Honda Engine Defect Allegations (Coolant Leaks, Overheating, Misfires)

Honda turbocharged engines have been the subject of class action lawsuits alleging coolant leakage into cylinders, overheating, misfires, premature wear, and timing chain/fuel system concerns. These defects can cause stalling, sudden power loss, and long-term engine damage.

Multiple class actions filed in federal court claim Honda failed to disclose these defects. Plaintiffs allege safety risks from stalls and loss of power, with affected models including Accord, Civic, CR‑V, and Acura RDX/TLX.

Year(s) Make Model Should Purchase? Reason Notes
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Honda Accord Not Suggested Coolant leaks causing overheating and misfires Engine: 1.5L Turbo I4 – L15B7
Alleged design flaw leads to premature wear
Named in class action filings (California federal court, 2024)
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Honda Accord (Sport/2.0T) Not Suggested Overheating and timing chain concerns Engine: 2.0L Turbo I4 – K20C4
Complaints of coolant leakage and misfires
Included in engine defect class actions
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Honda Civic Not Suggested Coolant leak and premature wear Engine: 1.5L Turbo I4 – L15B7
Reports of overheating and stalling
Named in multiple defect lawsuits
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Honda CR-V Not Suggested Fuel contamination and overheating Engine: 1.5L Turbo I4 – L15B7
Known for oil dilution and coolant leakage
Covered in federal class action complaints
2021 2022 Acura RDX Not Suggested Engine overheating and head gasket failure Engine: 2.0L Turbo I4 – K20C4
Alleged coolant leakage defect
Included in Honda/Acura class action filings
2019 2020 2021 2022 Acura TLX Not Suggested Premature wear and misfires Engine: 2.0L Turbo I4 – K20C4
Complaints of overheating and stalling
Covered in federal class action complaints

Summary

Honda’s turbocharged 1.5L (L15B7) and 2.0L (K20C4) engines in Accord, Civic, CR‑V, and Acura RDX/TLX models (2016–2022) have been alleged to suffer from coolant leakage, overheating, misfires, and premature wear. Class actions filed in federal court claim Honda failed to disclose these defects, posing safety risks from stalls and sudden power loss. These vehicles are generally not suggested for long-term ownership.

References