MajorCommonEngine

Honda Vezel: L15B Turbo Engine Oil Dilution by Fuel

L15B Turbo Engine Oil Dilution by Fuel is a common engine fault on the Honda Vezel on the 2017–2022 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $300 to $9,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 28 documented faults on the Honda Vezel.

Vehicle: Honda Vezel
Engine: L15B
Years: 2017–2022
Fuel: petrol
Gearbox: cvt
System: Engine

This page covers the Honda Vezel as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Honda Vezel faults28 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Turbocharger yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

On HR-V models fitted with the L15B 1.5-litre VTEC-Turbo, fuel introduced during cold enrichment and direct injection wash-down accumulates in the engine oil when the engine does not reach full operating temperature, a pattern common to short daily trips in cooler climates. Honda acknowledged the issue in multiple markets and extended powertrain warranties for affected vehicles; oil level rises measurably between changes and the oil smells strongly of petrol. Prolonged operation with diluted oil accelerates bearing, piston ring, and camshaft wear.

What you would notice

Dipstick oil level rising between oil changes (above the MAX mark)
Strong petrol smell from engine oil on dipstick
Slightly rough idle after cold starts
Oil consumption decline paradoxically as sump fills with fuel
Potential long-term knock or bearing noise at higher mileages if untreated

How to check it

Where to look. Engine sump and oil system — entire lubricated engine internals affected

Pull the dipstick and smell the oil — petrol odour is a diagnostic red flag.
Check whether the oil level sits above the MAX mark on the dipstick, indicating fuel accumulation.
Review service records for shortened oil change intervals, which Honda recommended as the interim mitigation.
Confirm the most recent oil change mileage interval.

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

What it costs to put right

$300 to $9,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Have you noticed the oil level rising or smelled petrol in the engine oil?”
“Were oil changes done more frequently than the standard interval due to fuel dilution concerns?”
“Did Honda extend the warranty on this vehicle for the oil dilution issue?”

Now check the Honda Vezel you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Honda Vezel buyer questions

Is l15b turbo engine oil dilution by fuel serious on a Honda Vezel?

We rate it major and common on the Honda Vezel. On HR-V models fitted with the L15B 1.5-litre VTEC-Turbo, fuel introduced during cold enrichment and direct injection wash-down accumulates in the engine oil when the engine does not reach full operating temperature, a pattern common to short daily trips in cooler climates. Honda acknowledged the issue in multiple markets and extended powertrain warranties for affected vehicles; oil level rises measurably between changes and the oil smells strongly of petrol. Prolonged operation with diluted oil accelerates bearing, piston ring, and camshaft wear.

How much does it cost to fix on a Honda Vezel?

$300 to $9,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Honda Vezel years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2017–2022 Honda Vezel. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Pull the dipstick and smell the oil — petrol odour is a diagnostic red flag. Check whether the oil level sits above the MAX mark on the dipstick, indicating fuel accumulation. Review service records for shortened oil change intervals, which Honda recommended as the interim mitigation. Confirm the most recent oil change mileage interval. Look here: Engine sump and oil system — entire lubricated engine internals affected