Does the Prelude use the same problematic LF engine that has bad head gaskets?

[pillred44]

Honda's Hybrid Four-Cylinder Engines Are Blowing Head Gaskets And There's Already A Service Campaign In Canada - The Autopian

The current Honda hybrid powertrain is smooth and efficient, but head gasket troubles are starting to surface.

www.theautopian.com

All a bit of a worry. Luckily in the UK if you get your new Honda serviced at a Honda dealer the warranty lasts up to 8 years.

 

[nyon19]

How Independent Techs Permanently Fix Honda 2.0L Hybrid Head Gasket Failures Without Using Factory Parts

Frustrated by dealership denials, out-of-warranty Honda 2.0L hybrid owners are turning to independent mechanics for permanent engine fixes. Discover how upgraded aftermarket head studs and revised maintenance intervals solve the cylinder 1 thermal flaw.

www.torquenews.com

 

[pillred44]

How Independent Techs Permanently Fix Honda 2.0L Hybrid Head Gasket Failures Without Using Factory Parts

Frustrated by dealership denials, out-of-warranty Honda 2.0L hybrid owners are turning to independent mechanics for permanent engine fixes. Discover how upgraded aftermarket head studs and revised maintenance intervals solve the cylinder 1 thermal flaw.

www.torquenews.com

I had my Civic hybrid for nearly 3 years and was a member of the forum, and never once in all that time did I ever hear about someone with any gasket problems. Some of them had covered quite long distances as well; the problems that are occurring seem to be after quite high mileage, like 70,000 miles or more, but it's still disappointing. I hope this does not ruin their reputation and have a knock-on effect on resale prices.

 

[rexracer29]

I had my Civic hybrid for nearly 3 years and was a member of the forum, and never once in all that time did I ever hear about someone with any gasket problems. Some of them had covered quite long distances as well; the problems that are occurring seem to be after quite high mileage, like 70,000 miles or more, but it's still disappointing. I hope this does not ruin their reputation and have a knock-on effect on resale prices.

Just about any engine can hit 100K-120K miles with ease today. I personally don’t consider 70K miles high milage. Certainly not for a Japanese brand.

 

[rexracer29]

Is the Prelude engine the same Honda Hybrid engine as the LF series with the problematic head gasket problems? Is the Prelude engine a ticking time bomb?

 

[rexracer29]

Is it confirmed the Prelude uses the same engine that is having serious head gasket problems?

 

[rexracer29]

This was from a search.

"

Engine Similarities in Honda Hybrids​

Shared Powertrain​

The 2026 Honda Prelude hybrid utilizes the same two-motor hybrid powertrain as the Honda Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. This includes the 2.0-liter inline-four engine from the LF family, which is common across these models.

Head Gasket Issues​

There have been reports of head gasket failures associated with the LF-series engines used in these hybrids. Owners of the Civic and Accord hybrids have experienced problems, including coolant leaks and engine overheating, which are often linked to blown head gaskets.

Summary of Engine and Issues​

Model	Engine Type	Head Gasket Issues Reported
2026 Honda Prelude	2.0-liter inline-four hybrid	Yes
Honda Civic Hybrid	2.0-liter inline-four hybrid	Yes
Honda Accord Hybrid	2.0-liter inline-four hybrid	Yes

The Prelude shares its engine with the Civic and Accord hybrids, which have faced similar head gasket problems."

 

[pillred44]

Is it confirmed the Prelude uses the same engine that is having serious head gasket problems?

It's the 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine used in the Honda CRV, Accord and Civic e-HEV, so I would assume it's the same as the one fitted to the Prelude. As far as I am aware, they haven't made any changes to it as yet. Strangely, somebody reported over 200,000 miles in their CRV with no problems, so it may come down to maintenance servicing and the way the car is driven in a particular climate, such as hot weather, because temperature changes seem to be the problem with it cycling on and off, causing fluctuations in engine temp.

 

[pillred44]

Is the Prelude engine the same Honda Hybrid engine as the LF series with the problematic head gasket problems? Is the Prelude engine a ticking time bomb?

I must admit that even though I do such low mileage, this is probably never going to be a problem for me. I am a bit disappointed with this news, and it has rather taken the shine off owning my new car. And I would think this is bound to impact the resale value when we come to pX or sell. By the sound of it, it's very unlikely to be a problem whilst it's under warranty, though here in the UK the warranty can last 8 years, so Honda may be having to replace a few gaskets or engines in the future. I doubt there will be a recall.

 

[PGH218]

I think in Canada there is a TSB which involves a software upgrade to the engine management system. Its posted on one of the CRV sites.

 

[rexracer29]

I must admit that even though I do such low mileage, this is probably never going to be a problem for me. I am a bit disappointed with this news, and it has rather taken the shine off owning my new car. And I would think this is bound to impact the resale value when we come to pX or sell. By the sound of it, it's very unlikely to be a problem whilst it's under warranty, though here in the UK the warranty can last 8 years, so Honda may be having to replace a few gaskets or engines in the future. I doubt there will be a recall.

Honda is not the only company with head gasket issues. Subaru had a history with head gasket issues in some engines. Subaru had a special “head gasket conditioner” dealers poured into the coolant. The head gasket conditioner was not a fix but a product that attempted to prolong the gasket failures. I don’t think that worked very well.

Head gasket repairs are expensive, it cost about $5K here in the U.S. This is a nightmare problem for Honda and its reputation for reliability. I think Honda knows it has an engine with a problem that can potentially be a huge marketing issue. The known issues with time bomb engines in the Hybrids might very well be the reason you are suddenly getting an 8 year warranty. Nothing is free. Honda might be trying to get ahead of the negative press. They also want EU owners servicing their cars at Honda dealers, not independent shops, to maintain that 8 year warranty coverage. It benefits Honda and its dealers for a few reasons. Dealers make the revenue for servicing the cars and Honda can try prolonging potential engine damage by a stricter preventive maintenance schedule.

Honda repairing the head gaskets is potentially a bandaid. Serious damage can be done to the engine by the blown head gasket even if the gasket is replaced. There can be damage even after the head gasket repair. Antifreeze coolant can mix in with oil which affects the lubricating properties of the oil. The slightest deterioration in oil by contamination of coolant is not good. That can cause major damage in internal engine. Components like bearings can score. Compromised rod and crank bearings can mean an engine rebuild.

In my opinion a known major failure of an engine by 100K miles is not acceptable. In my eyes that makes the product disposable. That potentially means the residual or resale values of products with the defective engines can be compromised.

It is flat out a marketing nightmare for Honda. The Prelude is not the problem. Honda only is planning on selling 4000 Preludes in the States. The real problem is the millions of other Honda products with the same problematic engines with potential head gasket failure. Those cars are ticking time bombs if the problem is truly widespread. Honda’s reputation for reliability is what makes its products desirable. That reputation is in jeopardy. As a consumer who was very interested in buying a Honda product like the Prelude my jets have cooled until I learn more about this. This news of head gasket failures is like a freezing cold shower for me.

Honda might do what some other brands have done and offer a complementary extended warranty that cover the head gasket issue through a certain amount of time and milage.

 

[rexracer29]

It seems like the head bolt design- material and head gasket materials along with thermo properties are part of the problem behind the failures. As a potential consumer of the Prelude I want to know if there are updated part numbers for head hardware like bolts and fasteners and head gaskets. I want to know if there are changes with updated parts that are different than the parts used in the hybrid Civic, Accord, and other engines with problems.

 

[rexracer29]

I think in Canada there is a TSB which involves a software upgrade to the engine management system. Its posted on one of the CRV sites.

I think the problem is related to thermodynamics and head fastener (bolts) material and gasket material and design. Software can influence thermo loads but at what cost? Less power or efficiency? That sounds sketchy on Honda’s part. The problem is a mechanical issue due to poor design and materials. New parts need to be designed and replaced. I read the aftermarket might have some solutions.

The problems look like it surfaced years ago in the Civic, Accord, CRV Hybrids. I wonder what is taking Honda so long to address this with a real solution? Or maybe they have been updating the parts in the supply chain?

There was a thread on this forum about a different drivetrain. I that the reason for using a new engine/drivetrain? I am sure Honda’s risk management team knows what the most cost efficient solution is.

This is a let down.

 

[rexracer29]

I know the Prelude is new and not many have been sold. And probably not many with higher milage yet but has anyone had issues with over heating or head gaskets?

Reports are starting to surface about the Prelude’s engine having head gasket issues. I guess this is the same engine that is shared with other Honda Hybrid products like the Civic, Accord Hybrids. They are know to have head gasket failures due to heat. Head gasket failures are serious and can cause serious damage even if replaced. Some of the damage can be already done even if the head gaskets are replaced. Personally I would get rid of a car if it had a head gasket failure. An engine might run after replacing the head gaskets but there might be hidden damage. There are just too many possible things that could have been damaged by heat, lack of proper oil, etc, that would affect the longevity of the engine. And head gaskets are expensive to repair. About $5K if it is out of warranty.

Without a doubt I would buy a Honda backed extended warranty for any Honda using the Civic Hybrid engine. Luckly there are on-line vendors who sell the Honda warranties for significant discounts.

 

[Alex_Waverley66]

I think it is easy to overstate the severity of this issue. Given the number of hybrids that Honda sells each year the failure rate is very low and with proper maintenance a catastrophic failure is very unlikely. As with any engine observing the proper service schedule and procedures is critical to long-term reliability. And, let's face it, a lot of owners ignore this or do maintenance on the cheap. Taking the time to look under the hood once in a while is just common sense but it is also ignored by many owners. Visual inspection will catch many issues before they turn into a bigger problem. This is true of any vehicle and it always has been.

My wife is 70 years old and drive less than 6000 miles a year. She sticks to the maintenance intervals and I inspect all of our cars every few weeks. I am not concerned with this in the least.

Extended warranties are a suckers game. Instead of purchasing them take the money and set it aside in an interest bearing vehicle. Do this routinely and in short order you will have enough cash set aside to repair or replace anything that breaks and still have cash left over. In short self-insure an keep the profits for yourself. All it takes is a little discipline.

 

[rexracer29]

I think it is easy to overstate the severity of this issue. Given the number of hybrids that Honda sells each year the failure rate is very low and with proper maintenance a catastrophic failure is very unlikely. As with any engine observing the proper service schedule and procedures is critical to long-term reliability. And, let's face it, a lot of owners ignore this or do maintenance on the cheap. Taking the time to look under the hood once in a while is just common sense but it is also ignored by many owners. Visual inspection will catch many issues before they turn into a bigger problem. This is true of any vehicle and it always has been.

My wife is 70 years old and drive less than 6000 miles a year. She sticks to the maintenance intervals and I inspect all of our cars every few weeks. I am not concerned with this in the least.

Extended warranties are a suckers game. Instead of purchasing them take the money and set it aside in an interest bearing vehicle. Do this routinely and in short order you will have enough cash set aside to repair or replace anything that breaks and still have cash left over. In short self-insure an keep the profits for yourself. All it takes is a little discipline.

I normally do not buy extended warranties. They are actually insurance policies. You are correct, insurance companies sell insurance to make money. You usually come out ahead if you self insure. Things are different today. Prices for labor and parts has gone up faster than inflation. Honda has a known problem with this engine. The repair for this problem would cost about $5K. That is a best case scenario if nothing inside the engine is damaged after head gasket failure. The potential for internal engine damage is high if the water jacket is compromised and coolant mixes with oil. That would be a much more expensive repair. As a result my opinion about warranties-insurance under certain circumstances has changed. In this case I would consider the $1200 warranty-insurance a hedge and peace of mind.

A P6G member bought a 8 year/100K $0-ded Honda backed warranty for about $1200. Just about any repair can cost $1K today. Personally I would roll the dice and spend the $1200 for peace of mind considering the head gaskets are a known issue. Insurance is regulated by state so it might be a little different in every state but in many instances you are entitled to a pro-rated refund if you choose to cancel the policy if you sold the car. You would get back some of the unused cost.

 

[nyon19]

I used to never buy extended warranties for the same reason. On my 2019 Volvo I did not purchase the extended warranty which would have been $3k. Instead I wound up paying $15k+ for non-maintenance issues that would have been covered by that extended warranty. I ponied up $1200 for the 8y/120k Honda VSC on the Prelude, yes it’s just an insurance gamble but cheap insurance at that for a 1st gen vehicle in a maybe limited run.

 

[pillred44]

I used to never buy extended warranties for the same reason. On my 2019 Volvo I did not purchase the extended warranty which would have been $3k. Instead I wound up paying $15k+ for non-maintenance issues that would have been covered by that extended warranty. I ponied up $1200 for the 8y/120k Honda VSC on the Prelude, yes it’s just an insurance gamble but cheap insurance at that for a 1st gen vehicle in a maybe limited run.

You can't put a price on peace of mind for 8 years.

 

[rexracer29]

You can't put a price on peace of mind for 8 years.

I hear you. It can mean the difference between repair anxiety and not enjoying the car and not worrying about it and enjoying it.

 

[Alex_Waverley66]

You can't put a price on peace of mind for 8 years.

Sure you can.