The main issue with the 2018 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T is an oil dilution problem that can lead to reduced engine performance and longevity. Turbo failure and excessive oil consumption may also occur.
As a Honda mechanic, I have seen these problems surface in a concerning number of 2018 Accord Sport 1.5T models with under 50,000 miles. By being aware of the symptoms and addressing them promptly, you can help avoid costly repairs down the road. This article will overview what you need to know about identifying and preventing the top 2018 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T problems.
The Most Common 2018 Honda Accord Sport 1.5 T Complaints
Table of Content
Here are the top 5 problems reported by 2018 Accord 1.5 T owners:
Issues with 2018 Honda Accord Sport 1.5L Turbo | Details |
Oil Dilution | Prone to oil dilution issues causing wear, decreased fuel economy, and potential engine failure. Reported as early as 40,000 miles. Honda’s attempted fix via ECU update was not entirely successful. |
Turbo Failure | Turbocharger failure occurs as early as 40,000 miles, leading to engine stoppage and potential overheating. Monitoring and prompt replacement advised. |
Lack of Features | 1.5L Turbo lacks features compared to the 2.0L version, impacting ownership experience. |
Reliability Concerns | Considered less reliable than the 2.0L variant, contributing to overall dissatisfaction among owners. |
Early Onset of Major Issues | Major problems, including oil dilution and turbo issues, reported as early as the 40,000-mile mark, challenging Honda’s longevity reputation. |
Oil Dilution
This happens when gasoline mixes with oil in the crankcase, normally due to internal fuel leaks. It dramatically impacts oil viscosity and lubrication.
In this engine, the main culprit seems to be fuel injectors spraying excessive fuel during cold starts. More gas accumulates in the winter when it’s harder to completely vaporize.
Over time, gas leaks past worn piston seal rings 💨 and dilutes the oil. This compromised lubrication accelerates wear on engine internals.
Impacts of Oil Dilution
- Decreased engine performance and fuel economy 📉
- Abnormal engine noises
- Turbo & engine component wear due to poor lubrication
- Potential overheating or failure in severe cases
It’s frustrating that Honda hasn’t properly addressed this issue with a comprehensive recall or warranty extension. Most fixes amount to Band-Aids like an ECU recalibration. Proper repairs often total thousands in mechanic bills.
Premature Turbocharger Failure
Many 1.5 T Accord owners see turbo failure around 40-50k miles—much too early considering Honda’s reputation.
When the turbo stops working correctly, it prevents the engine from building boost pressure properly. Symptoms include:
- Lack of power under acceleration 🐢
- Excessive turbo lag
- Burning smells from the exhaust
- Oil leaks around the turbo
Eventually, the turbo fails completely, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. This can leave you stranded roadside or cause an accident if it happens at higher speeds. ⚠️ Not good!
The underlying cause is typically the oil dilution problem allowing contaminants to circulate and wear down the precision turbo components prematurely over time.
Replacing the turbo and fixing any resulting engine damage gets very costly. And there’s no guarantee the new turbo won’t succumb to the same issues if oil problems persist.
Overall, Reduced Engine Longevity
In general, this 1.5liter turbo engine seems less durable and reliable than Honda’s past offerings.
Where most Honda engines would still run great at 150-200k miles, many Accord Sport owners report major issues requiring engine rebuilds or replacements under 100k.
Much of this comes down to lubrication issues introduced by pervasive oil dilution problems. Insufficient oil flow accelerates wear on internal components like piston rings, bearings, valves, and more over your engine’s lifetime.
This isn’t what drivers expect from the Honda badge. While their other engines earn a reputation for longevity, signs point to cutting corners on this turbo variant.
Maintenance Tips to Improve Durability
The good news? Proper maintenance can help minimize oil issues and improve reliability. Here is my expert advice:
- Check oil level frequently; top off as needed
- Change oil more often – don’t push to 10k mile intervals
- Use quality synthetic blend or full synthetic oil
- Drive gently while cold until the engine is fully warmed up
- Install an oil catch can to reduce contamination
- Listen for abnormal engine noises as a warning sign
- Fix any leaks (oil, coolant, etc) immediately
These steps can’t guarantee your engine won’t still have problems. But they make issues less likely and will help wring more miles out of it either way.
I’d also suggest selling before the powertrain warranty expires around 60k miles. These engines become liability-prone after that, in my experience.
Turbo Engine Specs & Performance Overview 🏎️
Spec | Detail |
Engine | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl DOHC 16-Valve |
Horsepower | 192 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
Torque | 192 lb-ft @ 1,600-5,000 rpm |
Transmission | CVT automatic |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
0-60 mph | ~7.5 seconds |
Top speed | 130 mph (limited) |
Recommended fuel | Regular 87 octane |
Fuel economy | 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway |
Despite its problems, this turbo engine delivers quite a solid midrange punch and acceleration by compact sedan standards. The broad torque band gives respectable power for merging and passing. Mileage is decent for an upgraded engine, aided by the CVT transmission optimizing rpm ranges for efficiency.
So, while not without flaws, the performance experience behind the wheel remains quite good. It offers a noticeable kick over the base naturally aspirated engine, especially for drivers wanting some fun from their affordable commuter. This turbo option mainly struggles with its long-term dependability compared to the competition.
Key Takeaways – 2018 Honda Accord Sport 1.5 T Problems
- Oil dilution and premature turbo failure are common around 40,000 miles
- Honda hasn’t properly addressed these problems – repairs fall to the owners
- Resulting in engine wear reduces the expected lifespan vs. other Hondas
- Proper maintenance can help avoid issues
- But consider selling before the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty expires
While still a capable engine on paper, real-world testing shows too many dependability flaws in this 1.5-liter turbo application. Here’s hoping Honda rights the ship on the next generation. 🤞 What has your experience been with these engines? Let me know in the comments if you’ve encountered these problems in your 2018+ Accord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Bad Turbo The Cause Of Oil Dilution Issues?
No, oil dilution happens independently due to bad piston rings and fuel injectors allowing gas to leak into the oil. However, oil contamination will accelerate turbo component wear over time.
Should I Sell My 2018 Accord Sport Before The Engine Fails?
If repairs would come out-of-pocket after the 60k mile powertrain warranty, I would suggest selling or trading in. These engines often have big issues beyond that period.
What Should You Do If Your Accord Won’t Accelerate Properly?
Lack of power on acceleration can indicate a failing turbo or oil dilution, causing misfires. Get codes scanned and inspect the turbo and engine oil right away before driving further.
Is It Safe To Drive If You Suspect Oil Dilution?
You risk further engine damage when driving with contaminated oil due to poor lubrication. Tow it to the mechanic unless it’s an emergency situation without other options.
Will Honda Ever Resolve These 1.5T Problems In An Updated Design?
Honda continues making incremental fixes but nothing that fully resolves inherent issues like oil blow-by past the piston rings. Hopefully, the next generation brings a redesign addressing these shortcomings.
Also Read:
- 2018 Honda Accord Emissions System Problem
- Why Is My Honda Accord Not Starting? 12 Reasons and Fixes?
- Honda Accord Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems: A Comprehensive Guide
- Common Causes And Solutions For The Honda accord’s charging system problem
