What type of refrigerant does a Honda Civic take?

Most Honda Civics from model year 2016 and newer use R‑1234yf, while 1994–2015 models use R‑134a; very early Civics (pre‑1994) originally used R‑12. Always confirm on your specific car’s under‑hood A/C label, which lists the exact refrigerant and charge amount.

Refrigerant by model year: what most Civic owners will find

Honda adopted newer, lower‑emissions refrigerant in recent generations. The following overview reflects typical North American models; regional variations are possible, so the under‑hood decal is the final word.

• Pre‑1994 (1st–5th gen, through most 1993 models): R‑12 (CFC‑12). Many have since been retrofitted to R‑134a.
• 1994–2015 (5th–9th gen): R‑134a (HFC‑134a). This covers most Civics on the road built before the 10th generation.
• 2016–present (10th and 11th gen): R‑1234yf (HFO‑1234yf). This includes 2016–2021 and 2022–current Civic variants.

Because equipment and regulations can differ by market and trim, consider these ranges a guide; the precise specification for your VIN is printed under the hood and in the owner’s manual.

How to confirm the correct refrigerant on your Civic

The fastest way to avoid a costly mistake is to read the A/C specification label on the car. It’s required by law and plainly states the refrigerant type and charge amount.

1. Open the hood and look for a rectangular A/C information label on the radiator support, underside of the hood, or near the condenser.
2. Find the line that says “Refrigerant” — it will state R‑1234yf, R‑134a, or (on very old cars) R‑12.
3. Note the charge amount (in grams/ounces) and the specified compressor oil type.
4. Cross‑check the owner’s manual or a service manual if the label is missing or illegible.

If the label is missing or the system was modified, have a certified A/C technician identify the refrigerant before any service—mixing or guessing can damage the system and is illegal to vent.

Service details that matter

Compressor oil types

Honda specifies different oils for different refrigerants. R‑134a systems typically use Honda ND‑OIL 8 (PAG oil), while R‑1234yf systems use ND‑OIL 12. Do not mix oils or substitute types—use exactly what your label or service manual specifies.

Service fittings and tools

R‑1234yf and R‑134a use different service-port fittings and dedicated recovery/recharge equipment. R‑1234yf is mildly flammable (A2L) and requires certified machines and leak‑tight procedures; shops servicing it must be properly equipped. Consumer “top‑off” cans for R‑1234yf are limited or restricted in many areas.

Why Honda (and others) switched to R‑1234yf

Environmental rules pushed automakers from R‑134a (global warming potential ≈ 1,430) to R‑1234yf (GWP < 1). European and North American regulations for new vehicle approvals drove widespread adoption from the mid‑2010s onward; Honda’s Civic platform change around model year 2016 coincided with the transition for most trims in the U.S. and Canada.

Charge amounts and practical notes

Exact charge quantities vary by body style, engine, and whether the car has additional heat exchangers. Typical Civic charges fall roughly in the 400–600 g (about 14–21 oz) range, but even small deviations can affect performance. Always charge to the value on your under‑hood label.

Safety, legal, and DIY considerations

Never mix refrigerants, and never convert R‑1234yf systems to R‑134a. In the U.S., Section 609 certification is required to service MVAC systems professionally and to purchase certain refrigerants in larger containers. Venting refrigerant is illegal. If you’re unsure what’s in the system, have a shop identify and recover it with the correct equipment.

Bottom line

For most owners: 2016‑newer Honda Civics use R‑1234yf; 1994‑2015 use R‑134a; pre‑1994 originally used R‑12. Confirm on the A/C label under the hood and follow the specified oil and charge amount to ensure safe, efficient operation.

What kind of freon does a 2018 Honda Civic take?

2018 Honda Civic Refrigerant Type Explained
The 2018 Honda Civic uses R-134a refrigerant for its air conditioning system. If the AC is not cooling properly, check for refrigerant leaks in hoses, condenser, or compressor seals. Low refrigerant levels reduce cooling efficiency.

What kind of refrigerant for 2013 Honda Civic?

The refrigerant type for a 2013 Honda Civic is R-134a. This is a common refrigerant for vehicles manufactured after 1994 and before 2014, and you can confirm the correct type by checking the label under the hood of your vehicle. 
How to confirm the refrigerant type for your 2013 Honda Civic:

1. 1. Check the Under-Hood Label: Look for a sticker under the hood of your car that specifies the type of refrigerant used in the air conditioning system. 
2. 2. Confirm with a parts store: Online retailers like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts list R-134a as the refrigerant for this model year. 

Why confirmation is important:

• System compatibility: R-134a is incompatible with other refrigerants like R-1234yf. 
• Proper system function: Using the correct refrigerant ensures your AC system works efficiently and helps prevent damage to components like the compressor. 

What kind of refrigerant does a 2012 Honda Civic take?

The refrigerant type for a 2012 Honda Civic is R-134a. You can also look for the appropriate charging hose to confirm; an R-134a hose will only work with an R-134a system. 
Why R-134a? 

• Vehicles manufactured after 1994 and before 2014 typically use R-134a.
• The 2012 Honda Civic falls into this category.
• You may also find it labeled as HFC-134a.

Important Considerations

• Check your owner’s manual: . Opens in new tabThe most definitive source for your vehicle’s specific refrigerant type is your owner’s manual. 
• System compatibility: . Opens in new tabA charging hose designed for R-134a will not fit an R-1234yf system, which is used in newer vehicles. 
• Oil type: . Opens in new tabWhen recharging the system, ensure you also use the correct A/C oil, typically a PAG 46 oil for R-134a systems. 

What AC refrigerant does the Honda Civic use?

The Honda Civic uses either R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant, depending on the model year and trim; therefore, you must check your vehicle’s under-hood label to determine the correct type before recharging the A/C system. Newer models, starting around 2016, use R-1234yf, while older models use R-134a. Mixing these refrigerants or using the incorrect one can cause improper lubrication and system damage. 
How to find the correct refrigerant type for your Civic:

1. Locate the under-hood label: The label is typically located in the engine bay. 
2. Read the label: It will clearly state the required refrigerant type (R-134a or R-1234yf) for your specific vehicle. 
3. Confirm fittings: R-1234yf systems have different, smaller low-pressure fittings than R-134a systems, so ensure your recharge kit matches your vehicle’s fittings. 

Key differences and considerations:

• R-1234yf: This is the newer, more environmentally friendly type of refrigerant used in 2016 and later Civics. It has a different chemical composition and requires a special license to purchase in some regions. 
• R-134a: This is the traditional refrigerant used in many older Civic models. 
• Do not mix: Using the wrong refrigerant can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and potential compressor damage or failure.