2023-2024 Honda Civic & Pilot Head Cover Gasket Leak

Why This Investigation Matters

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) has initiated a focused investigation into oil leaks originating from the head cover gasket area on specific 2023 Civic 2.0L and 2023-2024 Pilot models. This proactive step, outlined in the manufacturer communication with NHTSA ID 11000138, aims to gather critical data and physical parts from affected vehicles. The goal is to thoroughly understand the underlying cause of this condition before any repair procedures are attempted by dealerships.

Symptoms of a Head Cover Gasket Oil Leak

Owners of affected vehicles may notice an oil leak from the head cover gasket during routine maintenance or during a dealer visit. For the Honda Civic, the leak is specifically from the head cover gasket area. For the Honda Pilot, the leak is observed from the Bank 1 rear head cover gasket area, specifically around the oil control valve holder area.

Fault Codes (DTCs) Associated with This Condition

For Honda Pilot vehicles experiencing this issue, certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be stored. These codes indicate specific engine performance issues that could be related to the oil leak:

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

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Honda is interested in collecting data from vehicles that meet specific criteria to ensure the collected information is relevant to the Honda Civic head cover gasket leak and Pilot oil leak investigation. For a vehicle to qualify, it must meet the following conditions:

• For 2023 Honda Civic 2.0L (LX & Sport) models:

  • The vehicle must have been manufactured after June 2023.
  • There must be a confirmed oil leak from the head cover gasket area (without cleaning the oil-leak area).
  • Previous repair attempts are accepted as long as the cylinder head cover or gasket has not been replaced.

• For 2023-2024 Honda Pilot models:

  • There must be a confirmed oil leak from the Bank 1 rear head cover gasket area (oil control valve holder area), verified by borescope inspection (without cleaning the oil-leak area).
  • DTCs P2096 or P2270 may be stored.
  • Previous repair attempts are accepted if the cylinder head assembly has not been replaced.

Additionally, for both models, the vehicle must not have been involved in a collision.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealerships

This communication is explicitly for Honda dealership personnel. It emphasizes that American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) wants to collect specific parts from qualifying vehicles before any repair attempts are made. This means that if your vehicle meets the criteria for a Honda Civic head cover gasket leak or Pilot oil leak, the dealership should not proceed with repairs until they have contacted Honda's Technical Information & Support (TIS) group.

Owner Action

If you own a 2023 Honda Civic 2.0L or a 2023-2024 Honda Pilot and suspect an oil leak from the head cover gasket area, or if your vehicle exhibits the mentioned DTCs, you should contact your Honda dealership. If your vehicle matches the qualifiers outlined in this manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 11000138), your dealership will need to email Technical Information & Support (TIS) at [email protected] or call them at 800-880-1072 (Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm PST). TIS will then provide further instructions for collecting vehicle information and potentially parts.

American Honda is offering a VISA gift card as a gesture of appreciation to dealership personnel who identify and report qualifying vehicles that are accepted for parts collection.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11000138