Civic transmissions split into three eras: the hydraulic four and five-speed automatics through about 2013, the CVT from 2014, and the manuals, which run the whole length and are their own parts entirely. The one to be careful with is the 2001–2005 four-speed automatic, which has a well-known failure and was the subject of an extended warranty. Tell us the model year, the engine and whether the car is an Si and we can match it exactly.
Honda Civic Used Transmissions — transmission options by generation
| Years |
Transmission |
Type |
Notes |
| 1992–2000 |
4-speed auto |
MPWA / S4XA |
Hydraulic control |
| 1992–2000 |
5-speed manual |
Various |
Durable — often worth a rebuild instead |
| 2001–2005 |
4-speed auto |
BMXA / SLXA |
The problem unit — see below |
| 2001–2005 (Si) |
5-speed manual |
EP3 only |
K20A3 cars |
| 2006–2011 |
5-speed auto |
MPLA / MRSA |
Behind the R18 |
| 2006–2011 (Si) |
6-speed manual |
FG2 / FA5 |
K20Z3 only |
| 2012–2013 |
5-speed auto |
Revised |
Last hydraulic automatic Civic |
| 2014–2015 |
CVT |
Honda CVT |
Arrives with the 1.8 R18Z1 |
| 2016–2021 |
CVT |
Honda CVT |
1.5 turbo and 2.0 — calibrations differ |
| 2016–2021 (Si / Type R) |
6-speed manual |
Dedicated parts |
Nothing shared with the base car |
How to pick the right one
Model year plus engine, and say whether the car is an Si or a Type R, because those manuals are dedicated parts with their own gear sets and final drives. On 2016-up cars the CVT is physically common across the 1.5 turbo and the 2.0 but the calibration is not, so if you are reusing your own control module tell us which engine it is going behind. On a manual car of any year, get a second opinion before buying a whole unit — Honda manuals very often need a bearing and a synchro rather than a replacement.
What usually fails on these transmissions
The 2001–2005 four-speed automatic is the one with a name: the torque converter lockup clutch and the third-gear set fail, the car judders and then loses drive, and Honda extended the warranty on affected cars at the time. If you have one of those, buy the later revised unit rather than a same-year replacement. On the CVT cars the failure mode is different and almost entirely about maintenance — the belt and pulleys wear when the fluid is left too long, and the first symptom is a shudder from a stop. We check fluid condition and run every CVT before listing it.
What ships with every unit
-
Pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded, and the fluid condition inspected and reported.
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Fitment matched — send us the model year, engine, drivetrain and the RPO option code or ID tag and we confirm the part before the order ships.
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Written warranty on every transmission, with labour coverage available.
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Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, crated on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.
Replacing the engine too? See our Civic used engines. Full terms are in the transmission warranty policy, and the complete catalogue is at used transmissions.
Honda Civic used transmissions - frequently asked questions
Which transmissions did the Honda Civic use?
Across 1992 to 2021 the Honda Civic was built with 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto, 6-speed manual and CVT. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the transmission designation and option code that identifies it.
How do I identify the right transmission for my Honda Civic?
Four things decide it: model year, engine, drivetrain, and the option or RPO code. That code is the one most people do not have to hand and the one that settles it - on a GM vehicle it is on the glovebox or door-jamb sticker, on a Chrysler it is on the build sheet, and on a Ford it is on a tag on the case. Send us the VIN and the code and we confirm the unit before anything ships.
Will a transmission from a different year fit my Honda Civic?
Model year plus engine, and say whether the car is an Si or a Type R, because those manuals are dedicated parts with their own gear sets and final drives. On 2016-up cars the CVT is physically common across the 1.5 turbo and the 2.0 but the calibration is not, so if you are reusing your own control module tell us which engine it is going behind.
What usually fails on these transmissions?
The 2001–2005 four-speed automatic is the one with a name: the torque converter lockup clutch and the third-gear set fail, the car judders and then loses drive, and Honda extended the warranty on affected cars at the time. If you have one of those, buy the later revised unit rather than a same-year replacement.
What comes with a used Honda Civic transmission?
Every transmission is pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded and the test sheet ships in the box. The unit is matched to your VIN and option code before the order goes out, carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.
