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Buying guide

Honda Civic Type R FK8 (2017 to 2021): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Honda Civic Type R FK8 was built from 2017 to 2021 as a hatchback, with a manual gearbox, front wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: FK8. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2017 to 2021
Chassis codes
FK8
Body types
Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Honda Civic Type R FK8 (2017 to 2021). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. 1st to 2nd gear grind

    Owners report graunching between 1st and 2nd. Some cars got new clutch master cylinders and some gearboxes were replaced. It does not always happen.

    Where to look
    The gear lever
    How to test
    Make several quick 1st to 2nd changes when cold and warm, and listen and feel for a grind.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost clutch hydraulics or gearbox work

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab), fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Cracked front brake discs

    Short cracks from the drill holes in the front discs mean replacement, most often after hard or track use. Squeal alone is common.

    Where to look
    The front brake discs round the drill holes
    How to test
    Look through the wheel at the disc face for hairline cracks running from the holes.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost aftermarket two piece discs from under 300 pounds in the UK

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab), fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  3. Dash vibration at 4500 rpm

    Some owners report a vibration or rattle from the dash at about 4500 rpm that has eluded attempts to trace it.

    Where to look
    The dashboard
    How to test
    Hold the revs near 4500 rpm on the drive and listen.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost an annoyance more than a fault

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab), fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. Alignment sensitivity

    Tracking out of specification can make the car feel unsettled.

    Where to look
    The tyres and the wheel alignment
    How to test
    Look for uneven tyre wear and feel for wandering on the drive. Ask when the alignment was last set.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost an alignment

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Rear spoiler and track use

    The rear spoiler can be damaged if the boot is opened under a low roof, and track day use is common.

    Where to look
    The rear spoiler, the panels and paint
    How to test
    Check the spoiler and its mounts, and look for uneven gaps and colour mismatch that point to repairs.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost spoiler or panel repair

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab), fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Infotainment and bolsters

    The infotainment can crash, and the front seat bolsters wear early from getting in and out.

    Where to look
    The touchscreen and the front seat side bolsters
    How to test
    Use the screen during the viewing and look at the outer bolsters.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost software or trim

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 3 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Does it grind going from 1st to 2nd, and has any gearbox or clutch work been done?
  • Has it been on track, and have the front discs been replaced?
  • Is it NZ new or an import?
  • Has it been remapped or modified?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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