---
title: "2016-2021 Honda Civic Oil Type: 0W-20, 4.4 qt"
description: "The 2016-2021 Honda Civic takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/oil"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2016-2021 Honda Civic Oil Type and Capacity

The 2016-2021 Honda Civic takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.

**Quick answer**: The 2016-2021 Honda Civic (2.0L 4-cylinder (K20C2)) takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on)). Other engines differ; see the tables below.

## 2016-2021 Honda Civic 2.0L 4-cylinder (K20C2) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 (API SP/GF-6 acceptable) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.4 qt / 4.2 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 57356XP |
| Change interval | Per Maintenance Minder; typically 7,500-10,000 mi with synthetic. 12 months max. |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |

Note: Port-injected and naturally aspirated, no oil-dilution concern on this engine. 4.4 qt with filter.

## 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (L15B7) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 (API SP/GF-6 acceptable) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 3.7 qt / 3.5 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 57356XP |
| Change interval | Per Maintenance Minder; typically 7,500-10,000 mi. Short-trip/cold-climate cars should change earlier. See oil-dilution problem entry. |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |

Note: 3.7 qt with filter, noticeably less than the 2.0L, don't overfill. If the level on the dipstick rises between changes and smells of gas, that's fuel dilution.

## 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L turbo (L15B7, Civic Si, 205 hp) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 3.7 qt / 3.5 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 57356XP |
| Change interval | Per Maintenance Minder; enthusiasts driven hard commonly change at 5,000 mi |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |

Note: Same L15B7 block as the standard 1.5T with higher boost; same 3.7 qt fill. Si uses a different (colder) spark plug part than the base 1.5T, buy by VIN.

## 2016-2021 Honda Civic 2.0L turbo (K20C1, Civic Type R FK8) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.7 qt / 5.4 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 57356XP |
| Change interval | Per Maintenance Minder; track use warrants immediate post-event changes |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |

Note: 5.7 qt with filter, much more than other Civics. The dipstick reads oddly when cold; check warm on level ground. Many owners run a heavier oil for track days, but 0W-20 is the factory spec.

## Which Honda Civic model years does this cover?

These oil specifications apply to every Honda Civic built from 2016 through 2021, the 10th generation (FC/FK), compact sedan, coupe, and hatchback. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2016 Civic](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016)
- [2017 Civic](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2017)
- [2018 Civic](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2018)
- [2019 Civic](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2019)
- [2020 Civic](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2020)
- [2021 Civic](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2021)

## What changed during the 2016-2021 Honda Civic

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2016 | Generation launch (sedan/coupe, 2.0L and 1.5T). Two recalls hit the first year: piston pin snap rings (16V-074) and the electric parking brake software (16V-725). |
| 2017 | Hatchback, Si (205 hp), and Type R (306 hp) join the lineup |
| 2019 | Facelift: revised fascias, standard Honda Sensing, volume knob returns, new Sport sedan/coupe trim |
| 2021 | Final year; sedan/hatch only (coupe dropped after 2020, no 2021 Si) |

## 2016-2021 Honda Civic oil: common questions

### How many quarts of oil does a 2016-2021 Honda Civic take?

It depends on the engine. The 2.0L 4-cylinder (K20C2) takes 4.4 quarts; The 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (L15B7) takes 3.7 quarts; The 1.5L turbo (L15B7, Civic Si, 205 hp) takes 3.7 quarts; The 2.0L turbo (K20C1, Civic Type R FK8) takes 5.7 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

### What kind of oil does a 2016-2021 Honda Civic take?

0W-20 meeting API SN / ILSAC GF-5 (API SP/GF-6 acceptable). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.

### Can you use a different viscosity in a 2016-2021 Honda Civic?

The factory specification is 0W-20 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice.

### How often does a 2016-2021 Honda Civic need an oil change?

Per Maintenance Minder; typically 7,500-10,000 mi with synthetic. 12 months max.. Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.

### What oil filter does a 2016-2021 Honda Civic take?

The OEM filter is Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on). Common equivalents: Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 57356XP. Torque the drain plug to 29 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.

## Sources

- [Motivx Tools, 2016-2018 Civic oil change guide (capacities by engine)](https://www.motivxtools.com/pages/2016-2017-2018-honda-civic-oil-change-guide)
- [AMSOIL product application guide, 2017 Civic 1.5L L15B7](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2017/honda/civic/1-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-l15b7-8-turbo/)
- [Honda parts, 17220-5AA-A00 (1.5T) and 17220-5BA-A00 (2.0L) air filters](https://honda.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/honda-air-filter-172205aaa00)
- [Honda parts, 12290-59B-003 spark plug (NGK ILZKAR8H8S), 2016-2021 Civic 1.5T](https://honda.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/honda-spark-plug-1229059b003)
- [Honda parts, 15400-PLM-A02 oil filter](https://honda.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/honda-oil-filter-15400plma02)
- [NHTSA recall 20V-314, Denso fuel pump (Part 573 report)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V314-4001.PDF)
- [NHTSA recall 23V-858, expanded fuel pump recall (Part 573 report)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V858-1287.PDF)
- [NHTSA, 2016 Civic piston pin snap ring recall 16V-074 / SB 16-017](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RCMN-16V074-0449.pdf)
- [Honda TSB 19-091, AC condenser 10-year warranty extension (NHTSA copy)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163799-0001.pdf)
- [WardsAuto, Honda extends warranty for 1.5L oil dilution (Civic/CR-V)](https://www.wardsauto.com/news/archive-wards-honda-extends-warranty-to-address-1-5l-gas-oil-dilution-problem/793295/)
- [TirePressure.org, 2017 Honda Civic placard pressures by trim](https://tirepressure.org/honda/civic/2017)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2017 Honda Civic EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2017_Honda_Civic.shtml)
- [CivicX forum, brake rotor/caliper dimensions by trim](https://www.civicx.com/forum/threads/brake-info-thread.62520/)
- [Interstate Batteries, 2017/2019 Civic Group 51R fitment](https://www.interstatebatteries.com/products/m-51r/2017-honda-civic-l415l-standard)

## Other Honda Civic generations

- [2022-2025 Honda Civic oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2022-2025/oil)
- [2012-2015 Honda Civic oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2012-2015/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/oil).

## More for the 2016-2021 Honda Civic

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/honda/civic/2016-2021/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.