My daughter's 2003 Honda Civic starting making a rumbling sound intermittently when driving at low speeds (under 40 mph). Had all suspension and tire/ wheels balanced- all checks out ok. Did notice slow oil leak down 2 qts...oil light did not come on.

Any ideas? all garages seem to be closed today for the New Year.

I assume it goes away at higher speeds? Is it a rumble sound or feeling?

Had all suspension and tire/ wheels balanced- all checks out ok. Did notice slow oil leak

That is almost more than half, Hondas only take 4 qts. The VTEC will cause this type of feeling when the oil is low. But it will more than likely shake the car violently than anything else.

filled oil level....still has the rumble strip sound...
no violent shaking, so what else might it be?

sound or feeling?

your initial post says "feels like driving over rumble strip"

Are there any codes?

No check engine lights came on

Does the car only do it when it is rolling down the road? does it do it while it is idling?

Just when driving at low speeds and intermittently.

Does it do it regardless of whether you're accelerating or coasting? Does it seem to vary with engine or road speed? If so, which one? Can you feel it in the steering wheel? In the meantime, check for any play in the axles and all suspension/steering components.

I would physically take the tires off and shake each individual component of the suspension. IF something feels loose, tighten it up.

Start the engine and physically watch it to see if it shakes to much. It just sounds like something is loose to me. Of course I am not there and can't hear/feel the noise myself.

Rotate the tires manually, see if there is excessive movement in the suspension. You have to physically put your hands on things to see what's wrong.

I am shooting from the hip on these ideas since you still haven't answered our questions...

It does it while driving on acceleration at road speed. It happens intermittently. My husband drove it tonight and it did not happen but yesterday it did it twice for him.

Could always be bad tires.I replaced the tires on my old Accord and they were cheap,made so much noise.

Not every code triggers a CEL.

If the engine was down 2 full quarts of oil then it's likely the engine has been damaged, the oil should be checked routinely.

Are you sure the rumble noise isn't just the fan turning on?

Do fans come one when you are driving? I think not...


I'm sticking to there being something loose....

I only skimmed the thread, it sounded as if it was happening following idling, hence fan suggestion.

If the car is at speed, then it's definitely something loose or worn in the suspension. Check wheel bearings, ball joints, axles, tie rods/ends.

It's at the garage this morning checking axle, ball joints and CV. I will let you all know the outcome.

Ended up going to a transmission place. They flushed the transmission, put all new fluid and a shudder fix additive. Drove it 30+ miles and all seems good. Daughter took it home another 15 miles. No problems so far. Mechanic said if problem returns, it most likely is torque converter. Hope not.