The 1.5-liter Honda LEB has been produced in Japan since 2013 for hybrid versions of the Fit/Jazz, Freed, Shuttle, Vezel/HR-V, Grace, Insight and other models. Its versions can be divided into i-DCD with a robotized gearbox and i-MMD (e:HEV) with an e-CVT; the engine produces 132 hp in its most powerful form.
L-series family: L13A, L13B, L15B, L15C, L15Z, L15A, L12B, L12A, L13Z, LEA, LEB, LEC.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 1497 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 132 |
| Torque output, Nm | 156 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.4 |
| Compression ratio | 11.5 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | VTC + i-VTEC at the intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-20 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Fit 2017) — city — highway — combined |
4.4 2.9 3.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 102 |
The engine was installed on:
- Honda City 6 (GM4) in 2014 – 2020, City 7 (GN) since 2020;
- Honda Clarity 1 (ZC) in 2017 – 2021;
- Honda Freed 2 (GB5) in 2016 – 2024;
- Honda Fit 3 (GP) in 2013 – 2020, Fit 4 (GR) since 2020;
- Honda Grace 1 (GM) in 2014 – 2020;
- Honda HR-V 2 (RU) in 2014 – 2021;
- Honda Insight 3 (ZE4) in 2018 – 2022;
- Honda Jade 1 (FR) in 2015 – 2020;
- Honda Jazz 3 (GK) in 2014 – 2020, Jazz 4 (GR) since 2020;
- Honda Shuttle 2 (GP) in 2015 – 2022;
- Honda Vezel 1 (RU) in 2013 – 2021.
Disadvantages of the Honda LEB engine
- There is little information about failures so far; forums mostly discuss minor noises and vibrations;
- Engines from 2014-2015 had isolated cases of VTC phaser replacement;
- Direct-injection versions suffer from carbon deposits on the intake valves;
- There are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances must be adjusted every 50,000 km.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda LEB
How much power does the Honda LEB make?
The Honda LEB develops 132 hp and 156 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Honda LEB take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-20.
Does the Honda LEB have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda LEB uses a timing chain.
Is the Honda LEB turbocharged?
No, the Honda LEB is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda LEB 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 LEB last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda LEB is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda LEB?
Honda Fit 2017: city 4.4, highway 2.9, combined 3.0 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda LEB installed on?
Honda City 6 (GM4) in 2014 - 2020, City 7 (GN) since 2020; Honda Clarity 1 (ZC) in 2017 - 2021; Honda Freed 2 (GB5) in 2016 - 2024; Honda Fit 3 (GP) in 2013 - 2020, Fit 4 (GR) since 2020; Honda Grace 1 (GM) in 2014 - 2020; Honda HR-V 2 (RU) in 2014 - 2021 and 5 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Honda LEB?
There is little information about failures so far; forums mostly discuss minor noises and vibrations. Engines from 2014-2015 had isolated cases of VTC phaser replacement. All known problems.
