The 2016–2021 Honda Civic is one of the best-selling cars in America for good reason — it's fuel-efficient, reliable, and cheap to maintain when you do the work yourself. A dealer oil change on the Civic can run $65–$100, and quick-lube shops aren't much better. But with the correct parts in hand, you can do a full synthetic oil change for around $30–$40 and be done in under 30 minutes. This guide covers both the 1.5L turbocharged engine (L15B7) found in most Sport, EX, and Touring trims, and the naturally aspirated 2.0L (R20C1) found in the LX and base models. The process is nearly identical — the main difference is oil capacity and a slightly different filter location.
How Much You'll Save
Average Civic oil change at a Honda dealer: $70–$105. DIY with Honda-spec parts: $30–$42. At four oil changes per year, DIY saves you $112–$252 annually. The 1.5T model in particular is often quoted higher due to turbo engine anxiety — but it's a completely straightforward job.
Quick Parts List
These are the exact parts you need for a 2016–2021 Honda Civic oil change. All links include the OEM Honda part number:
- Honda Genuine Oil Filter 15400-PLM-A02 — OEM Honda filter with correct thread pitch for both engines
- Honda Drain Plug Washer 94109-14000 — replace this every oil change; they're cheap and prevent leaks
- Honda HG Genuine 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil — Honda's own branded oil meets the Honda HTO-06 spec
- Honda Oil Filter Wrench (64mm) — the Honda filter can get snug; a 64mm cap wrench makes removal easy
- Oil Drain Pan — wide and low-profile for the Civic's modest ground clearance
OEM Specifications at a Glance
| Spec | 1.5L Turbo (L15B7) | 2.0L NA (R20C1) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Years | 2016–2021 (Sport, EX, Touring) | 2016–2021 (LX, base) |
| Oil Type | 0W-20 Full Synthetic | 0W-20 Full Synthetic |
| Oil Capacity (w/ filter) | 3.4 quarts | 3.7 quarts |
| Oil Filter | Honda 15400-PLM-A02 | Honda 15400-PLM-A02 |
| Drain Plug Torque | 29 ft-lb (39 N·m) | 29 ft-lb (39 N·m) |
| Oil Filter Torque | Hand-tight + 3/4 turn | Hand-tight + 3/4 turn |
| Drain Plug Washer | Honda 94109-14000 | Honda 94109-14000 |
| Change Interval | Honda Maintenance Minder (typ. 5,000–7,500 mi) | Honda Maintenance Minder (typ. 5,000–7,500 mi) |
Tools You'll Need
- 17mm wrench or socket for the drain plug
- 64mm oil filter cap wrench (Honda-specific, highly recommended)
- Torque wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Jack and jack stands or ramps
- Gloves and shop rags
Step-by-Step Oil Change Instructions
Step 1: Warm Up the Engine
Run the engine for 5–10 minutes to bring the oil up to operating temperature. Warm oil drains far more completely than cold oil, carrying more contaminants with it. After shutting off, wait 10 minutes before reaching underneath — the exhaust and oil will be hot.
Step 2: Raise and Secure the Vehicle
The 2016–2021 Civic sits relatively low, especially in coupe and sedan form. Use a floor jack at the front jack point (reinforced section behind the front bumper cover) and place jack stands under the frame rails. Alternatively, drive up on a set of ramps. Always set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels before going underneath.
Step 3: Locate the Drain Plug and Oil Filter
The drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan toward the rear of the engine. The oil filter (15400-PLM-A02) is a spin-on canister located on the driver's side of the engine block, easily visible and reachable from underneath. Place your drain pan under the oil pan before touching anything.
Step 4: Remove the Drain Plug
Using a 17mm socket, loosen the drain plug counterclockwise. Once it's nearly out, remove it by hand with your wrist angled so the plug comes away from the oil stream. Let the oil drain completely — give it 4–5 minutes. Remove the old drain plug washer (94109-14000) from the plug; it's a small aluminum ring and needs to be replaced every time.
Step 5: Remove the Oil Filter
While the oil drains, use the 64mm Honda oil filter wrench to break the 15400-PLM-A02 loose counterclockwise. Finish removing it by hand — have a rag ready because residual oil will spill. Before installing the new filter, check the engine block's sealing surface to confirm the old rubber O-ring came off with the filter and isn't stuck behind. A double-gasket installation will leak immediately.
Step 6: Install the New Drain Plug Washer and Plug
Thread the new Honda 94109-14000 crush washer onto the drain plug. Start the plug by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque to 29 ft-lb (39 N·m). Honda's aluminum oil pan threads are not forgiving — don't estimate torque here, use a wrench. The plug should feel firmly seated without requiring significant force at 29 ft-lb.
Step 7: Install the New Oil Filter
Apply a thin bead of fresh 0W-20 oil to the new filter's rubber O-ring. Thread the 15400-PLM-A02 on by hand until the gasket contacts the engine block, then tighten an additional 3/4 of a turn. This is the Honda-spec installation method — no filter wrench needed for installation, only removal. Overtightening the filter makes the next oil change much harder.
Step 8: Lower the Vehicle and Fill with Fresh Oil
Lower the car off the stands. Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine (marked with an oil can symbol). Insert your funnel. Add 3.4 quarts for the 1.5T (L15B7) or 3.7 quarts for the 2.0L (R20C1) of 0W-20 full synthetic. Pour slowly — both engines have relatively small sumps and it's easy to overfill.
Step 9: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks
Replace the oil filler cap and start the engine. The oil pressure warning light should go off within a few seconds. Let the engine run for 60 seconds, then check underneath for any drips at the drain plug and filter. If you see a drip at the filter, shut off the engine and snug the filter slightly further. Shut the engine off and check at the drain plug if that's the source.
Step 10: Verify Oil Level on the Dipstick
Wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back down into the pan. Pull the dipstick, wipe clean, re-insert fully, and pull again. The oil level should be near the upper mark. The 1.5T especially has a small capacity — double-check before driving. Add oil in half-quart increments if needed; never exceed the max mark.
Step 11: Reset the Honda Maintenance Minder
The 2016–2021 Civic uses Honda's Maintenance Minder system, which calculates service intervals based on actual driving conditions. To reset after an oil change:
- Turn the ignition to the "ON" position (engine off) by pressing the Start button without pressing the brake.
- On the instrument cluster, navigate to the multi-information display using the steering wheel buttons. Select "Maintenance Minder."
- Press and hold the "Enter" button or the SEL/RESET button on the instrument panel for about 10 seconds until the wrench icon blinks.
- Continue holding until the system asks you to select "Oil Life Reset" — confirm with the Enter button.
- Select "Yes" to reset. The oil life percentage returns to 100%.
Note: The exact steps vary slightly between model years and trim levels. If the above doesn't match your display, consult Section 4 of your owner's manual under "Maintenance Minder."
Step 12: Recycle the Old Oil
Pour the used oil into a sealed container and take it to your nearest AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Honda dealership — all accept used motor oil free of charge. Mixing used oil with water or other fluids makes it non-recyclable, so keep it clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2016–2021 Honda Civic 1.5T require full synthetic oil?
Yes — Honda specifies 0W-20 full synthetic for the L15B7 turbocharged engine and the R20C1 naturally aspirated engine. The 1.5T in particular runs at high temperatures and pressures where a conventional or synthetic-blend oil will break down faster. Honda even offers their own branded 0W-20 genuine oil that's formulated to the HTO-06 specification — it's worth using, especially while the car is newer.
What's the oil capacity for the 2016–2021 Civic?
The 1.5L turbo (L15B7) takes 3.4 quarts with a filter change. The 2.0L naturally aspirated (R20C1) takes 3.7 quarts. Both are smaller sumps than you might expect — measure carefully and verify on the dipstick before driving.
Why does the Honda Maintenance Minder sometimes say to change oil at only 15%?
The Maintenance Minder adjusts its countdown based on actual driving patterns — short trips, idling, extreme temperatures, and hard acceleration all degrade oil faster. If you're seeing it hit 15% quickly, your driving conditions are genuinely harder on the oil. Honda's recommendation is to change the oil when the indicator reaches 15%, not to wait for 0%.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my Civic?
Honda specifies 0W-20 full synthetic — do not substitute 5W-30. The 0W viscosity provides faster cold-start lubrication and contributes to the Civic's fuel economy ratings. Using 5W-30 may not cause immediate harm, but it's outside Honda's spec and could affect warranty coverage and long-term wear on the VTEC system and variable timing components.
Keep Your Civic Running at Its Best
Oil changes are just the start. Your 2016–2021 Honda Civic has specific intervals for air filter, cabin filter, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and spark plug replacement. Stay on top of every service window with our full Honda Civic Maintenance Schedule — a complete interval guide by mileage and years.