Credov's researched list of the 3 faults the Honda Civic Type R FD2 is known for (2007–2011), 3 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Shift 1-2, 2-3 and 3-2 cold and warm; any crunch or refusal at high revs is the fault.
Why it matters: Worn synchros only get worse, and because parts availability for this JDM-only gearbox is poor, a rebuild can take longer and cost more to source parts for than on a more common car.
Typical repair: NZ$2,500–NZ$6,000 in New Zealand · A$2,580–A$6,180 in Australia
What to look for: Start the engine from fully cold and listen for 1-2 seconds of harsh grinding or rattling from the passenger side.
Why it matters: Left alone the chain and guides wear further, and the usual repair replaces the actuator, chain, tensioner and guides together - a bill in the low thousands rather than a quick fix.
Typical repair: NZ$1,200–NZ$2,800 in New Zealand · A$1,240–A$2,880 in Australia
What to look for: Lie beside the car with a torch and check the subframes, sills, jacking points and rear arches for flaking rust.
Why it matters: Surface rust is a cosmetic job, but structural rust on a subframe or sill can fail a WoF-equivalent inspection and is expensive to cut out and repair properly, so it changes what the car is actually worth.
Typical repair: NZ$800–NZ$5,000 in New Zealand · A$820–A$5,150 in Australia
Got a question about a Honda Civic Type R FD2? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.