2023-2024 Honda CR-V Head Cover Oil Leak Investigation

What Honda is Investigating

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) has initiated an investigation into reports of oil leaks from the head cover gasket on specific 2023-2024 FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Accord and CR-V models. This proactive measure, identified as "Request for Visit: 2023-2024 FHEV Accord & CR-V Head Cover Leak (ACTION REQ'D)", is a "PRIORITY/ACTION REQUIRED" communication to dealerships.

The primary goal of this investigation is to thoroughly understand the underlying cause of the oil leak condition. To achieve this, AHM is requesting that dealerships identify and report qualifying vehicles for inspection. It is crucial that no repair attempts are made on these vehicles until AHM has had the opportunity to inspect them.

Symptoms of the Honda CR-V Oil Leak

Owners of affected vehicles may notice an oil leak emanating from the head cover gasket area. This symptom is typically observed during routine maintenance or as a customer complaint. Honda is particularly interested in oil leaks confirmed to be specifically from all four corners of the head cover.

Qualifying Conditions for Inspection

For a vehicle to be considered for this investigation into the Honda CR-V oil leak, it must meet all of the following criteria:

• Only FHEVs Accepted: The vehicle must be a Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FHEV) model.
• Confirmed Oil Leak: An oil leak must be confirmed from the head cover area, specifically from all four corners of the cover. Dealerships are required to capture one wide-angle and one close-up photo of the leak.
• No Previous Replacement: The cylinder head cover and gasket must not have been previously replaced.
• No Residual Oil: Any residual oil from previous service is not acceptable as a qualifying condition.
• No Repair Attempted: No repair for this specific issue should have been attempted.
• No Collision History: The vehicle must not have been involved in a collision.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. emphasizes that they wish to inspect qualifying vehicles prior to any repair attempt. This means that if your vehicle exhibits a Honda CR-V oil leak matching the described symptoms, your dealership should not attempt to replace the cylinder head cover or gasket, or perform any other repair, until they have contacted Honda's Technical Information & Support (TIS) group. Furthermore, vehicles with a history of cylinder head cover or gasket replacement, or those with residual oil from prior services, will not qualify for this specific investigation.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2023 or 2024 Honda CR-V FHEV or Accord FHEV and suspect an oil leak from the head cover gasket, especially if it appears to be from all four corners, contact your authorized Honda dealership immediately. Inform them about the oil leak and mention that you are aware of Honda's ongoing investigation, referenced by NHTSA ID 11024249.

Your dealership will then follow specific instructions to contact Honda's Technical Information & Support (TIS) at [email protected] or by phone at 800-880-1072 (Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm PST). They will provide vehicle information, including the model year, model name, issue description (e.g., "head cover oil leak"), VIN, dealer number, your name, contact number, current mileage, confirmation of qualifiers, and photos of the leaking area. Honda is offering a VISA gift card to technicians who successfully identify and report qualifying vehicles, which may encourage prompt action from dealerships.

Source: NHTSA ID 11024249