Cracked engine block at the cooling passages (2006–2009 4-cyl.)
smoke from under the hood paired with a coolant leak and overheating
Check engine light: On
This is the single most significant issue for this generation: a crack at the engine's cooling passages, specific to the 2006–2009 4-cylinder engines, covered by Honda TSB 10-048 under a 10-year/unlimited-mileage extended warranty program. It typically shows up as a sudden, dramatic failure — smoke from under the hood, a coolant leak, and overheating, rather than a slow-building symptom. Coolant contamination and overheating like this reliably trips a check-engine code, which is why the light is marked as typically on. Given how much time has passed since this generation was new, that warranty program is very likely expired for most affected cars by now, so don't assume you're still covered.
typically appears at 100,000+ mi
Honda covered this under TSB 10-048 and an extended warranty program rather than treating it as routine wear.
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AC compressor and clutch failure
a loss of AC cooling performance
Check engine light: Off
The most frequently replaced item in this generation's largest repair category (Electrical/AC, 27% of all repairs): the AC compressor, clutch/coil assembly, or condenser, clustering between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. This is a notably expensive repair category for this vehicle — compressor replacement alone has been reported at $800–$1,600, with full AC system work running as high as $2,000. We're presenting those as reported figures rather than a single typical range, since they span a wide scope of work (compressor-only vs. full-system). This is a comfort-system fault, not an engine or emissions issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$800 – $1,600 (compressor only); up to $2,000 (full AC system)80,000–150,000 mi
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AC blows hot air when accelerating from a stop
hot air from the AC vents specifically when accelerating from a stop
Check engine light: Off
A distinctive, easy-to-recognize AC fault covered by its own Honda technical service bulletin: the AC blows hot air specifically when taking off from a stop, rather than underperforming generally. It's addressed via an ECU reprogramming fix per the TSB rather than a parts replacement, which is a good sign for repair cost even though we don't have a specific figure yet. This is a comfort-system fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
addressed via ECU reprogramming per a named Honda TSB rather than a parts replacement — likely a lower-cost fix than the compressor issue above, though we don't have a specific figure.
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Airbag light due to failed occupant position sensor
Airbag warning light stays on
Check engine light: Off
The most frequently reported problem on this generation is a failed occupant position sensor that triggers the airbag warning light. This is a warning-light problem, not a confirmed airbag deployment failure.
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Bad engine mounts causing vibration and rattle
Vibration, roughness, and rattle from the engine, sometimes a low rumble specifically in reverse
Check engine light: Off
Worn engine mounts are reported to cause vibration, roughness, and rattle, with a related, more specific complaint about a low rumbling sound heard specifically in reverse.
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Power window switch may fail
Power window stops responding to its switch
Check engine light: Off
A failed power window switch is reported on this generation.
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Hood release cable may break at handle
Hood won't release, cable breaks at the interior handle
Check engine light: Off
The hood release cable is reported to break at the handle on this generation.
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Possible shift control solenoid fault
Transmission shifting issues tied to a shift control solenoid
Check engine light: On
A shift control solenoid fault is reported on this generation.
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Wipers won't park due to wiper motor failure
Windshield wipers stop mid-cycle instead of parking properly
Check engine light: Off
A failed windshield wiper motor is reported to prevent the wipers from parking correctly.
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Door lock sticky or not working due to worn tumblers
Door lock is stiff, sticky, or doesn't work, tied to worn lock tumblers
Check engine light: Off
Worn door lock tumblers are reported to cause sticky or non-functional door locks on this generation.
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Cracked exhaust manifold or catalytic converter
Exhaust noise, possible check engine light, or a rattling sound
Check engine light: On
A cracked exhaust manifold or catalytic converter is reported on this generation.
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Warped front brake rotors
Vibration when braking
Check engine light: Off
Warped front brake rotors are a commonly reported cause of braking vibration on this generation.
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Front compliance bushings may crack
Clunking or looseness in the front suspension
Check engine light: Off
The front compliance bushings are reported to crack on this generation, causing suspension noise or looseness.
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Sun visors may not retract after sitting in sun
Sun visor stays extended, won't retract properly after prolonged sun exposure
Check engine light: Off
Sun visors are reported to not retract properly after sitting extended in the sun for long periods. A minor, cosmetic-adjacent complaint.
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PCM software update to correct false oxygen sensor code
Check engine light with an oxygen sensor code, no actual sensor fault
Check engine light: On
A false oxygen sensor code is reported, correctable with a PCM software update rather than a parts replacement.
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Faulty head gasket may cause oil and coolant leaks
Oil or coolant leak, possible overheating
Check engine light: Off
This is a head gasket leak, not the more severe cracked-block-at-cooling-passages failure.
This is a different, less severe failure than the cracked engine block also reported on this generation: a leaking head gasket rather than a cracked block.
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The biggest issue on this generation is a well-documented cracked engine block at the cooling passages (2006–2009 4-cylinder engines), covered by Honda TSB 10-048 and a 10-year/unlimited-mileage extended warranty program. That program is very likely time-expired for most cars in this generation by now. Honda addressed it under TSB 10-048 with an extended warranty program rather than treating it as routine wear.