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.
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, 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.
It is fairly easy to diagnose via datalogs.
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.
The only things you can try is changing transmission fluids 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.
