2023-2024 Honda Civic/Pilot Head Cover Gasket Leak Investigation

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) has initiated a "Request for Parts: 2023-2024 Civic 2.0L & Pilot Head Cover Gasket Leak" to investigate oil leaks originating from the head cover gasket area. This proactive measure aims to gather specific vehicle components before any repairs are attempted. The goal is to thoroughly understand the underlying cause of this condition affecting certain 2023 Honda Civic 2.0L and 2023-2024 Honda Pilot vehicles.

Understanding the Honda Civic Head Gasket Leak Investigation

AHM is actively searching for specific 2023 Honda Civic 2.0L and 2023-2024 Honda Pilot vehicles that exhibit an oil leak from the head cover gasket during routine maintenance or as reported by customers. This effort is crucial for engineering analysis to pinpoint the exact reason for the oil leaks. By collecting parts from affected vehicles, Honda seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Symptoms of an Oil Leak

Owners of qualifying vehicles may notice visible oil leaks. For the 2023-2024 Honda Pilot, specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may also be stored in the vehicle's system, indicating related engine performance issues. These DTCs include:

• P2096: "Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean [Bank 1]"
• P2270: "Rear Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor Circuit Signal Stuck Lean"

These codes suggest a potential impact on the fuel trim system and oxygen sensor readings, which could be related to the integrity of the engine's sealing surfaces, such as the head cover gasket.

Qualifying Your Vehicle for the Investigation

For a vehicle to be considered for this parts collection initiative, it must meet several specific criteria:

1. Civic Models: Must be equipped with a 2.0L engine (LX & Sport trims) and have a manufactured date on the driver's door jamb after June 2023.
2. Civic Oil Leak Confirmation: There must be a confirmed oil leak from the head cover gasket area. It is crucial not to clean the oil-leak area prior to inspection.
3. Civic Previous Repairs: Any prior repair attempts are acceptable, provided the cylinder head cover or gasket has not been replaced.
4. Pilot Oil Leak Confirmation: There must be a confirmed oil leak from the Bank 1 rear head cover gasket area (specifically the oil control valve holder area). This must be verified by performing a borescope inspection, and the oil-leak area should not be cleaned.
5. Pilot DTCs: For Pilot models, DTCs P2096 or P2270 may be stored.
6. Pilot Previous Repairs: Any prior repair attempts are acceptable, provided the cylinder head assembly has not been replaced.
7. Collision Status: The vehicle must not have been involved in a collision.

What Owners Should Do

If your 2023 Honda Civic 2.0L or 2023-2024 Honda Pilot exhibits an oil leak from the head cover gasket area and meets the above qualifiers, your dealership should contact Honda's Technical Information & Support (TIS). Dealers can email [email protected] or call 800-880-1072 (Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm PST) to provide vehicle information and receive further instructions. Honda offers a VISA gift card as a gesture of appreciation to dealership personnel who identify a qualifying vehicle that is accepted for the parts collection.

NHTSA ID: 11000279