The 2019 Civic Type R is a high-strung turbo performance machine that's generally reliable when maintained, but boost-related failures and transmission cooling issues show up when driven hard or neglected. The K20C1 engine can crack under abuse, and cooling-system weaknesses bite enthusiasts who track or modify.
Symptoms: No-start condition with crank-no-fire, Intermittent stalling at idle or low RPM, Limp mode or rough running under boost, Fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0093)
Fix: Honda issued recall 20V-566 for low-pressure fuel pump impeller swelling. Even post-recall, high-pressure pumps fail from ethanol fuel degradation or running tank low repeatedly. Drop tank, replace pump assembly. 2.5-3.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under engine bay, driver's side, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Slipping or delayed shifts when hot, Low fluid warning if equipped
Fix: Cooler line fittings crack at crimps or corrode at cooler connections. Replace lines and top off fluid, inspect cooler for internal contamination. If metal shavings present, flush or replace cooler. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Engine Mount (Transmission Mount) Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on hard acceleration or deceleration, Excessive driveline shunt during shifts, Vibration at idle worsening over time, Visible torn rubber or fluid leaking from mount
Fix: Rear engine mount (transmission mount) tears from aggressive driving or track use. OEM or upgraded aftermarket mount required. Jack engine, swap mount. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Piston Ring Land / Ringland Failure
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power under boost, Heavy white or blue smoke from exhaust, Cylinder misfire codes (typically cyl 2 or 3), Compression test shows one low cylinder, Metal debris in oil or spark plug threads
Fix: Detonation from bad fuel, aggressive tuning, or carbon buildup cracks piston ring lands. Requires engine-out teardown, new pistons, rings, head gasket, honing, and reassembly. 20-30 hours labor for short block or full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle / Actuator Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay on cold start, Overboost or underboost codes (P0299, P0234), Erratic boost pressure under load, Turbo whistle changes pitch or disappears
Fix: Wastegate actuator rod wears or electronic actuator fails. Sometimes just actuator replacement, but often full turbo swap due to shaft play developing simultaneously. Turbo removal and reinstall: 6-8 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Head Gasket Failure (Boosted Applications)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant consumption with no visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust on startup, Overheating or erratic temp gauge, Bubbles in coolant reservoir when running, Combustion gases in coolant (block test positive)
Fix: High boost or inadequate cooling causes head gasket to fail between cylinders or into coolant jacket. Head removal, resurface, MLS gasket, ARP studs recommended. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Owner tips
Use 91+ octane fuel religiously — this engine is knock-sensitive and piston damage from bad fuel is expensive.
Change transmission fluid every 30k miles if driven hard; factory fill degrades quickly under track use.
Inspect oil cooler and transmission cooler lines annually for seepage; catch leaks before they strand you.
Avoid aggressive tunes without supporting mods (intercooler, fuel system) — ringland failures spike with boost over 22 psi.
Let turbo cool for 30 seconds before shutting down after spirited driving to prevent oil coking in CHRA.
Buy one if maintenance history is documented and it hasn't been heavily modified or tracked — skip anything with a tune and no supporting mods.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Located in engine bay; Type R uses AGM battery due to high electrical demands
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2017-2021 Honda Civic Type R — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Control Unit (EPS)2.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column area, behind lower dashboard or integrated with steering column
🔧 Honda HDS
⚠️ Type R has dual-pinion EPS with adaptive damper system. Requires steering angle sensor calibration after replacement.
⚠️ Immobilizer-paired; requires VIN coding and immobilizer relearn. Turbo calibration specific to Type R.
Gateway Control Unit (GWY)1.2 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver's side lower dashboard or integrated with BCM
🔧 Honda HDS with dealer authentication
⚠️ Security gateway enforces module authentication. Dealer PIN or seed-key required for replacement.
Display Audio Unit (AU/DA)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dashboard, 7-inch touchscreen head unit
🔧 Self-initialization or Honda HDS
⚠️ Android Auto/Apple CarPlay capable. Radio anti-theft code may be required on some units.
Adaptive Driving Beam Control Unit (ADB)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind headlight assemblies or integrated with BCM
🔧 Honda HDS
⚠️ LED headlights with auto high-beam. Headlight aiming may be required after replacement.
Supplemental Restraint System Control Unit (SRS)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console area, below center stack or under front seats
🔧 Honda HDS
⚠️ Security-locked; requires VIN coding and crash data clear. Battery disconnect required.
Multi-View Camera System Control Unit (MVC)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind dashboard near display audio unit or in trunk
🔧 Honda HDS
⚠️ Rearview camera standard; multi-angle camera optional. Camera calibration required after replacement.
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under rear seat or in trunk area near fuel tank
🔧 Honda HDS or self-learn
⚠️ Controls high-pressure fuel pump for turbo engine. Self-adapts after installation.
Gauge Control Module / Driver Information Interface (GCM)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument cluster in dashboard
🔧 Honda HDS with i-HDS subscription
⚠️ Digital/analog hybrid cluster. Requires mileage programming from old module or legal documentation.
Power Window Master Switch / Door Control Unit (MSPW)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver's door panel, integrated with master window switch
🔧 Manual window initialization procedure
⚠️ Window auto-up/down requires relearn procedure after replacement or battery disconnect.
Parking Sensor Control Unit (PSU)0.7 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, behind trim panel near bumper
🔧 Honda HDS or aftermarket
⚠️ Rear parking sensors. Calibration typically automatic after installation.
Transmission Control Module (TCM)no coding
📍 N/A - 6-speed manual transmission only, no TCM
⚠️ Type R uses manual transmission exclusively; no electronic transmission control module.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER · 26V332000
2026-05-21
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2019 Honda Civic Type R 2.0L I4 Turbo K20C1 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.