What could be the problem with my car?

I have a 2008 Honda Civic with about 80,000 miles. Today, the engine started making a grinding sound. My fiance drove about 30 miles and started smelling a smoky smell when she had the air conditioning on. When she came back the other direction, the gauge went all the way up to H on the temperature meter and the car automatically shut off. When she was told to put water where the coolant goes, after removing the cap, the water started bubbling. Honda said that it sounded like it was a cracked engine block, because that was the symptoms that was reported from other drivers. Could it be if cracked engine block or possibly something else? Any ideas?

The first thing I would suggest is to post your question for your Honda vehicle in the Honda forum where I and most Honda/ Acura technicians read most of the time so you can have properly advices. You can post the question on any forum but Honda forum is the one that I visit all of the time.

There's a TSB issued by Honda in relation to the coolant lost on 2008 Civic. It may help to get a free brand new engine block for the car:
2008 Honda Civic Engine And Engine Cooling Service Bulletin 262102
NHTSA: Action Number: 10030876 Service Bulletin Number: 262102
Report Date: Jul 30, 2009
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling
Summary: Honda: see document search button for owner letter. Engine overheats or leaks coolant. The engine block is cracking at the coolant passages. Install a new engine block assembly. *pe
Hope it help. Need more help or having more question. Send a message. HTH

Edit: See my answer to another member for a similar problem

If honda has a noted issue with a cracked block, that is a bad sign. Call them up and see what they wish to do about it. You may need a second car for a bit.

Sounds like the heater core is leaking or the head gasket is leaking!

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