Drivers Claim Honda’s Turbo Engines Are Experiencing Early Failures and the Company Was Aware | Carscoops

      One of the plaintiffs had to pay to replace their head gasket twice within two years.

      A recent lawsuit claims that Honda’s turbo engines experience head gasket problems, resulting in cracks. The affected models include the Honda Civic, CR-V, Accord, and Acura RDX and TLX variants. Some owners have reported severe engine failures due to this issue.

      Filed in the United States, the lawsuit alleges a significant defect in Honda and Acura's turbocharged engines, raising alarm for owners of various popular models. According to the claim, certain 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines may be susceptible to overheating and head gasket failure. The complaint suggests that Honda has known about the issue but has not notified consumers.

      The lawsuit, which was submitted in California, lists six plaintiffs. It claims that Honda has not adequately engineered turbocharged engines capable of withstanding high compression and temperature, asserting that the head gasket is "vulnerable to cracking." When this occurs, engine coolant can leak into the cylinder head, damaging it and allowing coolant to seep into the cylinders.

      Consequences include Engine Misfires, Coolant Contamination, and Roadside Failures

      This situation may not only result in insufficient coolant for engine cooling but could also cause the engine to misfire. Additionally, if coolant contaminates the engine oil, it can weaken and corrupt the oil, leading to corrosion and excessive wear. Several owners have reported complete engine failure, and some have found themselves stranded after their vehicles unexpectedly malfunctioned.

      The complaint identifies the affected models as the 2018–2022 Honda Accord, 2016–2022 Honda Civic, 2017–2022 Honda CR-V, 2021–2022 Acura RDX, and 2019–2022 Acura TLX.

      One plaintiff, Tiffany Richardson, recounts that the head gasket in her 2018 Honda Accord failed in February 2023, leading to coolant leaking into the cylinders and repair costs of $1,397. Merely two months later, she encountered a second issue with coolant again found in the first cylinder, resulting in an additional $1,216 in repair expenses.

      Increasing Complaints and Legal Action

      The lawsuit also references numerous complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in recent years, many of which describe similar head gasket failures.

      Attorneys are pursuing action against the Japanese automaker for breaching express and implied warranties, violating multiple states’ Consumer Protection Acts, and unjust enrichment. They are calling for a jury trial to seek accountability for what they believe to be a widespread engine defect.