K24W9 Engine

Honda 2.4 i-VTEC (K24W9) – Experiences, Issues, Fuel Consumption and Buying Tips

The engine with the code K24W9 belongs to Honda’s famous K-series, but it is part of the more modern "Earth Dreams" generation. It was primarily installed in the fourth-generation Honda CR-V (facelift models from 2014 onwards). This powerplant combines old-school traits (large displacement, no turbo) with modern direct injection technology. Many consider it one of the last "true" naturally aspirated engines before Honda widely switched to 1.5 Turbo units.

Key points in short (TL;DR)

• Reliability: Extremely high, provided it is regularly maintained. This is an engine that easily exceeds 300,000+ km.
• Main downside: Direct injection can lead to carbon buildup on the intake valves and fuel getting into the oil (Oil Dilution) on short trips.
• Transmission: It comes paired with a CVT gearbox which is more reliable than Nissan’s, but it requires a specific driving style and regular fluid changes.
• Fuel consumption: Not exactly frugal. In the city you can expect double-digit figures, but on the open road it is surprisingly economical for its displacement.
• Maintenance: More expensive than the average European petrol engine due to specific parts and oil quantity, but it rarely breaks down.
• Recommendation: Ideal for people who cover higher mileages on open roads and want a comfortable, quiet drive without worrying about turbo failures.

Contents

• Technical Specifications
• Reliability and Maintenance
• Specific Parts (Costs)
• Fuel Consumption and Performance
• Additional Options and Modifications (LPG & Tuning)
• Transmission (CVT Experiences)
• Buying Used and Conclusion

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Data
Engine code	K24W9 (Earth Dreams Technology)
Displacement	2356 cc
Power	136 kW (185 hp) @ 6400 rpm
Torque	245 Nm @ 3900 rpm
Injection type	Direct Injection
Induction	Naturally aspirated
Camshaft drive	Chain

Reliability and Maintenance

The K24W9 is a robust engine, but like every modern direct injection engine, it has its quirks that the owner needs to be aware of.

Timing and major service

This engine uses a timing chain (not a belt). Honda chains are generally very durable. There is no fixed replacement interval, and they often last over 200,000 or 250,000 km. However, the chain is replaced when it stretches, which you will recognize by rattling on cold start or a "Check Engine" light due to desynchronization of the camshaft and crankshaft sensors.

Most common issues

Although it is reliable, pay attention to the following:

• VTC actuator (variable cam gear): A known issue on the K-series. The symptom is a short but loud "grinding" or metallic noise right after a cold start (lasting 1–2 seconds). This does not destroy the engine immediately, but it is irritating and requires replacement of the cam gear.
• Oil Dilution (fuel in oil): This is specific to Earth Dreams engines in cold climates. Due to direct injection, fuel condenses on the cylinder walls and runs down into the sump. The symptom is a rising oil level on the dipstick and a smell of petrol in the oil. The solution is more frequent oil changes and avoiding ultra-short trips in winter.
• Carbon buildup: Because of direct injection, fuel does not wash over the intake valves. Over time, carbon deposits build up, which can lead to rough running and loss of power. Cleaning (with walnut shell blasting or chemicals) may be necessary at higher mileages (over 150,000 km).

Oil: Quantity and Consumption

The engine takes about 4.2 to 4.4 liters of oil (with filter). Honda strictly recommends 0W-20 grade. Do not experiment with thicker oils (such as 10W-40) because the VTEC system and chain tensioners depend on the pressure and flow of thin oil.

As for oil consumption: These engines can use a bit of oil, especially if driven aggressively on the highway. Consumption up to 0.5 liters per 5,000 km is considered acceptable. However, if the oil level rises (due to fuel), that is the problem described above.

Spark plugs

Only iridium spark plugs are used (NGK or Denso). Replacement interval is 100,000 to 120,000 km. Do not skimp on them; they are crucial for proper coil operation.

Specific Parts (Costs)

This is where your wallet becomes interested. Honda parts can be more expensive (depending on the market), but they are bought less often.

• Dual-mass flywheel: In the CR-V this engine is paired with a CVT transmission. CVT gearboxes do not have a classic dual-mass flywheel like diesels with manual gearboxes. They use a torque converter and a flex plate. This is great news because it eliminates one of the most expensive failures on modern cars.
• Fuel injection system: The engine uses a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) system. High-pressure injectors are expensive (very expensive), but generally more durable than those on diesel engines. They are not prone to frequent failures unless poor-quality fuel is used.
• Turbo and DPF: This is a naturally aspirated petrol engine. There is no turbocharger, no intercooler, no DPF filter. There is also no EGR valve in the classic sense (it uses valve overlap for exhaust gas recirculation). This means drastically fewer potential failures compared to a diesel or turbo-petrol.
• AdBlue: There is no AdBlue system.

Fuel Consumption and Performance

City driving and "sluggishness"

Real-world city consumption is between 10 and 13 liters per 100 km, depending on how heavy your right foot is and how bad the traffic is. The CR-V is a heavy car, and the engine is naturally aspirated, which means it does not have that low-end "kick" like a turbo diesel.

Is it sluggish? It is not sluggish, but it likes revs. With 185 hp it has enough power to pull, but you need to press the throttle deeper. In normal city driving it feels calm and smooth.

Open road and highway

This is where this engine shines. On the highway, fuel consumption drops to 7.5 to 9 liters per 100 km. Thanks to the CVT gearbox, at 130 km/h the engine runs at relatively low revs (around 2,200–2,500 rpm, depending on gradient and wind), which makes driving quieter and more economical than with older automatics.

Additional Options and Modifications

LPG conversion

Due to direct injection, LPG conversion is complicated and expensive. You cannot install a regular sequential system. You need a system for direct liquid gas injection or a system that injects a mixture of petrol and gas (to cool the petrol injectors).
The price of such a system is high (often over 1000 EUR), so it only pays off if you cover huge mileages (30,000+ km per year). If you are buying this car to run it cheaply on LPG – think twice.

Remapping (Tuning)

This is a naturally aspirated engine. Stage 1 remap is a waste of money. Gains are minimal (maybe 5–8 hp) and you will not feel them in real driving. It is better to invest the money in quality tires and regular maintenance.

Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

In the CR-V, the K24W9 comes with Honda’s CVT gearbox. This is not a classic automatic with fixed gears, but a transmission with continuously variable ratios.

• Reliability: Honda’s CVT is significantly better than the notorious Nissan CVTs from that period. It is very durable if maintained properly.
• Maintenance: The CVT fluid (specific Honda HCF-2 fluid) should be changed every 40,000 to 60,000 km (or every 2 years). This is CRITICAL for longevity. If the fluid is not changed, the belt inside the transmission starts slipping and permanent damage occurs.
• Most common problems: On earlier models (2015) there were reports of vibrations at idle when the gearbox is in "D" and the car is held on the brake. Honda addressed this with software updates and replacement of engine/gearbox mounts.
• Driving impression: There is no "shifting". Acceleration is linear. When you floor the throttle, the engine jumps to 6000 rpm and stays there while the car accelerates. This creates a "scooter effect" that some drivers dislike, but for a family SUV it is actually a very comfortable solution.

Buying Used and Conclusion

If you are looking at a Honda CR-V with this engine, here is what to check:

1. Cold start: Insist that the engine is completely cold. Listen for a "krrr" sound in the first 2 seconds (VTC actuator).
2. Oil smell: Pull out the dipstick. If the level is above maximum and the oil smells strongly of petrol, this is a sign of an oil dilution issue.
3. Transmission service history: If the car has 150,000 km and the CVT fluid has never been changed – do not buy that car. The risk is too high.
4. Vibrations: While the car is stationary, put it in "D" and hold the brake. There should not be strong vibrations in the steering wheel.

Conclusion:

The Honda CR-V 2.4 i-VTEC (K24W9) is a car for people who value space, comfort and mechanical simplicity (no turbo, no DPF). Although it uses more fuel than a diesel, it compensates with lower potential repair costs in the long run. It is ideal as a family car for someone who does not want to worry about clogged injectors and DPF regeneration, and is willing to pay an extra liter or two of fuel per 100 km.