The Honda H22A6 is a 2,259 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2001. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and Honda's VTEC system, engineered for high — revving performance in premium compact applications. Peak output is 185 PS (136 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 215 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, delivering a thrilling, race — inspired character.
Fitted primarily to the European — market Honda Accord Type R (CH1) and Japanese — ma…
Honda
Production years 1997–2001 meet Euro 2 standards .
The Honda H22A6 is a 2,259 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high-performance sedans (1997-2001). It combines DOHC architecture with Honda's VTEC system to deliver a high-revving, responsive driving experience. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes performance while maintaining emissions compliance for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,259 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 95.0 mm | |
Power output | 136 kW (185 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
Torque | 215 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
Compression ratio | 10.6:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 152 kg |
The Honda H22A6 was used across Honda's CH/CD platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts and a lightweight flywheel in the Accord Type R-and featured a unique intake manifold and ECU mapping. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The H22A6's primary reliability risk is VTEC oil pressure switch failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles with neglected oil changes. Honda SIB 98-073 identifies the switch as a common failure point, while timing belt neglect remains a critical risk for all interference engines. Extended oil intervals and use of incorrect viscosity make VTEC component longevity and timing belt integrity critical.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The H22A6 is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Its main concerns are VTEC oil pressure switch failure and the critical timing belt. With regular oil changes using the correct specification and timely belt replacement, these engines can easily surpass 200,000 km. Neglecting maintenance is the primary cause of major failures.
The most common issues are VTEC oil pressure switch failure (causing P1259 code), timing belt wear leading to potential engine destruction, distributor bearing wear causing oil leaks and misfires, and cracked exhaust manifolds producing a ticking noise.
The H22A6 was used in the sixth-generation Honda Accord Type R (chassis code CH1) for the European market and the Accord SiR-T (chassis code CD6) for the Japanese market from 1997 to 2001.
Yes, the H22A6 is highly tunable. Basic modifications like an induction kit and exhaust can yield gains. More significant power increases come from ECU remapping, performance cams, and head work. Its robust DOHC VTEC design and high compression ratio make it a favorite for performance enthusiasts.
Fuel economy is moderate for a performance engine. Expect around 10.0 L/100km (28 mpg UK) in mixed driving for a manual transmission model. Careful highway driving can see figures closer to 8.0 L/100km (35 mpg UK), while aggressive driving will be higher.
Yes. The H22A6 is an interference engine. This means if the timing belt breaks or jumps teeth, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing severe and expensive internal engine damage. This makes adhering to the timing belt replacement schedule absolutely critical.
Honda recommends 5W-30 or 10W-40 engine oil meeting their specifications. Using a high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oil is highly recommended, especially for the DOHC VTEC valvetrain. Oil should be changed every 10,000 km or 6 months to ensure the engine operates reliably.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.