went in recently for an oil change and was informed that the wear pattern on the rear wheels indicated there was a problem with my upper arm control of the rear wheels, requiring changing the upper arm control ($435 estimate), 4 wheel alignment ($90 estimate), and 2 rear tires ($280 estimate). I did some internet research and discovered that Honda issued a TSB or Technical Service Bulletin indicating this was a known issue and covered under warranty. However, since my warranty is no longer in effect, the Technical Service Bulletin 08-001 does not apply anymore, meaning I would have to pay in full and out of pocket.

I bought my 2006 Honda Civic used with 20k on it. It's run good until now. Started hearing a loud noise and terrible vibration in the car. Took it into to Honda to get looked at. I'm having the same problem a lot of people are with the rear upper control arms causing the tires to wear unevenly. Unfortunately for me, I was 3 months outside of the warranty coverage so I'm stuck paying the repairs out of pocket. Honda charged me $440 ($340 for parts and labor for the upper control arms and $100 for alignment). I did call three other local repair shops to get quotes, and they did quote me way higher between $700-$1200. I see a lot of people went through 3-4 sets of tires before finding the rear upper control arm problem, so I think I lucked out with the tires as this will be the first time I'm replacing them at 57k.

I also had the visor problem which Honda did fix at no cost. I have 3 years left on my loan for this car and I just pray to god the engine block doesn't crack. Or if it does, I hope it happens under the warranty which I believe is now eight years from new purchase and unlimited miles.

I bought Honda because of the reputation for quality and durability. We'll see how it does going forward. So far it seems no different than American cars, except $5,000 more in selling price. I realize that parts wear down but what makes me mad is to find out this rear upper control arm was a design flaw and the parts themselves were completely fine. Honda should do a recall on this and the engines, they're going to lose a lot of goodwill in the long term

Defective rear upper control arms are causing rear tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. Honda has a "secret" service bulletin, but does not tell the customer. I had to find the service bulletin on my own and when I confronted the dealer, they finally admitted there was a problem and that they will replace the control arms, but will not pay anything towards new tires to replace the ones that have been ruined. This is a safety issue. The tires wear on the inside part, so hard to see unless you lay on the ground or have the car on a lift. My mechanic noticed that the left rear tire was worn down to the cord on the inside part of the tire. Lucky I didn't have a blowout. Saw several hundred safety complaints on NHTSA's website for the same problem. Seems to affect 2006 and 2007 civics. Honda changed the control arm design on 2008's due to the problem. Can't believe that NHTSA hasn't forced Honda to issue a recall.

I brought my car in for service 2 days earlier because the noise in my car was getting worse I asked for them to rotate my tires and was told they were wearing evenly and I didn't need to ( this was the third time i was told this, 3 times in for oil change and tire rotation and was told the same thing) so I took it somewhere else to get them rotated and was told that they were cupping and it wouldn't be good to rotate them because it would make the noise worse was told i needed an alignment or struts and shocks. So I brought it back to honda service and they said I didn't do a tire rotation and that is why I explained that it was requested and told I didn't need them done only to find out after they did the alignment that I needed these control arms and that they had issues with the old ones, so $700 later I hope that this will end the issue but now I am reading that it isn't helping I am really upset.

First I'll admit that I am not knowledgeable when it comes to mechanical problems with cars. Over the years and having a few different cars with mechanical problems alternators, a battery, and having to put a clutch in one car and other things like brakes, I've learned some things but I'm not an expert by any means. So I heard that Honda was very reliable and for that reason I bought a Honda Civic. I average about 15 to 16 thousand miles per year on my car with some year being more and some being less for one reason or another. But I bought the car to drive it not to have it sit in the drive way and keep mileage down to sell it to some dealership for another car. I take care of it and get the oil changes and routine maintenance when it’s due. I've always been told that Honda’s were great cars and that they didn't have a lot of mechanical problems and they last a long time. So because of the good reputation I bought my Honda Civic in May of 2006, and I'm about 6 months from paying it off and after some consideration I had planned on driving it for many more years. But the reason I'm posting this is that I went online today to look for a good deal on tires (again). I just bought two tires less than 7 months ago in April (my back tires) and before that I bought two Last August 2010 (they're on the front now) and haven't put more than a two thousand miles on my back tires which are supposed to be 50 to 60 thousand mile tires that and I have to replace them because at inspection last month they barley passed. So I Google 2006 Honda Civic Tires found the complaints about the tires wearing out to fast. I have to say I feel an A-HA moment. During the 7 or so years I’ve had my car I have had to purchase 4 new tires just about every year with the exception of the last year. I've purchased two tires at a time within 9 months of each other once in August of 2010 and in April of 2011. Every time I go to the shop to buy tires I asked why they wore out so fast because they were supposed to last for many more miles and I was told that the advertised mileage on tires isn’t guaranteed. So last August I originally took my car to a repair shop due to the awful road noise coming from my car found out that I had to purchase new brakes again, two new tires, and have my rotors turned which didn't work. I can understand the breaks wearing out because I drove around 60 miles up and down a steep mountain everyday but I've always believed that the tires were wearing out so fast due to the roads I drove. Every year or so around inspection I've come to expect the words "You need new tires the ones that you have are barley going to pass." So today to my surprise I get online and see that for years Honda has known about this issue and I've heard nothing!! My driver’s side sun visor is also broken, however I am past the warranty on getting that fixed because my car is over 100,000 miles. If I try to put the visor down it hangs in a way that doesn't block the sun at all and it’s in the way of being able to see. So I hit it until it stayed up all the time and I don't touch it. To be honest other than having to buy tires every year and the Sun Visor, I've had the oil changed and put new breaks on it and new tires every two years or so I haven't had any big mechanical issues with my car or so I thought. I'm disappointed that Honda hasn't fixed this problem or even notified the car owners of it I thought they were a better company than that. The biggest reason why I haven't traded it in is that I am 6 months from paying the car loan off and I keep thinking how nice it will be to have the extra money every month. I had no idea that there was a mechanical reason as to why I have to buy tires every year and the awful loud noise that comes from the rear of my car. I also haven't had the best luck with handling on my car either, but again I believed that it's probably due to the tires wearing out because of the mountain roads I drove and or the road conditions, I've done a few 360's in the middle of the road while going around a sharp turn. I wasn't driving too fast at the time but I thought it was a combination of the road and my tires wearing out again so I purchase new ones and it seems to be ok for a while. Also when I'm traveling at Highway speeds and tap my breaks my car shakes badly. When I asked the repair shop the last time I bought tires in April I was told it was because the Rotors aren't smooth even though they were turned in August 2010. I was told that sometimes turning the rotors doesn't work and I was also told that it's not a safety hazard and that if it persisted that they would turn them again or split the difference between new rotors and the cost paid to have them turned. But I moved for a new job and the shop that told me that is two hours away and only open when I’m at work. After seeing this I' don't know what to do, I just don't have the money to spend hundreds of dollars on my car. Another thing that annoys me bout this is that before the pricing at the dealership got to high last year I took my car into the actual dealership that I purchased it from for all the oil changes and checkups. I trusted them to take care of my car and make it safe for me to drive and to let me know if there were any problems. Now I'm wondering why they never said anything even when I took my car in and they told me I needed new tires so often. Now I live in a small city so I'm not driving the mountain roads as much so I was thinking that the tires wouldn't wear out as fast. However I purchased my back two tires new last April 2011 I moved in June and haven’t driven the particular mountain road at all since then and they're already worn out to the point where they barley passed inspection in August of 2011 and they were decent tires. So it's happening a lot faster than before or maybe I just got used to having to buy tires so often that I thought it was normal. Are these cars even safe because of this? I mean one rainy day and a few months into my new tires I'm sliding all over the road and the road noise is so loud I can’t hear anything else most of the time. What exactly are Honda owners supposed to do? I've noticed that some of the complaints are from a few years ago does anyone know if anything has been done that Honda hasn't told me about? And if the warranty is out am I stuck with fixing this issue myself...

I took my car in to repair a flat and get an oil change. I also asked them to rotate the tires. At the shop I went to, they said they could not rotate the tires because of the wear on them. I looked into this online, and found that this has been a problem with a lot of Civics. My tires had 30,000 miles on them, and came w an 80,000 mile warranty. At the shop I went to, they told me my tires were "worn out" and wouldn't pass inspection. They said my tires were "cupped" and worn out on the innermost part.

I am so angry with Honda. Bought my '06 Civic EX brand new, stepping up from my '91 Pontiac Grand Am (yes, my Pontiac was 15 years old). My Honda was my first new car and I assumed their reputation was good...

First set of tires went bad, assumed normal wear...Replaced all brakes and rotors my self, again assuming normal wear (didn't have the money to have the dealer do it)...

Now, my new rear tires are cupped badly and the rear end feels loose. First assumed it was balancing issue until tire dealer told me it was a suspension issue.

Took it to the dealer, with qualified Honda technicians, they told me, "we don't know why your tires are cupping". I pelted the teck with 50 questions, none of which he could answer with any concrete response.

Picked up the car, after paying for a 4 wheel alignment and suspension inspection, with no idea what to do.

Did some internet research and discovered that Honda had issued a damn bulletin on this issue in '08! Three YEARS ago!! Why wasn't I notified? Now I am out of warranty and am trying to figure out what to do with this car. In addition the certified Honda technician didn't even advise me of it.

Honda – I am so disappointed. Assume you are weighing the cost of recall over the cost of potential litigation and choosing the later. Be advised, I have contacted an attorney in regards to a class action suit over this.

You should stand behind your damn product. I will never buy a Honda again.

This has been an absolute NIGHTMARE. I have never been so disappointed. Let's start with a simple comparison. My previous car was a 11 year old Lexus and guess how many times I changed the tires on that car? Just ONCE, in the 5 years I owned it. My 2006 Honda Civic on the other hand? 10 PAIRS, that's right...20 tires.

My tires have been wearing prematurely since I got the car. Everytime I spoke to my Father on the phone, he was stunned that I was replacing my tires AGAIN at the Honda Dealership and questioned how I was driving. For the first 2 years I owned the car, I replaced the tires 3 times. Always the same, the 2 back tires were very worn so I would purchase 2 new tires and move the front tires to the back, rotate and align the entire car. I did this, EVERY time. Fast forward to May 2011 after I put 9 PAIRS (18 tires) on my car, I spent $800 to put another pair on as well rotate and align all 4 tires. I then drove 3,000 miles to a new state where after a few weeks, the tires began to roar again.

I filed a complaint with Honda and took it to a certified Dealership to look it over and included the Service Bulletin related to the Rear Control Arms which perfectly described all the trouble I was having. The dealership quickly called me to let me know the Control Arms had already been replaced (although they could not verify where) but ensured me that was not the issue. In regards to the cabin noise, they let me know that the back tires were wearing unevenly and were warped and should be replaced. Mind you, these are the tires I rotated 6 WEEKS BEFORE. Upset, I told him the story where he (The Service Manager) let me know that the tires were "cheap tires". Really because those "cheap" tires were suggested by AND installed by a Honda Dealership. When I asked why the tires were warping prematurely, he could not give me a reason but assured me it was not the rear control arms. So he expected me to replace the tires and then in 6 months be back to replace them again since he could not diagnose what was wrong? I called back to Honda Corporate where I spoke to my lovely Case Manager Reggie (not helpful). Case #N012011-07-0801057 in the event Honda ever reads this. Reggie proceeded to tell me that Honda does not certify tires and it was my fault so I should contact Bridgestone since it was "out of Honda's hands". When I told Reggie that the previous pair of tires wore out as well that were NOT Bridgestone, he was of no help. He said I could go to another Honda Dealership (and pay another $100 diagnostic fee), but 1 Dealership already confirmed nothing mechanical was wrong.

Dear Honda, 10 PAIRS of tires in less than 5 years...SOMETHING is wrong. So basically, should I listen to Honda and replace these tires and the EXACT same thing happens 5 or 12 months down the road, they still will not assist me because it's not "their" tires and their mechanic said nothing is wrong. I refuse to place new tires on this car until they can guarantee why this is happening or that it won't happen again. I purchased this car because I respected Honda and their well known service standards...what a joke.

Bought a 2006 and 2007 Honda. Both having the same issues. Wheel Alignment Issues: Car has a loud, echoing noise at all times. Vibrates over 55mph. Tires are being worn away due to alignment issues. Honda dealer said they know about the problem but will not issue a manufacturing defect and they won't fix the problems unless it causes a 'hazard' Really? you know there is a problem but choose to do nothing even though it is caused by you using parts that weren't sized or manufactured correctly for these vehicles. Unbelievable! Not first issue with this Civic either. There was even an extended warranty purchased but was told it would NOT cover repairs either. I see that someone has started a class action suit on this and I hope it has enough backing to protect the other thousands of Civic owners who will soon face the same problems. This is no different that the engine block that they had to extent their warranty on or the visor (flop) issues that they finally decided to warranty. GEEZZZZ I bought this car thinking Honda has a great rep. and that the cars really out perform all others. We will be looking elsewhere in the future. STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCTS! (that's what happened to the American made cars. They quit standing behind their products and look at the mess they are in)

5mos after getting new tires on my used 2006 Civic i was told by my mechanic my tires were worn on inside due to a defective rear upper control arm which was not adjustable. I went to American Honda to see if they would replace the control arms. Honda said they were not responsible as the warranty was up and i did not buy the tires from them. if you read this look up TSB 08-001 I'm on my way to sell this POS AS-IS I WILL NEVER BUY A HONDA AGAIN NOR STEP FOOT IN A HONDA DEALERSHIP AGAIN. TAKE YOUR CARS AND POUND SAND. thank God for $3.78 gas ans a high demand for 4 Cyl cars im out the cost of 2 full alignments 2 sets of tires and 5 phone calls

I just learned of this particular Technical service bulletin after my warranty expired, so of course Honda will not cover this problem. The bulletin and other complaints about them can be found at this link: http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2225229

It is referring to the Upper Control Arm TSB that should be replaced.

I asked the Honda dealership if this part was defective when I purchased the vehicle, and they said YES, but I am still responsible for the cost of the part replacement. Why isn't this part recalled? If I don't have this part replaced, the tires wear out unevenly and way sooner than they should. They would have to be replaced almost every year, and be realigned. It is very costly.

Honda should definitely cover the cost of their faulty manufacturing.

this is the second time within 2 years i have had trouble with the suspension-2 wheel alignments and premature tire wear at 20,000 miles on the tires-the first fix of replacing the rear arms did not solve the problem and now they want to do another-i feel there is a defect in the design of the suspension since they can't seem to fix it and i continue to go through tires at an unreasonable rate-thank you for anything you can do in my behalf

my service center is ORR honda, 4318 central ave, Hot Springs, Ar 71913

I have 66,000 on an otherwise fabulous 2006 Honda civic LX sedan. I purchased it with 8000 miles (I'd guess the first owner knew something that I didn't.) I have now spent over $2000 on tires in the 3 1/2 years I've owned it!! The rear tires are routinely cupped out within 3000 miles... to the point that the auto center refuses to rotate them to the front.... They are terribly noisy, and the noise begins within 1000 miles of new... so now I know the drill. Very generously, Firestone has "warrantied" my last set of 4 tires, and it only cost me < $100 to replace them. However, I know the fate of these new tires.... This was my first Honda vehicle, and possibly my last if this is their new way of doing business. This just isn't right to screw folks like this. I expect this kind of garbage from American car companies..... c'mon Honda, shape up. This can't be too big of a fix to squander your goodwill with your owners. RON W

I join the masses with my 4th posting about this car...

Like many here I went through a set of tires or two until I began to realize, hey this just isn't right. The tires were wearing oddly and then began to roar. The dealer informed me that I had to have the rear control arms replaced and by then I needed new tires and an alignment. The car had 90K miles on it and yes, I put a lot of miles on a car because i have a 80+ highway mile commute. Shouldn't be a big deal for a Honda...that is why I bought one. They are supposed to last forever. My last one did.

Upon finding the Service Bulletin online about this issue. I took it up with the dealer who told me, "if you didn't want to pay for the repair you shouldn't have had it done!" WTH!

And my options are exactly...?

Firstly it wasn't a repair. It was a replacement for a part that Honda designed poorly. Like the crappy sun visors, this is just a way for Honda to have consistent revenue coming in. I can hear the corporate managers now, "Let's design a flaw into it, refuse to acknowledge it, and then make the customers pay to fix it. It is pure genius."

At this point in my 06 Civic ownership, I begin to smell a sour citrus smell every time I get in the car...