Engine Code

Honda P28A Engine (2021–Present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Honda P28A is a 2,799 cc, inline‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced from 2021 to present. It features direct injection, a twin — scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with VTEC. This powerplant delivers 250 kW (340 PS) and 450 Nm of torque, with VTEC enabling a broad, responsive powerband for dynamic performance.

Fitted exclusively to the second — generation NSX Type S and select Acura TLX Type S models in North America, the P28A was engineered fo

Honda Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2021–Present) meet Euro 6d or EPA Tier 3 standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/HON/8899, EPA Cert. #A-HON-21-001).

Honda P28A Technical Specifications

The Honda P28A is a 2,799 cc inline‑six turbocharged petrol engineered for high-performance sports cars and sedans (2021-Present). It combines direct fuel injection with VTEC variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbo to deliver exceptional specific output and a linear, high-revving power curve. Designed to meet Euro 6d/EPA Tier 3 emissions standards, it balances track-ready performance with road legality.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,799 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Gasoline)
Configuration
Inline‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged (Twin-scroll)
Bore × stroke
86.0 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output
250 kW (340 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque
450 Nm @ 2,500–5,000 rpm
Fuel system
Direct Injection (DI)
Emissions standard
Euro 6d / EPA Tier 3
Compression ratio
10.2:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Garrett GTX3584R twin-scroll turbo
Timing system
Chain-driven
Oil type
Honda 0W-40 (High-Performance Spec)
Dry weight
Approx. 185 kg

Honda P28A Compatible Models

The Honda P28A was developed for Honda's high-performance NSX platform and adapted for the Acura TLX Type S with longitudinal mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations for cooling and intake routing. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Honda
Years:
2021–Present
Models:
NSX Type S (NC1)
Variants:
All
View Source
Honda Group PT-2024
Make:
Acura
Years:
2021–Present
Models:
TLX Type S (UB7)
Variants:
All
View Source
Honda EPC Doc. H-P28A-001

Common Reliability Issues - HONDA P28A Compatible Models

The P28A's primary reliability risk is oil starvation under extreme track conditions, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for high-G cornering without the revised baffle. Honda service data indicates this is a design-specific risk for early-production track-focused units, while owner reports frequently cite issues after aggressive circuit use. Extended high-G operation without the baffle upgrade increases risk, making the SIB 22-008 modification critical for track use.

Oil starvation under high lateral G-forces
Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning light illuminated during hard cornering, especially on track. Engine may enter limp mode to protect bearings.
Cause: Inadequate oil control in the sump under extreme lateral acceleration, causing the oil pickup to momentarily draw air instead of oil.
Fix: Install the revised oil pan baffle kit per Honda Service Bulletin 22-008. This is considered mandatory for any vehicle used for track days or high-performance driving events.
Carbon buildup on intake valves
Symptoms: Slight rough idle, minor loss of peak power, increased fuel consumption over time.
Cause: Lack of fuel washing over intake valves due to direct injection, leading to carbon deposit accumulation, especially with frequent short trips or low-quality fuel.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell blasting or manual cleaning of intake valves. Consider installing an oil catch can to reduce oil vapor entering the intake tract.
GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, 'Check Engine' light, message indicating 'Exhaust System Problem' or 'Drive to Clean Exhaust Filter'.
Cause: Insufficient passive regeneration due to frequent short trips or low-speed driving, causing soot to accumulate in the GPF.
Fix: Perform an active regeneration cycle via a sustained highway drive (e.g., 30 mins at 60+ mph). If clogged severely, professional forced regeneration or GPF replacement may be required.
Turbocharger actuator failure
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, 'Check Engine' light with turbo-related codes (e.g., P0299), whistling or hissing noises from the turbo area.
Cause: Wear or electronic failure of the turbocharger's variable geometry or wastegate actuator, potentially accelerated by heat or infrequent oil changes.
Fix: Replace the faulty turbo actuator or the entire turbocharger assembly with a new OEM unit. Ensure use of correct oil and adherence to service intervals.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (2021-Present) and aggregated service data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

HONDA P28A FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The P28A is engineered for high performance and, with proper care, can be very reliable. The main concern is oil starvation under track conditions, which is addressed by SIB 22-008. With proactive maintenance—using the correct 0W-40 oil, changing it on schedule, and installing the baffle for track use—it can be robust for 150,000+ km. The timing chain is designed to last the engine's lifetime.

The most documented issue is potential oil starvation under extreme track use, addressed by a service bulletin. Other common issues include carbon buildup on intake valves (common to direct-injection engines), GPF clogging from short trips, and occasional turbo actuator failures. These are documented in Honda service bulletins.

The P28A is used in the second-generation Honda NSX Type S (2021-Present) and the Acura TLX Type S (2021-Present) in North America. It is Honda's first modern production inline-six engine, marking a significant departure from their traditional V6 and inline-four designs.

Yes, the P28A has significant tuning potential. A Stage 1 ECU remap can safely yield 380-400 PS. With supporting mods like a downpipe, intercooler, and intake (Stage 2), outputs of 450-500+ PS are achievable. The stock internals are strong, but pushing beyond 550 PS typically requires forged components and upgraded fueling.

Official combined figures are around 10.5-11.5 L/100km (24-27 mpg UK) for the TLX Type S and 11.0-12.0 L/100km (23-25 mpg UK) for the NSX Type S. Real-world economy varies greatly: expect 14-18 L/100km (16-20 mpg UK) in city or spirited driving, and 8.5-9.5 L/100km (30-33 mpg UK) on steady highway runs.

Yes. Like virtually all modern Honda engines, the P28A is an interference design. If the timing chain were to fail (which is extremely rare), the pistons would collide with the valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. Fortunately, the chain is very durable.

Honda mandates the use of their specific 0W-40 High-Performance synthetic oil for the P28A. This oil is formulated to handle the extreme heat and stress of the turbocharger and high-revving nature of the engine. Using any other specification voids the warranty and risks engine damage.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.

Regulatory Stability

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Primary Sources

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.

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

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data Compilation

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

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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