For anyone that is here in 2021, Honda had a class action lawsuit against them and lost. Powertrain warranty has been extended for up to 6 years from date of purchase for 2016 through 2018 model years of the civic with the 1.5T. I think this was 2017 to 2018 for the CRV. not sure about the accord but I would assume its for roughly the same model years if they have the 1.5T.

My grandma can't go down the street for "bingo night" in her crv. She now drives to a different county to avoid "fuel dilution"; thanks honda.

Here’s my anecdotal experience. I live in the suburbs of lower NY. We get decent amount of cold and snow but significantly less than much northern or midwestern parts of the country. My 2018 Civic EX-T (1.5 liter turbo) bought new now has 72,000 miles. After nearly three years with no garage I have no issues so far. I’m averaging 33.3 mpg. I did get a advisory from Honda in 2019 to update the software which I did. I also maintain my Civic religiously, servicing early...every 4,200-5,000 miles.

Telling people to warm up longer and not to take short trips is not an acceptable answer from Honda. Doesn't do much for your MPG for sure. Honda messed up big time on this one. Bring back the bullet poof 2.4L

You're giving Honda too much credit. By now, nobody should have to guess at what the problem is. Honda is not honest and forthcoming with what the problem is. Forget all this open loop and closed loop hypothesis. All cars operate in open loop at the start and cars before computers operate in open loop continuous and didn't have this oil dilution problem. Basically, Honda screwed up and is extremely evasive in dealing with this issue.

They don't understand people want dependability over mpg and tech .

great explanation and video, always wished i had a 1.5 instead of the 2.0 in my civic, but kinda glad i just stuck with 2.0 ex... have a good one!!

I wouldn’t touch a new Honda.... most gas engines have to deal with short trips in cold weather.... after having driven about 1 million km. Under such conditions I have never encountered a gas dilution problem in any of my vehicles. ... and anyone who accepts Honda’s excuses is a big fool.

Avoid short trips? Well that cuts out every day driving!

Great info. Many thanks from another Honda fan.

Easy fix: Give every owner a bicycle for short trips.

Honda need to get on top of this ... they have always made great engines, but this will ruin their reputation.. I'm.not getting a civic until I know this is definitely sorted!

Not all engine have this problem... i have on my 2019 1.5T civic 35.000km... and no problem with oil.. its never go above max on dipstick...

I drive to the next state over to buy my groceries and work. Thanks helpful Honda guys :)

I bought the 2016 civic 1.5l turbo brand new. Been 4 years with 50k miles and live in cold weather illinois. Never had an issue.

I can’t believe a company like Honda having a successful racing car image could not build a good turbo charged engine to put in their commercial vehicles, I guess thats what happens when you have the bean counters make the last call.

What I don't understand with all the information available, why don't people do the research before their purchase? A Guy I work with bought a CRV and has oil dilution issues. The car has had other issues too. I asked why he bought it and he said because it is a Honda. There ya go.

Honda engineering messed up big time on this. Hopefully they redesigned their 1.5t engine. Warm or cold weather shouldn't be an issue for a good engine to work well.

For oil to smell like gas it needs to dump gas from injectors while the motor is off, so the fuel goes past the rings. Hard to believe this really. You won't see this kind of condition even on rich running carbureted engines.

Now the engine last as long as the transmission.

I've had a 2019 CRV for about 10 months now and driving it without any problems whatsoever with power or any gas smell in the cabin. In fact, I drove it today in minus 25 degrees celsius weather starting from my garage and then going for coffee for one plus hour and then going home and smelled the oil on the dipstick. If I hadn't heard about this oil dilution problem I wouldn't have been able to place the smell as gasoline, so I would basically say there was no gasoline smell to the oil. The problem he's describing here with the open loop diagram sound to me like they would have been solved with the software update for earlier models on the recall. You didn't talk about the software update at all.

I had a bad taste in my mouth when Honda decided to go turbo....

So happy i got rid of my accord. When you think of honda you think of reliability but thats not the case today. Honda should be ashamed of themselves.

How about using an engine block heater when parked for long periods in cold temperatures?

Have a civic si, came from the mazdaspeed3, in that community this is common, we just change the oil as regularly as possible, granted this was an 07 model, i was hoping honda wouldnt have this same issue in ‘18.

Would adding a oil catch-can help remedy this dilution issue?

I own a 19 SI with 9.5k miles on it now. I ktuned it stage 2 on 35% ethanol at 3k miles. I track it and daily it. I sent oil analysis to Blackstone labs at 6k miles first oil change, oil read 60% on mm. Oil looked great with 0.8% fuel dilution. Recommended under 2.0%. I live in subzero winter Iowa and oil was from 12/28 to 4/20. No problem.

I lived in Phoenix, we had lots of days in the winter that it would go as low as 30 degrees. So the problem is not just cold climates. I was going to get a '18 CRV......not now, will hang on to old Betsy a few more years.

It's a shame this is happening to the 1.5T, it's such a gem of an engine. Well personally I would definitely wait until Honda has worked the kinks out of this engine.

My Canadian 2018 Civic Hatch Sport had the update applied in January (which included an oil change) and I had another oil change and sample taken in late March (3000 km on the oil). The oil analysis showed 11% dilution (!!). My commute is 1/2 an hour so short trips aren't the problem, though this interval was over cold winter months. The car also couldn't make adequate heat for the defroster to function properly on cold (-15C) days, the engine temp gauge never rising to it's normal position. I had another oil analysis done in May (again with about 3000 km on the sample) and this time the dilution was 6%, lower due to the warmer conditions but still very high. Had I not changed the oil in late March, the engine oil would be at 17% dilution after 6000km. I have been in contact with Honda Canada Customer Relations since April 1st and it's been a very frustrating experience- their tactics are to delay, ignore, and deny. Having been provided with the oil analysis reports the response from Honda Tech was that the dilution level was "normal" for this engine- pretty much what I expected, but disappointing regardless. I have started the process with CAMVAP (a Canadian automotive arbitration plan) to force Honda to buy the car back so we'll see how that goes- it should be settled by September, one way or another. In the meantime I'm gathering all the solid data I can that oil dilution levels in this range are NOT normal to support my case at the arbitration hearing. I'm meeting with a Honda Rep tomorrow as allowing the Manufacturer to examine the vehicle is required by CAMVAP- fair enough, though I don't know what he's going to examine. If anyone reading this can be of help I would be very appreciative- data on dilution, Honda 1.5 owner groups with the problem, anything at all really.

Bought the Honda CRV EX 2019 Aug 8 then seen the bad reviews on the engine and got rid of it within a week. No thank you. I got me a Honda Passport EXL Black Copper Pearl . I love it!

My question is how does this happen in only some of the turbo charged CRV's? If it is a bad design won't it eventually effect all the 2018 CRV's?

why did they have to make changes to. something that was already perfect

Does the oil dilution problem apply to 2020 Honda Civics and Honda Accords with the 1.5 turbo engine?

Why has the CRVs and Civics been recalled but not the Accords?

That's a good video. Terry motors apart and putting them back together fixing cars is cool. But I've been studying motors in the last 15 years and I find it more interesting to know what actually makes the motor run how they work the national Assembly in them for fixing them.

Has Honda come out with any updates on this yet?

I have a Canadian spec Civic Hatchback with the 1.5 (174hp). Had the software fix a couple months ago. Last week, my dash lit up with every system warning possible, emissions, power steering, stability control, hill brake, etc. Was getting misfiring on injectors 1 and 4, so they replaced the whole injector unit. They’re not sure why this happened.

Some misleading information but the core concern is somewhat on point. Few corrections which should help: - All TCDI powertrains suffer from some fuel dilution, which is primarily due to the rich cold start cycle and placement of the injectors overhead. It's mitigated several ways, from fuel/oil quality to the design of the PCV/oil separator (if the vehicle is so equipped). There's no correlation between dilution and engine displacement. - Honda's "issue" has more to do with the speed at which these powertrains reach operating temps. Part of this may be due to their inherent cooling efficiency, which is briefly mentioned in the video. Shorter trips, use of the heater, and/or low ambient temps only exacerbate the problem because the oil may not reach the minimum temps required to burn off the fuel/water accumulating in the crankcase (~200*+) . This accumulation happens in all TCDI powertrains, from Ford's Ecoboost to VW's TDI/TSI. - Honda's primary "fix" focuses on ECU changes that limit output of the heater and other accessories. This helps accelerate the motor's warm-up cycle which subsequently vaporizes any fuel/water in the crankcase (which is then siphoned out through the PCV). There are other changes as well, but none really impact the overall hardware/design of the 1.5T. - Honda doesn't use the VTEC branding on the USDM 1.5T Civic or CRV. But it does on the 1.5T Accord which leverages variable lift on the exhaust side for better torque and boost management.

Im glad to know more on the technicalities, restoring my faith in Honda. I have a 2010 CRV, I absolutely love that beast. My dad got a 2016 HRV and that thing is weak in power. Im rootin for Honda they get this sorted out quickly. I'd hate to see them go down in reliability because of this. y'all consumers want too much turbo with no perfection

I have not thought about open/closed loop operation since heated 02 circuits became the norm. My old school turbocharged car uses the open switch while warming, but I was under the impression that the latest and "greatest" did not. It will be difficult for new car shoppers to avoid direct injection, cvts, dcts, start-stop tech, and cylinder deactivation systems. Just about every serious new car complaint comes from one of the aforementioned.

@Jerry Jr's Garage. Ive been considering adding a Mishimoto Oil catch can to my 2018 Civic SI- I'm under the impression that this will reduce the fuel getting into the oil from the Civicx forum- is there any truth to this claim?

My 2016 civic 1.5t is constantly having rising oil levels and it plain smells like gasoline. Not happy My VW and Audi 2.0 turbos do not do this. What's up Honda? Get it together

Should I be fine if purchase any accord that is not a 1.5L OR 1.5 L Turbo?

I just purchased a new vehicle about 3 weeks ago. I was very interested in an Accord, but the dealer wouldn't even discuss this issue - so no Honda this go around. Maybe they'll get their act together in 8 or 10 years.

Unacceptable. It may be easy to slide fault but this needs to be fixed.

Plained and simple Honda just messed up period on those 1.5 T engine's

Does the 1.5 in the new accord have this problem too? What about the 2.0t?

How about i take my 2018 Honda CRV to a longer trip, into a Toyota dealership that is for a Rav4 trade in. Problem will be resolved. Up yours Honda. You are becoming GMC.

Good video, we passed and bought a Rav4 Hybrid, I see what Honda was thinking but I think they made a huge mistake with this engine, the v-tec or i-vtec was a great engine, trying to get get more hp and more mpg by designing a small direct injection 4 w/turbo was the wrong move, a v-tec hybrid would have been wiser, we have more hp with the Rav4 hybrid and are averaging 33-40mpg. These honda 4's with high compression and 0/20 oil are going to come apart.

My question is would you say the 14 civic si 2.4 is better because its not turbo? And if you have 205 hp from a 2.4 and 205 from a 1.5 turbo in the new body style you must have sport mode on in order to get the full 205 go right?

Is this an issue with the Honda 2.0 turbo as well?

Now, I'm from Australia. I see many people buy the CR-V that uses the 1.5L Turbo. But there hasn't been any issue about the oil dilution in my country. Some people have gone over 50,000 km with that vehicle with no problems. Either that because it doesn't snow in Australia or maybe because Honda Australia gets their car parts manufactured in Thailand. Edit: If you ask me, I personally prefer the Mazda CX-5 with the 2.2 L Twin Turbo Diesel.

I thought it only has vtec butterflies on the intake side not full vtec like old type r. But i could be wrong

Does Honda Accord has same problem ???

So anyone know what Honda is doing to fix this at a design level? I'm waiting to buy until the issues are resolved but who knows when that will be.

And people buy 100% synthetic oils just to get a gas dilution... any updates on 2020 models? Thanks.

The answer to this problem might be these elements all together, high compression aided by turbo air induction, direct injection of fuel/air into the cylinders, aided by weak oil rings or inadequately designed oil rings to hold back the fuel/air mixture, particularly when the engine is cold. .

hey Jerry that's a interesting video..I like your knowledge about mechanics.. but how your knowledge with recording with a phone?

I would rather have something very small like oil dilution versus the EcoBoost lspi problem. According to subaruwrxfan, lspi is often blamed for failures in Ford's EcoBoost engines, apparently Ford's tune introduces alot of boost early in the rev range.

Have 2018 CR-v with one of those engine. No problems, works fine. Received a letter from Honda today, asking me to bring the CR-V in for a software update for the fuel injection, the CVT and to the climate control unit so engine will warm up faster. They also decided to increase warranty to affected engine components to 6 years , no mileage limit.

How’s the 2.0t ? And how about a catch can?

Uhhhh VTEC is variable valve timing. The acronym doesn't have an L in it so they can be excused if this version does not include lift.

Earth Dreams - There's the problem. What was wrong with the 2.4 litre engine ? It was literally bullet proof

For us in 2023, referring to the 1.5L Turbo Accord 2017-2021ish, you can find a million of them for sale in SoCal. As for the 2.0L T Accord, those are hard to come by out here. In fact, i think they are actually shipping the 2.0L T in from the rust belt of all things. Conclusion: the oil dilution problem is killing all the 9th - 10th generation 1.5L T Accord engines.

The main problem is the pistons are to shot they need be doubled in thickness and add one additional compression ring and also add a airflow intake temperature sensor to prevent to much fuel from entering the engine and add a engine block heater in all the vehicles that use this engine to keep it 80 to 90 degrees when temperatures reach 45 degrees or colder.

I just purchased a 2019 CRV EXL and I definitely smell gasoline on the dipstick however the oil level is perfect, heat cranks strongly and no odor in the cabin also don't see any white smoke in the exhaust any thoughts here because I definitely smell the gas on the dipstick?

Here's my theory. High compression turbo engine + increasing piston seal clearance so there is less friction to increase fuel efficiency. When cold too much clearance and fuel is being forced past the seal onto the oil. As the engine heats up and expands clearance narrows and fuel pass through stops. With longer runs fuel in the oil is burnt off.

2017 Si with 1.5T. 20k miles, so far so good. Change oil between 3 to 5k miles with Mobil One. I warm up the engine till red bar shows up.

Can anyone tell me if the oil dilution problem has been fixed for the Canadian market 2019 Honda CR-V engines ? The dealer says they have, but I would believe someone unbiased who can show me proof, not someone that wants to sell me a car.

You are making this harder than it need to be.

recently my 2.4 accord is giving the same problem... when i start it emits black smoke n rough idle.. like running extremely rich... dont understand why

Our crv 2017 has the oil dilution problem. Oil cap reeks of gasoline, oil mark on oil stick is way over where it should and smells of gasoline, the cabin also smells of gasoline. Honda is a disappointment. They issued no recall yet.

If you use a quality full synthetic and change it often, do you still recommend this engine? I think I’ll look at the 2.0 instead. Thx

Trust me it sucks. I just traded in my 2018 CRV. Bought a Toyota hopefully I will be happy

Interesting that I’ve seen so many posts about the accord being so superior to the camry, etc.. Toyota went for NA tried and true reliable engine. Puts out 206 hp. vs the 1.5 Turbo accord achieving similar horsepower, but having this issue, and potential carbon build up of a GDI only system. The camry uses direct and port to prevent carbon build up, improve drivability and reliability. I own a camry XSE 4 cylinder, and talked my brother in to the accord 2.0 turbo sport over the camry because he wanted a stick, and I had test driven one, and was impressed by the performance. .They are both nice cars that people are attracted to for different reasons.. I definitely like the infotainment better in the accord, and the LKAS works better than LDA does in the camry. Camry 4 cyl does not have the low end torque of the turbo accord, but definitely have not seen any oil dilution whatsoever.

That’s a crazy redline and good hp for 2.0l

Does the 2.0 i-vtec of the 2019 have this problem?'?

Yo is the west coast 250r swinger on the shelf behind you?

Whats the point of fuel efficiency of you're sitting in idle to wait for your engine to warm up

My 2017 civic hatch has fuel in the oil also. I just checked, but I figure I'm going to contact the dealer and let them know. Hopefully, since this is clearly becoming an issue, Honda takes steps to correct the problem, or in 5 years they will have a bunch of dead cars, and dead reputation, on their hands.

Lol I can tell you why it's getting fuel dilution. More fuel means less knock Honda went on the safe side and programmed the computer to put more fuel in. At almost all rpm ranges and if it detects a lesser grade fuel it may be putting even more in

No issue with mine so far thank goodness. My Canadian CRV has been recalled but I am going to wait until I see if it affects performance before its hopefully fixed. They are going to update the software and install a new heater (maybe). It is a very nice vehicle overall it is such a shame the engine has this issue. Honda is extending the warranty to 6 years so that's good. Seems like all the car companies are having issues and nowadays its how well they make amends. My Honda snowblower was made in 1976 and works even though it has an oil leak for 30 years so hopefully, this engine can deal with the dilution (they all have the issue by design). The way the motor is programmed its difficult to keep it past 1750 RPM no matter how hard you drive it off the highway.

I think before this video you should explain the basic fundamentals of open loop controller systems vs closed loop control systems (no output sensor input vs output sensor input to drive the input fuel air ratios)

My 2017 CRV 1.5 has not had this issue. Almost every drive I take I go far enough to fully warm the engine. However, this is now my second winter with the vehicle here in New England. I notice that the engine takes incredibly long to warm when the air temp is below 32F. The gauge needle actually gets near normal and drops way back to cold before finally getting up to full temp after many miles. I have to believe that this cold running condition and fuel dilution are related.

Bunch of hooplah imo. Let your car idle for 30-45 seconds in cold weather and then go easy on it until it reaches operating temp and you won't have a problem. Change your oil frequently and you'll be fine.

I may have said this before but my 18 CRV the climate control ramps the fan on cold mornings in auto mode and basically the heater core sucks what little heat there is out of the engine. Now that it is winter I have noticed my average MPG has dropped from 30 to 27 due to mostly short trips of less than 4 miles in 32 to 45 degree weather. The engine seems to run rich most of the time. Honda is trying to remedy this with software and mods to climate control. Good start but this motor has a cooling system to match its power so its most likely the size of the 2.4. The little motor just can't make enough heat to warm up the engine with the large climate control system in the CRV. Don't forget there is also a heat exchanger to the transmission on earth dreams to warm it too as another load. Thats why when it warming up and stop at a light in cold weather the engine temp will fall. The only good solution for Honda would be to add a heat recovery device to either the EGR or in the exhaust manifold like on the newer hybrids. Honda is not doing this yet.

The other issue is thermal expansion between the different components; intake manifold, gasket, engine block,....

To open/closed loop thing is sad. EFI has been working like that since it was invented. There should be mode for cold closed loop operation by now.

hi used 2016 CRV EXL has same problems? i am planning to buy. thanks

Is this issue for the civic lx too? Or just the ext (turbo)?

The new CX5 now offers a turbo, which is a nice alternative for those who are trying to stay away from the CR-V. Mazda seems to do a little more R&D than Honda, so it should be more reliable.

I expect the motor on my 2010 CR-V to last 300k miles. I expect the 1.5L turbocharged engines w/DRG In the new Honda’s will last half of mine. Any thoughts?

I have a 2018 Honda Civic SI with the 1.5 L turbo and 6 sp manual. I change the oil at 3,000 miles max because it’s over full by that mileage and the oil smells like gasoline. I went to my dealer and they flatly deny there is any issues or recalls. I did hear that all Canadian cars and any US state that borders Canada will have a recall to address the oil dilution issue with a re-flash of the ECM. This reprogramming is to reduce fuel ratios at start up. Sadly I am in Oregon a very wet and cold place but I guess not cold or wet enough to merit a fix in Honda’s mind. Guess I will just have to continue to do early oil changes until there is a real fix. As for other ways to minimize the problem 1-park in a garage during cold weather. 2- warm up the car longer. 3-buy a Lexus when my lease is up.

High compression + turbo charging + direction injection + small displacement = an overstressed engine that something is bound to give.

A very common problem related to turbo charged engines is the turbine failure. My question is - how much this turbine compressor replacement would cost?

My girlfriend friend just bought a 2019 accord with the 1.5T. it has 50k and i have xrossed fingers it is not one of the 1.5 with fuel dilution and or head gasket issues down the road. I told her to make uare to use quality synthetic , change it at 5k max and to make sure the collant is always full and to only use thr blue Honda coolant. She drives pretty conservatively so fingers crossed

My brand new CBR1000RR motorcycle (Honda to those who don't know - CBR = Honda) has engine issues as well. The thing knocks under load even with premium fuel. I bought a Honda sport bike over Kawasaki or Yamaha specifically because of the supposed reliability. I'm really sad about it.

I've heard people talk about injector spray patterns on these engines. The direct injector sprays fuel onto the cylinder walls and the piston rings pick it up. Under boost conditions some blow by is going to happen, only now the blow by is contaminated with fuel. I have a 2019 CRV with the L15. I bought it used and live a literal 2 minutes from work. I have noticed fuel contaminating the oil, though not to the degree others have spoke of. Its the EX-L trim level, pretty much loaded without the foot activated tail gate and in dash navigation, and I love driving it. That 1.5 runs like a V6. I just take it for a longer drive on the weekends, use the best oil and premium fuel and change the oil at 3,000 miles. I dont think Itll be an issue for me. Which is good because they only extended the powertrain warranty up to 2018, supposedly the 2019 and above aren't having a problem, but I can tell you they are. It could be that mine is more of the typical DI oil contamination and not the super excessive stuff others are talking about?? The most I have saw my oil above the full line is 5mm, I've heard of people seeing 30-40mm above the full mark and wiping bearings. Either way I love the car and am happy I bought it, even if it means I have to put a little extra into maintaining it. I've saw Hondas that lasted 500,000 with very little maintenance. They are hands down the most reliable car you can buy, and in my experience the L15 runs like a dream, an Earth Dream that is, whatever the hell that is?? I have noticed my fuel economy is down though. Others are talking about 30-40 MPG, on the very short trips I take Im getting 22 MPG. I may have to pressure test the intercooler, I've heard the intercooler side housing seperating from the heat exchanger is very common, and will kill fuel economy without a CEL.

Any word on if the 2018 Accord 1.5t is affected?