The Lemon Index
Acura's 1.8-liter inline-4, DOHC VTEC, naturally aspirated. This page covers the versions we have sourced so far: the Acura Integra, model years 1994–2001. The engine is used in other cars too; those aren't covered here yet.
A safer bet: YouTube owner tone None/100, #32 of 165 engines with a YouTube study (in the top third); no engine-related recall on record, 2 known issues listed below.
Known issues on record
- Theft and swapped engines (Outlet report). CCC Information Services named the 1999 Integra coupe the most-stolen vehicle in the US for 2004, and the 1994 Integra was eighth on the NICB's 2010 list. The Associated Press reported that thieves were likely after the fast engines, which can be fitted into other Hondas.
- Oil burning on hard-driven cars (Outlet report). Octane's buying guide says the Type R engine likes to burn oil even when healthy, so check the level often. Heavy exhaust smoke points to abuse and worn piston rings.
What YouTube owners say Tone 0-100, higher = more praise than trouble.
Average owner tone 55/100 across 8 model years, from 139 videos about this engine and its cars (#32 of 165 engines with a YouTube study).
Most-watched videos
- Why Only Geniuses Appreciate the Integra Type R 976,515 views
- Honda Integra Type R DC2 Review by Top Gear 1998 603,608 views
- OVER 9000! ITBs Honda Integra DC2 Type R! // Nürburgring 528,333 views
- STILL RELEVANT? 90'S INTEGRA TYPE R vs NEW CIVIC TYPE R 380,955 views
Counted from video titles and captions: praise words against trouble words, weighted by views. Videos only count when the title names this engine or a car that had only this engine in those years.
Owner complaints and recalls
Counts for the cars on this page, from NHTSA. They cover every part of the car, not only the engine.
| Car | Years | Owner complaints | Recall campaigns | NHTSA files it as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC2 Integra | 1994–2001 | 217 | 7 | Integra |
Specs by generation
Honda B18C1: DC2 Integra, 1994–2001
- Layout: Inline-4, DOHC 16-valve with VTEC
- Output: 170 hp at 7,600 rpm, 128 lb-ft at 6,200 rpm
- Size: 1,797 cc, 81 x 87.2 mm bore x stroke
- Redline: 8,000 rpm
- Compression: 10.0:1
What we don't have yet
- The engine's other cars: only the versions above are sourced so far.
Quick answers
What cars have the Honda B18C1 / B18C5 engine?
On this site so far: the Acura Integra, model years 1994–2001. It is used in other cars we haven't covered yet.
Is the Honda B18C1 / B18C5 reliable?
Mostly yes. YouTube owner tone None/100, #32 of 165 engines with a YouTube study (in the top third); no engine-related recall on record, 2 known issues listed below. Owner complaints are filed by car, not engine, and cover the whole car, so none of these numbers is an engine failure rate.
How much horsepower does the Honda B18C1 / B18C5 make?
170 to 195 hp in the versions on this page (factory figures).
Sources: Acura: 1994 Acura Integra specifications (Nov 29, 1993) · Acura: 1998 Acura Integra specifications (Apr 29, 1997) · Acura: 2001 Acura Integra specifications (Jan 3, 2001) · NBC News: Acura Integra tops most-stolen vehicle list (The Associated Press, Jul 2005) · Insurance Journal: Top 10 most stolen vehicles in U.S. (NICB 2010 data, Aug 3, 2011) · Octane: Honda Integra Type R (DC2) buying guide, history and review (Matthew Hayward, Jul 2024). Complaints and recalls: NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov).