Is there an issue with Honda 1.5 Turbo engines?

I'm thinking of changing my dependable 2013 2.2-litre diesel Honda CR-V (manual) for a 2019 CR-V 1.5-litre turbo (auto) but am worried that the 1.5 engine has a reputation for problems with the turbo due to poor lubrication caused by petrol leaking down the bores and mixing with the engine oil, thus reducing viscosity and effectiveness. My annual mileage is low (approx 5000 miles) and in future will be made up of many short journeys when the engine may not have chance to get fully warmed through.

Do you have many reports of turbo issues/failure on this 2019 iteration of the 1.5 Honda engine or did Honda cure the problem by that model year?

Asked on 29 April 2025 by Reggie75

Answered by David Ross
Some examples of the 1.5-litre turbo engine as fitted to Honda models have experienced issues with oil dilution, and this is exacerbated by frequent short journeys and colder climates. Honda issued software updates to increase engine temperatures after start up to try and combat the issue, so we would expect a 2019 example to have this software update installed. However, with such a low annual mileage the 2.0-litre petrol hybrid may be the better option.
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