The 3.5-liter Honda J35Y V6 belongs to the Earth Dreams generation and has been produced since 2012. It is installed on the Accord, Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline and Passport, as well as the Acura MDX, TLX and RLX.
The first J35Y1 and J35Y2 for the Accord kept port injection, while the J35Y4, J35Y5 and J35Y6 received direct injection and a compression ratio of 11.5. The J35Y8, introduced in 2023, switched from one camshaft per bank to two, with variable timing (VTC) instead of VTEC. Most versions use the third-generation VCM system, which shuts off three cylinders under light load. Output is 278-310 hp.
J-series family: J25A, J30A, J35A, J37A, J35Z, J35Y, J32A, J30Y, JNA1.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 3471 |
| Fuel system | injector / direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 278 – 310 |
| Torque output, Nm | 342 – 369 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 93 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 – 11.5 |
| Features | SOHC / DOHC (J35Y8) |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | i-VTEC / VTC (J35Y8) |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-20 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | Euro 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Crosstour 2014) — city — highway — combined |
14.4 7.2 9.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 170 |
The engine was installed on:
- Honda Accord 9 (CR) in 2012 – 2017;
- Honda Crosstour 1 (TF) in 2012 – 2015;
- Honda Pilot 3 (YF5) in 2015 – 2022, Pilot 4 (YG) since 2022;
- Honda Odyssey 5 USA (RL6) since 2017;
- Honda Ridgeline 2 (YK) since 2016;
- Honda Passport 2 (YF7) since 2018;
- Honda Legend 5 (KC2) in 2014 – 2021 (Japan);
- Acura MDX 3 (YD3) in 2013 – 2020, MDX 4 (YD8) since 2021;
- Acura TLX 1 (UB) in 2014 – 2020;
- Acura RLX 1 (KB4) in 2013 – 2020.
Disadvantages of the Honda J35Y engine
- Direct-injection versions accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves;
- As on the J35Z, the VCM system can cause oil consumption and fouled spark plugs;
- Active engine mounts suffer from vibration in VCM mode;
- The timing belt must be replaced on schedule, since the valves bend if it breaks.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda J35Y
How much power does the Honda J35Y make?
The Honda J35Y develops 278 - 310 hp and 342 - 369 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Honda J35Y take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.3 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-20.
Does the Honda J35Y have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda J35Y uses a timing belt.
Is the Honda J35Y turbocharged?
No, the Honda J35Y is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda J35Y need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Honda J35Y last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda J35Y is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda J35Y?
Honda Crosstour 2014: city 14.4, highway 7.2, combined 9.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda J35Y installed on?
Honda Accord 9 (CR) in 2012 - 2017; Honda Crosstour 1 (TF) in 2012 - 2015; Honda Pilot 3 (YF5) in 2015 - 2022, Pilot 4 (YG) since 2022; Honda Odyssey 5 USA (RL6) since 2017; Honda Ridgeline 2 (YK) since 2016; Honda Passport 2 (YF7) since 2018 and 4 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Honda J35Y?
Direct-injection versions accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves. As on the J35Z, the VCM system can cause oil consumption and fouled spark plugs. All known problems.
