission actually has its own oil that needs to be changed periodically.

Just like the oil in your engine, transmission fluid degrades over time and needs to be replaced. Transmission fluid change frequency will vary depending on your transmission type and how often you drive your car. But as a general rule, most experts recommend changing your gearbox fluid every 30,000 – 60,000 miles.

If you neglect to change your transmission fluid, it can lead to several problems.

Remember that if you service your Honda Civic incorrectly or incompletely, it may cause issues while operating. Additionally, performing maintenance tasks yourself during the warranty period could void the warranty coverage.

Genuine Honda Owner’s Manuals were used to list the transmission fluid capacities for Honda Civic.

Transmission fluids Honda Civic requires:

Notice

Using the recommended type of transmission fluid for your Honda Civic is important to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of your vehicle’s transmission. Always check your owner’s manual or consult a certified Honda technician to ensure you’re using the correct type of transmission fluid for your specific model year, engine size, and transmission type.

2022 2023 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

2023 Honda Civic

New Honda Civic is equipped with a CVT that holds between 2.9 qt. and 3.9 qt. of transmission fluid for a transmission fluid change.

Trim2.0L FE LX2.0L FE Sport
TransmissionCVTCVT
Total Fill6.4 quarts (6.1 liters)6.4 quarts (6.1 liters)
Initial Fill 2.9 quarts (2.7 liters)2.9 quarts (2.7 liters)
Fluid typeHCF-2HCF-2
Trim1.5L Turbo FE EX1.5L Turbo FE
TransmissionCVTCVT
Total Fill8 quarts (7.6 liters)8 quarts (7.6 liters)
Initial Fill3.9 quarts (3.7 liters)3.9 quarts (3.7 liters)
Fluid typeHCF-2HCF-2

If you frequently drive under conditions that result in high transmission temperatures, such as driving slowly in mountainous areas, change your transmission fluid more often than the Maintenance Minder recommends. Under these circumstances, we recommend changing your transmission fluid every 25,000 miles.

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

The 10th generation Honda Civic has a CVT and a 6-speed manual gearbox and requires between 2 qt. and 3.9 qt. for a transmission fluid change.

2019 2020 2021 Honda Civic Gearbox Fluid Capacity

Here is a table for CVT’s fluid capacity of 1.5L engine and 2.0L engine models.

Trim1.5L Turbo EX, EX-L, Touring2.0L LX, Sport
TransmissionCVTCVT
Total Fill8 quarts (7.6 liters)6.1 quarts (5.8 liters)
Initial Fill3.9 quarts (3.7 liters)3.7 quarts (3.5 liters)
Fluid typeHCF-2HCF-2

NOTICE: Do not mix HCF-2 with other transmission fluids.

Sale
Genuine Honda 08200-HCF2 Fluid Hcf-2, 1 U.S. QT/946 ML, Black
877 Reviews
Genuine Honda 08200-HCF2 Fluid Hcf-2, 1 U.S. QT/946 ML, Black
  • 08200-HCF2
  • Fluid (Hcf-2)
  • Genuine Honda Parts
  • OEM, Not After Market

Using a transmission fluid other than HCF-2 may adversely affect the operation and durability of your vehicle’s transmission and damage the transmission. Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that is not equivalent to HCF-2 is not covered by Honda’s new vehicle limited warranty.

Here is a table for the manual gearbox fluid capacity of 1.5L engine and 2.0L engine models.

Trim1.5L Turbo EX, EX-L, Touring2.0L LX, Sport
Transmission6-Speed Manual6-Speed Manual
Total Fill2.0 qt. (1.9 liters)2.3 qt. (4.6 pints, 2.2 liters)
Fluid typeHonda MTFHonda MTF
Honda Fluid 08798-9031 Manual Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart
1,682 Reviews
Honda Fluid 08798-9031 Manual Transmission Fluid – 1 Quart
  • Package Dimensions: 6.858 L x 22.352 H x 10.922 W (centimeters)
  • New and improved formula that meets quality standards
  • Improved shift quality
  • Lower fluid friction

Notice

If you cannot find Honda MTF, use SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 motor oil temporarily. Replace it with MTF as soon as possible, however. Motor oil does not have the correct additives for transmissions, so using it long-term can lead to decreased shifting performance and damage the transmission itself.

2016 2017 2018 Honda Civic Gearbox Fluid Capacity

Here is a table for transmission fluid change.

GearboxFluid capacityFluid type
Sedan 2.0L engine CVT3.7 qt. (3.5 liters)Honda HCF-2
Sedan 2.0L engine Manual2.0 qt. (1.9 liters)Honda MTF
Sedan 1.5L engine CVT3.9 qt. (3.7 liters)Honda HCF-2
Sedan 1.5L engine Manual2.0 qt. (1.9 liters)Honda MTF
Hatchback CVT3.9 qt. (3.7 liters)Honda HCF-2
Hatchback 2.0L engine Manual2.3 qt. (2.2 liters)Honda MTF
Hatchback 1.5L engine Manual2.0 qt. (1.9 liters)Honda MTF
Sale
Genuine Honda 08200-HCF2 Fluid Hcf-2, 1 U.S. QT/946 ML, Black
877 Reviews
Genuine Honda 08200-HCF2 Fluid Hcf-2, 1 U.S. QT/946 ML, Black
  • 08200-HCF2
  • Fluid (Hcf-2)
  • Genuine Honda Parts
  • OEM, Not After Market
Honda Fluid 08798-9031 Manual Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart
1,682 Reviews
Honda Fluid 08798-9031 Manual Transmission Fluid – 1 Quart
  • Package Dimensions: 6.858 L x 22.352 H x 10.922 W (centimeters)
  • New and improved formula that meets quality standards
  • Improved shift quality
  • Lower fluid friction

2016-2021 Honda Civic Transmission Problems

You can experience your first problems as early as 10,000-15,000 miles. The most common are:

  • Hesitates at higher speeds (13,000 miles);
  • Hesitates at acceleration (21,000 miles);
  • Stuck In “Park” (10,000 miles);
  • Surging (7,000 miles);
  • CVT making a grinding noise on hot restart (50,000 miles);
  • CVT transmission failure (82,000 miles);
  • Vibration (30,000 miles).

Honda from this generation usually have major troubles with the transmission. But it also varies greatly depending on how you drive and if you keep up with maintenance.

2012 2013 2014 2015 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

2012 Honda Civic can was equipped either with an automatic or manual transmission. 2013 – 2015 model years have a CVT or a manual gearbox. The amount of fluid for a change can be between 1.5 quarts and 3.6 quarts.

Specs for 2013 – 2015 Honda Civic models can be found in this table:

GearboxFluid capacityFluid type
Sedan 1.8L engine Manual1.5 qt. (1.4 liters)Honda MTF
Sedan 1.8L engine CVT3.6 qt. (3.4 liters)HCF-2
Sedan 2.4L engine Manual2.0 qt. (1.9 liters)Honda MTF
Coupe 1.8L engine CVT3.6 qt. (3.4 liters)HCF-2
Coupe 1.8L engine Manual1.5 qt. (1.4 liters)Honda MTF
Coupe 2.4L engine Manual2.0 qt. (1.9 liters)Honda MTF

Use API-certificated SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 viscosity motor oil only if Honda MTF is not available, but replace with MTF as soon as possible. Proper additives for the transmission are not included in motor oil, and decreased shifting performance or even damage to the transmission could result from continued use.

Here is a table for the 2012 Honda Civic transmission fluid change:

GearboxFluid capacityFluid type
2.4L engine models Manual2.0 qt. (1.9 liters)Honda MTF
1.8L engine models Manual1.5 qt. (1.4 liters)Honda MTF
1.8L engine models Automatic2.5 qt. (2.4 liters)Honda ATF DW-1

2012-2015 Honda Civic Transmission Problems

You can experience your first problems as early as 10,000-15,000 miles. The most common are:

  • Transmission failure (180,000 miles);
  • The Drive pulley shaft broke due to hydraulic pressure being too high (90,000 miles);
  • Not shifting properly (59,000 miles);
  • Clunky/jerky transmission (30,000 miles);
  • Downshifts Whenever It Wants To (10,000 miles).

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

GearboxFluid capacityType
SPCA 5-speed AutomaticTotal fill: 6.1 quarts (5.8 liters)
Change: 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters)
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
Civic Si SPFM 5-speed ManualTotal fill: 1.8 quarts (1.7 liters)
Change: 1.6 quarts (1.5 liters)
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
Civic SPFM 5-speed Manual (except Si)Total fill: 1.7 quarts (1.6 liters)
Change: 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters)
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid

Notice: If you can’t get your hands on Honda Manual Transmission Fluid, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil will work as a replacement in the meantime. You should drain and refill your manual transmission’s fluid when the maintenance message on the information display suggests this service.

For automatic transmission to ensure your Honda’s Transmission lasts, we recommend using only Genuine Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Mixing it with other brands of transmission fluid may deteriorate the transmission operation and reduce durability. This damage is not covered under the new vehicle warranty if some other type of automatic transmission fluid is used.

You’ll know it’s time to change the automatic transmission fluid when a message appears on the information display.

2006-2011 Honda Civic Transmission Problems

You can experience your first problems as early as 10,000-15,000 miles. The most common are:

  • Shifts hard (11,750 miles);
  • Crunching sound when shifting from park (20,000 miles);
  • Not shifting properly (60,000 miles);
  • Transmission failure (90,000 miles);
  • Difficulties changing gears (46,000 miles);
  • Pops out of gear (41,000 miles);
  • Shuddering while shifting (110,000 miles);
  • Clicking sound when in reverse (60,000 miles).

This generation’s Honda Civic cars are generally not noted for reliability, and strange breakdowns can happen to them even with proper maintenance.

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

GearboxFluid capacityFluid type
Civic Sedan 5-speed ManualTotal: 1.7 quarts (1.6 liters)
Change: 1.6 quarts (1.5 liters)
Honda MTF
Civic Sedan AutomaticTotal fill: 6.3 quarts (6 liters)
Change: 2.9 quarts (2.7 liters)
Honda ATF-Z1
Civic Coupe Manual 4-cylinder modelsTotal: 2.2 quarts (2.1 liters)
Change: 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters)
Honda MTF
Civic Coupe Automatic 4-cylinder modelsTotal fill: 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)
Change: 3.0 quarts (2.8 liters)
Honda ATF-Z1
Civic Coupe Manual 6-cylinder modelsTotal: 2.3 quarts (2.2 liters)
Change: 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters)
Honda MTF
Civic Coupe Automatic 6-cylinder modelsTotal fill: 7.6 quarts (7.2 liters)
Change: 3.1 quarts (2.9 liters)
Honda ATF-Z1

Automatic Transmission

Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid). If it’s not available, you may use a DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid as a temporary replacement. However, continued use can affect shift quality. Has the transmission flushed and refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is convenient.

Insert the dipstick all the way back in the transmission. The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule. To thoroughly flush the transmission, the technician should drain and refill it with Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the vehicle for a short distance. Do this three times. Then drain and refill the transmission a final time.

The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.

Manual Transmission

Check the fluid level with the car transmission at normal operating temperature and the vehicle on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt and stick your finger in the hole to feel how full it is. The fluid should come up to the edge of the hole; if not, add Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts running out of opening. Put back in the filler bolt and tighten it securely.

If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity motor oil with the API Certification seal that says “FOR GASOLINE ENGINES” as a temporary replacement. However, motor oil does not contain the proper additives, and continued use can cause stiffer shifting. Replace as soon as it is convenient. The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.

2001-2005 Honda Civic Transmission Problems

You can experience your first problems starting from 50,000 miles. The most common are:

  • Transmission failure (112,000 miles);
  • Faulty input shaft bearing (105,000 miles);
  • Hard shifting (100,000 miles);
  • Noise from transmission (50,000 miles);
  • Transmission slipping (100,000 miles);
  • Pops out of gear (120,000 miles);
  • Grinding noise at acceleration (150,000 miles).

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

GearFluid capacityFluid type
4-speed Automatic transmissionTotal fill: 6.2 quarts (5.9 liters)
Initial fill: 2.9 quarts (2.7 liters)
Honda ATF
5-speed Manual transmissionSiR Change: 2.3 quarts (2.2 liters)
U.S.: DX, EX, and HX, Canada: DX
and Si Change: 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters)
Honda MTF
CVTInitial fill: 4.1 quarts (3.9 liters)
Total fill: 6.8 quarts (6.4 liters)
Honda CVT

HX model (CVT) only: use Honda CVT Fluid only. If you drive at high speeds in high (90° F/32°C and above) temperatures, the transmission fluid should be changed every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Check the fluid level with the transmission at normal operating temperature and the car sitting on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt and carefully feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely.

If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an API service SG, SH or SJ grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a temporary replacement. An SG grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ grade may be used if SG is not available. However, motor oil does not contain the proper additives, and continued use can cause stiffer shifting. Replace as soon as convenient.

The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.

For the best fuel economy and efficient emissions control, drive in the highest gear that allows the engine to run smoothly and accelerate. The recommended shift points are as follows:

GearKm/hMph
1 to 2 or 2 to 12415
2 to 3 or 3 to 24327
3 to 4 or 4 to 36339
4 to 5 or 5 to 48553
U.S.: DX, EX, HX, Canada: DX, Si

Be aware that you may lose control of your vehicle if you decelerate or accelerate too quickly on a slick surface. If this happens and you crash, you could be seriously hurt. Drive more slowly and carefully than usual when the roads are wet or icy.

1996-2000 Honda Civic Transmission Problems

You can experience your first problems starting from 90,000 miles. The most common are:

  • Transmission failure (130,000 miles);
  • Problem shifting (120,000 miles);
  • Transmission leaking (90,000 miles).

1992 1993 1994 1995 Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity

1994 honda civic gearbox fluid capacity

The 1992-1995 Honda Civic manual transmission requires 1.9 quarts of Honda Manual Transmission Fluid, and an automatic transmission holds up to 6.2 quarts of Honda Automatic Transmission Fluid.

GearboxFluid capacityFluid type
5-speed Manual transmissionChange: 1.8 liters (1.9 US qt.; 3.8 pints)Honda MTF
4-speed automatic transmissionTotal fill: 5.9 liters (6.2 quarts)Honda ATF

1992-1995 Honda Civic Transmission Problems

You can experience your first problems starting from 120,000 miles. The most common are:

  • Transmission failure (130,000 miles);
  • Loose shifter (150,000 miles).

In general, cars of this generation already have significant mileage, so you should not expect that their transmission will be reliable. Although, at their time, these were extremely durable cars.

The Importance Of Keeping Your Civic’s Transmission In Good Condition By Changing The Fluid On Schedule

It’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining your vehicle’s transmission, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your car running smoothly. Regularly changing the fluid helps to keep the gears lubricated and prevents the buildup of debris and grime. In addition, it can protect against potential damage to costly components such as the torque converter and clutch. Failing to change your transmission fluid on schedule can lead to problems with shifting, reduced fuel efficiency, and even total transmission failure.

Check the fluid level with the engine at normal operating temperature.

  1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine.
  2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
  3. Insert the dipstick into the transmission.
  4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.
  5. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the tube to bring it to the upper mark. Use Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid or an equivalent DEXRON II Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) only.
  6. Insert the dipstick all the way back in the transmission.

The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.

Check the oil level a couple of minutes after shutting off the engine. Make sure the car is on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt. The oil level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. Feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. If you do not feel any oil, slowly add it until it starts running out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely.

Only use an API Service SF or SG grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. The transmission should be drained and refilled with new oil every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.

How To Check Honda Civic Transmission Fluid

Checking and maintaining your transmission fluid level is important for vehicle upkeep. First, make sure your car is on level ground, and the engine is cool.

Locate the dipstick – it should have a pink or red circle around it – and remove it from the transmission fluid reservoir. Wipe off the dipstick and reinsert it fully, then remove it again and check the fluid level. It should be “full.” If it is low, add transmission fluid slowly until it reaches the proper level.

Always check your vehicle’s manual for specific guidelines – different cars may have unique instructions for checking and topping off transmission fluid.

Our Recommendations

  • Don’t overfill the transmission fluid, or it could be damaged.
  • To protect our environment, please dispose of used oil and filters safely and responsibly. This includes not throwing them in the trash, down sewers, or on the ground.

The Benefits Of Using Honda Genuine Transmission Fluid For Your Car

Regarding vehicle maintenance, the choice of transmission fluid can make all the difference. Honda Genuine Transmission Fluid is specifically designed for Honda vehicles and formulated to protect against wear and corrosion while also providing optimal performance in a variety of driving conditions. Not only does this specialized fluid prolong the life of your transmission, it also helps to improve fuel efficiency and overall smoothness of operation.

The benefits don’t just stop there – using Honda Genuine Transmission Fluid can even protect against unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs down the line. So for peace of mind, convenience, and long-term savings, choose Honda Genuine Transmission Fluid for your vehicle’s needs.

How often should you replace your transmission fluid?

The recommended frequency for replacing your transmission fluid varies depending on your vehicle’s make and model. However, a general guideline is to replace your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every two to four years.

For automatic transmissions, the recommended interval is typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, while for manual transmissions, it’s typically every 10,000 miles or six months. It’s always best to check your vehicle owner’s manual or consult a trusted mechanic for the specific maintenance schedule that’s appropriate for your Honda Civic.

What Are The Symptoms Of Dirty Transmission Fluid?

Over time, heat and motion break down transmission fluid, causing it to lose its lubricating properties. If debris gets into the oil (usually from worn parts), it will build up on all the components that the oil washes. This leads to clogged parts and their eventual failure.

You can use this graph to check if your fluid is bad and dirty.

bad transmission fluid

Should I Change My Lifetime Transmission Fluid?

It’s not a good idea to change your lifetime transmission fluid. These fluids are designed to last for the entire life of the vehicle; changing them could cause costly repairs if done improperly. It’s best to keep an eye on your transmission fluid level and top it off when necessary but refrain from any major changes. This will help ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

Does Honda Recommend Transmission Flush or Change?

The Honda maintenance schedule recommends a transmission change every 50,000 miles for most models. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to changing or flushing your transmission fluid, as this will help extend its life and keep your vehicle running smoothly. It’s also important to use only genuine Honda fluids in order to protect your warranty and get the best performance from your car.

Sources

Author

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3 thoughts on “Honda Civic Transmission Fluid Capacity”

  1. 2011 there was an overlap between 8th and 9th civics. I have a 2011 8th gen with a non CVT automatic transmission. Your article suggests all 2011 Civics have CVT. This is very misleading. Would hate for Someone to use CVT oil in their 8th gen Civic!

  2. Thanks for the information on the 2017 civic it doesn’t list the capacity for CVT in the book that comes with car. My civic is 1.5 turbo and your site says capacity is 2.39 and oil is Hfc2 thanks again.

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