Repairing Paint Peeling On A 2007 Honda Civic: A Guide

The 2007 Honda Civic has been reported to have issues with paint peeling and cracking. This is not an uncommon issue, with 32 complaints being made about the clear coat peeling, and 136 complaints about the paint peeling and cracking. The average repair cost is $650 at 83,200 miles, and $1,030 at 69,400 miles. Honda extended the paint warranty for the 2006-2013 Honda Civic sedans and coupes for problems with chalking and cracking for seven years. However, this warranty does not cover the entire paint job and can be voided for natural causes such as stone chips. Some people have tried to fix the issue themselves by wet sanding and applying primer and a base coat color.

Wet sanding and polishing

Wet sanding is a process that can be used to remove scratches, especially deeper ones that cannot be removed through conventional polishing. These deeper scratches are called RIDs (random, isolated deeper scratches). It can also be used to remove orange peel, improving the clarity of the paint.

To begin the wet sanding process, start with 1000 grit sandpaper and work your way up to 1500 grit sandpaper, then 2000 grit. Pre-soak the sandpaper and ensure that the area is wet, working evenly across the surface. With single-stage paint, you will notice the colour of the paint in the sanding residue, whereas with two-stage paint, the water will only turn milky. If you are getting colour in a two-stage paint, you have sanded through the clear coat and damaged the finish.

Once you have finished wet sanding, you can move on to polishing. Apply the polish to a cloth and dab it around the surface, working it in. It is recommended not to work in circular patterns, as this can leave swirl marks. If you are using a machine polisher, the rotational pad can cause the same damage. If the cloth or pad is dropped, put it off to the side and use a clean one to avoid damaging the paint.

Blending new paint with OEM colour

Blending new paint with the OEM colour of your 2007 Honda Civic is a crucial step in the touch-up paint process. Blending is necessary to ensure that the new paint matches the original paintwork, maintaining the car's aesthetic appeal and value.

Before attempting to blend the new paint, it is essential to prepare the surface properly. Start by sanding the area to create a smooth and even surface. Remove any clear coat flaking or paint chipping and ensure that the damaged area is completely level with the surrounding paint. Once the surface is adequately sanded, wipe away any dust or debris to create a clean canvas for the new paint.

When blending new paint with the OEM colour, it is important to work in thin coats. Start by shaking your paint can for 1-2 minutes to ensure the colour is properly mixed. Apply the first coat of paint to the edges of the damaged area, working inward. Aim for a light, even application, and use the panel's contours as a guide to ensure uniform coverage. Allow each coat to dry for about 5 minutes before applying the next. Extend the spread of each subsequent coat by 3 to 4 inches to help it blend seamlessly with the surrounding paint. Aim for 3 to 4 coats overall.

The final coat should be light and fade out towards the edges. After the final coat, wait at least 20 minutes before applying the clear coat. The clear coat will add a glossy finish and provide additional protection to the paintwork. Again, aim for 2 to 3 coats of the clear coat, ensuring consistent movement to prevent running.

It is important to note that colour differences can still occur due to environmental factors such as sunlight exposure and ageing. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these variables during the paint-matching process. Additionally, remember that blending should occur throughout the entire process of applying the new paint. By constantly blending, you can achieve a smooth transition between the new and existing paintwork, creating a seamless and harmonious finish.

Honda's warranty extension

Honda offers an extended warranty for its vehicles, which can be purchased at any time before the car reaches the 3-year mark or 36,000 miles. This extended warranty provides additional benefits and a longer coverage period compared to the standard limited warranty that comes with a new Honda vehicle.

The extended warranty offers comprehensive coverage for various components, including electrical parts, the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and restraint system. It also includes 24-hour roadside assistance, providing hassle-free towing, lock-out assistance, jump starts, tire changes, and fuel delivery.

For those planning to keep their 2022 or newer Honda vehicles for an extended period, Honda Care is an option to consider. This service contract covers repairs for numerous components, such as the timing belt, water pump, and constant-velocity joints. Repairs under Honda Care are performed by factory-trained technicians using genuine Honda parts at authorized dealerships.

While Honda's extended warranty provides peace of mind and coverage for various components, it's important to note that paint issues, such as the clear coat peeling on the 2007 Honda Civic, may not be covered under the warranty. As per some reports, Honda warranties paint for 3 years or 36,000 miles, and any paint issues occurring outside this period may result in out-of-pocket expenses for repairs.

To address the paint peeling issue on the 2007 Honda Civic, some owners have attempted DIY projects, including wet sanding and applying primer and base coat. However, blending the new paint with the OEM color has proven challenging, sometimes resulting in an uneven paint finish.

Repair cost

The cost of repairing the paint peeling issue on a 2007 Honda Civic depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the chosen repair method, and the location of the repairs.

Some owners have opted for a DIY approach to save costs. This typically involves wet sanding the affected areas, applying primer, and repainting, which can cost around $300 for supplies. However, this method may not yield perfect results, and blending new paint with the OEM colour can be challenging.

Taking the car to a body shop or dealership for repairs can be significantly more expensive. One owner reported being quoted $3600 for repairs, while another mentioned a quote of $1600 from Honda to fix their paint defects. In some cases, Honda has offered to contribute towards the repairs, such as a Regional Representative offering $1000 towards a $3600 repair bill.

It's worth noting that Honda extended the paint warranty for some 2007 Civic models by two years due to the paint defect issue. However, this may not cover all affected vehicles, and the warranty has since expired for many owners.

Given the cost of professional repairs, some owners have suggested performing a "band-aid" repair to make the car presentable for resale, as the peeling paint can significantly reduce the car's value.

Contacting Honda

If you are experiencing paint peeling on your 2007 Honda Civic, you may want to contact Honda directly to see if they can offer a solution. Some customers have reported that Honda acknowledged a "paint defect problem", extending the paint warranty for two extra years.

You can try contacting Honda in the following ways:

• Call Honda's "Customer Care" centre: One customer reported calling Honda's "Customer Care" centre to discuss the issue. They were told it may take up to three business days to get a response, but they were able to speak to someone the next day.
• Email Honda: One customer reported emailing Honda with no reply. However, this may still be a valid way to contact the company, especially if you keep a record of your correspondence.
• Visit a Honda dealership: Some customers have reported taking their cars to a Honda dealership to have the paint issue assessed. Dealerships may be able to offer repairs under an extended warranty.
• Contact Honda via social media: Honda may have a presence on social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. You could try sending them a direct message or posting on their public pages.
• Write a letter: If you are unable to reach Honda through other means, you could try sending a letter to their customer service department. Be sure to include your vehicle's VIN and a detailed description of the issue.

When contacting Honda, it may be helpful to provide as much information as possible about your vehicle and the paint issue. This could include the model and year of your Honda Civic, the VIN, the colour of your car, the location of the paint peeling, and any repairs or maintenance you have already attempted. It may also be helpful to provide photos of the paint peeling.

Frequently asked questions