Most Honda Civics take between 3.7 and 4.4 quarts of 0W-20 oil with a filter. The 1.5L turbo (L15B7/L15CA) takes 3.7 quarts, the 2.0L naturally aspirated (K20C2) takes 4.4 quarts, and the Type R (K20C1) takes 5.7 quarts. Always verify with your dipstick and owner’s manual.
How to use this database: Find the correct engine oil capacity, viscosity, oil filter, and drain plug torque for your Honda Civic. This guide covers every US-market Civic from 1996 to 2025 — search by generation, engine code, model year, or trim level. Capacities shown are for a drain-and-fill with a new oil filter. Always use the correct viscosity and API certification for your engine — the wrong oil can cause damage, reduced fuel economy, and void your warranty.
Warning — Do Not Overfill: Overfilling engine oil can cause foaming, oil leaks, and engine damage. Add slightly less than the listed capacity, run the engine briefly, then top up to the dipstick’s upper mark. Do not exceed the “MAX” mark on the dipstick. Honda recommends checking the oil level 3–5 minutes after shutting off a warm engine on level ground.
The Ultimate Honda Civic
Oil Change Reference
6th · 7th · 8th · 9th · 10th · 11th Generation — All Engines
6th Generation — Civic (1996–2000)
| Engine | Capacity (with filter) | Capacity (without filter) | Oil Viscosity | OEM Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D16Y8 (1.6L VTEC) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 3.4 qt (3.2 L) | 5W-30 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| D16Y7 (1.6L non-VTEC) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 3.4 qt (3.2 L) | 5W-30 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
Drain Plug Torque: 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) · Crush Washer: M14×1.5 · Oil Change Interval: 5,000–7,500 miles
7th Generation — Civic (2001–2005)
| Engine | Capacity (with filter) | Capacity (without filter) | Oil Viscosity | OEM Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D17A1 (LX/DX) | 3.4 qt (3.2 L) | 3.2 qt (3.0 L) | 5W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| D17A2 (EX) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 3.5 qt (3.3 L) | 5W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
Drain Plug Torque: 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) · Crush Washer: M14×1.5 · Oil Change Interval: 5,000–7,500 miles
8th Generation — Civic (2006–2011)
| Engine | Capacity (with filter) | Capacity (without filter) | Oil Viscosity | OEM Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R18A1 (1.8L) | 3.9 qt (3.7 L) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 0W-20 / 5W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| K20Z3 (2.0L Si) | 5.4 qt (5.1 L) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) | 5W-30 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
Drain Plug Torque: 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) · Crush Washer: M14×1.5 · Oil Change Interval: 5,000–7,500 miles · Common Mistake: The R18A1 uses 0W-20, but some owners mistakenly use 5W-30. Always check your owner’s manual.
9th Generation — Civic (2012–2015)
| Engine | Capacity (with filter) | Capacity (without filter) | Oil Viscosity | OEM Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R18Z1 (1.8L) | 3.9 qt (3.7 L) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| K24Z7 (2.4L Si) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L) | 4.3 qt (4.1 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
Drain Plug Torque: 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) · Crush Washer: M14×1.5 · Oil Change Interval: 5,000–7,500 miles
10th Generation — Civic (2016–2021)
| Engine | Capacity (with filter) | Capacity (without filter) | Oil Viscosity | OEM Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L15B7 (1.5T) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 3.5 qt (3.3 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| K20C2 (2.0L) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) | 4.1 qt (3.9 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| K20C1 (2.0T Type R) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) | 5.4 qt (5.1 L) | 5W-30 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
Drain Plug Torque: 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) · Crush Washer: M14×1.5 · Oil Change Interval: 5,000–7,500 miles
11th Generation — Civic (2022–2025)
| Engine | Capacity (with filter) | Capacity (without filter) | Oil Viscosity | OEM Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L15CA (1.5T) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 3.5 qt (3.3 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| K20C2 (2.0L) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) | 4.1 qt (3.9 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| LFC-H4 (Hybrid) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) | 4.1 qt (3.9 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
| K20C1 (2.0T Type R) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) | 5.4 qt (5.1 L) | 0W-20 | 15400-PLM-A02 |
Drain Plug Torque: 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) · Crush Washer: M14×1.5 · Oil Change Interval: 5,000–7,500 miles
Visual Quick-Reference Charts
A printable, at-a-glance version of the generation charts above — handy to save to your phone or pin to your garage wall before an oil change.
Honda Civic Oil Capacity by Engine
Search by engine code — perfect for identifying capacity when you know your engine but not your generation.
| Engine Code | Displacement | Capacity (with filter) | Oil Viscosity | Generations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D16Y8 | 1.6L VTEC | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 5W-30 | 6th Gen |
| D17A2 | 1.7L | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 5W-20 | 7th Gen |
| R18A1 | 1.8L | 3.9 qt (3.7 L) | 0W-20 / 5W-20 | 8th Gen |
| R18Z1 | 1.8L | 3.9 qt (3.7 L) | 0W-20 | 9th Gen |
| K20Z3 | 2.0L Si | 5.4 qt (5.1 L) | 5W-30 | 8th Gen Si |
| K24Z7 | 2.4L Si | 4.6 qt (4.4 L) | 0W-20 | 9th Gen Si |
| L15B7 | 1.5T | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 0W-20 | 10th Gen |
| K20C2 | 2.0L | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) | 0W-20 | 10th/11th Gen |
| K20C1 | 2.0T Type R | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) | 5W-30 / 0W-20 | 10th/11th Type R |
| L15CA | 1.5T | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) | 0W-20 | 11th Gen |
| LFC-H4 | 2.0L Hybrid | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) | 0W-20 | 11th Gen Hybrid |
Honda Civic Oil Capacity by Trim
| Trim | Generation / Years | Engine | Capacity (with filter) | Oil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX / DX / EX | 8th Gen (2006–2011) | R18A1 | 3.9 qt | 0W-20 |
| Si | 8th Gen (2006–2011) | K20Z3 | 5.4 qt | 5W-30 |
| LX / EX / EX-L | 9th Gen (2012–2015) | R18Z1 | 3.9 qt | 0W-20 |
| Si | 9th Gen (2012–2015) | K24Z7 | 4.6 qt | 0W-20 |
| EX / Touring | 10th Gen (2016–2021) | L15B7 | 3.7 qt | 0W-20 |
| LX / Sport | 10th Gen (2016–2021) | K20C2 | 4.4 qt | 0W-20 |
| Si | 10th/11th Gen | L15B7 / L15CA | 3.7 qt | 0W-20 |
| Type R | 10th/11th Gen | K20C1 | 5.7 qt | 0W-20 / 5W-30 |
| Hybrid | 11th Gen (2025+) | LFC-H4 | 4.4 qt | 0W-20 |
Oil Specifications & Viscosity
Honda recommends API-certified oils. Look for the API Starburst symbol on the container. For most Civics, API SN or newer is acceptable. The L15B7 and L15CA turbo engines require API SN Plus or higher for LSPI protection.
Oils meeting ILSAC GF-6 standard provide improved fuel economy, better engine protection, and enhanced LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) protection for turbo engines. Recommended for 2016+ Civics.
For European-market models or owners preferring ACEA standards, Honda permits oils meeting A1/B1, A3/B3, or A5/B5 with 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 viscosity for petrol engines.
Honda Genuine Motor Oil is specifically formulated for Honda engines. Available in 0W-20 (most modern Civics) and 5W-30 (older models). Using Honda Genuine Oil ensures optimal performance and protects your warranty.
Oil Filter & Drain Plug Torque
| Engine | OEM Oil Filter | Filter Thread | Drain Plug Torque | Crush Washer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All D-Series | 15400-PLM-A02 | M20×1.5 | 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) | M14×1.5 |
| R18A1 / R18Z1 | 15400-PLM-A02 | M20×1.5 | 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) | M14×1.5 |
| K20Z3 / K24Z7 | 15400-PLM-A02 | M20×1.5 | 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) | M14×1.5 |
| L15B7 / L15CA | 15400-PLM-A02 | M20×1.5 | 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) | M14×1.5 |
| K20C2 | 15400-PLM-A02 | M20×1.5 | 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) | M14×1.5 |
| K20C1 (Type R) | 15400-PLM-A02 | M20×1.5 | 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) | M14×1.5 |
| LFC-H4 (Hybrid) | 15400-PLM-A02 | M20×1.5 | 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) | M14×1.5 |
Note: Do not over-tighten the drain plug. The aluminum oil pan can strip easily. Torque spec is 29 ft-lb (39 Nm) for all Civic engines. Filter should be hand-tightened plus 3/4 turn or 22 ft-lb (30 Nm). Replace the crush washer with every oil change.
Oil Capacity Conversion: Quarts to Liters
| Quarts (US) | Liters |
|---|---|
| 3.4 qt | 3.2 L |
| 3.7 qt | 3.5 L |
| 3.9 qt | 3.7 L |
| 4.4 qt | 4.2 L |
| 4.6 qt | 4.4 L |
| 5.4 qt | 5.1 L |
| 5.7 qt | 5.4 L |
1 US quart = 0.946 liters. Capacities shown are with a new oil filter.
FAQ — 20 Frequently Asked Questions About Honda Civic Oil Capacities
1. How much oil does a Honda Civic take?
Most Honda Civics take between 3.7 and 4.4 quarts of oil with a new filter. The 1.5L turbo takes 3.7 quarts, the 2.0L naturally aspirated takes 4.4 quarts, the Si takes 3.7 quarts (10th/11th gen) or 4.6 quarts (9th gen), and the Type R takes 5.7 quarts. Always check your dipstick.
2. Do I check the oil before or after running the engine?
Check the oil when the engine is warm but not running. Park on level ground, turn off the engine, wait 3–5 minutes for oil to drain back to the oil pan, then check the dipstick.
3. Is the capacity with or without the oil filter?
All capacities shown in this guide are with a new oil filter. The oil filter holds approximately 0.3 quarts of oil. If you’re not changing the filter, subtract 0.3 quarts from the capacity.
4. Can I overfill the oil in my Civic?
Yes, overfilling can cause foaming, oil leaks, and engine damage. Add slightly less than the listed capacity, run the engine briefly, then top up to the dipstick’s upper mark. Do not exceed the “MAX” mark on the dipstick.
5. Why does my dipstick show a different reading than the listed capacity?
The listed capacity is the total capacity of the engine. Some oil remains in the oil pan, galleries, and filter. Always use the dipstick as the final authority.
6. What if I added too much oil?
If you overfilled, you can remove oil through the dipstick tube using a suction pump or by draining a small amount from the drain plug. Driving with overfilled oil can damage the engine.
7. Why does my owner’s manual show a different capacity than this guide?
Your owner’s manual shows the exact capacity for your specific model year, trim, and engine. This guide provides typical capacities. Always refer to your owner’s manual for confirmation.
8. Does the Type R use more oil than other Civics?
Yes, the Type R (K20C1) uses 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) — significantly more than other Civic engines due to the larger oil capacity needed for high-performance operation.
9. Does the Si use a different oil capacity?
Yes. The 8th gen Si (K20Z3) uses 5.4 quarts, the 9th gen Si (K24Z7) uses 4.6 quarts, and the 10th/11th gen Si (L15B7/L15CA) uses 3.7 quarts.
10. Does the Hybrid use the same oil capacity as the gas models?
The 11th gen Hybrid (LFC-H4) uses 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) — the same as the 2.0L naturally aspirated models.
11. What is the drain plug torque for a Honda Civic?
The drain plug torque for all Civic engines is 29 ft-lb (39 Nm). Do not over-tighten.
12. What is the oil filter torque for a Honda Civic?
Hand-tighten plus 3/4 turn or use a torque wrench set to 22 ft-lb (30 Nm). Always lubricate the O-ring with fresh oil before installing.
13. What oil does a Honda Civic take?
Most modern Civics use 0W-20. Older models (pre-2006) use 5W-30. The Type R uses 5W-30 or 0W-20 depending on the model year. Always check your owner’s manual.
14. What is the oil change interval for a Honda Civic?
Honda recommends following the Maintenance Minder system, which typically triggers between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. For severe driving conditions, consider 5,000-mile intervals.
15. Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my Civic?
Using a different oil viscosity than specified can reduce fuel economy and engine protection. For modern Civics (2016+), stick with 0W-20 as recommended by Honda.
16. What is the crush washer size for the drain plug?
The drain plug crush washer is M14×1.5 for all Civic engines. Replace it with every oil change.
17. How do I know if my Civic has the 1.5L or 2.0L engine?
Check your VIN or look under the hood. The 1.5L turbo has a plastic engine cover with “Earth Dreams” badge. The 2.0L is naturally aspirated.
18. Does the Civic need synthetic oil?
Honda recommends synthetic oil for all 2016+ Civics. Older models can use conventional oil but synthetic provides better protection and longer intervals.
19. What is the best oil filter for a Honda Civic?
The OEM Honda filter 15400-PLM-A02 is the best choice. Aftermarket options from WIX, Mobil 1, K&N, and Bosch are also excellent.
20. Where can I find the exact capacity for my Civic?
Check your owner’s manual or visit mygarage.honda.com and enter your VIN. You can also view our Owner Manuals Library.
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