According to the company, this is a normal result due to the high thermal efficiency of 1.5 turbos.
Modern cars are equipped with many technologies and features that make daily journeys more enjoyable and easier. The evolution of the internal combustion engine means that new car owners may have to deal with old heating issues. It’s not hard to believe. Ask 2016-2018 Civic or 2017-18 Honda CR-V owner.
In October 2018, Consumer Reports first reported that certain model year Civics and CR-Vs with the 1.5-liter turbo engine were not heating up properly. They also reported that the four-cylinder unit may have problems. The engines didn’t warm up, and the heating system failed to keep the cabin warm when outside temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9.5 degrees Celsius).
The Drive reports that hundreds of drivers voiced concern by the issue, posting pages of complaints at CarComplaints.com. Canada saw hundreds of Honda owners complain to Transport Canada. A total of 26 complaints about heaters have been received by the Drive.
Honda eventually acknowledged the problem and issued a recall in America to fix it. In some cases, the campaign included a software update and an oil change. However, many owners felt that the recall did not solve their heating problems.
Jean-Francois Beaulieu commented on the CBC, “The car was not better.” I tried to contact Honda. They said they would check with my local dealer and get back to you, but they never did. They didn’t seem to want to solve the problem.
Honda reportedly advised another CRV owner that it is best not to “stop and start while driving.” The turbocharged engine’s high heat efficiency may be the reason the cars aren’t warming up in winter. Automakers even attempted to explain that the defect was a result.
A spokesperson for Honda Canada told the Drive that those who drive vehicles with 1.5L Turbo engines for short periods of time or are seated with the vehicle idle in very cold temperatures might feel it isn’t as warm or heating as fast as a vehicle with an engine with less efficiency. The engine is more susceptible to being loaded with heavier loads (e.g. Extended trips and/or highway driving are more likely to have the same problem.