Did Honda fix the 1.5 turbo engine?
Yes, Honda has taken steps to address the oil-consumption and reliability concerns tied to its 1.5-liter turbo engines and has expanded warranty coverage in many regions. However, fixes are not universal, and results can vary by model year, region, and individual vehicle history.
Context: what happened with the 1.5L turbo engine
The 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo (commonly referred to as 1.5T) engine powered several Honda models, including the Civic and CR-V, starting in the mid-2010s. Early reports and owner complaints highlighted higher-than-expected oil consumption and related reliability worries. This led to service communications from Honda and, in some regions, official campaigns intended to diagnose and remedy the issue. The scope and details of fixes varied by market and VIN, and not every affected vehicle required the same remedy.
Key issues reported by owners included rapid oil consumption, oil-level warnings, and, in some cases, related engine wear. Honda and its dealers responded with technical service bulletins, hardware revisions in later production runs, and adjustments to engine software and maintenance procedures. The net effect in many regions has been a reduction in recurrent oil-consumption problems for newer model years, though experiences still vary.
What Honda did to fix it
The following actions reflect Honda’s public-facing responses to the 1.5T issues, including manufacturer guidance, hardware updates, and warranty support.
- Issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) detailing diagnoses and repair steps for oil consumption and related engine concerns on 1.5T engines.
- Launched hardware revisions in some production runs, including revised piston rings and oil-control components, to reduce oil consumption in affected engines.
- Updated the engine’s PCV system and related airflow management to minimize oil burning and improve combustion stability.
- Implemented software updates to the engine control unit (ECU/PCM) to optimize oil management, fueling, and timing under varied driving conditions.
- Expanded warranty coverage and service campaign eligibility for oil-consumption-related repairs in many markets, with coverage often tied to model year, VIN, and region.
- Conducted dealer campaigns that in some cases included inspection, component replacement, or engine work performed under warranty or goodwill programs.
These steps collectively aimed to reduce the tendency for oil consumption and related wear, particularly in earlier 1.5T vehicles. While many owners saw improvements after service, results have varied by individual car, region, and the specific fix applied.
Which models and years were affected?
Honda’s 1.5T engine appeared in several popular models, with the most intensity of concern in early‑to‑mid generation production. Availability and the exact remedy depended on regional programs and VIN-specific campaigns. In broad terms, the affected period covers roughly the late 2010s for Civic, CR-V, and related models, with newer 1.5T units benefitting from later hardware updates and software refinements.
- Civic (1.5T): broadly from model years around 2016 through the early 2020s, depending on market.
- CR-V (1.5T): broadly from model years around 2017 through the late 2010s/early 2020s, varying by region.
- Other markets and variants with the 1.5T powerplant saw similar campaigns, though specifics depended on local campaigns and VIN eligibility.
Owners should check with their local Honda dealership or official Honda regional pages for the exact campaign status and coverage by VIN and year in their country. Regional recall and service campaign listings can provide the most precise, up-to-date information.
What should owners do now?
If you own a Honda with a 1.5T engine and are concerned about oil consumption or reliability, follow these steps to determine if you’re affected and what actions to take.
- Verify whether your vehicle is included in any active service campaigns or extended-warranty programs for oil consumption by checking Honda’s official site for your region or contacting your dealer.
- Have a qualified technician inspect oil consumption history, inspect the PCV system, and assess piston rings/oil-control components if indicated by a service bulletin.
- Document oil consumption trends (miles driven per quart/liter of oil) and note any related symptoms (oil light warnings, unusually high oil use between changes, etc.).
- If your VIN is eligible under a campaign or warranty extension, request the recommended repairs or part replacements (such as revised rings or related engine components) as provided by Honda.
- After any repair, monitor oil consumption closely and follow up with the dealer if consumption remains higher than expected.
Do not delay reporting symptoms to a dealer if you notice rapid oil consumption or warning indicators. Early diagnosis and appropriate service can prevent more serious engine wear or damage.
Summary
Honda acknowledged oil-consumption challenges associated with early 1.5T engines and responded with a combination of technical updates, software refinements, and expanded warranty coverage across many regions. While later production and newer model years generally show improved reliability, fixes are not universally identical and depend on market, model year, and VIN. Owners should verify current campaigns and seek a dealer evaluation if they observe excessive oil consumption, then follow the prescribed repair steps under warranty or service programs. As of 2025, the overall picture is one of improved reliability for newer 1.5T units, with ongoing regional differences in coverage and implementation.
