I had the same exact car with same exact problem. I changed the thermostat once and it fixed it for about a year. The issue came back and I changed again and it fixed it again... So I'd say get an OEM one if you can.
Don\u2019t listen to these people I have an 08 ex Sam problem replaced thermostat 2 weeks ago in 15 minutes problem is gone
After getting a P0128 code and replacing the Tstat with an OEM equivalent from a parts house and my code coming back and then actually buying the OEM straight from the dealer fixing my code, I’m hesitant on what I should really put in my car since it seems to be sensitive to parts as well. I remember buying Tstats from AutoZone and never being a problem before.
Pick up the AISIN OEM version of your thermostat. It's pretty cheap so no reason not to get the best one instead of some cheaper alternative. Also you can test the function of your thermostat before doing the change by putting it in hot water. You can check the specs of the one you use, but for the AISIN one for my 2012 civic (9th gen), the thermostat starts opening at 170 and is fully open at 190.
Stop using cheap thermostats. Get an oem honda unit and it will last and work correctly.
Your temp gauge is reading low because your mechanic is not using an OEM Honda thermostat. An OEM thermostat is designed specifically for your engine and the car will warm up quickly and the temp gauge will sit at the 50 yard line in any weather.
Car takes forever to warm up and seems to always be running rich, so I'm guessing either the thermostat or ECT, or both, is/are bad.
issue that i noticed is that the jiggle pin is inside the bridge, compared to the standard one. i have installed the thermostat, bled the coolant, and still made sure that the jiggle pin and head gasket carve out lines up at the 12oclock position when installing; but now theres some ticking noise sometimes and i can feel my heater blowing really hot air (warmer than the usual heat).
Tried a Gates from RockAuto and it was a Motorad in the box. Installed it anyway, it seemed to hold the temp *lower* than the 170 Stant did, and my engine cooled all the way down to cold when I went down a long grade.
Just not Motorad--unless you want to replace it again in 6 months
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This part for Honda Civic is made around the world. We have reviews for thermostat manufacturers from countries such as: Japan, Israel .
In March 2026, the ranking of thermostat for Honda Civic on PartReview included 3 manufacturers. It is based on 11 reviews and 34 votes.
Last month, PartReview users preferred OEM Honda. 52% of positive votes went to this manufacturer.
In second place: thermostat AISIN — 8%.
Third place: MotoRad with 0% of the votes.
In the overall ranking of thermostat, which aggregates opinions of owners of different car makes and models, these brands hold the following positions:
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