Lecture Notes: Honda's Least Reliable Engine

Introduction

• Discussion about Honda's least reliable engine.
• Focus on various engine issues, particularly for certain Honda models.

Key Problematic Aspects

1. Oil Dilution

• Affected Models: 2016-2018 Civics, 2017-2018 CR-Vs.
• Issues:
  • Oil dilution can lead to fuel smell in the oil.
  • Long-term effects include damage to bearings, camshafts, turbos.
  • Some service updates claim to fix the issue.
• Additional Information: The Accord also shares this issue.

2. Carbon-Up Injectors

• Symptoms:
  • Codes indicating lean or rich mixture, cylinder variation, or misfire.
• Solution:
  • Frequent replacement of injectors, which are often on backorder.
  • Covered up to a certain mileage.

3. Rodent Damage

• Common in: Cold weather, city environments, especially near dumpsters.
• Affected Parts: Cylinder number four coil, CMP sensor.
• Solution: Rodent tape might help.

4. AC Compressor Seals

• Previously Claimed: Normal for oil leaks by Honda.
• Solution: Covered up to a certain mileage; extended warranty advised.

5. Head Gasket Failures

• Primarily Affects: 1.5T Accord models.
• Frequency: Failures as early as 30,000-60,000 miles.
• Repair: Very costly, often covered by warranty.

6. Blown Turbos

• Common at: Higher mileage (>130,000 miles).
• Issue: Play in the wastegate actuator leading to low boost error.
• Solution: Replacement required, aftermarket parts available separately.

Recommendations

• Warranty: Honda Care or extended warranties highly recommended to cover potential high-cost repairs.

Conclusion

• Recap of potential issues for Honda engines, especially the 1.5T.
• Importance of warranty coverage to mitigate repair costs.