WhichCarParts

Honda Civic · 2012–2025

Honda Civic Oil Type and Capacity

The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes.

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Photo: Santeri Viinamäki / CC BY-SA 4.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Has the Honda Civic oil specification changed by year?

Model yearsViscosityCapacityOEM filterInterval
202220250W-204.4 / 3.7 / 5.7 / 4.2 qtHonda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on)Per Maintenance Minder; typically 7,500–10,000 mi. 12 months max.
201620210W-204.4 / 3.7 / 5.7 qtHonda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on)Per Maintenance Minder; typically 7,500–10,000 mi with synthetic. 12 months max.
201220150W-203.9 / 4.2 qtHonda 15400-PLM-A02 (spin-on)Per Maintenance Minder (oil life %); typically 7,500–10,000 mi with synthetic. 12 months max.

Each row links to the full specification for that generation, including trim-by-trim breakdowns and the part numbers. Where engines within a generation differ, that page separates them.

Full specifications by generation

The oil on a Honda Civic is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers.

Honda Civic oil: common questions

How many quarts of oil does a 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 family) takes 3.7 quarts; The 1.5L turbo (Civic Si, 200 hp) takes 3.7 quarts; The 2.0L turbo (K20C1, Civic Type R FL5) takes 5.7 quarts; The 2.0L Hybrid (Atkinson-cycle 2.0L + two-motor e:CVT) takes 4.2 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

What kind of oil does a Honda Civic take?

0W-20 meeting API SN or later / ILSAC GF-6. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.

Can you use a different viscosity in a 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 Honda Civic need an oil change?

Per Maintenance Minder; typically 7,500–10,000 mi. 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 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

Find your exact Civic

Jump to a model year for the engines it offered, what changed, and the problems documented against it: