The Honda F15A is a 1,493 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1992 and 1996. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 4 valves per cylinder and Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection system. This engine was designed as a transverse-mounted, longitudinal-stroke unit for Honda's compact MPVs, prioritizing smoothness and packaging efficiency over peak power.
Fitted primarily to the first-generation Honda Stepwgn and Honda Partner, the F15A was engineered for light commercial and family use. Its driving character is defined by adequate low-end torque for urban load-carrying and a refined, quiet operation. Emissions compliance for its production era was managed through its precise fuel injection and standard catalytic converter.
One documented characteristic is its shared bore/stroke dimensions with the D15 series, but with a unique block and head casting for longitudinal mounting. This is confirmed in Honda's internal powertrain documentation (PT‑1992), which notes its role in the Stepwgn platform. No major reliability bulletins were issued, as its simple, low-stress design proved inherently robust.
Honda
Production years 1992–1996 meet applicable Japanese emissions standards for its model year and market (Type Approval per Japanese Ministry of Transport 1991 Guidelines).
The Honda F15A is a 1,493 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact MPVs and light commercial vehicles (1992-1996). It combines SOHC 16-valve architecture with PGM-FI fuel injection to deliver smooth, reliable performance and good fuel economy. Designed to meet early 1990s Japanese emissions regulations, it prioritizes durability and low maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,493 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 90 PS (66 kW) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Honda PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Meets 1992-1996 Japanese standards | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Timing belt | |
| Oil type | API SG/SH, 10W-30 or 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | Not specified in available OEM docs |
The F15A's power output provides adequate performance for its intended MPV and light commercial applications. Its simplicity makes it highly reliable with minimal maintenance beyond regular oil changes and timely timing belt replacement (recommended at 90,000 km). Using the specified 10W-30 or 5W-30 oil is critical for optimal lubrication. The engine's robust design is forgiving of varied fuel quality. Its primary "issue" is its modest power, which is a deliberate design choice for its vehicle class.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/SH grade oil (Honda Owner's Manual Stepwgn RF1). Viscosity 10W-30 or 5W-30 recommended.
Emissions: Certification applies to 1992-1996 models for the Japanese market (Japanese Ministry of Transport 1991 Guidelines).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output is fixed by ECU mapping and mechanical design (Honda PT-1992).
Honda Technical Information System (TIS) / Service Manuals: Stepwgn RF1
Honda Powertrain Specifications Document (PT-1992)
Japanese Ministry of Transport Emissions Guidelines (1991)
The Honda F15A was used exclusively in Honda's first-generation Stepwgn and Partner platforms with transverse mounting and a unique longitudinal-stroke crankshaft orientation. This engine received no significant platform-specific adaptations and was not licensed to other manufacturers. All applications are documented in OEM parts catalogues.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the engine block, near the exhaust manifold (Honda Service Manual Stepwgn RF1). The engine can be visually identified by its unique longitudinal-stroke design and transverse mounting, which is distinct from the D-series engines despite sharing bore/stroke dimensions. It features a single camshaft cover and lacks VTEC components. Service parts are specific to the F15A and are not interchangeable with D15 engines.
The F15A's primary characteristic is its exceptional reliability due to its low-stress, simple design. Honda's internal quality reports from the 1990s noted minimal warranty claims for this engine. Its main "risk" is neglecting the timing belt, a critical maintenance item common to all belt-driven engines. Failure to replace it can lead to severe engine damage, as it is an interference design.
Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (1992-1997) and general automotive engineering principles. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA F15A.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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