Skip to content
MotorFiable

N16A4

1.6 i-DTEC 160 (N16A4, twin turbo, CR-V) engine: faults and reliability

Honda 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC (N16 / N22B) version

With caution

It is the version with the most documented faults in the whole i-DTEC family: among 47 testimonies from owners of the CR-V with this engine, Fiches-auto.fr records several cases of EGR clogged with soot, DPF warnings, turbo failures (including one at 6,000 km) and injector problems. No single fault rules it out, but it is worth checking the history of these systems thoroughly before buying.[1]

Years
2013–2018
Power
160 hp
Faults that affect it
5
3 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
1
in our database

3 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Higher-output variant of the 1.6, with two turbochargers in series instead of one, reserved for the better-equipped fourth-generation Honda CR-V. It shares its block, timing chain and injection with the 120 hp version.[1][2]

Engine codes of this version: N16A4.

Faults of the N16A4 engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbocharger failureThe turbo is one of the i-DTEC's components with the most documented faults, in both the 1.6 and the 2.2: there are published cases in the Civic and CR-V (both generations) from 6,000 km to over 290,000 km, with failures ranging from actuator wear to complete breakage.Appears at around 87,000 km
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain wear or breakage at high mileageThe i-DTEC uses a timing chain, not a belt, a design that in most cases lasts the life of the engine. Even so, Fiches-auto.fr records documented cases of chain breakage in the Honda CR-V from 145,000 km, with internal damage that in one case forced an engine replacement.Appears at around 145,000 km
  3. 3Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionDiesel injector wear or failureThe i-DTEC's common-rail piezoelectric injectors can start to knock or fail with wear, especially from 70,000-170,000 km; in one documented case in the Honda CR-V, a seized injector ended up damaging the engine.Appears at around 70,000 km
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged DPF and limp mode due to failed regenerationsYes: the i-DTEC's diesel particulate filter (DPF) can become clogged if the car mostly does short journeys that do not allow regeneration to complete, lighting its warning light and triggering a limp mode with less power. It is documented in the Civic and CR-V, almost always from 45,000-90,000 km.Appears at around 45,000 km
  5. 5Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with soot and sensor failureYes: the i-DTEC's EGR valve can accumulate soot and seize, and its sensor or pipe can fail over time. It is documented mainly in the Honda CR-V (2007-2013 and 2012-2019 generations), with cases from 109,000 km.Appears at around 109,000 km

Cars fitted with the N16A4 engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Honda

Frequently asked questions

Is the N16A4 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It is the version with the most documented faults in the whole i-DTEC family: among 47 testimonies from owners of the CR-V with this engine, Fiches-auto.fr records several cases of EGR clogged with soot, DPF warnings, turbo failures (including one at 6,000 km) and injector problems. No single fault rules it out, but it is worth checking the history of these systems thoroughly before buying.[1]

What faults does the N16A4 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: turbocharger failure (high severity), timing chain wear or breakage at high mileage (critical severity), diesel injector wear or failure (critical severity), clogged DPF and limp mode due to failed regenerations (medium severity) and EGR valve clogged with soot and sensor failure (medium severity).

Which cars use the N16A4 engine?

Honda CR-V IV (2012–2018).[1][3]

Are you buying a car with the N16A4 engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Honda N engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Honda CR-VWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026