A Honda Mechanic's Guide to 2007-2016 Civic Engine Mounts
Feeling a harsh vibration in your Civic? Your engine mounts are the likely cause, especially the passenger-side mount.
- The passenger-side hydraulic mount is the most common failure point and causes significant vibration.
- Visually inspect the passenger-side mount; if the metal bracket rests on the rubber body with no gap, it has failed.
- For the hydraulic passenger-side mount, using a Genuine Honda (OEM) part is strongly recommended to avoid vibration issues common with aftermarket parts.
- If using aftermarket parts, consider them for the less critical solid rubber mounts, but be aware that budget brands like Anchor and DEA have a poor reputation for quality and longevity.
Is Your Civic Shaking? Signs of a Bad Engine Mount
A failed engine mount on a 2007-2016 Honda Civic makes itself known. The most common complaint is a strong vibration felt in the cabin, through the steering wheel, or in the passenger seat. This is especially bad when the car is idling in Drive or Reverse.
- Excessive Vibration: The number one symptom. You'll feel it most at a stop with the transmission in gear. It might also get worse when the air conditioning is on.
- Loud Noises: Listen for clunking, banging, or thumping sounds when you accelerate, shift gears, or put the car in reverse. This is the sound of the engine moving and hitting other parts because the mount is no longer holding it securely.
- Visible Engine Movement: Open the hood and have a friend gently rev the engine while the car is in gear with the brakes held firmly. If you see the engine lurch or move excessively, a mount has likely failed.
- Visual Damage: The passenger-side mount is known to collapse. A quick visual check can confirm failure. If the metal engine bracket is sitting directly on top of the rubber mount with no gap, the mount has failed. Some mounts are also filled with hydraulic fluid, which may leak when the mount breaks.
Known Issue: Passenger-Side Mount Failure
The passenger-side hydraulic engine mount is a notorious failure point on 8th generation (2007-2011) and 9th generation (2012-2016) Civics. Honda even issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #APaS07092018904) acknowledging an investigation into broken side engine mounts causing vibration on 2016-2018 models. Due to its fluid-filled design, it is more prone to collapse and leaking than the other solid rubber mounts.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount: OEM vs. Aftermarket
When replacing the engine mounts on your Civic, you have a choice between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts from Honda and various aftermarket brands. For most parts, aftermarket is a great way to save money. For this specific part on this specific car, the choice is more complicated.
OEM Honda Mounts: The consensus among mechanics and owners is that OEM mounts are the best choice for a smooth, vibration-free ride, especially for the hydraulic passenger-side mount. They are expensive, but they are designed specifically for the vibration profile of your Civic's engine. Aftermarket hydraulic mounts often fail to replicate this, leading to persistent vibration issues even with a new part.
Aftermarket Mounts: Aftermarket options are much cheaper, but the quality varies dramatically. Many owners report that cheap aftermarket mounts fail within months or even weeks, or introduce a harsh vibration right after installation.
Brand Quality Tiers for Your Civic
- Tier 1 (Recommended for Passenger-Side): Genuine Honda (OEM). While expensive, it is the most reliable way to solve the vibration issue permanently.
- Tier 2 (Potential Option): Corteco. While specific reviews for the Civic are scarce, Corteco is an OEM supplier for brands like BMW and is known for high-quality rubber compounds that match original parts. This could be a viable, higher-quality aftermarket choice. Beck Arnley is often considered a premium brand, but many Honda owners report significant vibration problems with their mounts.
- Tier 3 (Budget/Economy): Anchor, DEA, Westar, Pioneer. These brands are widely available and very affordable. However, they are frequently reported to cause vibration and have a short lifespan. Consider these for the less critical mounts (like the lower torque strut) if budget is the primary concern, but avoid them for the main hydraulic mount if possible.
Cost of Replacing a 2007-2016 Honda Civic Engine Mount
The cost depends on whether you do it yourself or use a shop, and which parts you choose. The passenger-side mount is the most expensive part, while the other mounts are more affordable.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Mount (Passenger Side) | $330 - $495 |
| New Aftermarket Mount | $51 - $158 |
| Shop Labor (per mount) | $100 - $250 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Single Aftermarket Mount) | $151 - $408 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Single OEM Mount) | $430 - $745 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the one broken mount?
Yes, you can replace only the failed mount. However, engine mounts work as a system. A failed mount puts extra stress on the others, which can cause them to fail sooner. If you have high mileage, it's a good idea to inspect all of them and consider replacing them as a set.
Is it difficult to replace a Civic engine mount myself?
For a DIYer with the right tools, replacing the passenger-side and upper torque mounts is very achievable. It requires supporting the engine with a jack and a block of wood, and then unbolting the mount. The transmission mount and lower mounts can be more difficult due to tighter access. The job typically takes 1-2 hours for the main mount.
Why do aftermarket mounts cause vibration?
The OEM passenger-side mount is hydraulic (fluid-filled) and precisely tuned to absorb the specific vibrations of the Civic's engine. Many cheaper aftermarket mounts are just solid blocks of rubber, or use a lower-quality hydraulic design. This different construction can't absorb the vibrations properly, transmitting them into the car's frame and steering wheel.
Are there any recalls for the engine mounts?
There are no official recalls for engine mount failure on the 2007-2016 Civic. However, Honda did issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the 2016 model acknowledging an investigation into broken side engine mounts causing noise and vibration, which confirms it is a known issue to the manufacturer.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 50820-SNA-P01 (Passenger Side, 2007-2011) 50820-TS6-H03 (Passenger Side, 2012-2015) 50850-SNA-A82 (Transmission Mount) 50890-SNA-A82 (Lower Torque Strut) 50880-SNA-A82 (Upper Torque Strut)
The primary mount on the passenger side is a hydraulic, fluid-filled design. The other mounts are typically solid rubber.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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