Common Issues with Honda City: Causes and Solutions

The Honda City has been a staple in the C-segment sedan market for over two decades, spanning five generations. Known for its unbeatable petrol performance, top-notch comfort, and reliability, the Honda City has carved a strong reputation among car enthusiasts. However, even this highly acclaimed sedan is not without its flaws. In this blog, we delve into the common problems faced by Honda City owners across different generations and provide insights into their causes and solutions.

Common Issues Faced by Honda City Owners

While the Honda City is a reliable and desirable sedan, knowing about its common issues can help owners take timely action to maintain its performance. Here’s a detailed look at the challenges and how to address them.

Unresponsive Infotainment System

The DigiPad infotainment system in Honda City often suffers from laggy performance, freezing, glitches, and slow responsiveness.

Probable Cause

• Outdated software and hardware limitations
• Low-quality materials are used

How to Identify the Issue

• Lag or freezing during operation
• Unavailability of features
• Unresponsive touchscreen

DIY Solutions

Restart the system to address minor glitches.

Professional Assistance

• Install software updates from the Honda service centre to improve performance.
• Opt for aftermarket Android infotainment systems for the latest features and responsiveness

Underbody Scraping

Owners of the first three generations of Honda City, especially the third generation, frequently reported underbody scraping on speed bumps due to the car’s low ground clearance. In the fourth-gen City, the ground clearance was better, but again, in the fifth-gen, underbody scrapping is being reported by owners.

Probable Cause

• Low ground clearance
• Softer suspension setup
• Worn-out or damaged dampers

How to Identify the Issue

Scraping sounds when driving over speed bumps, potholes or uneven roads.

DIY Solutions

Drive cautiously over speed bumps and avoid overloading the car.

Professional Assistance

Install spacers or upgrade the suspension to increase ground clearance.

Unrefined Diesel Engine

It is a well-known fact that Honda City’s petrol engine is smooth while the diesel engine is harsh. The i-DTEC engine in the Honda City is noisy and has vibration and harshness, which creep inside the cabin.

Probable Cause

• Less refined i-DTEC diesel engine
• Improper insulation

How to Identify the Issue

Excessive noise and vibrations, especially at higher RPMs.

Professional Assistance

• Regular engine maintenance and servicing to minimise noise levels
• Opt for aftermarket cabin noise insulation

Door Channel Rusting

Some Honda City owners reported that water enters the carbon during rains. It is caused by water stagnation in the doors due to drain blockage which can further cause rusting and corrosion.

Probable Cause

Clogged drainage passages in the door channels.

How to Identify the Issue

• Hearing water sloshing sounds inside the doors
• Rust formation on the lower sections of the door

DIY Solutions

Regularly clean the drainage channels to prevent blockages.

Professional Assistance

Have the doors inspected and cleaned during routine service.

Noise from the Alternator Belt

A screeching or clunking noise from the alternator belt is commonly reported by owners of petrol variants of Honda City.

Probable Cause

Faulty or worn-out alternator belt.

How to Identify the Issue

• Hearing metallic screeching or squealing noise at idle or during acceleration
• The battery starts to lose charge

DIY Solutions

Inspect the alternator belt for visible wear.

Professional Assistance

Replace the faulty alternator belt.

Sunroof Clattering

Owners of top-spec Honda City variants with a sunroof have reported clattering noises from the sunroof when driving over bumpy roads.

Probable Cause

Poor damping and improper fitment of the sunroof glass.

How to Identify the Issue

Noticeable clattering sounds from the sunroof area during uneven drives.

DIY Solutions

Ensure the sunroof glass is securely closed before driving.

Professional Assistance

Adjust or refit the sunroof glass to eliminate clattering.

Problem with the Horn

Many times, the horn of Honda City fails to sound due to corrosion and exposure to external elements.

Probable Cause

Horn positioning makes it vulnerable to environmental factors.

How to Identify the Issue

Weak or non-functional horn sounds.

DIY Solutions

Periodically inspect and clean the horn area to prevent corrosion.

Professional Assistance

• Replace the horn and consider installing protective covers
• You can opt for an aftermarket horn as well
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Ineffective AC During Summers

Some owners complain about the weak air conditioning system in the Honda City. The issue intensifies during harsh summer months.

Probable Cause

• Low refrigerant level
• Clogged cabin air filter
• Faulty temperature sensor
• Incompetent design of the HVAC system

How to Identify the Issue

• Slow cooling performance
• Weak airflow from the AC vents

DIY Solutions

• Park the car in shaded areas to reduce heat buildup inside the cabin
• Regularly clean AC vents and cabin filters

Professional Assistance

• Inspect the complete AC system for leaks and issues
• Top-up AC refrigerant
• Replace the cabin air filter

Unresponsive CVT Gearbox

The CVT transmission in automatic variants exhibits a rubber-band effect. In this issue, the engine revs high without putting all the power down to the wheels.

Probable Cause

• Sudden acceleration
• Inherent design of CVT transmissions

How to Identify the Issue

Delayed or sluggish response during heavy acceleration.

DIY Solutions

• Drive smoothly to minimise the rubber band effect
• Avoid sudden acceleration

Professional Assistance

• It is the design of the CVT gearbox and cannot be changed
• Consider software updates to improve transmission behaviour

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Preventive Maintenance Tips for Honda City Owners

• Regular Servicing—Follow Honda’s recommended service intervals
• Fluid Checks—Ensure timely top-ups of engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid
• Cleanliness—Keep drainage channels, AC vents, and the interior clean
• AC Inspection—Honda City’s AC must be inspected before the onset of summer
• Parking Care—Avoid parking directly under the sun to maintain AC efficiency and reduce wear
• Rust Protection—Apply anti-rust treatments to vulnerable parts

Conclusion

The Honda City remains a beloved C-segment sedan despite its common issues. Understanding these problems and addressing them promptly can ensure your City delivers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience for years to come. For major concerns, always consult an authorised Honda service centre or fully equipped car workshop for professional solutions.