Engine Code

HONDA K24A1 engine (2002–2005) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Honda K24A1 is a 2,354 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2005. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve cylinder head and Honda's PGM‑FI fuel injection system. This configuration was designed for robust, torquey performance in premium compact applications, producing 118 kW (160 PS) with an emphasis on low-to-mid range drivability.

Fitted primarily to the seventh-generation Accord Euro-R and certain CR-V variants, the K24A1 was engineered for smooth, confident acceleration and comfortable cruising. It offered a broad torque curve suitable for highway and urban use. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through precise fuel metering and a three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 3 standards for its production period.

One documented engineering characteristic is the potential for premature wear of the balance shaft bearings, which can lead to increased engine vibration and noise. This issue, noted in Honda service documentation (SIB H‑BS‑03), is often linked to extended oil change intervals or the use of incorrect oil viscosity.

Honda Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2002–2005 meet Euro 3 emissions standards for their respective model years and markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9016).

K24A1 Technical Specifications

The Honda K24A1 is a 2,354 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size sedans and SUVs (2002-2005). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with PGM-FI fuel injection to deliver smooth, powerful performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with Honda's reputation for reliability.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,354 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
Bore × stroke87.0 mm × 99.0 mm
Power output118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque218 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel systemHonda PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection)
Emissions standardEuro 3
Compression ratio9.7:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain-driven DOHC
Oil typeHonda 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SJ/CF or higher)
Dry weight155 kg
Practical Implications

The DOHC design provides smooth, torquey performance ideal for relaxed driving but mandates strict adherence to oil change intervals to prevent balance shaft bearing wear. Using the specified Honda 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil is critical for engine longevity. The PGM-FI system requires clean fuel; contaminated fuel can damage injectors. Ignoring oil change schedules is the primary risk to long-term engine health.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Honda 5W-30 or 10W-30 meeting API SJ/CF or higher specification (Honda Owner's Manual, 2004 Accord Euro-R).

Emissions: Meets Euro 3 emissions standards for vehicles registered between 2002-2005 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9016).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards for European market Accord Euro-R (Honda Group PT-2004).

Primary Sources

Honda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H-FI-012, H-ENG-02

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9016)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

K24A1 Compatible Models

The Honda K24A1 was used across Honda's CL/RD platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minimal platform-specific adaptations during its production run, ensuring good parts interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Honda
Years:
2002–2005
Models:
Accord Euro-R (CL7)
Variants:
Euro-R
View Source
Honda Group PT-2004
Make:
Honda
Years:
2002–2005
Models:
CR-V (RD1, RD2)
Variants:
2.4i
View Source
Honda Group PT-2004
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the engine block, just below the exhaust manifold (Honda TIS H-ENG-02). The 8th VIN digit for K24A1-equipped UK/EU Accord models is typically 'K'. Visually, it can be identified by its black or silver valve cover with "DOHC" embossed on top. Critical differentiation from the K24A2: The K24A1 has a different intake manifold and ECU mapping for the European market. Service parts like the intake manifold and ECU are specific to the K24A1 and not interchangeable with the K24A2 (Honda EPC H-K24A1-02).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Honda TIS Doc. H-ENG-02

Location:

Stamped on the front engine block, below the exhaust manifold (Honda TIS H-ENG-02).

Visual Cues:

Valve cover with 'DOHC' text
Compatibility Notes

E C U:

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is calibrated specifically for the K24A1's European emissions and performance profile.

Evidence:

Honda EPC Doc. H-K24A1-02

Intake Manifold:

The K24A1 intake manifold is specific to the European market and is not interchangeable with the USDM K24A2 manifold.
Critical Maintenance

Evidence:

  • Honda Owner's Manual (2004 Accord Euro-R)
  • Honda SIB H-BS-03

Oil Changes:

Strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 10,000 km or 6 months) is critical to prevent balance shaft bearing wear (Honda SIB H-BS-03).

Balance Shaft:

Use correct oil viscosity to ensure proper lubrication of balance shaft bearings.

Common Reliability Issues - HONDA K24A1

The K24A1's primary reliability consideration is balance shaft bearing wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Honda service data indicates this is a common wear item after 150,000 km, often linked to infrequent oil changes. Regular oil changes and prompt attention to engine vibration are key to long-term trouble-free operation.

Balance shaft bearing wear
Symptoms: Increased engine vibration, especially at idle or low RPM, and a distinctive whirring or grinding noise from the lower engine block.
Cause: Wear or failure of the bearings supporting the engine's balance shafts, often accelerated by extended oil change intervals or use of incorrect oil viscosity.
Fix: Replace the balance shaft assembly and bearings. Requires significant engine disassembly. Prevention through correct oil and timely changes is strongly recommended.
VTC actuator failure
Symptoms: Rough idle, rattling noise from the front of the engine (especially on cold start), and 'Check Engine' light with VTC-related fault codes.
Cause: Wear or failure of the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator on the intake camshaft, often due to oil sludge or debris clogging the oil passages.
Fix: Replace the VTC actuator. Perform an oil and filter change with correct specification oil. Clean oil passages if necessary.
Exhaust manifold cracks
Symptoms: Ticking noise from engine bay that changes with RPM, possible exhaust smell in cabin.
Cause: Thermal cycling and stress, particularly on the thin runners near the head, can lead to cracks.
Fix: Replace the exhaust manifold assembly. Aftermarket headers are a common upgrade that also resolves this.
Valve cover gasket leak
Symptoms: Oil seepage or dripping from the edge of the valve cover, often accumulating on the top of the gearbox or engine block.
Cause: The rubber gasket hardens and shrinks with age and heat, losing its ability to seal against the cylinder head.
Fix: Replace the valve cover gasket. Ensure the valve cover surface is clean and flat before installing the new gasket. Torque bolts to specification.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (2002-2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about HONDA K24A1

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA K24A1.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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HONDA Official Site

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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Official Documentation

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Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialHONDA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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