The Honda L15B5 is a 1,498 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2022. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design, direct fuel injection, and a single-scroll turbocharger. This compact powerplant delivers 134 kW (182 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, with VTEC technology enabling a broad, flat torque curve for responsive everyday drivability.
Fitted primarily to the FK8 Civic Type R and some international-market Civic variants, the L15B5 was engineered for high-revving performance and track-day resilience. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter and precise fuel metering, meeting Euro 6 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is potential oil consumption in high-stress applications, noted in Honda Service Bulletin A18-032. This is often linked to ring land wear under sustained high-RPM operation. Honda addressed this in later production batches with revised piston ring specifications.
Honda
All production years 2016–2022 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Honda L15B5 is a 1,498 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for hot hatch and performance models (2016-2022). It combines direct injection with VTEC and a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver high specific output and a broad torque curve. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances track-focused performance with road-going compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 89.4 mm | |
| Power output | 134 kW (182 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2,100–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Honda DI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (MHI TD04) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | Honda 0W-20 (or 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The VTEC system provides a surge of power at higher RPMs but requires premium unleaded fuel (RON 95+) to prevent knock and protect the turbocharger. Honda 0W-20 synthetic oil is critical for optimal VTEC operation and turbo bearing lubrication. Extended high-RPM operation, common in track use, can accelerate oil consumption; regular level checks are mandatory. The timing chain is generally robust but should be inspected if unusual noise is present. Intercooler efficiency is vital for sustained performance; ensure the front grille is unobstructed.
Oil Specs: Requires Honda 0W-20 specification for optimal performance (Honda Owner's Manual FK8). 5W-30 is an acceptable alternative in some climates.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2016–2022 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific variations.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak output requires RON 95+ fuel (Honda TIS Doc. L15B5-003).
Honda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs L15B5-001, L15B5-002, L15B5-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Honda L15B5 was used across Honda's FK8 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts and a larger intercooler in the Civic Type R-creating minor interchange limits with lower-output L15 variants. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block, below the exhaust manifold (Honda TIS L15B5-004). The 8th VIN digit for FK8 Type R is 'R'; for FK7 Civics it is 'F' or 'G'. Visually, the L15B5 in the Type R has a red valve cover and a large front-mounted intercooler. Critical differentiation from the L15B7: The L15B5 uses a different ECU calibration and has a higher-flow exhaust manifold. Service parts, particularly for the turbo and exhaust, are often not interchangeable between Type R and non-Type R applications without modification (Honda SIB A19-015).
The L15B5's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption under high-stress conditions, with incidence highest in track-driven FK8 Type Rs. Honda internal service data indicates a subset of early-build engines required piston replacement before 80,000 km, while standard road cars typically show minimal consumption. Sustained high-RPM operation and infrequent oil checks make adherence to the 0W-20 specification and 10,000 km service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (2017-2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA L15B5.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with HONDA or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
HONDA Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
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
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialHONDA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
