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Honda2000–2014 Critical issues documented

Honda Stream RN6-9: common faults & what to check

The RN6-9 is the Honda Stream built 2006–2014. It was sold here with the 1.8 petrol and 2.0 petrol. Of the 22 faults documented for the Stream, 14 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Honda Stream

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

22

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$300–$950

Typical repair

21

Service milestones

You're looking at the RN6-9

2 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

A 2007 Honda Stream is the RN6-9 generation (2006 to 2014).

Start your free check on this Honda Stream

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Honda Stream RN6-9Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Stream came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Honda Stream · 2007

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Honda Stream before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect bush rubber for cracking, splitting, or complete separation.

    See why

    Rear Lateral Link Inner Bush Failure

    The inner rubber compliance bushes at the subframe mounting points of the rear lateral links on the RN6 Stream deteriorate with age, causing the rear knuckle to shift laterally under cornering and braking loads. The failure produces rear-end steering wander and instability, most noticeable at motorway speeds and during lane changes. NZ road surfaces and the age of grey-import examples — often ten or more years old on arrival — accelerate rubber degradation. The fault is frequently missed at WOF because static visual inspection does not reveal bush compliance under dynamic load. Uncorrected rear knuckle movement causes rapid and uneven rear tyre wear and may also affect rear brake effectiveness.

    What you would notice

    • Rear-end wander or instability at motorway speeds requiring constant steering correction
    • Vehicle tracks poorly or feels loose and unsettled on motorway lanes
    • Knocking or clunking from the rear suspension over road irregularities or during cornering
    • Uneven rear tyre wear on the inner or outer shoulder
    • Four-wheel alignment printout showing rear toe or camber outside specification

    Typically $350–$850 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect the boot for splitting.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

    Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking over bumps.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension over bumps
    • Imprecise handling when cornering

    Typically $300–$700 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check for pulling under braking.

    See why

    Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

    Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
    • One front disc hotter than the other after moderate use

    Typically $150–$500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Scan for EPS fault codes.

    See why

    Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

    The Honda Stream RN1/RN6 electric power steering column motor can develop a fault causing a sudden or gradual loss of power assistance accompanied by an EPS warning light on the instrument cluster. The failure is most common on high-mileage examples and typically requires replacement of the EPS column unit, which involves removal of the steering column assembly.

    What you would notice

    • Sudden loss of power steering with EPS warning light
    • Heavy steering requiring effort especially at low speeds

    Typically $600–$2,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Ask for an OBD2 scan and look specifically for P0606/P2610, current or historic.

    See why

    ECM/PCM internal faults — stalling and 2,000 rpm limp mode (P2610, P0606)

    RN6-generation Streams are known for ECU-related faults logging P0606 (ECM/PCM processor) and P2610 (engine-off timer) codes. The engine may stall, refuse to rev past about 2,000 rpm, or throw the check-engine light intermittently. Sometimes the cause is corroded ECM connectors or wiring rather than the unit itself, so diagnosis matters before buying parts. A used JDM ECU plus coding is the usual economic fix in NZ. The car can become undriveable when it acts up, so treat an active check-engine light seriously.

    What you would notice

    • Check-engine light with P0606 or P2610 stored
    • Engine rpm limited to about 2,000
    • Intermittent stalling, often restarting fine
    • Erratic idle after restart

    Typically $400–$1,500 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Cycle both sliding doors multiple times.

    See why

    Power Sliding Door Cable Failure

    Stream power sliding door cables fray at guide pulleys causing slow or stuck door operation. Common on RN6/RN8 examples.

    What you would notice

    • Sliding door slowing or stopping mid-travel
    • Unusual motor noise or grinding when operating the sliding door

    Typically $350–$1,400 to put right.

Honda Stream service schedule

The 3 engines a 2007 Honda Stream was sold with, each with its own intervals. Pick your engine above to narrow this to one. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Honda Stream Second Generation · 2006–2014 · 2.0L R20A i-VTEC (FWD)

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Check the condition of the drive belts and tensioners to keep everything quiet during operation.

  2. 200,000 km

    Inspect the cooling system, hoses and radiator included, since rubber parts turn brittle with age.

  3. 250,000 km

    Have a professional check the steering rack boots and suspension ball joints for wear.

Honda Stream Second Generation · 2006–2014 · 1.8L R18A i-VTEC (FWD)

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    First major service point: inspect the auxiliary drive belt for cracking and refresh the cabin air filter.

  2. 150,000 km

    Verify the cooling system hoses are still supple and check the suspension bushings for perishing.

  3. 200,000 km

    Flush and replace the transmission fluid if there's no documented history of it being done.

Honda Stream Second Generation · 2006–2014 · 2.0L R20A i-VTEC (4WD)

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Inspect suspension bushings and engine mounts for perishing.

  2. 150,000 km

    Full transmission fluid refresh, plus a check of the cooling system hoses.

  3. 200,000 km

    Evaluate alternator health and the drive belt tensioner's condition.

See all 14 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01Worn engine mounts causing vibration in Drive (RN6-RN9)

Sit in the car idling in Drive with your foot on the brake and feel for vibration, then shift to Neutral — a big improvement means mounts.petrol2006–2014Engine
CommonEngine $300–$800 to fix

Second-generation Streams commonly wear out their hydraulic engine mounts — particularly the right-hand lower and front torque mounts — by 120,000-180,000 km. The symptom is a coarse vibration through the cabin at idle in Drive that smooths out in Neutral, plus clunks on take-off and when shifting between R and D. It won't strand you, but worn mounts accelerate wear on exhaust joints and other mounts. Parts are aftermarket-available in NZ and it's a straightforward workshop job.

Symptoms to notice

  • Buzzy vibration through seat and wheel at idle in Drive
  • Vibration disappears in Neutral or Park
  • Clunk when engaging Drive or Reverse
  • Engine visibly rocks when blipping throttle with bonnet open

What to check

Sit in the car idling in Drive with your foot on the brake and feel for vibration, then shift to Neutral — a big improvement means mounts. With the bonnet open, have someone briefly blip the throttle and watch how far the engine rocks. Look at the visible mounts for cracked or collapsed rubber and leaked hydraulic fluid.

Where to look: Engine mounts around the engine bay perimeter — right-hand lower mount is the usual culprit

Ask the seller

  • “Have any engine mounts been replaced?”
  • “Is there a vibration at idle when stopped at lights in Drive?”
Electrical4

02Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

Scan for EPS fault codes.2000–2014Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $600–$2,000 to fix

The Honda Stream RN1/RN6 electric power steering column motor can develop a fault causing a sudden or gradual loss of power assistance accompanied by an EPS warning light on the instrument cluster. The failure is most common on high-mileage examples and typically requires replacement of the EPS column unit, which involves removal of the steering column assembly.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden loss of power steering with EPS warning light
  • Heavy steering requiring effort especially at low speeds

What to check

  1. Scan for EPS fault codes.
  2. Test steering — any heavy or inconsistent feel warrants investigation.

Where to look: EPS column motor and control unit

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering column motor been inspected or repaired?”

03ECM/PCM internal faults — stalling and 2,000 rpm limp mode (P2610, P0606)

Ask for an OBD2 scan and look specifically for P0606/P2610, current or historic.petrol2006–2014Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $400–$1,500 to fix

RN6-generation Streams are known for ECU-related faults logging P0606 (ECM/PCM processor) and P2610 (engine-off timer) codes. The engine may stall, refuse to rev past about 2,000 rpm, or throw the check-engine light intermittently. Sometimes the cause is corroded ECM connectors or wiring rather than the unit itself, so diagnosis matters before buying parts. A used JDM ECU plus coding is the usual economic fix in NZ. The car can become undriveable when it acts up, so treat an active check-engine light seriously.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check-engine light with P0606 or P2610 stored
  • Engine rpm limited to about 2,000
  • Intermittent stalling, often restarting fine
  • Erratic idle after restart

What to check

  1. Ask for an OBD2 scan and look specifically for P0606/P2610, current or historic.
  2. Watch the dash at start-up — the check-engine light must go out.
  3. On the test drive, confirm it revs freely past 3,000 rpm.
  4. Check for water ingress around the ECU area and any evidence of previous flood damage on an import.

Where to look: Engine control module, engine bay / behind dash; connectors and earths around the ECM

Ask the seller

  • “Has the check-engine light ever come on, and what codes were found?”
  • “Has the ECU ever been replaced?”
  • “Has it ever stalled or gone into limp mode?”

04Power Sliding Door Cable Failure

Cycle both sliding doors multiple times.2006–2014Electrical
CommonElectrical $350–$1,400 to fix

Stream power sliding door cables fray at guide pulleys causing slow or stuck door operation. Common on RN6/RN8 examples.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door slowing or stopping mid-travel
  • Unusual motor noise or grinding when operating the sliding door

What to check

Cycle both sliding doors multiple times. Listen for grinding or slowing. Doors that stop mid-travel confirm cable or motor wear.

Where to look: Power sliding door mechanisms

Ask the seller

  • “Has the power sliding door cable failure been inspected or repaired?”

05Power Mirror Control Module Fold Failure

Activate the mirror fold switch and test both mirrors for a complete fold and unfold cycle.petrol2006–2014Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $150–$500 to fix

The power door mirror control module on RN6 Stream models is prone to internal relay contact corrosion and printed circuit board degradation, causing intermittent or complete loss of the electric mirror folding function. Affected vehicles present with mirrors that refuse to fold or unfold on command, fold only partially, fold asymmetrically with one side responding and one not, or fold spontaneously without any command input while driving. Moisture ingress into the module housing accelerates relay contact pitting. In most cases the fold motors within the mirror housings and the wiring harness remain intact; the control module itself is the failed component and requires replacement, typically sourced second-hand from JDM dismantlers.

Symptoms to notice

  • Electric mirror folding does not respond to the cabin fold switch
  • One mirror folds correctly while the opposite mirror does not respond
  • Mirrors fold or unfold spontaneously without any switch input
  • Partial or incomplete mirror fold movement stopping mid-cycle
  • Intermittent mirror fold function that may work some days but not others

What to check

Activate the mirror fold switch and test both mirrors for a complete fold and unfold cycle. Listen for relay clicking from the module location behind the dashboard trim. Manually fold and unfold both mirror assemblies to confirm the fold motors and pivot mechanisms are not seized or binding independently of the module. Inspect around the module housing for any signs of moisture staining or corrosion.

Where to look: Power mirror control module located behind the dashboard lower trim panel; door mirror fold motor assemblies within each door mirror housing

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Do both power mirrors fold and unfold fully and correctly using the cabin switch?”
  • “Has the mirror control module been replaced or repaired?”
  • “Have any intermittent electrical faults been experienced with the door mirrors?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

06Rear Lateral Link Inner Bush Failure

Inspect bush rubber for cracking, splitting, or complete separation.petrol2006–2014SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

07Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect the boot for splitting.2000–2014Suspension
CommonSuspension $300–$700 to fix

Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking over bumps.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking from front suspension over bumps
  • Imprecise handling when cornering

What to check

Inspect the boot for splitting. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, lever the lower arm and check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front lower arm ball joint been inspected or repaired?”

08Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Check for pulling under braking.2000–2014Brakes
CommonBrakes $150–$500 to fix

Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
  • One front disc hotter than the other after moderate use

What to check

  1. Check for pulling under braking.
  2. Feel for uneven wheel heat.
  3. Inspect guide pins.

Where to look: Front brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake caliper guide pin seizure been inspected or repaired?”

09Rear Trailing Arm Bush Collapse

Inspect rear trailing arm bushes for cracking.2000–2014Suspension
CommonSuspension $300–$800 to fix

Rear trailing arm bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking and imprecision.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
  • Imprecise rear handling feel

What to check

  1. Inspect rear trailing arm bushes for cracking.
  2. Push the arm — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.

Where to look: Rear suspension trailing arm mounting points

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear trailing arm bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”
Depends on the exact engine — 5 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling5

01R18A Timing Chain Guide Wear & Rattle

Cold-start the engine and listen carefully for chain noise from the timing cover on the left side of the engine.petrol2006–2014EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02R18A High-Mileage Piston Ring Oil Consumption

Check the engine oil level and condition on the dipstick.petrol2006–2014EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03R18A VTC Actuator Cold Start Rattle

Start the engine cold and immediately listen for metallic rattling from the cam sprocket area at the front of the engine.petrol2006–2014EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Neglected valve clearance adjustment — ticking and burnt exhaust valves (R18A/R20A)

Listen at the rocker cover with the engine cold and idling — steady ticking means adjustment is overdue.petrol2006–2014Engine
OccasionalEngine $150–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The R18A 1.8 and R20A 2.0 use solid (screw-adjust) valve lash with no hydraulic lifters, so clearances must be checked and adjusted periodically — a service most JDM imports have never had. Loose clearances cause a distinct top-end ticking; tight exhaust clearances are silent but burn the valves, causing misfires, low compression and an expensive head job. The R-series is otherwise reliable, so this cheap maintenance item is the main thing separating good engines from problem ones at high mileage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rhythmic ticking from the top of the engine, worse when cold
  • Misfire or rough idle at high mileage (burnt valve stage)
  • Reduced power and increased fuel use

What to check

  1. Listen at the rocker cover with the engine cold and idling — steady ticking means adjustment is overdue.
  2. Ask for any record of a valve clearance check.
  3. If a misfire is present on an otherwise healthy engine, ask for a compression test before buying: one low cylinder suggests a burnt exhaust valve (walk away or price accordingly).

Where to look: Cylinder head / rocker cover, top of engine

Ask the seller

  • “Have the valve clearances ever been checked or adjusted?”
  • “Is there any ticking from the engine when cold?”

05R18A Throttle Body Carbon Fouling

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.petrol2006–2014Engine
CommonEngine $80–$300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon from crankcase vapours causing rough idle and hesitation on RN6/RN8 examples.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle and hesitation from rest at light throttle
  • Occasional stalling when releasing throttle in traffic

What to check

  1. Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.
  2. Note rough idle and hesitation on deceleration.

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold

Ask the seller

  • “Has the r18a throttle body carbon fouling been inspected or repaired?”
Other Honda Stream engines and years8 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling6

01Head gasket failure and overheating (1.7 D17)

Check the radiator (cold!) is full to the brim and the overflow bottle isn't overfull or oily.petrol2000–2006EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

025-Speed Automatic Torque Converter Shudder

During a test drive at highway speed, hold light throttle in drive and feel for rhythmic shudder.petrol2000–2006Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $200–$4,800 to fix

Does not apply

The Honda SKGA/MPXA 5-speed automatic fitted to Stream models is sensitive to ATF condition. As the fluid degrades, the torque converter lock-up clutch shudders on light throttle at highway cruising speeds (typically 60–100 km/h), producing a vibration mistaken for a rough road surface. In neglected transmissions, the friction material debris circulates and causes solenoid sticking and harsh gear hunting.

A cutaway automatic transmission torque converter showing the internal turbine and stator.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A torque converter, sectioned. The lock-up clutch inside is what shudders.

No machine-readable author provided. BerndB~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Vibration or shudder felt through cabin at light throttle between 60–100 km/h
  • Harsh or delayed gear changes, particularly 2-3 and 3-4 shifts
  • Transmission slipping or hunting between gears
  • Burnt smell from transmission dipstick (if equipped)

What to check

  1. During a test drive at highway speed, hold light throttle in drive and feel for rhythmic shudder.
  2. Check ATF colour on the dipstick — dark brown or burnt-smelling fluid indicates neglect.
  3. Ask when ATF was last changed; Honda specifies DW-1 fluid and a 40,000 km change interval on these units.

Where to look: Under vehicle — automatic gearbox and torque converter

Parts involved: Torque converter.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the automatic transmission fluid last changed, and with what fluid?”
  • “Has the transmission ever been serviced at a Honda dealer or specialist?”

03Automatic transmission slipping and harsh shifts (K20A 5AT / D17 4AT)

Check the ATF with the dipstick: it should be red/pink and smell clean, not brown or burnt.petrol2000–2006Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $2,200–$4,500 to fix

Does not apply

First-generation Streams use Honda's early-2000s automatic transmissions (5-speed behind the 2.0 K20A, 4-speed behind the 1.7), from the same family that gave Honda a poor automatic reputation in this era. Worn clutch packs and blocked internal filters cause flaring between 2nd and 3rd, harsh downshifts, judder at light throttle and eventually total failure. Fluid condition is everything: burnt, dark ATF or use of non-Honda fluid means the box is living on borrowed time. A rebuild or good used JDM transmission is the usual fix — often uneconomic on a cheap Stream.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rev flare between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd
  • Harsh clunking downshifts coming to a stop
  • Judder at light throttle around 60-80 km/h
  • Delay before drive engages from Park

What to check

  1. Check the ATF with the dipstick: it should be red/pink and smell clean, not brown or burnt.
  2. On the test drive do a full run through all gears with gentle and firm throttle, plus a kickdown at 60 km/h — flares, thumps or shudder are deal-breakers at asking price.
  3. Ask for evidence of Honda ATF-Z1/DW-1 fluid changes.

Where to look: Automatic transmission, front of car; dipstick in engine bay

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the transmission fluid last changed, and was genuine Honda ATF used?”
  • “Has the transmission ever been rebuilt or replaced?”
  • “Does it ever flare or clunk between gears?”

04Oil consumption and throttle body / EGR contamination (D17)

Pull the dipstick: very low or very fresh oil both deserve questions.petrol2000–2006EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05K20A Hydraulic Timing Chain Tensioner Wear

Cold-start the engine and listen carefully from outside the bonnet for a rattling or slapping noise from the cam chain area on the intake side.petrol2000–2006Engine
OccasionalEngine $900–$1,700 to fix

Does not apply

The K20A uses a hydraulic timing chain tensioner that depends on oil pressure to maintain chain tension. When engine oil is degraded or intervals are extended, the tensioner bleeds down overnight and takes several seconds to repressurize at startup. Prolonged operation in this state causes accelerated chain and guide wear, and in severe cases the chain can jump a tooth and alter valve timing, causing a no-start or bent valves.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Metallic rattling from top of engine on cold start, clearing within 5–15 seconds
  • Persistent chain rattle at idle after oil pressure builds (advanced wear)
  • Check engine light with camshaft position sensor codes
  • Rough idle or misfires if chain has jumped a tooth

What to check

  1. Cold-start the engine and listen carefully from outside the bonnet for a rattling or slapping noise from the cam chain area on the intake side.
  2. Note how long it persists.
  3. Check oil level and condition — dark sludgy oil accelerates tensioner wear.
  4. Ask for full service history to assess oil change intervals.

Where to look: Top of engine — intake cam chain tensioner, driver-side

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “What is the oil change history and what oil viscosity has been used?”
  • “Has the car ever made a rattling sound on cold start?”

06D17A Radiator Plastic End-Tank Cracking

With engine cold, inspect both plastic end-tanks at the seam where they crimp onto the aluminium core.petrol2000–2006Cooling
CommonCooling $480–$900 to fix

Does not apply

The D17A-equipped Stream uses an aluminium-core radiator with injection-moulded plastic side tanks crimped onto the core. Repeated thermal cycling causes the plastic to embrittle and crack at the seam, resulting in sudden coolant loss. The failure can be gradual (weeping white deposits) or catastrophic, leading to rapid overheating if not caught early.

Symptoms to notice

  • White crystalline deposits around radiator side-tank seams
  • Coolant puddle under front of vehicle after parking
  • Temperature gauge rising above normal range
  • Sweet burning smell from engine bay

What to check

  1. With engine cold, inspect both plastic end-tanks at the seam where they crimp onto the aluminium core.
  2. Press gently on each tank and check for hairline cracks or dried coolant residue.
  3. Check coolant level in reservoir and inspect hose connection points for weeping.

Where to look: Front of engine bay — radiator assembly

Parts involved: Radiator.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the radiator ever been replaced or repaired?”
  • “When was the coolant last flushed and changed?”
Electrical1

01K20A Oil Pressure Sensor Failure and Low Oil Pressure Warning

When the low oil pressure warning appears, immediately stop the engine and check the oil level.petrol2000–2006Electrical
CommonElectrical $150–$500 to fix

Does not apply

The K20A 2.0 VTEC oil pressure sensor on the RN1/RN3 Stream develops a fault or leaks causing a false low oil pressure warning on the instrument cluster. However, the warning must always be treated as genuine until the sensor is confirmed faulty by a technician, as real oil pressure loss causes rapid engine damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Low oil pressure warning light appearing intermittently at idle or on startup
  • Warning appearing only when the engine is at operating temperature but clearing on restart

What to check

When the low oil pressure warning appears, immediately stop the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is correct, the sensor is likely faulty. If a workshop inspection is possible: A scan tool can read real-time oil pressure to confirm sensor accuracy versus actual pressure.

Where to look: Oil pressure sensor on the K20A engine block

Ask the seller

  • “Has the k20a oil pressure sensor failure been inspected or repaired?”
Fluid leaks1

01K20A VTEC Solenoid O-Ring Oil Leak

The Honda Stream RN1/RN3/RN5 uses the K20A 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine.petrol2000–2006Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Honda Stream faults in detail

Narrowed to the Honda Stream · 2007. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

R18A High-Mileage Piston Ring Oil ConsumptionMajor · EngineR18A Timing Chain Guide Wear & RattleCritical · EngineR18A VTC Actuator Cold Start RattleMajor · EngineRear Lateral Link Inner Bush FailureMajor · Suspension

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Honda Stream’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Honda models

Honda CR-V59 documented faultsHonda Accord55 documented faultsHonda Jazz51 documented faultsHonda Fit Shuttle19 documented faultsHonda Grace18 documented faultsHonda Insight16 documented faults

Honda Stream buyer questions

Is the Honda Stream reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 22 documented faults for the Honda Stream, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Honda Stream with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Honda Stream?

We've catalogued 22 known faults for the Honda Stream, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. All 22 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Honda Stream?

Most single repairs on the Honda Stream fall between $300–$950 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 22 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Honda Stream?

Yes. A Honda Stream inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.