2017 Honda Civic Oil Type and Capacity: Exact Specs
By the CarsDailyHub Editorial Team | Automotive writers; every article fact-checked against Honda’s owner’s manual and OEM service documentation | Updated June 2026
Quick Answer: The 2017 Honda Civic uses 0W-20 full synthetic in its 2.0L, 1.5L turbo, and Si (1.5L turbo) engines, with capacities around 3.7 US quarts with a filter change. The Civic Type R (2.0L turbo) also uses 0W-20 but holds more, about 4.4 US quarts. As with all this-generation Civics, full synthetic is strongly preferred, and the 1.5L turbo benefits from on-time changes due to fuel dilution.
This guide covers engine oil specifications for the 2017 Honda Civic, including the 2.0L, 1.5L turbo, Si, and Type R. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Table of Contents
- 2017 Civic Oil Specs by Engine
- Oil Type and Viscosity
- The 1.5L Turbo Fuel-Dilution Note
- Oil Filter Information
- How Often to Change the Oil
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources & References
2017 Civic Oil Specs by Engine
| Engine | Oil Capacity (with filter) | Recommended Viscosity | Oil Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L I4 (R20) | ~3.7 US qt (3.5 L) | 0W-20 | Full synthetic |
| 1.5L Turbo (L15B7) | ~3.7 US qt (3.5 L) | 0W-20 | Full synthetic |
| Si 1.5L Turbo (L15B7, tuned) | ~3.7 US qt (3.5 L) | 0W-20 | Full synthetic |
| Type R 2.0L Turbo (K20C1) | ~4.4 US qt (4.2 L) | 0W-20 | Full synthetic |
Capacities are approximate and assume a filter change. Always fill to the dipstick mark and confirm against your owner’s manual.
Oil Type and Viscosity
Across the 2017 Civic range, Honda specifies 0W-20, and it should be full synthetic, including on the performance Si and Type R. That surprises some enthusiasts who expect a thicker oil in a turbocharged performance engine, but the Type R’s K20C1 is engineered around 0W-20 for its oiling and efficiency, so use what Honda specifies rather than second-guessing with a heavier grade.
Honda offers its own 0W-20 full synthetic; any reputable 0W-20 meeting the required API/ILSAC specification is suitable.
The 1.5L Turbo Fuel-Dilution Note
The 1.5L turbo (including the Si) can experience fuel dilution, fuel mixing into the oil, especially in cold climates and on short trips where the engine does not fully warm up. The oil level rises on the dipstick and smells of gasoline. Honda issued software updates and related service actions for affected vehicles.
For owners: run full synthetic 0W-20, change the oil on time rather than stretching it, take occasional longer drives to drive off moisture and fuel, and have applicable Honda updates applied. If the dipstick rises well above full and smells strongly of fuel, change the oil and get it checked. The Type R’s 2.0L turbo is not characterized by this issue the way the 1.5L is.
Oil Filter Information
All 2017 Civic engines use a spin-on Honda oil filter (such as 15400-PLM-A02 or the equivalent for your engine). Replace the filter at every oil change and use a quality filter rated for the interval. A genuine Honda filter or a reputable equivalent is recommended.
How Often to Change the Oil
The 2017 Civic uses Honda’s Maintenance Minder, which bases the interval on your actual driving:
- Normal driving with synthetic: the Minder often lands around 6,000 to 10,000 miles, but follow the displayed oil life.
- Short trips / cold climate (1.5L turbo and Si): change sooner; do not let oil life reach zero given fuel dilution.
- Performance driving (Si, Type R): track use or hard driving warrants more frequent changes.
- At least once a year regardless of mileage.
Reset the Maintenance Minder after each change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much oil does a 2017 Honda Civic take?
A: The 2.0L, 1.5L turbo, and Si each hold about 3.7 US quarts with a filter change, while the Type R holds about 4.4 US quarts. These are approximate, so add most of it, run the engine, then check the dipstick and top up to the mark. Always confirm against your owner’s manual.
Q: What oil does the 2017 Civic Type R use?
A: The Type R’s 2.0L turbo (K20C1) uses 0W-20 full synthetic, the same viscosity as the rest of the Civic range, and holds about 4.4 US quarts with a filter change. Although it is a high-performance engine, Honda engineered it around 0W-20, so use the specified grade rather than a thicker oil unless a Honda technician advises otherwise for track use.
Q: Does the 2017 Civic Si use special oil?
A: No, the Si uses 0W-20 full synthetic like the standard 1.5L turbo, with a capacity around 3.7 US quarts. Because the Si shares the 1.5L turbo architecture, the same fuel-dilution guidance applies: change the oil on time, especially with short trips or cold weather, and keep it full synthetic.
Q: Why does my 2017 Civic 1.5 turbo oil smell like gas?
A: That is fuel dilution, a known trait of the 1.5L turbo, more common in cold climates and on short trips. The oil level rises and smells of fuel. Use full synthetic 0W-20, change the oil on time, take occasional longer drives, and have Honda’s applicable updates applied. If the level rises significantly, change the oil promptly.
Q: How often should I change the oil in a 2017 Civic?
A: Follow the Maintenance Minder, which often lands between 6,000 and 10,000 miles with synthetic depending on your driving. Change sooner on a short-trip 1.5L turbo or Si due to fuel dilution, and more often if you track a Si or Type R. Change at least once a year regardless of mileage, and reset the Minder each time.
Sources & References
- Honda Motor Co., 2017 Honda Civic Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Minder guidance
- Honda service information for R20, L15B7, and K20C1 engines and the 0W-20 specification
- Honda technical communications on 1.5L turbo fuel dilution
- Honda oil filter part references
Related articles on CarsDailyHub:
– Engine Oil Capacity and Type: Vehicle-Specific Guide
– 2016 Honda Civic Oil Type and Capacity
– 2019 Honda Civic Oil Type and Capacity
– Honda CVT Transmission Problems
