Ignition coils (i-DSI twin plugs)
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Misfire
Fix: Replace coil
€80–200
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.2 / 1.3 / 1.4 / 1.5 i-DSI / i-VTEC (Honda L-series)
Petrol · 1,198 / 1,246 / 1,339 / 1,497 cm³ · 57–96 kW
6
model generations
2
known faults
285,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 6 model generations, among them: Honda Jazz II, Honda HR-V II, Honda Jazz III, Honda Civic VIII, Honda Civic IX, Honda Jazz I.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,198 / 1,246 / 1,339 / 1,497 cm³ |
| Power | 57–96 kW |
| Years | 2001–2021 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 0W-20 / 5W-30 · API SN · ~3.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | L12A, L12B, L13A, L13Z, L13Z1, L13B, L15A, L15B, L15BE |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Valve clearance
usually 100,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Ticking; check more often on LPG
Fix: Adjust clearances
€120–250
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Honda Civic VIII as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Honda Civic IX 2011–2017Honda Civic VIII 2006–2011Honda HR-V II 2015–2021Honda Jazz I 2001–2008Honda Jazz II 2008–2015Honda Jazz III 2015–2020
Common questions
Does the 1.2 / 1.3 / 1.4 / 1.5 i-DSI / i-VTEC (Honda L-series) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.2 / 1.3 / 1.4 / 1.5 i-DSI / i-VTEC (Honda L-series) engine take?
0W-20 / 5W-30 · API SN · ~3.6 L · every 15,000 km.
Which cars have the 1.2 / 1.3 / 1.4 / 1.5 i-DSI / i-VTEC (Honda L-series) engine?
Honda Jazz II, Honda HR-V II, Honda Jazz III, Honda Civic VIII, Honda Civic IX, Honda Jazz I.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026