2003 Honda Civic - Maintenance & Specs
The 2003 Honda Civic belongs to a Honda Civic lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 41 model years, from 1981 to 2026. Engine options on record include the 1.7L, 2.0L, 1.3L. It is configured as front-wheel drive with an automatic (variable gear ratios). The 2003 sits mid-run, with both earlier (1981) and later (2026) Civic model years also documented.
It takes 5W-20 conventional oil, 3.7 qt with a new filter meeting API SN. Fluid specs on file include Type 2 coolant, DOT 3 brake fluid, Honda ATF DW-1 transmission fluid. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include oil drain plug 29 ft-lb, lug nut 80 ft-lb, spark plug 18 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around air bags (113), power train (84), electrical system (29). A representative report reads: "The contact owned a 2003 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and attempting to proceed at a green light, the front passenger..." There are 24 safety recalls on record; one covers: ...R LIGHTS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON 1988-2005 HONDA CIVIC, 1990-2005 HONDA ACCORD, AND 1990-2001 ACURA INTEGRA PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.....
EPA fuel economy is rated at 29 city / 36 highway MPG, 32 MPG combined. Estimated annual fuel cost is about $1,350.
Quick Specs
| Oil viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Oil type | Conventional |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 3.7 qt |
| OEM oil spec | API SN |
| Oil filter | Honda 15400-PLM-A02 |
| EPA combined | 32 MPG |
| Tire size | 215/55R17 |
| Coolant | Type 2 |
| Open recalls on record | 24 |
| Technical service bulletins | 115 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
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Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.