Honda Engines: Common Problems and Key Specs

Honda is one of the most popular Japanese car brands that is known for its durable cars and reliable technologies. This corporation has made several revolutionary technologies and keeps surprising the world with its view of cars.

In this article, I want to tell you more about Honda engines and their common problems. I will review all the engines that I've already reviewed in this blog. So, in each section, I will also give you links to more detailed articles.

Also, when I write a new article about some of the new or old Honda engines, I will obviously add a link to that article here to complete probably the most detailed page about Honda engines.

Honda V8 Indy engine

This is a purely racing engine that you will never see under the hood of a simple car. There were two types of displacement for these engines - 3.0L and 3.5L.

They were mainly used in Dallara, G-Force, and Panoz racing cars and there were only dozens or hundreds of them made in history. The engine is pretty angry and very technological to squeeze the maximum possible power from a relatively small displacement.

The maximum stock power was 670 horsepower but enthusiasts managed to get even more out of them. The engine wasn't turbocharged. To get that power, it used special fuel - 100% fuel grade ethanol by Sunoco Company.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2003-2011
• Average lifespan of V8 Indy:unknown
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:650-670 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:low
• The most common problems:bad oil consumption, huge fuel consumption, noisy work, very expensive fuel, overall poor durability.

Honda 1.6L B16 engine

The B16 engine was one of the most massively produced engines of its time. This was the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine with absolutely simple technologies and pretty good efficiency. This was the first ever engine to use the VTEC technology for proper valve timing.

Actually, the B16 engine formed the reputation of Honda as a reliable car manufacturer. The engine basically has no weak links in its construction and is legendarily reliable. Of course, now, all of the B16 machines are pretty old and hence killed by their uneasy lives.

The B16A series is standard while the B16B was used in the Type R Civic and is considered high-performance.

The engine used simple injection, there were no turbochargers, no lifters. The timing system was powered by the belt. But still, it was a legend and one can hardly imagine the Honda brand without this powerplant.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1989-2000
• Average lifespan of B16:230,000-260,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:150-185 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:head gasket may fail pretty early, it's important to change timing belt on time, no lifters.

Honda 1.7L B17 engine

This engine was exclusively made for the North American market and didn't live long. But it still became one of the legendary engines. And even now some guys search for these machines to buy and upgrade them.

The B17 is the B-Series engine with 1.7 liters of displacement. It was only found under the hood of the Integra GS-R. The engine was very efficient in terms of power producing 162 horsepower from this modest displacement.

This engine was one of the first in the US to offer VTEC technology. This made it much more efficient and powerful yet not so reliable.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1992-1993
• Average lifespan of B17:210,000-230,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:162 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:coolant leaks, oil consumption, VTEC problems, YS1 cable transmission problems.

Honda 1.8L B18 engine

There were three generations of this engine - B18A, B18B, and B18C. Within each generation, these engines were also subdivided into types adding 1, 2, 3, etc. to their names. The B18 family is considered to be the largest B-Series family.

The B18A and B18B were non-VTEC engines and had no phasers while the B18C eventually got the VTEC phaser and got more efficient. The engine has 1.8 liters of displacement and is pretty good in terms of quality and reliability.

The timing system is still driven by the belt. There are no lifters in these engines and they are all naturally aspirated.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1992-2000
• Average lifespan of B18:200,000-230,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:130-200 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:thermostat issues, water pump is weak, head gasket failure, timing belt should be changed on time.

Honda 2.0L B20 engine

The B20A was the first engine in the series but it wasn't largely used in Honda cars. It was rather made for racing and then it became the model engine for developing the entire B-Series family using its technologies.

So, for the B20 series, we can include the B20B and B20Z engines. They are all non-VTEC and rather low-technology units but with great durability and are legendary in terms of how many miles they can go with proper maintenance.

2 liters of displacement proved to be proper for this type of engine. The most common application was the Honda CR-V in its first generation. This is most likely where you could interact with this wonderful powerplant.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1995-2002
• Average lifespan of B20:220,000-250,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:125-150 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil leaks, thermostat and water pump problems, head gasket issues, no lifters.

Honda 1.6L D16 engine

The D-Series engines were very popular 20-30 years ago and a lot of them are still alive. The D16 powerplant was massively used in almost all small Honda models. It had myriads of modifications and I compared the most commonly used ones: D16Z6 and D16Y8.

The engines were both mainly used in the Honda Civic and Del Sol. They were simple and reliable engines that took the VTEC technology from the B-Series engines and continued developing this variable valve timing system.

There is almost nothing interesting I can tell you about the technologies used in these machines as there were simply no high-tech things inside the engines.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1986-2000
• Average lifespan of D16:200,000-220,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:110-130 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, oxygen detection system issues, timing belt can break prematurely.

Honda D17 engine

The D17 engine was one of the most popular 1.7L Honda engines in history. It powered almost any popular car in the lineup. There were both VTEC and non-VTEC modifications of the powerplant.

This is a pretty simple 4-cylinder engine with a belt-driven timing system and classic construction. The VTEC is probably the most technological thing you will see in several modifications of this series.

The D17Z modification was mainly used in Brazil and had absolutely the same technologies behind it as any other D-Series model. Interestingly, a lot of D17 engines are still up and running and have little to no problems at very high mileage.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2000-2007
• Average lifespan of D17:190,000-220,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:115-350 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:oil consumption, bad cold start, throttle contamination, no lifters.

Honda 1.8L R18 engine

The R18 Honda engine is a simple 1.8L gas engine found mainly under the hood of the Civic and HR-V. The R18A series was originally known as the Civic engine but the next generation called R18Z was used in many other models worldwide.

While this is not a bad engine, it somehow manages to be much less reliable than its predecessors with basically the same technologies. Interestingly, the powerplant offers the i-VTEC variable valve timing system which is pretty technological.

Also, this series of Honda engines comes with chains in their timing system rather than belts. Other than that, this is just a simple Honda engine with average fuel efficiency and pretty good durability.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2005-2017
• Average lifespan of R18:180,000-200,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:138-143 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:catalytic converter and oxygen sensors are weak, drive belt tensioner problems, engine mounts aren't durable, no lifters.

Honda 2.0L K20 engine

The K20 engine is a legend. It was initially introduced in 2001 and made a revolution in the entire industry. Eventually, this engine survived till today and is still actively used under the hoods of Honda vehicles, of course, with a lot of modifications.

The series started with the K20A family and had several other generations: K20B, K20C, K20Z. Also, the K20C and K20Z were turned into even more modern engines in the latest Earth Dreams family.

But what's in common in all units of the series? They are reliable 2-liter engines. Some come without a turbocharger, some have a turbo to boost the power. Also, there are i-VTEC phasers and the camshafts are driven by a pretty reliable chain.

These engines are claimed to be the best ones for performance upgrades.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2001-now
• Average lifespan of K20:180,000-220,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection (later - direct injection)
• Power range:153-320 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:exhaust camshafts are weak, no lifters, throttle contamination, oil leaks, engine mounts problems.

Honda 2.4L K24 engine

This is a large engine family that started back in 2001 with the K24A series and then Honda managed to make several other generations: K24Z, K24Y, K24W, K24V. Some of these modifications are still in production.

You may know this engine thanks to its wide use in the Honda CR-V and also Odyssey and Accord. But it has been powering almost all popular Honda engines. This is a reliable and durable machine with little to no serious problems.

In terms of technologies, the Earth Dreams series has a lot to offer. But the majority of popular K24 engines are very simple and have only the i-VTEC phaser as the most technological unit. Other than that, there is almost nothing to worry about in terms of durability.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2001-now
• Average lifespan of K24:210,000-240,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection (later - direct injection)
• Power range:160-206 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:exhaust camshafts are weak, no lifters, throttle contamination, oil leaks, engine mounts problems.

Honda 1.5L L15BE engine

The L15BE engine is part of the L15B series - the 1.5L Earth Dreams Turbo. This engine comes with a turbocharger to boost its power but there are also L15B engines which are naturally aspirated.

I've reviewed the L15BE machine in my article about the Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo engine. But the powerplant has also been used in other models, mainly in the CR-V. This is a very efficient 4-cylinder engine with more or less conventional technologies and a lot of tricks to make it more powerful.

Unfortunately, this is certainly not the most durable Honda engine, so it will require some attention to last long enough. I've seen a lot of these engines fail in CR-V due to high loads when driving actively or aggressively.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2017-now
• Average lifespan of L15BE:160,000-180,000
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:190-192 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:ignition system problems, turbocharger issues, extensive wear due to aggressive use.

Honda 2.0L K20C2 engine

The K20C2 is the 2.0L Turbo Earth Dreams engine that powers the Civic in different generations and modifications. This is an angry engine, so it offers a lot of power and makes your Civic feel like a real sports car.

In comparison with a lot of more modern engines, this one is pretty simple and even old-fashioned. But this is what makes it last really long. Being part of the K20 family, this engine is now a living legend.

Many Honda fans think that the HR-V shares the same engine in the 2023-2024 model but it's not entirely correct. The HR-V has the K20Z5 engine that has several different technologies but it's essentially the same 2.0L turbo machine.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-now
• Average lifespan of K20C2:180,000-210,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:158 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:oil leaks, throttle contamination, no lifters, engine mounts are weak.

Honda 3.5L V6 J35Z4 engine

Honda made a lot of different J35 engines but they all share the same thing in common - they are the 3.5L V6 machines that are very durable and well thought out. The series started back in 1998 and is still very largely used in different Honda and Acura vehicles.

The J35Z4 is the special series of this engine meant to be used in only one model - the Honda Pilot. The engine was equipped with the VCM. This system uses the i-VTEC to disable certain cylinders when the engine load is not high.

The J35Z4 model is very simple in terms of technologies and there is nothing you should worry about in terms of its durability. Just remember that the early years engines are pretty old and have a lot of miles on them, so they shouldn't be considered reliable anymore.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2009-2014
• Average lifespan of J35Z4:220,000-240,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:250 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:VCM oil leaks, throttle contamination, injector contamination, engine belt premature failure, no lifters.

Honda 3.5 V6 J35Y6 engine

This is yet another J35 V6 engine. Basically, it's the same in terms of the key specs. But it was used in a much wider range of vehicles. Obviously, the most popular one was the Honda Pilot, and also the Honda Odyssey in North America had exactly this engine. Also, it was used in the Ridgeline, Passport, and even Acura TLX.

The engine is, of course, naturally aspirated, it has a direct injection system for better fuel efficiency. The J35Y6 model is also equipped with the VCM. So, it will turn off the unneeded cylinders when the engine is not under high load.

Overall, everything remains the same as in all other J35 models. The same block and head, the same technologies. Just some other mappings and maybe minor modifications.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2015-2020
• Average lifespan of J35Y6:220,000-240,000
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:280-290 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:VCM oil leaks, throttle contamination, carbon buildup on intake valves, engine belt premature failure.

Honda 3.5L V6 J35Y8 engine

For the new generation of the Honda Pilot, the company decided to upgrade the 3.5L V6 engine. The J35Y8 engine is one of the freshest incarnations of the J35 family. As far as we now can see from the description, Honda didn't make any serious upgrades.

So, why they actually made the Y8 version instead of using the older Y6 which seemed to be OK? Well, they most likely improved emissions systems to fit the engine into the new emission rules and let it live for several more years.

Other than that, this is the same old good V6 that is going to live for ages and cause little to no problems if it's maintained well. In terms of technologies, it still has all the variable valve systems and the VCM as any recent V6 modification from Honda.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2023-now
• Average lifespan of J35Y8:210,000-230,000
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:285 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:VCM oil leaks, throttle contamination, carbon buildup on intake valves, engine belt premature failure.

Honda 1.5L L15B7 engine

This is yet another version of the L15 Earth Dreams Turbo engine family. The 1.5-liter engine with a turbocharger is capable of producing up to 205 horsepower which is quite a lot for such a displacement.

The engine can come with either a VTC or VTEC valve timing system. It has only been use in different Honda Civic trims in various markets. The most powerful version is found under the hood of the Civic Si 2016-2021.

The camshafts are driven by the chain which is pretty good. The engine is equipped with an efficient direct injection system but it causes several issues like the problem of the carbon buildup on valves and also the issues with expensive maintenance and repair.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-now
• Average lifespan of L15B7:160,000-180,000
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:176-205 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:no lifters, turbocharger problems, ignition coils don't live long, oil leaks and consumption.

Honda 2.0L LFC5 engine

The LFC5 is the new hybrid engine based on the pretty old R20 block. It's very hard to find any specific information about the engine because it was only made for the 2023 Accord and no one yet knows anything about the powerplant.

But considering it's the old good R20 block, I can come up with some ideas of how it will go and what its problems will be.

This is a relatively reliable and problem-free engine and its main common problems will most likely be related to the hybrid systems. Anyway, the gasoline part of this powerplant will still require a lot of attention to avoid issues.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2023-now
• Average lifespan of LFC5:180,000-220,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:204 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:hybrid battery pack issues, problems with electronics, timing chain stretching.

Honda 2.0L LFA1 engine

This is yet another hybrid engine based on the R20 block. Now, the LFA1 powertrain is mostly used in the new Honda CR-V and in the Odyssey in various markets.

The engine is simple and reliable. The only problem is that the hybrid battery pack doesn't always live long enough and it costs a lot to replace. Other than that, the engine is good. It's very efficient in terms of fuel consumption and can go for ages if maintained properly.

You will need to control the condition of the chain after the vehicle hits 100,000 miles. If the chain stretches, there is a high chance it will jump and destroy the valves.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2023-now
• Average lifespan of LFA1:180,000-220,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:212 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium

• The most common problems:hybrid battery pack issues, problems with electronics, timing chain stretching.