Well Known Issues

The FK8 has a few issues/failures that have been well documented by numerous owners. There aren't very many problems overall compared to other platforms, but the few we do have are documented here.

Engine

Overheating on the track

Despite the FK8 supposedly being a track-ready car, it's fairly easy to overheat and end up limping back to the pit on a track. The issue is that there is a very limited amount of airflow over the radiator combined with an insufficient radiator. There are various ways to combat this, namely:

• Upgraded radiator
• Reverse hoses
• New grille
• Oil cooler
• Turbo/downpipe blankets

Heatsoaking on the street/dragstrip/dyno

The number one enemy of the FK8 is engine bay heat. The intake system practically wraps around the lava-hot turbocharger and downpipe, causing intensely high IATs when you aren't constantly on the move like you are on the track or highway. The FK8 has a very small intercooler, which is beneficial for allowing more airflow over the radiator on the track, but is not well suited to any other kind of driving.

It is strongly recommended that unless you strictly track your FK8, you get an aftermarket intercooler. Even if you don't modify anything else, it will have a profound impact on the longevity of power and keep your FK8 pulling hard, even from a stop. There are several other modifications that can help greatly with reducing heat, but an intercooler is easily the best one and doesn't require a tune.

In-tank fuel pump failure

A lot of FK8s have been having their in-tank fuel pump fail, resulting in rev match and emissions codes and heavy stuttering when under load. Honda issued an official recall for many Type Rs (as well as many other 10th gen Civics), but many more that were not part of the recall have also been experiencing issues more and more. If you experience random stuttering and rev match/emissions errors, especially if you aren't tuned, you may have a failing lifter pump and should contact your preferred dealership.

It is fairly easy to diagnose via datalogs if it is due to the lifter pump failing.

OEM charge pipe failures

A few track-heavy Type Rs have experienced complete failures of the OEM charge pipe on the hot side. It is a good idea to upgrade your charge pipes if your FK8 will be driven hard on the track, especially with an upgraded turbocharger.

Transmission

Grinds and lockouts

There are some problems with the transmission. While it's normally buttery smooth and has arguably one of the best shifters Honda has ever produced, most FK8 owners will sooner or later experience grinding while hard shifting into 2nd, 3rd, or 4th and lockouts when downshifting from 5th to 4th.

Honda has not officially acknowledged this problem, but it is most certainly an issue. It is not a matter of being unable to properly drive a manual.

Some things you can try is changing transmission fluids, deleting the clutch delay valve, or rebuilding your transmission.

3rd and 4th gear track failures

FK8s seeing heavy track duty have documented complete failures of the 3rd and 4th gears, even with only lightly increased power levels. There are reinforced replacements for these gears already available.

Chassis

Flickering dash after window tint

The cause isn't entirely known, but it's fairly common to have your dash and keyless entry system start malfunctioning after getting your windows tinted. It appears there's a component somewhere that is very sensitive to condensation and moisture. The issue usually resolves itself with in 24-72 hours.