The most reliable Honda engines by the numbers
Honda's reliability reputation is earned at the engine level. The VTEC naturally aspirated engines, the D-series, and the hybrid i-MMD powertrain all demonstrate what happens when an engine manufacturer prioritises durability over peak specifications.
Complete ranking
| Rank | Engine | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L12 | 98/100 | BEST |
| 2 | R20A | 98/100 | BEST |
| 3 | K20Z4 | 92/100 | BEST |
| 4 | B-Series | 88/100 | BEST |
| 5 | N16A 1.6 i-DTEC | 85/100 | BEST |
| 6 | JNC1 | 84/100 | BUY |
| 7 | K20C1 | 84/100 | BUY |
| 8 | L15A/B | 84/100 | BUY |
| 9 | i-DCD / e:HEV 1.5 | 84/100 | BUY |
| 10 | D-Series | 84/100 | BUY |
| 11 | F20C | 83/100 | BUY |
| 12 | H22A | 80/100 | BUY |
| 13 | i-MMD / e:HEV 2.0 (LFB, LFC) | 80/100 | BUY |
L12 — 98/100
L12A 1.2 i-DSI / L12B 1.2 i-VTEC
Found in: Jazz
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- EGR sooting and fouled spark plugs / ignition coils — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
R20A — 98/100
2.0L i-VTEC I4
Found in: Accord, Accord 2.0 i-VTEC, CR-V
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Catalytic converter and lambda sensor damage (poor fuel) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- VTEC solenoid / oil pressure switch — severity minor, typically appears around 80.000 km
Full R20A reliability report →
K20Z4 — 92/100
K20Z4 2.0 i-VTEC (Civic Type R FN2)
Found in: Civic
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Engine mounts wear early — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Valve clearances out of adjustment - tappet noise — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Oil consumption at higher mileage — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full K20Z4 reliability report →
B-Series — 88/100
B16A/B18C VTEC
Found in: CR-V, Civic
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Timing belt (interference) — severity high, typically appears around 90.000 km
- Oil consumption - worn rings on hard-driven engines — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full B-Series reliability report →
N16A 1.6 i-DTEC — 85/100
N16A/N16A4 1.6 i-DTEC
Found in: CR-V, Civic, HR-V
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- DPF clogging in short-trip city use — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Intake pressure (MAP) sensor — 2014 campaign — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Clutch judder — clutch and dual-mass flywheel replacement — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full N16A 1.6 i-DTEC reliability report →
JNC1 — 84/100
JNC1 3.5 V6 Hybrid (NSX)
Found in: NSX, NSX 3.5T Hybrid
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- 12 V battery drain and warning codes after standing — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Fuel-tank crossover coupler leak (2017-2018 recall) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- In-tank fuel pump failure: engine stalls (recall) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
Full JNC1 reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →