Honda Engine Lawsuit: Owners Claim 1.5L and 2.0L i‑VTEC Engines Overheat, Cause Head Gasket Failures

Overview: A New Class Action Targets Honda's 1.5L and 2.0L Engines

Honda's long-standing reputation for durable, trouble-free engines is being challenged by a class-action lawsuit filed in the United States. Plaintiffs allege that certain 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder i‑VTEC engines used in recent Honda and Acura models suffer from sealing and cooling issues that lead to overheating, head gasket cracking, coolant contamination, and other costly mechanical failures.

Alleged Defects and Symptoms

The complaint centers on head gasket failures and inadequate coping with high compression and engine heat. According to the filing, cracked head gaskets can allow coolant to pool in cylinder head grooves or leak into the combustion chamber. Commonly reported symptoms include white exhaust smoke (a sign of coolant burning in the cylinders), low coolant levels without visible external leaks, engine overheating, loss of oil integrity, and in extreme cases seizure or fire.

Potential Internal Damage

When coolant mixes with engine oil it can accelerate corrosion of internal components, contaminate bearings, and cause premature wear. The plaintiffs claim that some owners who sought repairs were denied coverage, even while vehicles remained under factory warranty.

Models Named in the Lawsuit

The suit specifically lists five vehicles: 2018–2022 Honda Accord, 2016–2022 Honda Civic, 2017–2022 Honda CR-V, 2021–2022 Acura RDX, and 2019–2022 Acura TLX. Six plaintiffs are named, five of whom drove 2018–2019 Accord models; one owned a 2018 CR-V Touring.

Legal Claims and Remedies Sought

Plaintiffs are pursuing claims including breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, and violations of consumer protection laws. They are seeking damages, attorneys' fees, costs, and have requested a jury trial. This action follows a separate 2024 lawsuit in California that raised similar concerns about sealing, cooling, and coolant contamination in 1.5-liter engines.

Specifications, Performance and Design Context

These 1.5- and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder i‑VTEC engines have been used widely across Honda's mid-size and compact range for fuel efficiency and performance balance. As modern turbocharged powerplants, they rely on high compression ratios and tightly controlled thermal management. Proper gasket sealing and coolant routing are critical to maintain oil integrity, prevent overheating, and preserve long-term reliability—key expectations among buyers who expect durability up to 200,000 miles.

Market Positioning and Comparisons

Honda's compact and mid-size sedans and crossovers compete with Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, and Subaru for reliability-focused buyers. Allegations of head gasket and coolant issues may affect resale values and buyer confidence vs. rivals known for long-term durability. For consumers comparing vehicles, look closely at long-term owner reports, warranty repair histories, and independent reliability ratings when evaluating Honda models versus competitors.

Practical Advice for Owners and Buyers

If you own a listed model and notice white smoke, persistent overheating, milky oil, or unexplained coolant loss, document service records, contact your dealer, and consult a qualified technician. Keep warranty paperwork handy and consider legal counsel if repairs are denied. For prospective buyers, consider extended warranties or pre-purchase inspections to mitigate potential risks related to engine reliability.