The K24 is Honda's 2.4L inline-4 from the K-series family. It regularly hits 200,000+ miles, powers the Honda Accord, CR-V, Element, and Acura TSX, and is one of the most trusted used engines on the market. Main variants: K24A1, K24A2, K24Z, and K24W.

Honda K24 Engine Overview

The Honda K24 engine is one of the most popular 4-cylinders Honda ever built. It is a 2.4L inline-4 from the K-series family, and it earns its reputation by being reliable, smooth, and long-lasting.

Whether you are diagnosing an issue, shopping for a replacement, or planning a swap, this guide covers everything you need on the k24 engine: specs, variants, applications, reliability, common problems, and cost.

What Is a K24 Engine?

The K24 is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine Honda produced from the early 2000s through the mid-2010s. It is part of the K-series family, which replaced Honda's older F-series engines. The K24 is the largest displacement in that family.

What makes it stand out is Honda's i-VTEC system. This technology adjusts valve timing on the fly to balance fuel efficiency at low speeds and stronger performance at higher RPMs. It uses an aluminum block to keep weight down, and it runs a timing chain instead of a belt, so there is no belt replacement schedule to worry about.

K24 Specifications

The K24 Advantage: Unlike the cast-iron blocks of older generations, the K24 features an aluminum construction that keeps front-end weight low for sharper handling. Its real magic lies in the i-VTEC system, which combines Honda's classic high-RPM variable valve lift with intelligent variable valve timing to deliver an ideal balance of low-end efficiency and top-end punch. 

K24 Variants: K24A1, K24A2, K24Z, K24W

Honda made several versions of the K24 across different markets and applications. Here is how they compare:

The K24A2 from the Acura TSX is the fan favorite for builds. It makes the most power and has the sportiest tune. The K24A is the common JDM version and what we stock most often.

Which Cars Have the K24 Engine?

The K24 went into a wide range of Honda and Acura vehicles over the years:

That is a lot of cars. The K24 became Honda's go-to 4-cylinder for midsize and compact vehicles across two decades. If you are driving a mid-2000s Accord, a CR-V from that era, or an Element, the K24 is almost certainly under the hood. The Acura TSX and RDX models brought the K24 upmarket, giving the engine a reputation for reliability that spans economy and luxury segments.

What this means for you as an owner: The K24's widespread use is actually a huge advantage. Parts are plentiful. Mechanics know these engines inside and out. Documentation and service bulletins are easy to find. If you need a repair, a replacement, or advice, there is a massive resource base to draw from.

For sourcing a replacement K24: The high production numbers mean used and JDM examples are relatively easy to find. We carry low-mileage, compression-tested K24 engines for multiple applications. Whether you need a CR-V K24A, an Accord K24A, or an Acura TSX K24A2, there are options in stock and shipping nationwide from Garner, NC.

The K24's prevalence is not an accident. It is a testament to how good this engine is.

Is the K24 a Good Engine? Reliability and Common Problems

Yes. The K24 is genuinely one of the more reliable 4-cylinders on the market. With regular oil changes and basic maintenance, these engines hit 200,000 miles routinely. A lot of them go further.

That said, every engine has weak spots. Here is what to know:

Timing chain tensioner: The tensioner wears down over time. The classic sign is a rattle on cold starts that fades once the engine warms up. Catching it early keeps it a manageable fix. Ignoring it leads to bigger problems.

Oil consumption on K24Z: The US-spec K24Z is known for burning more oil than other variants, especially as mileage climbs. If you have a K24Z, check your oil more often. It is not a catastrophic issue, but it needs monitoring.

VTC actuator noise: Some K24s develop a brief rattle on cold startup from the variable timing control actuator. It usually settles once oil pressure builds. A replacement actuator typically solves it.

Oil leaks: Like most older engines, the K24 can develop valve cover and oil pan gasket leaks with age. These are minor repairs but worth addressing before they become a mess.

None of these are dealbreakers. The K24's reliability record is strong.

How Much Does a K24 Engine Cost?

JDM imports offer the best mix of low mileage and reasonable price. Because of Japan's strict Shaken vehicle inspection law, Japanese owners replace their cars earlier than most. That means imported K24 engines often arrive with only 40,000 to 70,000 miles on them.

At JDM State Motors of NC, we carry low-mileage, compression-tested JDM K24 engines ready to ship:

• 2002-2006 Honda CR-V K24A engine
• 2010-2014 Honda CR-V K24A engine
• 2009-2012 Honda Accord K24A engine
• 2003-2007 Honda Accord K24A engine

K24 Engine Swap Notes

• The K24 is one of the most popular swap engines in the Honda world. The community is massive, parts are plentiful, and the power potential is real. If you are thinking about a swap or just want to understand what you are dealing with, here are the key things to know.
• K24 engines can drop into K20 chassis with the right mounts and axles. The K24 is heavier and produces more torque than the K20, so you cannot just bolt it in and hope for the best. You need proper engine mounts to support the weight and stronger axles to handle the extra power. The good news is that the swap community has documented this extensively. Kits and guides are readily available.
• The K24A2 is the top pick if you want maximum output in a street build. It makes around 205 horsepower stock, which is the highest output K24 variant. With bolt-on parts and tuning, you can push it further. That is why the K24A2 from the Acura TSX commands premium prices in the swap market.
• Transmission compatibility varies, so double check before buying. Not all K24s work with all transmissions. JDM K-series transmissions may not bolt to USDM chassis without adapters. Know your car's transmission before committing to an engine.
• JDM and USDM versions may differ in wiring and accessories. Engine bay harnesses, sensor configurations, and accessory positioning can vary. Factor this into your build plan. A JDM import may require custom wiring work that a USDM engine does not.

If you need fitment help before buying, contact our team and we will sort you out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a K24 engine?
The K24 is Honda's 2.4L inline-4 from the K-series family. It uses i-VTEC variable valve timing and was produced from around 2001 to the mid-2010s. It is known for reliability and commonly lasts over 200,000 miles.

Which cars have the K24 engine?
The K24 is found in the Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Acura TSX, and Acura RDX, among others. It powered a large portion of Honda's lineup for over a decade.

Is the K24 a good engine?
Yes. The K24 is one of Honda's most dependable engines. It regularly hits 200,000 miles with routine maintenance. The main things to watch for are the timing chain tensioner and oil consumption on K24Z units.

How many miles does a K24 engine last?
A well-maintained K24 regularly exceeds 200,000 miles. JDM imports often come in with only 40,000 to 70,000 miles, making them one of the better replacement options available.

How much does a K24 engine cost?
A low-mileage JDM K24 typically costs $800 to $1,500. Domestic used units are cheaper but come with significantly more miles. New OEM replacements can exceed $3,000.

What is the difference between K24 variants?
The main differences are power output and VTEC calibration. The K24A2 makes the most power at around 205 hp and is the enthusiast favorite. The K24A is the common JDM version. The K24Z is the US-spec variant and has documented oil consumption issues on older units.

Get a Low-Mileage K24 Shipped to You

If your engine is done or you are building something, we have compression-tested JDM K24 engines in stock and ship nationwide from Garner, NC. Browse our Honda engine collection or reach out with any fitment questions.