When it was new, many critics raved that the 2019 Honda Civic Type R  is both easy to live with and extraordinarily fun to drive. Unlike many of its rivals, this devilish Civic makes few compromises. However, one weakness is worth highlighting, especially if you want a used Type R.

The 2019 Honda Civic Type R is one dynamic vehicle 

The Type R first draws you in with its razor-sharp looks, and its quick speed will make you want to commit. Honda proudly boasts that its Civic Type R is equally fun and practical for everyday drives. It offers decent, generous interior space, tech, and is above-average for its class regarding fuel economy.

Before we go any further, you should know that Type R isn’t available as an automatic. The Civic’s speedy 306-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is matched with a six-speed manual transmission. Various reviewers have been amazed by how capable the Type R is on the track and is smooth enough for regular commutes. To top it off, this energetic Civic can even absorb road imperfections well, which isn’t always the case with a sports model.

The one weak weakness you should be aware of 

Out of all the road testers out there, Car and Driver is one of the Type R’s biggest fans. Car and Driver says that the model’s massive front-end grip and rousing chassis is what initially won the organization over. Additionally, Car and Driver says that the Type R is the fastest front-wheel-drive car that it ever tested. 

According to Car and Driver’s testing, the Type R can go from 0-to-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Car and Driver reviewers affectionately call the Type R the “R-rated” version of the Civic. The team also says it’s a “three-hundred six horsepower of antidepressant.”

Even though there’s a lot to love about the Type R, there is a sizzling weakness that you should consider. In Car and Driver’s recent 30,000-mile update, the org found that the Type R’s engine quickly entered the danger zone in the low- to mid-80-degree temperature range. During these temperatures on the GingerMan track, Car and Driver reviewers felt the car considerably loose power. 

The Car and Driver team experienced this issue after one quick lap and a rest period in between. After this, the vehicle’s check-engine light came on, and a P0087 trouble code appeared to indicate low fuel pressure. However, the team said they think this happened because the car’s tank was getting low. Everything was fine after they dismissed the code. 

Does this have to be a deal-breaker?

Comparatively, Car and Driver also tested its Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS models, which didn’t experience the same heated issue that the Type R did. Reviewers also noted that the engine problem associated with this car is nothing new.

But even with this weakness, Car and Driver claims that the 2019 Type R has proven reliable. It hasn’t needed any significant repairs, and it’s a good road trip companion. However, if you’re concerned about the potential engine problem, you may want to consider the 2020 version. As the team documented, Honda opened the Type R’s grille by 13 percent to better cool the car based on previous complaints.