Overview

Released in February 2006, the Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid was a small sedan. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the FD3 Civic Hybrid had a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 15 kW electric motor – powered by 158 volt nickel-metal hydride batteries – that drove the front-wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

MF5 engine and electric motor

The 1.3-litre MF5 ‘i-DSI’ four-cylinder engine had a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and featured:

• Lean-burn combustion which enabled it to operate at a 22:1 air-to-fuel ratio for more than 60 per cent of the time when driving on a flat road;
• ‘Idle stop’ which enabled the engine to automatically shut down when stationary in traffic and to restart when the driver removed their foot from the brake;
• Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system which provided the engine with camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations; and,
• Three-stage Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) which could deactivate all four cylinders when cruising.

The Civic Hybrid’s electric motor assisted the petrol engine under acceleration and would act as a generator to recharge the nickel-metal hydride batteries when decelerating (i.e. regenerative braking). Unlike the corresponding XW20 Prius , however, the Civic Hybrid could not run in an electric-only drive mode. Over the combined ADR 81/02 cycle, the Civic Hybrid achieved fuel consumption of 4.6 litres per 100 km.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to its ES9 Civic Hybrid predecessor, the FD3 Civic Hybrid was 80 mm longer (at 4550 mm), 35 mm wider (1750 mm) and had an 80 mm longer wheelbase (2700 mm), though its height was unchanged (1430 mm). Furthermore, an increased proportion of high-strength steel contributed to a 35 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and the coefficient of drag was reduced from 0.28 to 0.27. Like its predecessor, the FD3 Civic Hybrid had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, albeit with revised tuning and a thicker rear anti-roll bar.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the FD3 Civic Hybrid included dual front airbags, front-side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. From 2008, the Civic Hybrid was also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Civic Hybrid received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.71 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver. Euro NCAP’s result included two points for driver and passenger seatbelt reminders – under ANCAP’s assessment , one of these points was omitted as the Civic Hybrid in Australia was only fitted with a driver’s seatbelt reminder.

Features: Civic Hybrid

Standard features for the FD3 Civic Hybrid included with 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player and MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, front fog lamps, split and folding rear seat, a multi-function and leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser. From December 2006, the FD3 Civic Hybrid was also fitted with cruise control and electronic throttle control.

Related links

• Specifications: Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid (2009)
• Wikipedia.org: Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid

Overview

Released in February 2012, the Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid was a small sedan. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the FB4 Civic Hybrid had a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 17 kW electric motor – powered by lithium-ion batteries (previously nickel-metal hydride units) – that drove the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium cylinder block, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and featured:

• Lean-burn combustion;
• ‘Idle stop’ which enabled the engine to automatically shut down when stationary in traffic and to restart when the driver removed their foot from the brake;
• Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system which provided the engine with camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations; and,
• Three-stage Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) which could deactivate all four cylinders when cruising.

The Civic Hybrid’s electric motor assisted the petrol engine under acceleration and would act as a generator to recharge the lithium-ion when decelerating (i.e. regenerative braking). At low speeds and/or light throttle inputs, the Civic Hybrid could run purely on electric power provided the batteries were fully charged. Over the combined ADR 81/02 cycle, the Civic Hybrid achieved fuel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km.

The FB4 Civic Hybrid also had an Eco Assist system which encouraged fuel-efficient driving and an ECON driving mode which adjusted throttle response and air conditioning output to further reduce fuel consumption.

Compared to its FD3 Civic Hybrid predecessor, the FB4 Civic Hybrid was 10 mm shorter (at 4540 mm), 5 mm wider (1755 mm), the same height (1435 mm) and had a 30 mm shorter wheelbase (2670mm). Through the increased use of high-strength steel (from 50 per cent to 55 per cent), the FB4 Civic Hybrid body was also lighter while static and dynamic rigidity increased by 10 per cent. Other changes included slimmer A-pillars for improved visibility and a speed-sensitive electric power steering system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the FB4 Civic Hybrid included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the FB4 Civic sedan received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.91 out of 37 and this result was also applied to the Civic Hybrid. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Civic Hybrid included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with MP3/WMA-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (USB/iPod) and Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone connectivity, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

July 2013: Civic Hybrid update

From July 2013, the Civic Hybrid was further equipped with satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic updates, a DVD player, grey leather seats, a reversing camera with parking guidelines, daytime running lights, a proximity key, push-button start and vanity mirror illumination.

Related links

• Honda News: Honda’s Hybrid Hatch Is Now Even More Fuel Efficient (June 2012)
• Honda News: Honda Hybrids Receive Updates (July 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid

Overview

Released in March 2004, the Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid was a front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the Civic Hybrid was powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 10 kW electric motor which was positioned between the engine and the continuously variable transmission.

LDA engine and electric motor

The 1.3-litre LDA ‘i-DSI’ four-cylinder engine had a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and featured:

• Lean-burn combustion which enabled it to operate at a 22:1 air-to-fuel ratio for more than 60 per cent of the time when driving on a flat road;
• ‘Idle stop’ which enabled the engine to automatically shut down when stationary in traffic and to restart when the driver removed their foot from the brake;
• Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system which provided the engine with camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations; and,
• A cylinder cut-off system which close the valves and deactivate three of the four cylinders when the vehicle was decelerating (reducing power lost to the engine by 50 per cent).

The Civic Hybrid’s electric motor assisted the petrol engine under acceleration and would act as a generator to recharge the 144 volt nickel-metal hydride batteries when decelerating (i.e. regenerative braking). Unlike the corresponding Prius , however, the Civic Hybrid could not run in an electric-only drive mode. Over the combined ADR 81/02 cycle, the Civic Hybrid achieved fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100 km.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the ES1 Civic sedan on which it was based, the Civic Hybrid was 20 mm longer (at 4470 mm), the same width (1715 mm), 10 mm lower (1430 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2620 mm). The hybrid drive train, however, contributed to a 120 kg increase in kerb mass, though aerodynamic enhancements reduced the coefficient of drag from 0.30 to 0.28 Cd. The Mk.7 Civic Hybrid had MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the ES9 Civic Hybrid included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. The Hybrid was also fitted with rear drum brakes rather than the more powerful discs used on other Civic variants.

Features: Civic Hybrid

Standard features for the ES9 Civic Hybrid included 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid

Recalls: Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid

2004 model year Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid: Takata airbag recall #1

In December 2014, a recall was issued for Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid vehicles and this recall was updated with new information in September 2017. In these vehicles, the front passenger side airbag inflator may have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. In the event of a crash, the inflator container may rupture and cause abnormal deployment of the front passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please seePRA 2014/14498.

2004-05 model year Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid: Takata airbag recall #2

In May 2015, a recall was issued for 2004 to 2005 ‘model year’ Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid vehicles and this recall was updated with new information in September 2017. In these vehicles, propellant wafers in the passenger’s front airbag inflator could absorb moisture over time. This ‘moisture intrusion’ made the inflator assembly susceptible to rupture during airbag deployment, creating a risk that metallic fragments could be projected through the cabin – these posed a risk of serious injury and fatality for vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles, please seePRA 2015/14703.

2004-05 model year Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid: Takata airbag recall #3

In July 2019, recall campaign 6CE was issued for 2004-05 model year Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles had Takata front passenger airbags and propellant wafers inside these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture and metal fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion and into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17658.

Search online for recalls by VIN

To see if a Honda vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Honda Australia website using its VIN.

Problems and faults: Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid: CVT start clutch judder

In February 2008, Honda USA issued service bulletin 07-049 for 2003-05 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles. In these vehicles, a momentary judder may be felt after accelerating from rest, but only up to about 25 km/h. The most likely cause of the judder was a worn start clutch in the CVT (continuously variable transmission). As a result of this problem, Honda USA increased the warranty to seven years or 160,000 kilometres.

Problems and faults: Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid

• Popping or knocking noises from the Civic’s front suspension may be due to the front coil springs clashing.
• If the rear seatback lock would not turn or was hard to turn, the lock rod required replacement.
• For the Honda Civic Hybrid’s air conditioning, the adjuster tabs for the centre vents in the dashboard could break.

Recalls: Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid

Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: loss of power steering assistance

In October 2006, a recall was issued for Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid vehicles due to a condition in which the power steering system ceased to operate. If the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) received unstable voltage input from the motor angle detecting circuit, the fail-safe function of the power steering system may not operate. As a result, the EPS warning lamp would illuminate, the power steering assistance would cease and therefore require greater force for steering wheel operation (PRA 2006/8807).

Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: brake lamps may stop working

In September 2007, a recall was issued for Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid vehicles due to potential failure of the stop lamp switch which could cause the stop lamps to cease functioning – this was caused by an excessive quantity of grease having been applied to the telescopic steering column mechanism (PRA 2007/9504).

Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: short circuit may cause engine to stall #1

In February 2007, a recall was issued for Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid vehicles due to insufficient clearance between the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) cover and the DC-DC converter cable terminal (positioned on the rear side of the rear seat assembly). If excessive weight was placed upon the rear seat back, the IPU cover could interfere with the DC-DC converter cable terminal, creating a short circuit which could cause the main fuse to blow and the engine to stall (PRA 2007/9037).

Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: short circuit may cause engine to stall #2

In March 2011, a recall was issued for Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid vehicles due to a potential short circuit in the rectifier diode used in the DC-DC converter due to damage sustained during its manufacture. The short circuit could blow the main fuse, causing the engine to stall and not restart (PRA 2011/12402). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range JHMFD36206S200005 to JHMFD36206S204877.

2006-11 model year Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: Takata airbag recall #1

In February 2016, a recall was issued for 2006 to 2011 model year Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid vehicles and this recall was updated in September 2017 with new information. In these vehicles, propellant tablets in some air bag inflators may absorb moisture – this could create excessive internal pressure when the airbag was deployed such that the body of the inflator could rupture upon deployment, increasing the risk of injury to the driver and other occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles, please seePRA 2016/15198.

2006-11 model year Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: Takata airbag recall #2

In July 2016, a recall was issued for 2006 to 2011 model year Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles and this recall was updated with new information in September 2017. In these vehicles, the propellant wafers in the airbag inflators could absorb moisture over time, causing overly aggressive combustion if the airbag was deployed – this would create excessive internal pressure that could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and scatter metal fragments through the airbag cushion material. These scattered fragments could cause serious injury or fatality to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles, please see PRA 2016/15494.

2006-11 model year Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: Takata airbag recall #3

In October 2019, recall campaign 6EE was issued for 2006-11 model year Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles had been fitted with a complete driver airbag assembly that was determined to contain an affected Takata airbag inflator. Takata driver airbags contained propellant wafers which could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture so that metal fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17660.

Search online for recalls by VIN

To see if a Honda vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Honda Australia website using its VIN.

Problems and faults: Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid: software update

In July 2010, Honda USA issued service bulletin 10-034 for 2006-08 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles. The service bulletin described the introduction of updated PGM-FI software to prevent IMA battery deterioration. The updated software increased the IMA battery rate of charge to maintain battery charge during high load conditions (such as stop-and-go driving with the air conditioning on).

Problems and faults: Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid

• A faulty occupant position sensor in the front passenger seatback could cause the ‘SRS’ (airbag) light to stay on.
• If water enters the position switch for the door lock, the remote central locking may not work.
• The windscreen wipers may not turn off when parked, especially in cold weather, due to problems with the windscreen wiper motor.
• The sun visors should be handled carefully as they were liable to break.

Recalls: Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid

No recall information is available for the Honda Civic Hybrid (FB4: 2012-15). To search for recalls of Honda models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Honda.

Problems and faults: Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid.

Released in February 2012, the Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid was a small sedan. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the FB4 Civic Hybrid had a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 17kW electric motor – powered by lithium-ion batteries (previously nickel-metal hydride units) – that drove the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission… Read full Honda FB4 Civic Hybrid review

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Released in March 2004, the Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid was a front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the Civic Hybrid was powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 10kW electric motor which was positioned between the engine and the continuously variable transmission… Read full Honda ES9 Civic Hybrid review

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Released in February 2006, the Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid was a small sedan. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the FD3 Civic Hybrid had a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 15kW electric motor – powered by 158 volt nickel-metal hydride batteries – that drove the front-wheels via a continuously variable transmission… Read full Honda FD3 Civic Hybrid review

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Euro NCAP: Honda Civic Hybrid crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, the Civic Hybrid received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.71 out of 37. Euro NCAP’s result included two points for driver and passenger seatbelt reminders – under ANCAP’s assessment, one of these points was omitted as the Civic Hybrid in Australia was only fitted with a driver’s seatbelt reminder. For more information about these assessments, please go to the Euro NCAP website and the ANCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.