2020 Honda Civic Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2020 Honda Civic takes between 3.5 to 5.7 quarts (3.3 to 5.4 liters) of motor oil, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Oil Capacity:
  • 2.0L 4-cylinder: 3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter
  • 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder: 3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter
  • 2.0L Type R 4-cylinder: 5.7 US Quarts (5.4 Liters) with filter
• Recommended Oil Weight:
  • 2.0L 4-cylinder: 0W-20
  • 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder: 0W-20
  • 2.0L Type R 4-cylinder: 0W-20
• Oil Type Specification: API Premium Grade or equivalent (Honda recommends Honda Ultimate Full Synthetic)
• Oil Filter Part Numbers:
  • OEM Honda: 15400-PLM-A02 (or superseded part numbers)
  • Fram: PH7317
  • Wix: 51356
  • Mobil 1: M1-110

Capacity by Engine Option

Oil Change Interval

Honda's Maintenance Minder system will illuminate a "Service Due Soon" message (code A1 or B1) on your dashboard when an oil change is recommended. This system monitors driving conditions and determines the optimal oil change interval.

• Normal Duty: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently drive in extreme conditions (e.g., very hot or cold weather, heavy traffic, towing, dusty roads) or primarily for short trips, your Honda Maintenance Minder might recommend an earlier change, often around 3,750 - 5,000 miles (6,000 - 8,000 km).

Always follow your vehicle's Maintenance Minder system for the most accurate oil change recommendations.

Drain Plug Torque

The oil drain plug torque for all 2020 Honda Civic engines is 30 ft-lbs (40 N·m). It is highly recommended to replace the crush washer with a new one every time you change the oil to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. The OEM crush washer part number is typically 94109-14000.

How to Change the Oil & Filter

1. Gather Supplies: Ensure you have the correct oil, new oil filter, new crush washer, drain pan, wrench for the drain plug, oil filter wrench, and gloves.
2. Warm Up Engine (Optional): Drive the car for a few minutes to bring the oil to operating temperature, which helps it drain more thoroughly. Be careful, as the oil will be hot.
3. Lift & Secure: Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
4. Locate Drain Plug: Place the drain pan beneath the drain plug on the oil pan.
5. Drain Oil: Carefully remove the drain plug (counter-clockwise) and let all the old oil drain completely.
6. Replace Crush Washer: Once drained, clean the drain plug and install a new crush washer. Reinstall the drain plug and torque to 30 ft-lbs (40 N·m).
7. Remove Oil Filter: Place the drain pan below the oil filter. Loosen and remove the old oil filter using an oil filter wrench.
8. Prepare New Filter: Apply a thin film of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new oil filter.
9. Install New Filter: Hand-tighten the new oil filter until the gasket makes contact, then tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn (or follow filter manufacturer's instructions).
10. Add New Oil: Lower the vehicle and remove the oil filler cap. Carefully pour the recommended amount and type of new oil into the engine.
11. Check Level: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Turn it off, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
12. Reset Maintenance Minder: Follow your owner's manual instructions to reset the oil life monitor.

Common Issues / Tips

• Oil Dilution (1.5L Turbo): Some 2020 Honda Civic 1.5L turbocharged engines have been known to experience oil dilution, where gasoline mixes with the engine oil. This is more common in colder climates or with frequent short trips. If you notice your oil level rising or smell gasoline in your oil, consult your Honda dealer. Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil can help mitigate this, but it's important to address the root cause if dilution is significant.
• Crush Washer Importance: Always use a new crush washer for the drain plug. Reusing the old one can lead to oil leaks.
• Check for Leaks: After completing the oil change, always check for any signs of leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
• Oil Filter Cap (Type R): The Type R uses a cartridge-style oil filter, which is housed inside a plastic or metal housing. Ensure you have the correct socket for the cap and replace the O-rings that come with the new filter element.

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