The 1.5-liter Honda LEC has been produced in Japan since 2021 for the hybrid Vezel e:HEV and HR-V e:HEV. It is offered in two versions, LEC-H5 and LEC6, and works only with the e-CVT of the e:HEV system; the engine produces 106 hp.
L-series family: L13A, L13B, L15B, L15C, L15Z, L15A, L12B, L12A, L13Z, LEA, LEB, LEC.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2021 |
| Displacement, cc | 1497 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 106 |
| Torque output, Nm | 127 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.4 |
| Compression ratio | 13.5 |
| 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 Vezel e:HEV 2023) — city — highway — combined |
5.0 3.7 4.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 100 |
The engine was installed on:
- Honda HR-V 3 (RV) since 2021;
- Honda Vezel 2 (RV) since 2021.
Disadvantages of the Honda LEC engine
- A new hybrid engine, so there is no reliable failure statistics yet;
- Forums mostly discuss electrical glitches; several auxiliary 12-volt batteries were replaced under warranty;
- Keep an eye on the cooling of both the engine and the high-voltage battery;
- There are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances must be adjusted every 50,000 km.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda LEC
How much power does the Honda LEC make?
The Honda LEC develops 106 hp and 127 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Honda LEC take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-20.
Does the Honda LEC have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda LEC uses a timing chain.
Is the Honda LEC turbocharged?
No, the Honda LEC is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda LEC 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 LEC last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda LEC is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda LEC?
Honda Vezel e:HEV 2023: city 5.0, highway 3.7, combined 4.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda LEC installed on?
Honda HR-V 3 (RV) since 2021; Honda Vezel 2 (RV) since 2021.
What are the common problems of the Honda LEC?
A new hybrid engine, so there is no reliable failure statistics yet. Forums mostly discuss electrical glitches; several auxiliary 12-volt batteries were replaced under warranty. All known problems.
